The ninja stronghold was simple, with just a few wooden houses built among the tree trunks, blending into the forest surroundings.
"Captain, this is my cousin, Hyuga Hirito…" Hizashi introduced, gesturing to Hirito, "He's nine years old and just got promoted to Chūnin three months after graduation. He's joining our team today."
Hirito smiled politely and greeted, "Hello, Captain Ryoma."
Aburame Ryoma nodded briefly. Wearing his signature sunglasses and a high-collared coat, his expression was impossible to read. His voice, low and steady, emerged without any visible emotion.
"Welcome," he said.
And that was it.
This wasn't surprising to the team. Members of the Aburame clan were known for being quiet and reserved, so everyone was used to Ryoma's brevity.
Hizashi then introduced Hirito to the other young man nearby. Hirito nodded politely. "Nice to meet you, Senior."
Yamanaka Shinsuke smiled warmly. "A Chūnin at such a young age? Impressive, Hirito. You're definitely a genius!"
Except for Captain Ryoma, who was older, the rest of the team members were around fifteen or sixteen, making Hirito stand out as the youngest.
As Hirito observed Shinsuke, he noticed his fair skin, slender build, and ice-blue eyes that contrasted with his warm, friendly manner.
"Senior, you flatter me. Please guide me in the days to come." Hirito's response was humble and courteous.
It was essential to build a good relationship with teammates, especially when missions required trust and cooperation. Besides, Hirito knew that a cold attitude could isolate him, and he preferred camaraderie.
Shinsuke's smile grew wider. "You're very polite, Hirito."
He exchanged a quick glance with Ryoma. It was clear they had both hoped for a teammate who was respectful and easy to get along with.
Ryoma then gave instructions. "Hizashi, explain our routine tasks to Hirito."
As the captain, Ryoma would typically test new members' abilities, but with the Hyuga clan, it was a bit different. Their skills were well known, and he had already worked with Hizashi for several years.
Once outside the tree house, Hizashi led Hirito out and pointed to a clearing where Inuzuka Claw was working. Suddenly, a loud shout echoed through the air.
"Fang Over Fang!"
Hirito's body tensed instinctively before he relaxed, recognizing the familiar Inuzuka jutsu. A small tornado tore through the area, cutting down several tree trunks with powerful precision before dissipating, revealing Inuzuka Claw with her hands on her hips, looking pleased.
"These should be enough logs!" she declared, then waved at Hizashi. "Hizashi, come over here! Let's build a house for Hirito."
Hizashi gestured for Hirito to follow. "Thank you, Senior Claw."
"Why so formal? We're all in the same team now!"
As they started constructing the tree house, Hizashi explained the team's primary duties: regular reconnaissance and monitoring.
"Our stronghold covers one of Konoha's main border points, specifically facing the sea. That means we're mostly on alert for activity from the Land of Water, but we keep an eye on smaller surrounding nations as well."
The team's sensory abilities gave them a unique advantage over the typical scouting techniques used by other villages.
"Against a team like ours, even the Mist Shinobi's Hidden Mist Jutsu is useless," Hizashi continued. "With our Byakugan, ninja dog senses, chakra sensing, and insect tracking, we can detect almost anything."
After the house was built, Hirito felt grateful. "Honestly, this is much better than I expected. I thought I'd be roughing it out in the open."
Shinsuke appeared with a rolled-up mat made from leaves. "Captain Ryoma crafted this himself with his insects, Hirito. Don't look down on it."
"No, I'm genuinely impressed," Hirito replied, smiling. "I was prepared to sleep under the stars."
Shinsuke chuckled. "Hirito, I noticed you carry a ninja sword. Do you specialize in kenjutsu?"
Hizashi's expression changed subtly as he heard this. He hadn't realized Hirito trained with a sword, as that wasn't typical for the Hyuga clan.
"A little," Hirito replied modestly.
In response, Hizashi suddenly said, "Hirito, it's been a while since we sparred. How about a match later on?"
Though it was unusual for a Hyuga to focus on swordsmanship, Hizashi wanted to remind Hirito of the Hyuga clan's unique strengths. The best way to do this, he thought, was through a friendly sparring session.
Hirito agreed. "Sounds good."
Shinsuke's smile grew wider. "Two Hyuga sparring? I can't miss this. I'll let Captain Ryoma and Claw know. This will be interesting!"
Before long, the entire team gathered in an open area for the spar. Inuzuka Claw checked with her ninja dog, Kuromaru, who sniffed the air and reported, "No foreign scents detected within a 20-kilometer radius."
Though they were only observing a friendly spar, the team's attention to security was meticulous. Inuzuka Claw's ninja dog and Ryoma's insects had the perimeter thoroughly monitored, allowing them to focus on the match without concern.
Ryoma's expression remained unreadable behind his sunglasses, but he regarded Hirito carefully. Through his connection with his insects, he could sense Hirito's chakra, and he knew this young Chūnin was not to be underestimated.
Hizashi stepped into the sparring ring with Hirito. "Are you ready?"
Hirito nodded in silent confirmation.
With that, Hizashi vanished, moving at an impressive speed. In an instant, Hirito felt the pressure of Hizashi's approaching chakra on his left side. Hizashi's technique was sharp, and his movements were precise—a true mark of the Hyuga clan's Gentle Fist style.
(End of the Chapter).
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