Shunshin no Jutsu — The Body Flicker Technique came in many forms. Broadly speaking, any ninjutsu that allowed a shinobi to instantly relocate could be called a Shunshin.For example, there were space–time techniques like Flying Thunder God Technique, which moved the user through spatial teleportation. Covering a hundred ri in a single heartbeat was no problem — far superior to standard body flicker methods.There were also extreme-speed taijutsu techniques, such as the bursts of speed achieved after opening the Eight Gates.
In addition, some elemental techniques could achieve instant movement after forming hand seals. For example, the Second Hokage's Water Body Flicker Technique, a method he devised for use in aquatic environments. By dashing across water surfaces at high speed, he could instantly appear anywhere within a body of water, skim across the surface, and even pressurize the water into blades to attack enemies — a style that allowed Tobirama to smoothly transition into his next move.
Shinobi who mastered body flicker techniques held a terrifying advantage in speed. As the saying went: Among all martial arts, speed is the one thing that cannot be overcome.When taken to the extreme, speed alone could become an overwhelming form of power.
The body flicker technique Hinata Haruki had acquired was a standard version — high-speed taijutsu requiring no hand seals, driven by explosive bursts of chakra in the legs. This surge generated powerful thrust, and combined with rapid footwork, allowed for short-distance, straight-line movement at high speed, similar to the Shunshin used by Uchiha Sasuke.
Though its range was short and speed not on par with some other variations, Haruki believed that even a basic Shunshin, mastered to the limit, could be formidable. Paired with his Gentle Fist, his combat power would undoubtedly rise another level.
So Haruki began training in earnest, creating two shadow clones to practice alongside him for extra experience. Controlling the leg-burst chakra was difficult — height, weight, and build meant each shinobi's chakra output needed fine-tuning. Too much chakra, and he overshot his mark; too little, and he'd fall short. Direction and landing position were equally crucial — lose control, and you might slam into a tree, an ally, or even a stray weapon.
Equally important was the stance upon landing — arriving flat on your stomach, or with your back to the enemy, was as good as signing your own death warrant.
After numerous trials, Haruki finally found the ideal chakra output. To refine his control over direction, position, and posture, he ventured deep into the dense forests, where the environment was complex. His goal was to move freely without the slightest hindrance. He lost count of how many tree trunks his shadow clones smashed through before he could control his direction with precision.
Next, he practiced adjusting his body mid-flicker to dodge obstacles and emerge in an optimal attack stance. Once Haruki fully mastered the basics, he already had plans to evolve the technique — creating his own personalized Shunshin variation.
Time passed quickly in training, and soon, the day of the academy's graduation test arrived. Haruki would be graduating six months ahead of Kushina, Inuzuka Tsume, and the others. By then, they'd be twelve and eligible for normal graduation.
Out of a desire to protect Haruki, the Third Hokage wanted him to keep his abilities hidden until he at least reached chunin rank. By that time, Haruki would already be Tsunade's student — a Leaf chunin wasn't someone easily targeted, and he'd have enough ability to protect himself from dying young in the trials ahead.
The official story released to the public was that, years ago, Haruki's mother had asked Tsunade, the Third's own student, to take care of him. The Hokage agreed, allowing Haruki to graduate early under Tsunade's direct tutelage. Naturally, the Third exempted him from the formal graduation exam — Haruki had already passed the necessary assessments, and the Hokage didn't want his early graduation drawing too much attention.
Inwardly, the Third chuckled darkly:Heh… by the time they find out what Haruki can really do, he'll be my grand-student. The Hyuga Main House's 'white-eyed' elders will stare until their eyes pop, the Uchiha's 'red-eye disease' will flare up again, and Danzo might just break that ugly cane of his in frustration.
So word spread: the Hyuga clan had a boy named Hinata Haruki, who, due to his mother's connection with Tsunade, was allowed to graduate early and become her student. People muttered about his "lucky break" and political ties, but neither the Uchiha clan nor Danzo paid him much attention. Some Uchiha still bristled — Why pick a Hyuga brat as a disciple instead of the strongest Uchiha child? — but Danzo had no interest in a five-year-old branch family member.
They could never guess that this "five-year-old" was a prodigy.
In the Hyuga Main House, the aging clan head and several elders received the Hokage's message. Some were pleased — whatever Haruki's abilities, he was still a Hyuga, and being chosen by the Hokage's own student only strengthened their political ties with the Hokage. Let the Uchiha choke on their jealousy.
But Hyuga Hideyoshi and a few close allies wore cold expressions. After the meeting, they gathered in secret. Hideyoshi, with his sharp face, round ears, hooked nose, and narrow mouth, looked more like a monkey than the Third himself. Scowling, he smashed his teacup into shards. Several kneeling subordinates bowed lower.
"Who can tell me what the hell happened?!" Hideyoshi growled, teeth clenched.
"Elder Hideyoshi, this was the Hokage's decision. We didn't know beforehand," one guard muttered.
