"Hinata-chan, this is a chakra test paper. Use your index and middle fingers to hold it—yes, just like that." Hozuki Suigetsu, who had recently entered the Academy, grinned, his sharp shark-like tooth showing as he demonstrated how to use the test paper.
"Alright, now focus your chakra, gather all of its energy between your fingers, and in a moment, you'll see something interesting happen," explained Haku, Suigetsu's classmate. He observed Hinata attentively before closing his eyes and flashing a warm smile.
"Like this?" Hinata asked hesitantly. As she focused, the chakra test paper in her hand began to react—but the change was rather unusual.
Suigetsu scratched the back of his head, looking bewildered. Haku, after a brief moment of contemplation, shifted his gaze toward Kakuzu.
"Sensei, does this mean Hinata's chakra nature is Fire?"
Kakuzu stepped forward, ruffling the hair of both Suigetsu and Haku before moving over to Hinata. His eyes fell on the now completely incinerated test paper in her hands. With an encouraging smile, he said,
"Hinata, your chakra nature is quite unexpected. Before the paper burned to ashes from the Fire release, it first showed distinct creases—this means your chakra affinity includes both Fire and Lightning."
"Huh? Fire and Lightning? That's incredible!" Suigetsu's eyes widened in surprise.
Haku also looked taken aback. "Hinata is so cute, but I never imagined her chakra affinities would be Fire and Lightning—two elements known for their raw power and destructive force."
Their astonishment was understandable. Even Kakuzu, despite his composed demeanor, was internally quite surprised.
Powerful clans often carried an innate sense of pride. The Uchiha, for example, exuded arrogance both in their skills and their demeanor—they had the strength to back it up. The Hyuga, on the other hand, displayed their pride in a more restrained and traditional manner. Their family was strict and closed off, upholding rigorous discipline to ensure that any arrogance was stamped out at an early age.
Yet, despite their rigid discipline, the Hyuga still carried an underlying pride, a quiet but undeniable sense of superiority. This was why their clan members primarily focused on the traditional Gentle Fist, a style that, when paired with the Byakugan's ability to perceive chakra pathways, was undeniably formidable. As a result, they rarely sought to learn jutsu outside of their inherited techniques.
"Another prodigy suppressed by their own clan's traditions," Kakuzu mused inwardly.
In the Fourth Great Ninja War, Hinata had been competent but unremarkable. But what if she had been taught differently? What if she had been given the opportunity to develop her true potential rather than being confined to the rigid Hyuga training methods?
"Otousan, how did I do?" Hinata beamed, hugging Kakuzu's leg. Her large eyes shone with anticipation—clearly waiting for praise.
(T/N: The most common way to say father in Japanese is otousan)
"Hinata, you did wonderfully. Far beyond our expectations. Keep it up, and you'll grow into an incredible kunoichi," Kakuzu said, gently ruffling her soft, short hair.
"Really?!" Her eyes sparkled with excitement.
A child's innocence could be nourished with just a few words of encouragement. Excessive discipline and harsh training could easily crush a child's spirit, making them withdrawn or even insecure. Every individual was born with different aptitudes, and their training should cater to their strengths. In the original timeline, Hinata had trained in Gentle Fist for years, yet she had never truly shone. Perhaps, she simply wasn't suited for it—or perhaps the Hyuga clan's rigid traditions stifled real growth.
They were a family trapped by their own customs, too set in their ways to evolve. Even when a true genius like Neji emerged, they suppressed him instead of letting him soar.
In that case, why should Hinata stick to Gentle Fist? Kakuzu could simply teach her something better.
...
"Hehehe, I can't believe little Hinata has such wild chakra inside her. Once she starts at the Academy, she's going to be a walking disaster! Just imagine the chaos—classmates running for cover, teachers losing their minds—this is going to be amazing!" Suigetsu snickered, already picturing the mayhem.
Without hesitation, Kakuzu raised his hand and smacked Suigetsu's head.
"Quit running your mouth. Do you think Hinata is as mischievous as you? You turned into a puddle of water on the very first day of class, made your teacher slip and fall, and then had the audacity to complain that he stepped on you."
"Hey, Haku! You weren't supposed to snitch!" Suigetsu whined.
...
Both Haku and Suigetsu had been taken in as Kakuzu's students. Their bloodline limits were unique and full of potential. With their combined talent and strength, they had quickly established themselves as dominant figures in the Academy.
Kakuzu had little to worry about when it came to their school life.
"By the way, have you two been keeping an eye on that girl I mentioned?"
"You mean Karin?" Haku asked after a brief moment of thought.
"That's right. The girl named Karin. I heard she came from the Land of Grass, but she seems pretty reserved. The other day, I accidentally caught a glimpse of her changing clothes, and I noticed that her arms were covered in bite marks. She doesn't seem to be in a good state..."
Suigetsu had barely finished speaking when Kakuzu's hand came down on his head with a loud slap.
His head instantly turned into a puddle of water.
Even though he was immune to physical attacks in this form, it still hurt like hell.
"Argh! Sensei, you've got it all wrong! I don't have some weird habit of spying on girls! I just happened to be nearby when she took off her coat to change into another one. It was purely an accident, I swear! Do I look like that kind of guy?!"
Kakuzu nodded. "Hmm, that's true. The Hozuki clan doesn't seem the type to produce degenerates like that. But, once Karin finds out, I'm sure she'll settle the score with you herself."
Hearing that, Suigetsu let out a relieved sigh. "Phew! Thanks, Sensei. As for Karin, whatever. She's just some quiet girl—what's she gonna do to me?"
Kakuzu merely chuckled without saying a word.
Karin was still adjusting to life outside the Grass Village. Here, in the stability of the Land of Dragon, she would have time to heal, to grow. And when that happened... well, Suigetsu was in for a surprise.
"Regardless, you two should keep an eye on her. Understood?"
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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