Looking at Riku, whose small face was full of "agreement," Hyuga Seisai's heart softened, and his tone became much gentler.
"Although you have many shortcomings, I've already seen your transformation! As a member of my Hyuga Clan, as long as you remain loyal to Young Master Sōtai, you will surely be able to display all your talents!"
"Child, I will watch you grow!"
Riku stared at Hyuga Seisai, puzzled by the sudden wave of sentiment from the usually stern elder, a big question mark floating above his head. Yet, he still followed his teacher's words faithfully.
"Don't worry, Teacher Seisai. I will always remember your teachings!"
"By the way, Teacher, what is your strength? Your movements just now were incredible. Was that… the legendary Ninjutsu?"
Hyuga Seisai chuckled heartily. "Hahaha! Riku, I really didn't misjudge you. You truly are a studious child!"
Seeing Riku's eager expression, full of thirst for knowledge, Seisai decided there was no reason to hold back.
"Riku, my strength has reached Jonin level. With our Hyuga Clan's Byakugan, I am not afraid even when facing an Elite Jonin!"
Another question mark appeared over Riku's head. Contend with an Elite Jonin? Who gave you the courage? You, a Byakugan user meant for support, thinking of yourself as the "red-eyed prodigy next door"?!
Though internally bemused, Riku still kept up the act, eyes sparkling with admiration. "Teacher, that's amazing! I want to become a strong person like you!"
Even a "house dog" like Hyuga Seisai loved hearing flattery, so he smiled and continued.
"Riku, what I used just now was indeed Ninjutsu. One is the Body Flicker Technique, and the other is our Hyuga Clan's most powerful Ninjutsu—Gentle Fist! The Body Flicker Technique is self-explanatory, but Gentle Fist, Riku, you must practice it diligently. After all, it's the foundation of our clan's renown in the Ninja World!"
Riku gasped—not at the power of Gentle Fist, but at Seisai's audacity.
It wasn't that he didn't know Gentle Fist; how could he not? Even if you trained to death, it was only an ordinary C-Rank Taijutsu. In the grand scheme of the ninja world—where Tailed Beast Balls flew and Susanoo rampaged—it barely mattered.
And yet this old man is bragging about it like it's the ultimate technique?
Riku's respect for Hyuga Seisai grew slightly. Clearly, this elder hadn't yet faced the truly dangerous monsters out there.
Despite his inner commentary, Riku maintained his act, eyes shining with longing.
"Teacher, I want to learn! Whether it's the Body Flicker Technique or Gentle Fist, I will practice them well!"
Following the principle of "never miss a good opportunity," Riku had already set aside his pride.
Hyuga Seisai glanced at Young Master Sōtai, who was training nearby, and considered for a moment. Teaching Body Flicker Technique was no big deal—it was a C-Rank Ninjutsu almost every ninja could use. The challenge lay in innovation, in unleashing its true potential.
Gentle Fist, though claimed as the foundation of the clan's secret arts, was not particularly high-level. Any Hyuga clan member could learn it, unlike the advanced techniques like Rotation or the Eight Trigrams series, which were reserved for select members.
So when Riku asked to learn, Seisai agreed readily.
And true to his nature, when Seisai said he would teach, he held nothing back.
Soon, under Seisai's guidance, two notifications appeared on Riku's panel:
[You have mastered Ninjutsu: Body Flicker Technique (C)]
[Body Flicker Technique (C): Level One (1/400)]
As for Gentle Fist, because Riku had already been practicing it, training under Seisai accelerated his experience points visibly. Each session of guidance was a form of training in itself, and incredibly efficient.
Watching the constant prompts of "Taijutsu: Hyuga Gentle Fist experience +1" flash on the screen, Riku's mouth nearly split from ear to ear.
The rest of the day was spent in the training ground. Riku's diligence even chilled Hyuga Sōtai, who was nearby, and for a moment, Sōtai abandoned his usual scolding.
Strangely, watching Riku train with such fervor made Sōtai feel an unfamiliar sense of unease. Could this branch family brat surpass him one day? The thought pricked at him, and Sōtai intensified his own training, a silent challenge.
Of course, such relentless training pushed Riku beyond what his age and body could normally handle. By evening, he collapsed on the ground, utterly spent.
But Sōtai, as Hyuga's guard, wouldn't allow him to harm himself. He instructed subordinates to prepare a medicinal bath for Riku, similar to the one Sōtai himself used.
Once immersed, Riku felt all accumulated fatigue and hidden injuries vanish. He sprang up, lively once more, and experienced firsthand what it meant to train like the wealthy elite.
Meanwhile, Hinata Katyu had observed everything in secret. Surprised by Riku's diligence, he was even more intrigued by the subtle change in his grandson, Sōtai.
Seeing Sōtai's newfound sense of urgency, Hinata Katyu felt a sudden enlightenment. Perhaps this branch family member could push his grandson to grow. A rare sense of satisfaction softened his gaze toward Riku.
"This branch family member might allow Sōtai to undergo a transformation. Looks like I've gained an unexpected harvest!"
He even invited Riku to join dinner, showing genuine concern. His benevolent demeanor nearly fooled Sōtai into thinking Riku was his true grandson.
Sure enough, Katyu's attention intensified Sōtai's competitive spirit. His gaze flickered with a mix of jealousy and determination, now fully aware of the "bond" being formed.
After dinner, Riku left, while Sōtai doubled down on training. Observing his grandson sweating profusely, Hinata Katyu smiled widely, satisfied.
"Hahaha! I didn't expect the 'bond' the Third Hokage mentioned to be so effective. Indeed, it's the best way to unleash a person's potential!"
But then, Katyu paused. A thought struck him: the bond of transcendence he'd formed for Sōtai might have a flaw.
What if Riku's talent is too poor? What if he can't actually push Sōtai forward?
If that happened, the entire plan—meant to spur Sōtai to greater heights—would fail.
Resolute, Katyu decided he would ensure Riku's growth. If necessary, he would provide special treatment to guarantee this young guard's potential.
For his grandson, Hinata Katyu was truly putting his heart into the plan. Riku, unwittingly, had become a key part of the Hyuga legacy.
The next morning, training resumed. Riku practiced tirelessly under Seisai's guidance. Gentle Fist experience points soared, while Body Flicker Technique became instinctive.
Even Sōtai, watching from a distance, felt a sting of urgency. He realized that bonds could be a double-edged sword: the right partner could push one to heights otherwise unimaginable.
As days passed, Riku's diligence only grew. Hyuga Sōtai's competitive spark flared with every demonstration of Riku's rapid progress. And somewhere in the shadows, Hinata Katyu smiled, satisfied with the subtle, invisible hand he had played in shaping both the boy and his grandson.
The bond, once just a concept, had begun to manifest in reality. Strength, rivalry, and guidance intertwined, shaping the path of both Hyuga Sōtai and Riku.
For Riku, it was another day of training, exhaustion, and quiet triumphs. For Sōtai, it was a newfound push toward greatness. And for Hinata Katyu, it was the satisfaction of seeing his strategy bear fruit, the hidden hand behind the growth of the next generation.
By evening, as Riku rested in the medicinal bath once again, a small smile tugged at his lips. He felt stronger, more capable, and deeply aware that the bonds he had formed today would shape everything to come.
And somewhere nearby, unseen yet ever-present, Hinata Katyu's eyes gleamed with quiet approval.
"Yes," he whispered. "This is exactly how potential is awakened. Bonds… indeed, bonds are the key."