"That woman's son — taken as a student by one of the Legendary Sannin?! This ruins our entire plan!"
"Please, Elder, calm yourself—"
"The plan was simple: once the brat graduated, we'd use a family resolution to have him reassigned as Nichin's bodyguard. He'd be in my palm for life — a useless pawn I could crush at will. But now? Now he's Tsunade's disciple!"
Another elder smirked. "Don't worry. Remember how Hyuga Taida died? Accidents happen on the battlefield… a lot of them."
"You mean—?"
"Why be angry over a fly, Hideyoshi? Rest assured, that brat won't escape your grasp. And the clan head's seat won't escape Nichin's grasp either."
Schemes and plots always worked best in the shadows.
When Haruki finally received his Leaf forehead protector, he tied it neatly in place. Before the entire class, Ebisu-sensei announced his graduation, prompting a wave of surprise.
"He really graduated? No way!" — disbelief."That sly guy… hiding it all this time." — impressed."Haruki-kun looks so cool with a forehead protector!" — dreamy sigh."Pfft, just riding on his mother's connections." — disdain."I've got to train harder! I can't lose!" — determination.
Basking in a mix of admiration, jealousy, and suspicion, Haruki bowed, thanked his classmates for the past half-year together, reminisced briefly, and bid them farewell. After a word with Ebisu, he left the classroom.
He had arranged to meet Kushina and the others in the courtyard for a commemorative photo. His small five- or six-year-old frame and composed demeanor drew curious stares.
"Who's that kid? How's he already graduated?""Cute little guy — looks like a Hyuga.""I heard Tsunade-sama took him on as a student, so they let him graduate early.""Apparently his mother was close to Tsunade-sama. Didn't even take the graduation exam.""Is that okay? He's only five…""Maybe he's actually really strong.""What kind of strength can a five-year-old have?"
Haruki ignored the chatter. People without strength always found something to complain about. Kushina and the others knew his true ability — if someone like him couldn't graduate, they had no chance at all.
As evening approached, they decided to celebrate at Yakiniku Q. Haruki sent shadow clones to invite the Ino–Shika–Cho trio and Shibi. Sadly, Minato wasn't around — that would have made things livelier. His "Sister" Mizuki had been recalled to the frontlines, delaying her return by half a year, but Haruki had already written her a letter with the news.
As they left the school laughing, a voice called out:
"Stop, Hinata Haruki!"
Turning, Haruki saw Uchiha Jun — the arrogant boy glaring daggers at him.
"Uchiha Jun? What is it?"
"Why? Why are you graduating now? Why are you Tsunade-sama's disciple? You're just a truant, a slacker with average grades!" Jun's face twisted with rage.
Ah… the Uchiha 'red-eye disease' strikes again, Haruki thought wryly. The pride of the so-called 'strongest clan' — unable to stand anyone being better, desperate to crush them underfoot.
"Tsunade-sama decided to take me as her student, so I graduated. Jun, you should work hard too," Haruki said evenly. (In truth, the decision came from the Third Hokage.)
"My grades are way better than yours! I'm first in class every time! What makes you better than me? How can a half-baked guy like you be worthy of her?"
"That's for the Hokage-sama and Tsunade-sama to decide. If you're unhappy, take it up with the Third."
"You only got this far through connections! Scared to prove yourself? Or will you fight me — unless you're afraid to lose?"
"Fighting you would be pointless. Believe what you want; I'm going to eat." Haruki turned to leave.
"Scared of a real Uchiha? Cowardly Hyuga!"
Haruki didn't bother looking back.
"I heard your mother's related to Tsunade… she only took pity on you because your mother died so early—"
Crack!
In an instant, Haruki's Shunshin brought him right before Jun. Grabbing his collar, he slammed the boy against the wall. The impact left cracks in the plaster; Jun spat blood, pinned like a ragdoll.
"Brat — my mother is not someone you can insult! And my strength is not for you to belittle!" Haruki's voice was ice.
In both lives, Haruki had been an orphan. But his love for his mother had never changed — he could endure slander against himself, but never against her.
Kushina and the others glared furiously; if not for being held back, she would've beaten Jun herself. Others in the crowd shared their outrage, silently urging Haruki to deal with him.
"You think you're the only one worthy? In my eyes, you're just an arrogant weakling. The Uchiha clan seems full of fools whose strength is even shallower than their vision." Haruki's grip tightened; Jun's fear became palpable.
Raising his other hand, Haruki clenched a fist and drove it forward — stopping just a centimeter from Jun's head. The wall cratered; debris rained down. Haruki released him, and Jun collapsed to the ground, gasping desperately.
Looking down with contempt, Haruki said coldly, "As for your so-called Uchiha clan — I, Hinata Haruki, have never once placed them in my eyes."
Then, as if nothing had happened, he turned to his friends with a smile. "Come on — we're feasting tonight!"
The sun dipped low as they left, the only traces of the incident being the shattered wall… and the Uchiha boy still too shaken to rise.