"What remarkable skill."
Yuto sipped the tea leaves from the water, chewing slowly.
Even Yuto had to admit that the two boys who had just finished their duel were geniuses, reaching the threshold of Jonin at just twelve or thirteen years old.
After making the Seal of Reconciliation, Shinosuke Hyuga's face looked as if it could drip water.
On the other side, Shuto Uchiha still brimmed with energy, holding a sword on his shoulder as he sneered at the Hyuga group, "Come at me! One-on-one, you stand no chance!"
The two-tomoe Sharingan spun slowly, casting a crimson glow in the night.
Arrogant, powerful, the Uchiha clan was always contradictory—sometimes you wanted to tear them apart, and other times you couldn't help but be fascinated by them.
Young and talented, no one could bear such an insult, especially in front of their clan leader, the Hokage, and the Three Legendary Shinobi. If the young people of the Hyuga clan could tolerate this, they might as well rename themselves the Hyuga the clan of Turtles.
The only girl with the Byakugan in the group raised her eyebrows, ready to face the opponent.
Just returned, Shinosuke Hyuga discreetly pulled her back and shook his head slightly, then signaled to Yuto and another branch family boy.
—Wear down the Uchiha's stamina and chakra, and let her finish him off!
Who played the cannon fodder, who took the bullets, and who seized the final victory was never a question in the Hyuga clan.
Yuto smiled at Shinosuke, giving a reassuring look.
Then, following the Hyuga teachings, the boy next to Yuto, put down the teacup according to the ancient rites, wiped the water off the table, and adjusted the folds of his wide white robe...
After this impeccable process, the Hyuga branch family boy was already standing in the courtyard center.
"Naoto Hyuga." The branch family boy was quite proper, bowing politely.
Shuto tilted his head, leaning on his sword,
"A branch family member?"
"Yes."
"Then you're even less of a match." The arrogant Uchiha boy waved his hand, "The previous one without the Byakugan restriction lost, you're no match for me."
"Perhaps." Naoto raised his right hand, forming the classic Gentle Fist stance, "But protecting the main family is my duty... How could I fear sacrificing all my blood and flesh for the main family?"
"Alright... though I don't quite understand, if that's your reason to challenge a stronger opponent, I accept." Shuto drew his sword again, laughing arrogantly, "Come! Fight!"
Yuto lowered his head, no longer watching the fight.
He was afraid, afraid that his eyes would uncontrollably reveal his killing intent while watching the battle.
This killing intent was not directed at the Uchiha.
—Sacrificing all blood and flesh for the main family?
To fight to the last drop of blood for a main family that brands oneself and one's descendants with the mark of a slave?
Cruel and cold oppressors were detestable, but it was normal, they were natural adversaries, no amount of hatred was too much.
However, what truly chills the hearts of the hot-blooded is the sight of the indifferent, fully tamed slave companions beside them!
Such a main family, such a branch family, such a grotesque and twisted clan...
While Yuto was lost in thought, the battle in the courtyard was nearing its end.
Shuto was right, the branch family boy indeed stood no chance where the main family with stronger kekkei genkai and complete Hiden techniques failed.
Naoto was beaten, his face covered in blood. The Uchiha weren't a sadistic clan, but Naoto's persistence, getting up again and again, was astonishing.
Even Shuto couldn't stand it anymore, channeling lightning chakra to paralyze his opponent's muscles.
Naoto lay on the ground for quite a while before getting up.
As he walked back, still bleeding, he wiped his wounds and stole cautious, yet hopeful, glances at Shinosuke Hyuga and the main family girl.
—Like a dog awaiting its master's praise.
However, Shinosuke Hyuga showed no approval or pity, not even a glance.
Yuto stood up with his head lowered.
He walked through the corridor, into the courtyard, brushing past Naoto without any exchange, as if they were parallel lines.
"Another branch family member." Shuto panted, having defeated two opponents, even though he felt exhausted, but the young Uchiha's voice was still energetic, "You won't beat me either."
Yuto raised his head, his face devoid of expression.
He cracked his pinky finger, producing a crisp sound, and with chakra naturally flowing, the veins around his eyes bulged as he activated his Byakugan.
"Yuto Hyuga, at your service."
"I'm Shuto Uchiha... oh? Yuto Hyuga? So you're the Hyuga's Jewel..."
Shuto stroked his chin, clicking his tongue in wonder. The Uchiha clan, naturally endowed with immense "love," was sensitive to others' emotions, "You're angry? As expected, the Hyuga are indeed a united clan..."
Yuto almost let out a derisive laugh.
"But, no matter how touching your camaraderie, you can't avoid defeat by my blade..."
Boom!
Shuto's vision blurred, losing sight of Yuto.
"Good move!" Shuto roared, his two-tomoes spinning rapidly.
The Sharingan's dynamic vision, peerless in the shinobi world, though barely, managed to capture Yuto's figure.
"Your Body Flicker Technique is fast... but under these eyes, you're destined to fail!"
The sword was drawn, a finely-honed technique slicing through the night, carrying lightning chakra, aiming for Yuto's body.
In a flash, Shuto's mind formulated the next move, 'This slash wouldn't take down the "Hyuga's Jewel," he'd likely duck, allowing a knee strike...'
Bang!
A loud crash interrupted Shuto's thoughts.
His sword halted mid-swing, gripped tightly by a hand.
Even among Jonin, few could withstand a blade with their bare hands, especially one infused with powerful lightning chakra.
Yet, Yuto did.
With terrifying finger strength and wrist power honed through relentless training, excellent vision, and courage, but most importantly, with the chakra flame dancing around Yuto's hand, like a lively, fiery beast's fang.
Self-created Nintaijutsu: Gentle Fist Art: Lion's Fang Bite!
This was the only technique Yuto Hyuga had created in twelve years, combining his understanding of taijutsu and Gentle Fist with his imagination from past manga, resulting in a deadly move!
The chakra flame was sharp and agile, like the fangs of a moving beast.
Creak, creak, the precious sword groaned in agony, ready to snap at any moment.
Yuto advanced indifferently, his other hand also igniting with "Lion's Fang Bite."
With power and speed surpassing most Jonin, this hand struck Shuto.
Blood splattered, and the Uchiha boy was sent flying.
(End of Chapter)