Kaguya lightly waved her hand, deflecting Hinata's incoming palm strike, and with a smooth motion, struck her chest.
Hinata was immediately sent flying and fell to the ground.
But she didn't give up. Slowly getting up, she wiped the blood from the corner of her mouth and, with a determined cry, charged again, faster than before.
Kaguya didn't hold back this time. She knew that if she always coddled Hinata, she wouldn't grow. Encouragement and setbacks were both necessary experiences.
With a loud smack, Hinata was sent flying again, landing on the ground, gasping for air as her chest heaved, drenched in sweat.
"It's time to end this," Kaguya smiled gently. "You've done well."
"Not yet," Hinata whispered, using her hand to support herself as she shakily stood up. This stubborn expression was something Kaguya had never seen before.
With a shout, Hinata charged again, her chakra exploding in her palms, stronger than before.
Kaguya didn't move her body, just swung her arm, creating a gust of wind.
With a thud, Hinata fell to the ground like a kite with a broken string.
Hinata once again shakily stood up, her expression dazed. Suddenly, she wobbled and fell to the side.
But she didn't fall to the ground. Instead, she collapsed into a warm, soft embrace.
"That's enough," Kaguya said softly, stroking her hair.
"Sister," Hinata looked up and smiled weakly at Kaguya before fainting.
Kaguya sighed softly, watching as Hinata was carried away. Saying she wasn't moved would be a lie. This little girl really tugged at her heart.
"Winner of the eighth match: Kaguya."
"She's so strong. I didn't expect Kaguya to be this powerful."
"Isn't she about our age?"
"It's really frustrating, such a big gap."
"We need to work hard, there's no other way."
"Even if you work hard, you won't be able to catch up."
"What did you say, you bastard?"
At this moment, Hayate Gekko's voice sounded again.
"Ninth match: Rock Lee vs. Gaara."
As she watched the medical ninjas carry Hinata away, Kaguya felt a sudden unease, as if something bad was going to happen.
After a while, she couldn't help it and started to walk out.
Sure enough, not far away, she saw medical ninjas lying on the ground, surrounded by blood. Kaguya hurriedly ran over to check on them and found that they were already dead.
Kaguya's heart tightened. Could something have happened to Hinata?
At that moment, a voice suddenly sounded nearby.
"If you want to save that girl, follow me."
Kaguya turned sharply and saw a figure wrapped in bandages. It was Dosu, who should have participated in the exam but didn't.
Kaguya had found it strange that there were twenty participants in the original story, and even with him, there were still twenty, meaning someone didn't show up. She hadn't expected it to be Dosu.
"Where is Hinata?" Kaguya asked coldly, her anxiety making her tone harsh.
"You'll know when you get there," Dosu replied, not waiting for Kaguya as he ran off.
Frowning, Kaguya followed closely behind him.
The two figures dashed through the forest like shadows, their speed causing the leaves to rustle in the wind.
After running for about two kilometers, Dosu stopped, turned around, and said, "We're here."
"Where's Hinata?" Kaguya looked around but didn't see any sign of Hinata.
"If you want to know, beat me first."
As soon as Dosu finished speaking, he charged at Kaguya, extending his right arm equipped with the multi-holed gauntlet, throwing a punch that generated a piercing sound wave through the friction with the air.
"Tell me where Hinata is!" Kaguya stepped back, dodging the attack, her brows furrowed.
"Defeat me, and you'll find out." Dosu pressed forward, his fists swinging relentlessly, creating fierce gusts of wind.
Since acquiring the Tenseigan, Kaguya's perceptive abilities had significantly improved. She could now see through her opponent's attacks, predicting their next move from their subtle body movements.
Just like now, Dosu's attacks seemed fierce and relentless, but not a single one touched her. Not even the sound waves caused her harm, as she had already predicted their attack range.
Kaguya's patience was wearing thin. She realized that continuing like this would be a waste of time, as Dosu clearly wasn't going to talk. She needed to defeat him first.
With a leap, Kaguya distanced herself from Dosu's attack range. She extended her white, delicate arm and aimed at the advancing Dosu, activating her repulsive force.
Dosu's eyes widened as an irresistible force struck him, sending him flying.
"Boom!"
Rocks flew, and dust filled the air.
He crashed into a distant boulder, creating numerous cracks in the massive rock. Dosu spat out a mouthful of blood and coughed incessantly, clearly suffering serious internal injuries.
Kaguya walked up to Dosu, squatted down, and smiled, "Now will you tell me?"
"A truly unique power," a raspy voice spoke from behind her.
Kaguya's pupils contracted as she turned around, spotting a familiar figure not far away.
"Orochimaru," Kaguya's expression turned grim. Was this guy targeting her?
"We meet again," Orochimaru smiled.
"What do you want?" Kaguya asked sharply, her gaze fixed on Orochimaru. "Where is Hinata?"
"Don't worry," Orochimaru's lips curled, "she's in a very safe place."
"What do you want?" Kaguya's voice was tense. "Just say it directly, don't beat around the bush."
"You are one of the most talented individuals I've ever seen, even surpassing Sasuke," Orochimaru licked his lips. "Konoha can no longer teach you anything more. Join me, and I'll make you even stronger."
"Sorry, I'm not interested," Kaguya's eyebrows raised as she flatly refused.
She knew exactly what Orochimaru wanted—a more perfect vessel.
"Really? Then, don't you care about your sister?" Orochimaru chuckled. "So, you say she's important, but it was just empty words, wasn't it?"
"Don't you think it's despicable to threaten others like this?" Kaguya's brows knitted in anger.
"Any means to achieve an end," Orochimaru smiled, "makes no difference to me."
"Bastard!" Kaguya wanted to punch Orochimaru, but with Hinata in his hands, she didn't dare to act rashly.
"Since you're so reluctant," Orochimaru said, "I have another option for you."
"What option?" Kaguya asked.
"You don't have to leave Konoha, but," Orochimaru's eyes narrowed, "you will need to bear the Cursed Seal of Heaven."
Kaguya's face darkened.