Because the Hyuga Clan possessed the Byakugan, one of Konoha's most important bloodline limits, outsiders visiting the compound were treated with caution.
Even though Chen Xing had only come to visit, the clan could not ignore his presence.
As the clan head, Hiashi Hyuga instructed the guards to escort Chen Xing and Kakasi to the reception hall instead of allowing them to wander inside the compound.
---
Hyuga Residence
After hearing that Chen Xing had come to visit her, Hinata Hyuga was startled.
She quickly went to meet her father.
"Father," Hinata said softly, bowing her head.
Hiashi looked at her calmly.
"You know the Celestial Shadow called the Peacock King?"
Hinata nodded slightly.
"Three years ago… Chen Xing came to Konoha for the Chūnin Exams. I met him while training."
Nearby, her younger sister Hanabi Hyuga stopped her training and walked over curiously.
"Big sister?"
Hiashi remained silent for a moment, thinking.
Chen Xing was not an ordinary shinobi. As the Fourth Celestial Shadow and a powerful ninja known throughout the shinobi world, he could not be ignored.
"Since he came to see you," Hiashi finally said, "go meet him."
"Yes, Father," Hinata replied softly.
Hanabi's eyes sparkled with curiosity.
"Father, can I go too?"
Hiashi nodded.
"You may."
---
Hyuga Reception Hall
By the time Hinata arrived, Chen Xing and Kakasi were already seated inside the hall.
The moment Hinata entered and saw Chen Xing, her face turned red.
"Chen Xing… brother," she said softly. "Why did you come?"
Chen Xing smiled slightly.
"I was free and didn't know many people in Konoha. So I thought I'd come see you."
Hinata lowered her head shyly.
Seeing this, Chen Xing glanced at Kakasi, who was quietly drinking tea.
"Kakasi," he said casually, "could you give us a moment?"
Kakasi shrugged and stood up.
"I'll step outside."
He had no interest in interfering with their conversation.
After Kakasi left, Hinata's face grew even redder.
Chen Xing stepped closer and spoke gently.
"You're still as shy as ever."
Hinata's heart began beating rapidly.
"Chen Xing… brother…"
Chen Xing looked at her and smiled.
"You're a very kind girl, Hinata."
Hinata's face flushed even deeper.
Her mind went blank from nervousness.
Then suddenly—
Her vision blurred.
Hinata fainted.
Chen Xing was startled and quickly caught her before she fell.
"…She fainted?"
He sighed helplessly.
At that moment a furious voice suddenly echoed through the room.
"Let go of my sister!"
A small figure rushed forward at high speed.
It was Hanabi.
Her palm struck toward Chen Xing using the Gentle Fist.
Chen Xing moved aside quickly while holding Hinata.
Hanabi's expression was full of anger.
"You bullied my sister!"
She attacked again without hesitation.
Chen Xing stepped back calmly, avoiding her strikes.
This kid is fierce, he thought.
Hanabi gathered chakra in her palm again and rushed forward.
Chen Xing sighed.
He gently tapped the back of her neck.
Hanabi froze for a moment.
Then she collapsed unconscious.
Chen Xing looked at the two sisters in his arms and shook his head helplessly.
"Both of them fainted…"