Naruto: The Maiden Training System Chapter 8 Chapter 8: Tough Opponent?

There was hardly a moment to lament Naruto's fall when the next sounds of battle arrived…

*Thud! Thud! Thud!*

One by one, the sounds of students falling echoed around the training field like a cascade of mishaps.

The turning back kick was a move targeting the lower section of an opponent—a spot unreachable by punches. Compared to the more advanced spinning high kick, it was relatively easier to learn. Yet even so, for these kids, who hadn't trained at all before entering the academy, keeping balance while spinning proved challenging.

Barring natural combat prodigies, nearly every ninja gains proficiency through a long series of tumbles, as control over one's body is fundamental. For the Hyuga clan, body control and spinning are second nature, since their Gentle Fist techniques require mastery of such maneuvers, especially in performing advanced techniques like Rotation. Of course, by the time they've unlocked their Byakugan, they can mitigate the disorienting effects of spinning.

While Hinata was practicing the standard turning back kick with steady focus, Seiji grew intrigued with experimenting. For example, he tried following up a standard turning back kick with a spinning high kick. Since the first move targeted an opponent's lower body, it'd likely force the enemy to jump and evade, and in that instant of midair vulnerability, a high kick could land with powerful force.

Once he could consistently execute this combo, Seiji, with a spark of excitement, turned to Hinata and said, "Hinata, why don't we do a little sparring?"

Surprised at the proposal, Hinata blinked and quickly nodded, "Oh, okay."

The two walked to an open space closer to Naruto's area, ensuring enough room for safe sparring. Iruka, supervising nearby, noticed the movement, as did several classmates, including Shikamaru, Choji, and Sasuke, who watched with interest.

Seiji and Hinata made the traditional sign of opposition and positioned themselves with the Gentle Fist stance.

The Gentle Fist is a traditional, hand-to-hand style passed down through the Hyuga clan. Thanks to the Byakugan's perceptive vision, Hyuga ninjas can see chakra pathways within the body and strike them with precision, affecting both chakra flow and internal organs. However, neither Seiji nor Hinata had yet unlocked the Byakugan, so without it, the Gentle Fist's full impact wasn't accessible, and this was why Iruka permitted their sparring.

After exchanging a few blows, Seiji surprised Hinata by aiming a palm strike toward her chin, an unorthodox move in the Gentle Fist. Instinctively, she tilted her head back just in time to dodge.

But that backward tilt was a mistake, as it left her vulnerable. With a half-step backward, Seiji adjusted their distance and pivoted, firmly planting his left foot. He twisted his waist, ready to land a fierce kick.

"That's…" Iruka's eyes widened as he recognized it.

*"Leaf Taijutsu—Turning Back Kick!"*

Seiji's right foot sliced through the air, halting right by Hinata's side before it could connect. He was satisfied with the outcome. Even against a tougher opponent, he thought, he could always add a Leaf Great Whirlwind after the kick; with Fire Release chakra, he could even follow up with a Fireball Jutsu.

Relieved she hadn't been hurt, Hinata relaxed.

"How did you come up with Steel Fist moves?" she asked, referring to techniques using raw power to inflict external injuries. Most taijutsu falls under Steel Fist style, while Gentle Fist is unique to the Hyuga.

Seiji chuckled. "Aren't ninja battles all about intel?"

"The moment an enemy sees the Byakugan, they're wary of letting us get too close. In real fights, we usually have to work hard to gather enough intel and opportunities to get near enough for Gentle Fist."

Seiji didn't speak quietly, so his words were easily overheard by anyone paying attention.

Stomping down the earth they'd just leveled, Choji flashed Shikamaru a grin. "Shikamaru, everyone in the ninja world knows to watch out for Nara shadows."

"Yeah," Shikamaru replied, hands in pockets, the corners of his mouth curving slightly. "Everyone knows about the Ino-Shika-Cho team too. Doesn't mean they can stop it."

He wasn't criticizing Seiji's approach but rather pointing out a fundamental truth. The Byakugan of the Hyuga, the Sharingan of the Uchiha, and the Ino-Shika-Cho alliance—all these are famed and formidable for a reason.

The entire ninja world knows to avoid eye contact in a fight with an Uchiha. Yet in the heat of battle, avoiding an enemy's gaze can be almost impossible.

Similarly, many Nara clan members disguise their shadow's reach early in battle, causing enemies to miscalculate. Then, at a critical moment, they unleash their shadow at full range, catching foes off-guard.

The simplest things are often the most effective. The battlefield rarely grants one the luxury of deliberation.

On the other side, Seiji was continuing his commentary, and several nearby were listening intently.

"When enemies see the Byakugan, they automatically focus on guarding against hand strikes. Like in our match just now, Hinata, it didn't occur to you that I'd kick, right?"

Seiji's observations weren't overly complex; they merely highlighted a common misperception. Ninja training is comprehensive; Hyuga know basic techniques like the Clone Technique just as well as anyone else. Yet you hardly ever see them using such standard moves, as most naturally lean into their clan's strengths. Since Gentle Fist and Byakugan are so effective, why bother with widely known jutsu?

By thinking this way, the Hyuga set an unintentional mental trap for the world, establishing a stereotype that Byakugan users only fight with Gentle Fist. Now, Seiji had thrown in a mix of standard taijutsu and even intended to incorporate ninjutsu.

Learning a few basic ninjutsu or some Steel Fist moves isn't hard. By doing so, they could catch opponents by surprise, a small advantage that could mean the difference between life and death.

From now on, Seiji would likely gain a reputation within the clan, alongside Neji. However, one would be known as a genius, and so would the other.

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Chapter 8: Tough Opponent?