Uchiha Hayashi's gaze was fixed on Hyuga Hiashi. As expected of the next head of the Hyuga clan, his timing and execution were nearly flawless. If Orochimaru hadn't intervened at that moment, Hyuga Himeji, who had already taken the full force of the Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms, might not have stood a chance.
Would Hyuga Himeji be defeated just like that?
The students gathered below the stage fell silent, their eyes glued to the fight.
And yet, despite the pressure, Himeji's face remained calm and unreadable. Not a flicker of panic could be seen in her expression. This composure in live combat far outshone most shinobi her age.
As Hiashi's fingers touched her body, a sudden flare of chakra burst forth from Himeji. In an instant, a glowing barrier formed around her—a semi-circular shield of spinning chakra.
"Eight Trigrams Palms: Revolving Heaven!" she declared.
The dazzling energy spun outward, forcing Hiashi back.
"This is…" Uchiha Hayashi narrowed his eyes at the sight.
Gasps erupted from the students below. None of them had ever seen such a technique before. Streams of chakra swirled violently, wrapping around Hiashi as the momentum shifted in an instant. The attack that had seemed unstoppable only moments earlier now backfired on him.
Hiashi, who had been confident of a swift victory, was caught by surprise. The chakra storm flung him aside after only a few strikes of the Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms.
"Himeji, you can do it!" voices shouted from the crowd.
From the sidelines, Hyuga Hizaashi looked on anxiously, his fists clenched, but there was nothing he could do.
"This talent is truly remarkable," Orochimaru muttered, his snake-like eyes narrowing with interest.
Revolving Heaven was known as a secret technique reserved only for the Hyuga Main Family. At this time, Hiashi was being groomed as the young clan head, while Himeji and Hizaashi were also members of the Main Family, making them eligible to learn the move. But eligibility didn't guarantee success—mastery of Revolving Heaven required both exceptional skill and innate talent.
Himeji was only nine years old, yet she had already grasped the technique. Though her version was incomplete, lacking range and intensity, the fact that she could use it at all showed just how frightening her potential was.
"This class is full of geniuses," someone whispered.
Meanwhile, Hayashi calmly explained to Mikoto and Minato.
"Eight Trigrams Palms: Revolving Heaven is a Hyuga secret. When attacked, the user releases chakra from their tenketsu, then spins rapidly like a top. The chakra forms a shield that deflects all strikes. Because of the Byakugan's observational ability combined with this rotation, the technique is considered an 'Absolute Defense.'"
"Absolute Defense, huh?" Minato murmured. "Is there really such a thing?"
Hayashi shook his head, his cloak brushing against him as he spoke.
"Minato, no ninjutsu is perfect. Everything has a weakness."
Minato nodded thoughtfully.
On the stage, Hiashi staggered back to his feet, blood trickling from his lips. Himeji herself was struggling—her chakra flow was unstable after taking several direct hits earlier.
"Sister, let's stop here," Hiashi said, his voice strained but steady.
Himeji didn't answer. Her pale eyes remained locked on him.
"She planned this well," Hayashi analyzed quietly. "Knowing her taijutsu was weaker, she let Hiashi close in, then struck with Revolving Heaven when he was unprepared. But while her counter landed, those earlier strikes weakened her. If this drags on, Hiashi still has a chance. Himeji, on the other hand, has nearly exhausted her chakra."
Himeji knew it too. If she gave him more time to recover, she would lose.
Without hesitation, she pulled out several kunai and launched them. Hiashi barely managed to parry, but one blade slashed into his arm. Blood dripped steadily down.
Himeji charged forward, fists glowing with chakra. Hiashi countered, and the two clashed with Gentle Fist blows in rapid succession. Their strikes echoed like thunder across the arena.
The crowd fell silent, captivated. Even Hayashi leaned forward, eyes wide. Who would give in first?
From the corner, Orochimaru's snake-like eyes glimmered as he studied them. "So this is what it means to be a shinobi—tools of battle. But what is the meaning of their struggle?"
Hiashi was in pain, but he refused to falter. His injuries slowed him, yet his pride as the Hyuga heir refused to let him quit.
"I won't give up," he growled, determination blazing in his eyes.
He lunged, palm glowing. "Gentle Fist!" His strike connected with Himeji's shoulder. Blood welled at the corner of her lips, but instead of retreating, she caught his arm with both hands.
Her foot lashed out, striking Hiashi's stomach. The blow forced him to stumble back, but the chakra-enhanced force of Hiashi's earlier strike sent Himeji flying in turn.
Both siblings collapsed, struggling to rise.
The arena fell into dead silence. Even the spectators forgot to breathe.
"I announce this battle… a draw," Orochimaru's hoarse voice rang out.
No one cheered.
Hizaashi rushed forward, lifting Himeji onto his back and carrying her toward Tsunade for treatment. Hiashi remained sprawled on the ground until other Hyuga children came to his aid.
"Clan shinobi truly are terrifying," Hayashi sighed.
"But this is the way of the ninja," he added softly. "Everyone has their own path, their own convictions."
He turned to Minato. "So tell me, Minato, what is your ninja way?"
Minato paused, then answered with quiet conviction, "My ninja way is to protect those I want to protect. For that, I'll become Hokage of the Hidden Leaf!"
"Hokage, huh?" Hayashi nodded, neither agreeing nor disagreeing.
After a moment, Minato chuckled awkwardly. "What about you, Hayashi? What's your ninja way?"
"Me?" Hayashi stared ahead for a long moment before replying quietly. "…I don't know yet."
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