It was absurd that even after the branch family was branded with the Caged Bird Seal, the most advanced Gentle Fist techniques were still reserved exclusively for the main house.
During the Chūnin Exams, when Hyūga Neji used "Eight Trigrams Palms: Heavenly Spin," even Hyūga Hiashi was shocked from the stands and marveled at Neji's terrifying talent, wondering if he carried the blood of the Hyūga's legendary Heavenly Ninja.
Bang!
A dull thud echoed across the clearing as Hyūga Natsu's palm struck its target.
But the next instant, white smoke dispersed, revealing a splintered piece of wood.
"Substitution Technique?!"
Hyūga Natsu froze for a moment, her hand still outstretched in the striking posture.
Her eyes darted around, searching for Raizen.
"I win."
Raizen's voice came from right beside her as he lightly patted her shoulder.
"You're much faster than me, Raizen-kun."
Hyūga Natsu lowered her Gentle Fist stance.
The so-called "Substitution Technique" was actually a deceptive trick
The user swiftly replaced themselves with a nearby object.....usually a log....to make the opponent believe their attack had landed.
It relied entirely on the user being faster than the target.
"I took advantage of a gap in your defense."
Raizen shook his head.
Hyūga Natsu's current Gentle Fist could only cover a fan-shaped area in front of her. While she could see behind her, she couldn't reach it.
And because of the Caged Bird Seal, her back remained a fatal blind spot.
"You have comprehended the entry: [Dark Walker (White)]."
[Entry: Dark Walker (White)]
[Requirement: Defeat Hyūga Natsu in her childhood.]
[Progress: (Completed).]
[Effect: Your eyes can see far more detail in the dark than an ordinary person and react to subtle changes in the surroundings.]
[Note: Can be further upgraded later.]
The notification brought a quiet thrill to Raizen's heart.
It seemed even picking on a soft target could still yield an entry.
Unfortunately, he didn't know enough people yet. Challenging strangers out of the blue would just be seen as provocation.
Once the panel vanished, Raizen's eyes felt refreshed. The already dim evening suddenly became much clearer.
He was quite satisfied with this entry.
Once he awakened the Sharingan, it would likely receive an additional boost, since his perception would rise even further.
The Sharingan had many abilities, but night vision wasn't one of them.
With [Dark Walker (White)], Raizen would actually have an advantage at night.
"I should get going."
Hyūga Natsu picked up the gift box and bowed slightly to Raizen.
Just as she turned to leave, Raizen suddenly spoke.
"A caged bird… does it truly accept being trapped in the cage forever, never to fly again?"
"This… is to protect the Hyūga clan, to protect everyone in the clan."
Hyūga Natsu instinctively touched the cheek that Hyūga Ginka had slapped earlier, lowering her gaze.
As the words left her mouth, she gently brushed her left cheek. The delicate skin still carried the lingering sting.
Hyūga Ginka hadn't hit her hard, but the chakra she had subtly infused made the pain sharp and clear.
After years of practicing Gentle Fist, the chakra points in the hands became accustomed to releasing chakra, making it flow more easily.
Most of the main house were reasonable people, but there were still some like Hyūga Ginka.
She never hid her contempt for the branch family, nor did she shy away from using disciplinary measures.
Raizen didn't reply immediately. He tilted his head back, gazing at the darkening sky. A cold breeze brushed through his hair.
"If it were me as that bird, I'd probably still long to soar freely in the sky again… and try to peck open the cage door with my beak."
He shook his head lightly, as if speaking casually, with no expectation of an answer.
If Raizen had been born into the Hyūga clan, he would have done everything possible to remove the Caged Bird Seal.
He had no intention of being born into a branch family that was inherently inferior.
"Soar in the sky again?"
Hyūga Natsu froze. She turned back and looked up at Raizen.
His Uchiha robe outlined a tall, slender figure. The defined muscles of his chest were faintly visible beneath the fabric.
His long black hair fell to his waist, swaying gently in the wind, making him appear much taller than his peers.
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