The meeting hall of the Hyuga Main Family was filled with the scent of sandalwood, and the sparse shadows of the pines outside the corridor were reflected on the bluestone floor.
The discussion continued.
After those words just now, the Sunagakure Envoy's probes were hidden within polite pleasantries, like sugar-coated needles.
Having finished discussing the core terms of the resource exchange, he suddenly picked up the palm-sized Puppet sample on the table—its wooden joints were flexible, and the fingertip-sized blades glinted coldly. This was the "sincerity of cooperation" Sunagakure had specifically brought, but also a tool to test strength.
"I have long heard that the Hyuga Gentle Fist specializes in attacking Chakra nodes and is world-renowned."
He stroked the joints of the Puppet with his fingertips, his tone carrying a well-measured sense of admiration.
"It's just that Sunagakure's Puppet defenses have been improved through three generations, and the Chakra circuits are hidden within the core. Ordinary Gentle Fist might find it difficult to reach. I wonder if the konoha hero could grant us some guidance, so we may witness the true power of the legendary Gentle Fist?"
These words seemed like a request for guidance, but were actually pressing her step by step. He didn't say "sparring," but implied he wanted Hinata to break the Puppet—if Hinata acted, he could take the opportunity to observe her Gentle Fist's force application and Chakra intensity; if Hinata refused, it would seem like she lacked confidence, giving Sunagakure the upper hand in subsequent cooperation.
The Grand Elder of the Main Family frowned slightly, just about to smooth things over, but saw Hinata look up slightly.
"Sunagakure's Puppet technique is exquisite, and the design of the Chakra circuits is ingenious. But the essence of the Gentle Fist lies in 'perception' rather than 'brute force'; it isn't necessary to destroy the Puppet to prove anything."
"Hahaha, that's true." The envoy smiled, but his words became even more pointed.
"However, words alone are no proof. Without seeing it with our own eyes, Sunagakure may find it difficult to fully trust in cooperating with Konoha. Why not let this Puppet perform a brief demonstration? You need only respond casually, just to let us see the perception and speed of the Gentle Fist."
Before his voice had even faded, he quietly injected a trace of Chakra with his fingertips. The Puppet suddenly made a "clack" sound, its joints moved slightly, and it lunged straight toward Hinata's wrist—the blade was not sharpened and the force was very light, clearly a symbolic test, but it also seized the initiative. If Hinata dodged, she would look flustered; if she blocked, she would fall into his trap of observation.
The Main Family attendants' expressions changed slightly, but Hinata remained seated and motionless. Just as the Puppet's blade was about to touch her sleeve, she lightly flicked her right index and middle fingers, the movement so fast it left almost no afterimage.
"Ding—"
A very light, crisp sound rang out, like jade striking jade. The Puppet, which had been poised to strike, suddenly froze in mid-air, its joints completely jammed. The Chakra that had been flowing just a moment ago vanished instantly, like a candle flame whose lifeblood had been pinched off.
The smile on the envoy's face froze. He could clearly feel that his Puppet had been instantly defeated.
"It seems Sunagakure's Puppets are indeed quite delicate." Hinata withdrew her finger, looking at him with a faint smile.
"It's just that the Chakra circuits are too concentrated. Once a core node is touched, it easily loses control. It's a minor flaw, nothing serious."
A flash of amazement crossed the eyes of several Main Family Elders.
The envoy's expression changed; he didn't dare to test her any further.
On Konoha's territory, facing such an unfathomable opponent, any test could turn into self-humiliation.
He retracted all his schemes and laughed it off.
"As expected of the Young Miss Hinata, hailed as the konoha hero. To possess such strength at such a young age is truly eye-opening. I was presumptuous; please forgive me."
"Cooperation is what matters; there's no need to dwell on these details." Hinata nodded slightly, saying no more.
The subsequent discussion went exceptionally smoothly. They no longer dared to play any tricks and even took the initiative to make concessions.
Satisfied smiles appeared on the faces of the Main Family Elders, and their gazes toward Hinata were full of praise.
After signing the agreement and seeing off the Sunagakure Envoy, the Grand Elder looked at Hinata, his tone carrying a hint of inquiry.
"Hinata, was that finger strike just now an advanced Gentle Fist Move you created yourself?"
"I suppose so. My ability to control power seems to be a bit stronger than average." Hinata didn't explain further.
The Grand Elder nodded and stopped asking. He knew that every top Ninja had their own secrets. As long as Hinata was willing to protect Konoha and uphold the interests of the Hyuga Main Family, that was enough.
"You act steadily and have a view of the big picture. The Main Family is at ease," the Grand Elder said.
"It's my duty. If there's nothing else, I'll head back to Cultivate."
Hinata nodded slightly, then rose and took her leave.
Walking outside the Hyuga estate's gate, she saw from afar seven Clones sitting together under the cherry blossom tree in the courtyard. The Pot-guarding Clone was holding a pot of freshly cooked Cherry Blossom Red Bean Porridge, while the other Clones were Cultivating or occasionally coming over to have a taste.
Seeing Hinata return, the Clones crowded around her.
"Oh? You're back. How did it go?"
"It was nothing, just some cooperation and testing. I dealt with it."
"Testing? He dared to test you! Did we give him too much face? Does he want a taste of a hidden blow?" The High-ponytail Clone raised her brick · pseudo-heaven-overturning seal with a look of indignation.
"That's a hidden brick of yours..."
A Clone walked over carrying a bowl of Cherry Blossom Red Bean Porridge.
"Here, try the porridge I just cooked. I added freshly picked cherry blossoms; it's so fragrant~"
Hinata took the bowl and took a sip. The sweet, glutinous texture melted on her tongue, carrying a faint scent of cherry blossoms and the nourishment of Spiritual Power, making her feel physically and mentally refreshed.
The Clones surrounded her, chattering away with questions about the Main Family meeting.
As Hinata drank the porridge and listened to the Clones' noisy chatter, her heart felt warm. This Jutsu was indeed very useful; having people around felt good.
Although after dispelling the Clones, these feelings would all return to the main body, turning into a sense of emptiness... and the loneliness of talking to oneself.
The Clones were her assistants, little embellishments in her life.
Sunlight spilled into the courtyard, and cherry blossom petals drifted down with the wind, landing on Hinata and her Clones, creating a warm and harmonious scene.
Hinata leaned against the tree, her fingertips pinching a freshly fallen petal. The Golden Core in her Dantian rotated slowly, and Spiritual Power flowed through her Meridians, merging with the aura of heaven and earth.
As long as she wished, she didn't have to follow anyone's orders, becoming the most unique existence in Konoha—rankless, missionless, and unrestrained.
However, she would still occasionally go on missions with a slightly higher danger level with Kiba and the others.
"main body, try the Chestnut Cakes too!" A Clone walked over with a plate of golden snacks, the Spiritual Power carrying the aroma as it drifted.
"I added honey purified with Spiritual Power. It's sweet but not greasy, and it can nourish the Meridians~"
Hinata took one and bit into it; the flaky crust fell away, and the sweet fragrance melted on her tongue.
"Why do you always love making desserts..." Hinata teased, though it was indeed delicious.
"main body, these scrolls of Orochimaru's are way too far-fetched," one Clone said, looking up with a slight frown.
"This Forbidden Jutsu requires sacrifice. It's simply not worth it, harming the enemy by a thousand while losing eight hundred yourself. Only Orochimaru would be obsessed with this kind of Evil Path."
"Tell me about it. He's the Legendary King of Survival, after all. He does whatever he wants, even playing games with the Shinigami."
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