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Inside the Hyuga Clan Head's residence dining room, the Hyuga family of four enjoyed breakfast together at the dining table.
Hyuga Keiko looked at her eldest daughter with surprise, as if seeing her for the first time, while also taking care of Hanabi.
Even Hyuga Hiashi, who was sitting upright and meticulously eating his breakfast, was filled with shock, his chopsticks paused in his hand unnoticed.
Hinata had already eaten three servings of breakfast and was now on her last one; they had no idea how her flat stomach, which remained unchanged, could hold so much food.
Both Hyuga Hiashi and Hyuga Keiko showed expressions of guilt; their daughter could eat so much, and they hadn't noticed it for so many years.
"Father, I'm done eating."
Hinata put down her porcelain bowl with a blushing face, her mumbled voice bringing Hyuga Hiashi back to his senses. He nodded slightly, then also put down his own bowl and chopsticks, looking at Hinata with a serious expression.
"Fa-Father…"
Seeing her father's suddenly serious demeanor, she thought she had eaten too much and displeased him. She lowered her head a little fearfully, but she didn't apologize at the drop of a hat like before.
Hyuga Hiashi nodded again with some relief, exchanged a glance with Hyuga Keiko, and said apologetically, "Hinata, we are sorry for not noticing this sooner."
"Huh?" Hinata hadn't reacted yet.
"Hinata, Chakra generally refers to the product of an even mixture of one's spiritual energy and physical energy," Hyuga Hiashi said seriously, his expression softening slightly as he looked at the tiny Hinata's earnest face.
"However, the mixture of physical energy and spiritual energy first produces stamina. Stamina is the basis for activating Taijutsu, and stamina can be converted into Chakra within the body. After a Ninja extracts Chakra, they can use Ninjutsu."
Seeing Hinata's half-understanding expression, as if she didn't know what he was going to say, Hyuga Hiashi continued to explain.
"Our Hyuga Clan's Gentle Fist is a Taijutsu that combines Chakra and the Bloodline Limit. Using Taijutsu consumes stamina, and stamina consumption requires replenishment of physical energy. Eating is the best way to replenish physical energy."
Hinata somewhat understood what her father was trying to express, but she still shyly lowered her head, ready to blush at any moment.
Although Hyuga Hiashi was a little helpless about his daughter's personality, he was no longer as disgusted as before. If she were to completely change her appearance because of some blond boy, he, as her father, would have nowhere to cry.
Hyuga Hiashi continued to coax her patiently, "You don't need to be ashamed of your large appetite. An appetite larger than ordinary people means your stamina is better than others, and the amount of Chakra you can extract is also greater than others. This is your talent in training."
"So, Hinata, you can boldly express any needs you have. Moreover, as the Hyuga Clan's Young Lady, it's fine to be a little more greedy."
As the Clan Head, Hyuga Hiashi, even when expressing concern for his daughter, would unconsciously assume the demeanor of a Clan Head. His expression was quite stern, making Hinata too nervous to speak. Her reverence for her father had accumulated over a long time, and even if Hinata wanted to change, it wasn't something she could do immediately.
And at this moment, it was Hyuga Keiko's turn to step in.
She placed the comforted Hanabi into Hyuga Hiashi's arms, then leaned close to Hinata, who was still hesitating, and whispered softly, "Hinata, was today's breakfast still not quite enough?"
Because she found that even after eating three extra servings of breakfast, Hinata still looked pretty much the same as usual.
Hinata hesitated for a moment, then finally nodded shyly. If eating more could make her stronger, and she still wouldn't admit it out of shyness, wouldn't she be no different from before?
Hyuga Keiko's face showed a gentle smile as she said, "Then, Hinata, how much do you think would be better?"
"If you truly want to become stronger, you should first fill your stomach. You can't get stronger on an empty stomach."
Hinata touched her stomach and felt it for a moment, then after a brief thought, she whispered, "Just… just three more servings would be enough."
Hyuga Keiko's eyes widened slightly, and her eyes couldn't help but redden. Looking at her eldest daughter, who was so sensible, she didn't know what to say. Not being able to eat enough every day must have been very difficult.
She couldn't help but glare fiercely at Hyuga Hiashi, who was equally stunned. He was always so serious at home, making their daughter afraid to even say she was hungry. Only after he turned his head away did Hyuga Keiko withdraw her gaze, her heart also filled with self-reproach.
"I'm sorry, little Hinata, Mama never noticed."
"It's okay, Mama, it won't be like this anymore…"
---
After breakfast, Hyuga Hiashi, after strengthening the protection for Hinata and her mother and sister, left with a few Jonin.
