Hiashi completely abandoned using his Byakugan and relied solely on his senses to detect Ryuji's position. At that moment, Ryuji appeared behind Hiashi. Before he could react, Hiashi quickly turned and began his attack.
"Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms!" Hiashi shouted.
For an instant, his palms came down on Ryuji like raindrops, each one carrying incredible power.
"No matter how skilled Ryuji is, he can't outdo that old fox," Kakashi thought, shaking his head with resignation as he slowly walked toward Ryuji.
But after taking a few steps, Hinata, who was watching, suddenly stopped him.
"Ryuji hasn't lost yet!" Hinata exclaimed with determination.
Kakashi smiled bitterly, even doubting whose side Hinata was on. However, from his point of view, Ryuji had already received the Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms, making it seem impossible for him to win.
At that moment, Kakashi noticed something strange. Hinata's eyes remained open, while Hiashi had closed his. That meant Hinata could see something that Hiashi couldn't.
Quickly, Kakashi turned his head and saw that Ryuji had crouched behind Hiashi, forming a seal with both hands.
"Thousand Years of Death!" Kakashi thought, alarmed.
Hiashi was a ninja with vast experience. Even with his eyes closed, his sixth sense was much sharper than that of any ordinary person. But somehow, Ryuji had managed to trick both his senses and his perception, getting close enough to execute that brutal ninjutsu.
And with the Eight Gates Taijutsu activated, the strike would be devastating. Kakashi feared that Hiashi wouldn't be able to get out of bed for half a year if Ryuji landed that hit.
Kakashi's mouth twitched. He quickly appeared next to Ryuji, stopping him just before he could launch the attack.
"Not this time!" Kakashi said firmly, holding Ryuji's hands.
Upon hearing Kakashi's voice, Hiashi opened his eyes and realized that the Ryuji in front of him was nothing more than a puff of smoke, dispersing into the air and leaving a log in its place.
When Hiashi turned around, he saw Ryuji crouched on the ground, forming the tiger hand seal.
"How did Ryuji end up behind me?" Hiashi wondered, utterly baffled.
Hiashi's face turned red with embarrassment, and he coughed awkwardly a couple of times.
"Kakashi, why did you intervene? Well, let's call this match a draw," Hiashi said, clearly irritated.
Kakashi could only twist his mouth, trying not to laugh. Why intervene? If he hadn't, Hiashi would have been in a very embarrassing situation! The head of the Hyuga Clan might have needed diapers after that! But of course, Kakashi only thought this—he wouldn't dare say it out loud. Instead, he chose to maintain appearances.
"Ryuji is a bit foolish. Lord Hiashi was only training, but this boy took the fight way too seriously. How ignorant!" Kakashi commented with a sarcastic smile.
Hiashi's face reddened again at Kakashi's words.
"Forget it. Ryuji is young and inexperienced," Hiashi said, trying to downplay the situation. He then approached Kakashi and whispered in his ear, "I'll help you with what we discussed, but don't tell anyone about what happened today."
Kakashi couldn't help but smile in satisfaction. He hadn't expected Hiashi to agree to help him. Even if Hiashi hadn't said anything, Kakashi would never dare spread what had happened. But it was nice to get a little advantage out of the situation.
At that moment, Guy, who had been watching from the side, approached with a wide smile.
"Master Hiashi, my student Rock Lee needs to increase his training with weights on his hands and feet." Hiashi's face darkened upon hearing this.
"This is blackmail, but for the sake of my reputation, I have to nod and agree," Hiashi thought with frustration.
"Student training shouldn't be taken lightly. Come to my house tomorrow for the weights!" Hiashi said, finally giving in to the request.
Guy nodded eagerly, satisfied with the decision. After all, anything that benefits his beloved student is enough to motivate him.
Hiashi looked at Ryuji with mixed feelings. He couldn't deny how powerful he was, but at the same time, the fact that Ryuji hadn't shown him enough respect bothered him. If it weren't for his daughter Hinata's pleading nature, Hiashi would have been less lenient. But now, he could only sigh.
He approached Ryuji, who was still recovering from using the Eight Gates Taijutsu, his face showing signs of pain. Hiashi shook his head in resignation.
"I'll take Ryuji home," Hiashi finally said.
Kakashi, fearing Hiashi might have other motives, hurried toward Ryuji with a forced smile.
"Ryuji has training tomorrow morning. Why don't I bring him to you later, Hiashi-sama?" Kakashi said, trying to avoid a bigger confrontation.
Hiashi frowned, clearly irritated.
"Do you think I'm going to intimidate a young boy?" Hiashi responded, annoyed.
Kakashi tried to calm the situation.
"No, not at all. I was just joking. Ryuji's a good kid. He's got training with Guy tomorrow!" Kakashi said, awkwardly smiling as he quickly walked away with Guy.
After walking a few meters, Guy stopped, visibly upset.
"Kakashi, how can you leave Ryuji with that old fox Hiashi? What if he decides to take revenge on him?" Guy asked.
Kakashi became serious.
"Ever since Ryuji came back with me to Konoha, there have been many eyes on him. Now that he's with the Hyuga family, at least that surveillance will ease up for a while," Kakashi explained.
Guy nodded in understanding. He knew that with the talent Ryuji had shown, he couldn't just disappear like an ordinary civilian. Sooner or later, he would attract the attention of all the important groups in Konoha. Kakashi was right; the Hyuga family might be the safest place for him for now.
"Maybe this is the best option. We'll bring him early tomorrow," Guy said, more calmly.
…
The next day, Ryuji arrived at the Hyuga residence and was taken to a small room where Hiashi awaited him. After a few minutes of uncomfortable silence, Hiashi spoke seriously.
"The Jūken (Gentle Fist) is a secret of our Hyuga family. Since you've learned it, I'll give you two options," Hiashi declared in a firm voice.
Sensing the gravity of the moment, Ryuji straightened up, preparing himself for what was to come.
"First, you marry a member of the Hyuga family and take Hinata as your wife."
Ryuji was stunned. He hadn't expected something so direct.
"Second, you can teach the three of us the combat style you've learned, but on one condition: you must include my younger daughter, Hanabi," Hiashi added, clarifying his stance.
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