The next day.
After getting up and washing up, Shindai prepared to head to the Hyuga clan.
Last night during the conversation with Pakura and Hikaku Uchiha, they had also learned about this matter.
Pakura asked, "Shindai, do you want us to go with you?"
"No, no need. I can go alone. Having too many people would be inconvenient."
Although Shindai secretly hoped someone could accompany him, he decided against it in the end, feeling like needing company just to visit the Hyuga clan would seem weak.
"Well then, I'm off."
Shindai left home alone, heading toward the Hyuga clan compound.
After informing the Hyuga clan guards at the gate that he wanted to see Hiashi Hyuga, Shindai waited briefly before being escorted into the Hyuga clan compound toward Hiashi's residence.
Shindai thought it was really troublesome. The Hyuga clan had way more rules than the Uchiha clan.
Finally meeting Hiashi Hyuga, he found Hiashi supervising five-year-old Hanabi Hyuga's training at that moment.
"Shindai, come watch Hanabi's training with me."
Hiashi invited Shindai to observe Hanabi's practice.
Standing beside Hiashi Hyuga, Shindai watched Hanabi train.
Hanabi was performing the [Gentle Fist] with proper form.
After completing a set, Hiashi asked with slight pride in his voice, "What do you think about Hanabi's talent, Shindai?"
Flattering, Shindai commented, "Not bad. Pretty good actually. When I was Hanabi's age, I was still playing with sand. I believe Hanabi will surely become a powerful ninja in the future."
A faint smile appeared on Hiashi's stern face.
When Hinata was defeated by Hanabi, Hiashi had completely abandoned all hope for Hinata, believing the elder daughter had already failed to meet expectations. Fortunately, the younger one was promising and hadn't disappointed.
Therefore, Hiashi had shifted focus to cultivating Hanabi, preparing her as the future heir to the Main Family.
In a good mood, Hiashi asked, "So, Shindai, why did you come looking for me today?"
Shindai spoke up, "I've already heard about it—Hinata was defeated by Hanabi. So, what are your thoughts, Clan Leader Hiashi?"
Staring at Hanabi, Hiashi said, "Hanabi was born possessing strength surpassing her older sister's. This is fate. Moreover, Hanabi's personality is much better than Hinata's by far. Therefore, the clan's hopes should be entrusted to Hanabi, while Hinata... she lacks any talent, so let her be."
Upon hearing Hiashi's words, Shindai took the opportunity to continue, "Then, two years from now when Hinata graduates from the Ninja Academy, I'd like to take her as my disciple."
Looking at Shindai, Hiashi replied, "Actually, I'd prefer if you took Hanabi as your disciple instead."
Surprised, Shindai asked, "Isn't Hanabi already the heir to the Hyuga Main Family?"
Hyuga Hiashi explained, "Being the heir is one thing, but Hanabi also needs to grow. If she could have a teacher guiding her, it would greatly benefit her future."
Shindai politely declined Hiashi's request, "I don't really plan on taking two apprentices currently. I believe teaching is all about chemistry. Besides, the Hyuga clan focuses primarily on the Gentle Fist using the Byakugan, which isn't exactly what I specialize in. Now that I've accepted Hinata as my apprentice, I won't limit her training to only Hyuga techniques alone, otherwise there would be no point in mentoring her at all.
If Clan Leader Hiashi insists on having Hanabi focus solely on the Hyuga Gentle Fist, then you should probably find someone else. I don't want to mislead a promising young ninja."
Hiashi let out a sigh.
Originally, he had hoped Hanabi could become Shindai's apprentice. After all, Shindai was powerful and deeply trusted by Minato Namikaze. Before Naruto started attending school, he followed Shindai everywhere, clearly demonstrating his deep trust in him.
Also, Shindai had good relationships with many ninja clans and extensive connections throughout the village. Becoming his apprentice would offer unique advantages through this master-disciple relationship.
However, since Shindai had already directly refused him, insisting further wouldn't be appropriate.
Hiashi said to Shindai, "Then I'll leave Hinata in your hands from now on."
Shindai nodded, "Sure thing."
Shindai didn't stay long within the Hyuga clan compound. The atmosphere was too rigid for his liking, so he found it unpleasant to stay any longer.
Meanwhile, at the Ninja Academy,
During break time, Naruto gathered Hinata, Shikamaru, and Choji together.
Naruto declared seriously, "I've had enough of this! It's time we stood tall and showed Master Shindai we're not pushovers anymore!"
Shikamaru immediately poured cold water over the idea, "Don't drag me into this. The chance of success is extremely slim, and if we fail… we'll all be in huge trouble."
Naruto spoke passionately, "Shikamaru, how can you back down before even trying? How cowardly! Just think about it—how many times has Master Shindai messed with us? Shouldn't we fight back at least once? This isn't negotiable, I'm counting on you to help plan this!
And Choji, you're in this too. Think about all the snacks Shindai has taken from you. He always promises to take us out for barbecue, but we actually get to go maybe once out of ten times. It's time to stand tall! If we succeed, Shindai won't dare take your snacks anymore!
Hinata, you must stand with us too. We either sink or swim together. We're great partners!"
Choji's eyes lit up with determination, "Naruto, you're right! We must resist!"
Shikamaru felt a splitting headache brewing. Why get so worked up? That big troublemaker—even if they succeeded, they wouldn't gain anything worthwhile, and they'd definitely face retaliation afterwards.
Hinata wasn't too keen on it either, since Shindai had never bullied her and had always been kind to her.
Naruto raised his little fist and declared solemnly, "This time, we can't fail!"
"I'm in too!"
Just after Naruto forced Shikamaru and Hinata to join, Sasuke stepped forward, eyes burning with determination as he spoke seriously to Naruto.
If there was one person who wanted to get back at Shindai the most, it was definitely Sasuke.
Ever since he could remember, the presence of someone named "Shindai" had loomed over his life.
Although Naruto himself was also a thorn in his side, the real culprit for everything was Shindai!
Naruto said in surprise, "I didn't expect you to want to join us. I thought you really liked Brother Shindai."
Sasuke grimaced and immediately cursed, "Are you fucking blind? Which eye of yours saw me liking that guy at all?"
Naruto wasn't bothered by Sasuke's swearing and instead felt excited as he announced, "Then I hereby declare—the Anti-Brother Shindai Squad is officially formed!"
Naruto stretched out his hand, and Choji was the first to place his hand on top of Naruto's. Then Sasuke joined in.
Both Naruto and Choji turned their gazes toward Shikamaru, who sighed helplessly and muttered, "What a pain."
It was such a pain, but Shikamaru extended his hand anyway.
Then everyone turned their eyes toward Hinata.
Feeling tremendous pressure, Hinata hesitated for a long time before finally having her hand grabbed forcefully by Naruto and placed onto the pile.
"Come on! You can do it!"
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