Hiruzen Sarutobi requested the Hyuga Clan to constantly use their Byakugan to scout the entire Village, and to report any suspicious people or incidents to the Hokage.
For any Ninja Village, a Bloodline Limit is the bottom line of the Village, not to mention it being openly stolen within their own Village.
Hyuga Hiashi did not inform his family about this matter. He only told the mother and daughters not to go out recently. The Village elders also did not want this matter to be leaked. An Anbu being killed and a Bloodline Limit being stolen also concerned the face of a Great Ninja Village.
Inside the Hyuga Clan compound.
Dust flew on the training ground as two small figures clashed fiercely. Hinata and Neji exchanged blows, their movements agile.
Hinata's face was resolute. She used all her might, trying her best to defend against Neji's attacks with Gentle Fist.
However, Neji's talent in Gentle Fist was fully displayed. Despite his young age, his punches, footwork, rhythm, and use of the Byakugan had far surpassed the level of his peers. Through his Byakugan, he perceived the flow of Chakra in Hinata's meridians, precisely attacking with Gentle Fist, making every blow strike a vital point.
In contrast, Hinata's performance seemed a bit strained, at least in their current sparring. If observed closely, one would notice red dots scattered on her arms, which were special marks left after being struck by Neji's Gentle Fist.
Although Hinata had sworn to make a change, due to years of different training and the age gap, it was still unlikely for Hinata to catch up to the Hyuga Clan's top genius, Hyuga Neji, in a short period of time.
However, Neji was still quite surprised in his heart. He had been Hinata's sparring partner since childhood, so he knew all the characteristics of Hinata's Gentle Fist clearly.
To describe it in two words, it was indecisive and sloppy. Her punching techniques were rigid and uninspired, looking like she was just going through the motions, full of flaws, lacking soul. It looked powerful, but it was just for show.
But today's Hinata was different. Neji could clearly feel that her movements had become more sharp and agile, and her parrying had also become more flexible. Unlike before, when she would only block, now she would also seize opportunities to counterattack in between blocks.
Neji didn't understand why Hinata had suddenly changed like this, but looking at the incredibly resolute Hyuga Hinata before him, who was no longer cowardly, he couldn't help but feel a surge of irritation.
She clearly had no talent, but just because of her birth, she was destined to be above him, while he, no matter how talented he was, no matter how hard he tried, would never escape his fate.
The son of a sacrificial lamb might even have to die for the Main Family.
"Young Lady Hinata, give up. The current you is no match for me at all."
Neji's strength in his hands subconsciously increased a few points, pushing Hinata back with a single blow. His eyes were cold, and he spoke with some impatience.
Due to Hinata's status as the Young Lady of the Main Family, he had held back his strength, only hoping Hinata would quickly end the boring fight.
She was the Main Family, yet her strength was weak.
And such a person required countless Branch Family members to sacrifice their lives to protect.
Looking at the panting Hinata in front of him, Neji felt even more angry, yet helpless.
Hinata shakily stood up, once again assuming the starting stance of Gentle Fist.
"Brother Neji, I hope you can use your full strength."
Neji clenched his fists upon hearing this, his brows furrowed. He didn't know what was wrong with Hinata today.
He looked up at Keiko, who was holding Hanabi nearby. She also had a worried, furrowed brow.
"Mama, this is my own battle."
Hinata looked at Keiko earnestly, and without waiting for her to speak, continued, "I want to know how big the gap between me and Brother Neji truly is. That way, I can have a real goal, and that way, I won't feel powerless anymore."
Hinata's words did not improve Neji's mood at all; instead, he became even more irritable.
This girl, she's already the Young Lady of the Main Family. Couldn't she just be a good-for-nothing protected by the Branch Family? Why does she have to show an expression like that?
Neji clenched his fists. Seeing this, Keiko's expression became even more worried and hesitant. She wanted to refuse, but seeing Hinata's determined expression, she couldn't bring herself to say no, and finally nodded in silence.
The two started sparring again. This time, Neji's attacks were like a furious storm, and the power in his palms was even more fierce. In just a moment, Hinata fell down again.
This time, she couldn't get up. Gentle Fist is a palm technique that injects Chakra into the enemy's body. Neji had used his Chakra to block all of Hinata's meridians, and she wouldn't be able to stand up for a while.
Hyuga Keiko also rushed forward to check Hinata's injuries.
"That's enough for today. I'll take my leave now."
Looking at Hinata, who was leaning in Hyuga Keiko's arms with blood at the corner of her mouth, Neji spoke in a cold tone. He bowed slightly to the somewhat displeased Hyuga Keiko and turned to leave.
"Brother Neji."
Hearing the sudden voice from behind him, Neji paused, frowning as he looked at Hinata.
"See you tomorrow."