The air around Might Dai crackled as blue Chakra enveloped his body, radiating outward in visible waves that impacted the atmosphere around him.
The energy generated fierce pressure, causing the ground beneath him to crack and splinter outward like a spiderweb.
Shinichi was stunned. "Without any advanced transformation or nature change, he's produced a dense, visible Chakra... purely raw power!"
Hirito nodded. "That's the strength of Dai's youth."
Hearing this, Might Dai crossed his arms, and his intense aura faded almost instantly.
"Hu... hu... hu..." He was breathing heavily, exhausted by the effort. Yet, despite the strain, he seemed much less injured than he would have been before.
"Dai, which gate can you open now?" Hirito asked.
"The Fourth Gate is within my limit, but the Fifth Gate still strains my muscles and meridians," Dai replied, determination shining in his eyes. "But youth doesn't allow for giving up! I'll continue to train and find the safest way to open each gate."
Most shinobi knew about the Eight Inner Gates, but very few had the perseverance and discipline required to unlock its full potential.
Seeing the sheer force of the Eight Inner Gates technique, Shinichi was both impressed and intrigued.
Hirito continued, "Sensei, as you can see... Opening the Eight Gates can give a tremendous Chakra boost, but it makes Chakra control difficult and adds challenges to ninjutsu."
He explained more details about the Eight Gates technique for Shinichi's reference. Hirito understood that his teacher's strengths lay in weapons and ninjutsu, not raw physical prowess, so mastering only the first few gates would be more than enough. Trying to go beyond could even hinder Shinichi's abilities.
Take Kakashi Hatake as an example. He knew how to open the first gate but used it only sparingly, as the technique didn't match his battle style. With his specialization in ninjutsu and his mastery of copied techniques, Kakashi's fighting relied on precision and control, which the chaotic Chakra of the Eight Gates would disrupt.
Once Hirito and Shinichi bid farewell to Might Dai, Hirito returned home and shared the news of his promotion to Chūnin with Hyuga Kenjiro.
Kenjiro remained calm and unimpressed. "Don't let such titles affect you. Chūnin, Jōnin—those are just ranks... names with limited meaning."
He continued, "In the Warring States era, things weren't so neatly categorized. Back then, the only measure was strength."
"So don't put too much stock in titles," he added with conviction. "If you're powerful, who cares if they call you Genin?"
His words, full of wisdom and pride, resonated deeply with Hirito.
"I understand, Uncle," Hirito replied.
This perspective revealed the different ways that clan shinobi and civilian shinobi viewed rank. For civilians, resources were scarce, and advancing in rank provided access to more missions, better pay, and more learning opportunities. To them, becoming a Chūnin or Jōnin held significant value.
For shinobi from clans like the Hyuga, things were different. Families like theirs held assets across the Land of Fire,, managed by clan members without strong shinobi abilities. These investments made it possible for the Hyuga clan to sustain a large family, including their private, non-village-affiliated forces.
This was true not only for the Hyuga but also for many other clans. Hirito recalled his first mission, where Kenjiro had brought along another branch member, Hyuga Tenko, to handle the aftermath discreetly.
Tenko had introduced himself simply as "Tenko of the Hyuga clan," but his presence had been a reminder of the extensive support available within the clan.
"Assigned to the reconnaissance squad, as expected," Kenjiro remarked.
"The reconnaissance squad mainly handles border surveillance and includes sensory-type shinobi," he explained. "Besides Hyuga, there are members from the Inuzuka, Aburame, and Yamanaka clans, as well as others skilled in reconnaissance."
Kenjiro continued, "With rising tensions, you'll be busy. Shinobi from neighboring lands frequently cross over to test our defenses."
Hirito listened closely, already planning how he could apply his Byakugan's full potential to these tasks. "Don't worry, Uncle. I'll keep my focus on learning and contributing without drawing too much attention."
Meanwhile, in the Intelligence Division's Analysis Department...
Nonō had been here before as an intern, but this time felt different. Now, she was officially a part of this world, where she would put her unique skills to use.
"This is where I'll be able to prove myself," she thought.
Her guide was a light-haired man named Yamanaka Torihito, an old acquaintance who had overseen her internship.
"Welcome to the Analysis Department, Nonō," he greeted her warmly. "I've looked forward to working with you again."
"Thank you, Senior Torihito," Nonō replied respectfully.
Torihito's face grew serious. "To excel in intelligence work, you'll need more than sharp instincts. It requires systematic study and rigorous practice."
"I understand," Nonō replied, her voice steady with determination.
"Good," Torihito said with approval. "Follow me. I'll show you the areas off-limits to interns—places you'll be working from now on."
As they walked, he pointed out different sections, each designed for gathering, analyzing, and processing various kinds of information. The atmosphere was focused, with shinobi and analysts alike immersed in their tasks.
Back at the Hyuga estate, Hirito had more time to speak with Kenjiro.
"The reconnaissance squad is constantly busy," Kenjiro elaborated. "They monitor not just enemy movements, but every change on our borders."
"Any advice on how I should approach my new role?" Hirito asked thoughtfully.
Kenjiro considered this before replying. "You have the Byakugan, which is valuable in itself. But don't rely solely on that. Always be aware of other factors—terrain, behavior, strategy. Use your Byakugan to amplify these observations, not replace them."
Hirito nodded, absorbing his uncle's advice. "I'll remember that."
Kenjiro gave him a rare smile. "Good. And don't be discouraged if the job doesn't seem glamorous. The intelligence you gather will be vital. Even the greatest warriors need information to make the right decisions."
The wisdom in Kenjiro's words was evident. Hirito understood that reconnaissance wasn't just about locating enemies but about providing the crucial context that allowed others to act.
At the Analysis Department, Nonō's tour continued. Torihito showed her the secured areas, explaining the complex systems they used to decode and interpret enemy messages.
"Accuracy and speed are key in this work," he said. "A single piece of delayed or inaccurate information could cost lives."
Nonō's resolve grew with each word. "I'm ready to learn whatever it takes."
Torihito nodded approvingly. "Then, let's get you started. Our goal here is not just to observe but to anticipate. With your background, I'm confident you'll become one of our best analysts."
As she walked through the Analysis Department, Nonō's mind was set. This was her place. While she might not be on the front lines, the work she did here would ripple outward, impacting every aspect of Konoha's security.
(End of the Chapter).
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