Kai first smiled at Hinata, but unexpectedly, this made her face turn even redder as she quickly hid behind Hiashi Hyūga, not daring to peek out again.
Kai felt somewhat helpless, then turned his gaze to Hiashi and said: "Come inside first, and we'll talk."
Kai then turned and went back into the house, casually sitting cross-legged at the table.
Seeing Kai sit down, Hiashi finally moved, sitting formally at the table. Hinata beside him also looked serious, imitating her father's posture quite well.
"Clan Leader Hiashi, what brings you to see me?" Without small talk, Kai asked directly.
Seeing Kai's straightforward approach, Hiashi didn't waste words either. Getting straight to the point, he pulled out a scroll from his robes, placed it on the table, and pushed it toward Kai.
Only then did Hiashi speak: "I know Kai-kun possesses the Byakugan bloodline. This scroll contains records of Gentle Fist techniques and Rotation, along with other Hyūga secret arts. Please accept it, Kai-kun."
"Hm?" Kai looked at Hiashi with surprise.
For the Hyūga Clan, these family secret technique scrolls were treasures more precious than the lives of main family members. Yet Hiashi was giving them to him so easily?
Could he be afraid that Kai might cause another uproar at the Hyūga compound?
But that didn't make sense either. Over these years, whenever Hyūga clan members saw him on the street, they fled like mice seeing a cat—none dared to provoke him.
Seeing Kai's puzzled look, Hiashi quickly explained: "Kai-kun, I have no other intentions. I simply hope these scrolls can be helpful to you."
After a pause, Hiashi continued: "If possible, I would also like you to take my daughter as your disciple." With that, Hiashi looked toward Kai expectantly.
As his eldest daughter, Hiashi had once held great hopes for Hinata. But unfortunately, her temperament was too gentle—she simply wasn't suited to be a ninja. So as her father, Hiashi wanted Hinata to become Kai's disciple. That way, even within the main family, no one would dare bully Hinata.
Kai shook his head and said: "I'm sorry, Clan Leader Hiashi, but I have no plans to take on more disciples."
Hearing Kai's words, Hinata, who had been watching him intently, looked somewhat dejected. She lowered her head and remained silent.
Disappointment also flashed in Hiashi's eyes as he said: "That's fine, Kai-kun. It was presumptuous of me. There are clan matters that need handling, so I'll take my leave first." He then prepared to rise and depart.
At this moment, Kai smiled faintly and said: "While I don't plan to take on more disciples, if Clan Leader Hiashi is comfortable with it, Hinata can stay by my side, and I'll teach her wholeheartedly."
Hiashi was stunned, then joy appeared in his eyes. Whether becoming Kai's disciple or staying by his side made no difference to Hiashi—what he wanted was simply Kai's attitude.
Just this attitude alone would ensure that no one in the Hyūga Clan would dare touch Hinata.
After a moment of surprise, Hiashi quickly said: "Of course I'm comfortable with it! Then I'll entrust my daughter to you, Kai-kun. Please take good care of her."
"Mm, I've always liked Hinata, and she's also Kurenai's student, so naturally I'll teach her wholeheartedly. Clan Leader Hiashi can rest assured," Kai said with a slight smile.
"Thank you for your trouble, Kai-kun. I'll take Hinata home first and have her come to you formally for training tomorrow," Hiashi said, not intending to stay longer.
Something as significant as following Kai would greatly impact the entire Hyūga Clan—it might even require a family meeting to reestablish Hinata's position within the clan.
"Mm." Kai nodded, then looked at Hinata with a smile: "Well then, little Hinata, see you tomorrow."
Hinata's face flushed red as she nodded and said in a voice thin as silk: "Then, big brother, see you tomorrow." Hinata still remembered how during the Chūnin Exams, Kai had asked her to call him big brother.
Seeing that Hinata and Kai had a decent relationship, Hiashi couldn't help but smile. After Hinata finished talking with Kai, he led her away.
After the two left, Kai thought for a moment, then picked up the scroll on the table and began reading.
After all, as a member of the Hyūga Clan, most of Hinata's abilities were concentrated in her Byakugan. The taijutsu techniques Kai had developed from the Tenseigan weren't suitable for Hinata at this stage. After much consideration, it would be better to start with Hyūga Clan secret techniques, modify them himself, then teach Hinata—that would be more appropriate.
Training Ground Behind the Mitarashi Estate
Hinata was earnestly practicing the modified Gentle Fist techniques that Kai had improved.
The reason Hinata had never been able to master the Hyūga Clan's Gentle Fist to the level of sixty-four palms wasn't due to poor aptitude. As the "Princess of the Byakugan," Hinata's talent was absolutely first-rate.
It was simply that Hinata's nature was too gentle, while the Hyūga Clan's Gentle Fist, despite its name, had every technique that was quite fierce and aggressive—causing Hinata to be unable to master it.
After Kai's improvements to Gentle Fist, whether it was Gentle Fist: Guardian Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms or Gentle Step Twin Lion Fists, both were very suitable for Hinata at this stage.
In just a few months, Hinata had completely mastered them.
"Alright, take a break, Hinata. You've been practicing all morning," Kai said, seeing sweat beading on Hinata's forehead.
Hearing Kai's words, Hinata paused her palm techniques, gracefully completing a Gentle Fist finishing move before stopping.
Looking at Hinata, whose face was slightly flushed from intense activity, Kai thought for a moment and said: "Hinata, you've basically mastered the Gentle Fist I've modified. To improve further, you'll need real combat experience. So starting today, I'll take you on missions."
Hinata was startled but didn't hesitate, immediately responding: "Okay, big brother."
Kai nodded, then brought Hinata along with Haku and Kimimaro toward the Hokage's office.
Before Kai even entered the Hokage's office, he heard a name that made his expression change.
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
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