Hiashi Hyuga had completely abandoned relying on his Byakugan, sensing Yasu's position purely through instinct.
At that moment, Yasu appeared behind Hiashi. Before he could even steady himself, Hiashi spun around and began striking.
"Eight Trigrams, Sixty-Four Palms!"
Hiashi's palms rained down like a torrential storm, each blow carrying tremendous force.
"No matter how strong Yasu is, he's no match for this old fox," Kakashi muttered, shaking his head as he began walking slowly toward Yasu.
But after only a few steps, Hinata Hyuga suddenly grabbed his arm.
"Yasu hasn't lost yet!"
Kakashi smiled wryly, silently wondering whose daughter Hinata really was.
But Yasu had already been caught in the barrage of the Sixty-Four Palms—what chance of victory did he really have?
Then Kakashi noticed Hinata still had her Byakugan activated, and he tensed.
Hiashi had closed his Byakugan to avoid the visual illusions, but Hinata's eyes remained open.
This meant she could see things Hiashi himself could not.
Kakashi turned quickly—and his jaw dropped.
Yasu was crouched behind Hiashi, hands forming the Tiger Seal.
"Thousand Years of Death!"
Kakashi's heart skipped a beat.
Hiashi was a seasoned ninja; even blindfolded, his sixth sense was stronger than most.
Yet Yasu had fooled Hiashi's instincts, appearing behind him to unleash this brutal jutsu.
And it wasn't just that—the Thousand Years of Death was amplified by the Eight Gates.
This strike alone would probably keep Hiashi bedridden for six months.
Kakashi's lips twitched as he dashed to Yasu, grabbing his hands.
"This… this is impossible!"
At the sound of Kakashi's voice, Hiashi opened his eyes.
Before him, Yasu suddenly transformed into a cloud of smoke—and then into a large wooden log.
Then, turning again, Yasu was crouched on the ground, hands forming the Tiger Seal.
In general, a Tiger Seal signified a high-power jutsu.
A direct hit almost certainly decided the battle.
What baffled Hiashi most was… how had Yasu gotten behind him?!
A flush crossed Hiashi's face, and he coughed awkwardly.
"Kakashi, why did you intervene? Fine… let's call this match a draw," Hiashi said, slightly annoyed.
Kakashi's lips twitched.
Why intervene? If he hadn't, Hiashi would now be dealing with a permanent mess! The proud Hyuga clan head would be stuck in bed for months!
Still, Kakashi dared not say a word out loud, keeping his respect on the surface.
"This kid, Yasu… doesn't understand. Hiashi was just toying with him, and he went all out. Such a reckless child!"
Hiashi's face flushed again at Kakashi's comment.
"Forget it… he's young and doesn't understand," Hiashi muttered. Then, leaning close to Kakashi, he whispered, "I'll handle your business. Today's events—no one is to speak of them!"
Kakashi felt a surge of relief.
He hadn't expected Hiashi to intervene—but now that he had, it was even better.
Meanwhile, Guy's eyes lit up as he cheerfully ran over.
"Lord Hiashi, look at my student, Yasu. His weighted training needs to increase—see the weights on his hands and feet." Guy said as he pointed to Yasu empty wrist.
Hiashi's expression darkened.
It was extortion—but for the sake of his reputation, he had to nod.
"A student's training must be done properly. Tomorrow, bring a few weights to me, I'll handle it… and don't cheat!"
Guy nodded furiously.
After all, his mouth was trustworthy when it came to benefits.
Hiashi looked at Yasu with mixed emotions.
There was no denying—Yasu was frighteningly talented, terrifying even.
Yet, infuriatingly, he had shown no respect.
Under normal circumstances, Yasu would have received a harsh lesson.
But seeing Hinata's pleading eyes, Hiashi could only sigh.
What else could he do but forgive him?
Hiashi stood solemnly in front of Yasu, shaking his head at the pained expression on Yasu's face from the aftereffects of the Eight Gates.
"Kakashi, I'll take Yasu with me today."
Kakashi's eyes widened in panic. He rushed to Yasu, smiling nervously.
"Yasu still has training tomorrow morning. Maybe… he should come with me instead?"
Hiashi's brows furrowed, clearly displeased.
"You think I'd bully a junior? Are you worried?"
Kakashi was indeed worried—but now that Hiashi had said it, there was no arguing.
And thinking further, sending Yasu to the Hyuga clan might help him shake off some troublesome attention, reducing future headaches.
"You're joking, Lord Hiashi. This kid isn't very obedient, so if you're taking him, let him go to Guy tomorrow morning for his scheduled training."
Kakashi shot a few quick glances at Guy, then stood up, taking him along.
After some distance, Guy stopped, frowning.
"Kakashi, how can you just hand Yasu over to that old fox? What if he takes him in the hyuga clan and he never comes back?"
Kakashi's expression darkened.
"Since Yasu returned to Konoha with me, he's been under constant watch. Tonight at the Hyuga clan, at least they'll leave him alone for a while."
Guy nodded seriously.
If Yasu stayed under constant surveillance, he'd either give up being a ninja or live a quiet civilian life.
But his talent wouldn't allow a lifetime of mediocrity. He was destined to become a great ninja.
With Kakashi as his protector, any mistake would be mercilessly punished.
Now, with Hiashi taking him under the Hyuga clan's care, much of that danger would be reduced.
"Perhaps this is the best choice. I'll pick Yasu up early tomorrow."
Yasu followed Hiashi to the Hyuga estate and was assigned a small room. Across from him sat Hiashi himself.
After an awkward ten minutes, Hiashi finally spoke seriously:
"Gentle Fist is our family's secret art. Since you've learned it, I'll give you two choices."
Yasu's expression immediately turned serious.
He knew very well that if he didn't take this seriously, he could be in real danger.
"First: marry into the Hyuga clan, and wed Hinata."
"Second: as you suggested, teach the three of us Gentle Fist… plus one more—my youngest daughter, Hanabi Hyuga."