Chapter 10: Because You Are a Genius
Neji Hyuga had already lit a fire, the flames flickering gently in the breeze. Matsumoto Nana felt her damp body gradually warming up.
Two or three birds flew overhead, their clear, pleasant chirping breaking the silence as the two sat by the campfire.
"Neji-nii, can you teach me the Gentle Fist?" The girl's soft voice suddenly broke the silence. While Neji might not be a specific target for her goals, if she could use some tricks to get him to teach her the Gentle Fist, it would be worth the plunge into cold water.
The previously expressionless boy suddenly frowned. How did she know his name? They had never met before; this was their first meeting.
Moreover, the Gentle Fist was a family technique of the Hyuga clan, effective only when paired with the Byakugan. It was never taught to outsiders. Clearly, she was a spoiled young lady with childish thoughts.
Nana quickly noticed the disdain in his eyes. Her eager expression froze. Even if he didn't want to teach her, he didn't have to look down on her like that.
"We're from the same clan, after all. Think of it as mutual learning and friendship. Don't you agree?" She immediately activated her Byakugan, raising her eyebrows and winking at the boy.
Neji was startled by her sudden activation of the Byakugan, staring at her intently. Then her playful gesture made him turn away.
No Cursed Seal of the Bird in the Cage on her forehead. She must be from the main family or another branch, hence knowing his name wasn't surprising.
Yet, he had never seen her before. She must have been well-protected by her parents, rarely showing herself, growing up in a sheltered environment.
Thinking this, he let out a disdainful snort. The main family always stood above, not seeking training from their own but coming to insult a branch member.
"I can teach you, but first, I need to see your level." Neji's voice remained cool as he stood and moved to an open area, signaling her to come spar.
Really? Sparring right away? Nana's pale, delicate face crumpled. She didn't know anything yet. She'd have to observe and learn during the fight.
Biting her lip, Nana slowly moved to face Neji. Once she was in position, Neji activated his Byakugan, veins bulging around his eyes, and assumed the Gentle Fist stance.
Nana reluctantly activated her Byakugan and mimicked his stance, watching his movements.
Neji's frown deepened at her improper stance but said nothing. He concentrated his chakra in his palms and charged at her acupoints.
Here he comes. Nana tensed, swiftly dodging and using her arms to defend.
Initially, Neji's speed wasn't too fast, allowing her to dodge. But after a few moves, his speed and attacks increased sharply, and she struggled to keep up.
Neji's expression grew darker. He could see she had never practiced the Gentle Fist, her steps chaotic, her defense disordered. This was her first sparring match.
Snorting disdainfully, Neji decided to end the nonsensical fight quickly. He frowned, shouting as he executed the highest form of the Gentle Fist—Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms!
Unable to counter, Nana was struck thirty-two times before using all her strength to retreat, landing against a tree, escaping the range of the Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms.
Her fair skin marred with bruises, pain spreading through her body. Nana gritted her teeth, stifling her groans.
She immediately channeled green chakra into her hands, using Spatial Healing to unblock her acupoints. The quick treatment halved the pain.
Thankfully, she had retreated in time. If she had taken all sixty-four strikes, she might not be standing.
Seeing her use medical ninjutsu to unblock her acupoints and clearly wanting to continue, Neji angrily spoke.
"Why do you still stand? A pampered girl like you doesn't need to make any effort. The branch members will protect you for life! This is your first time with the Gentle Fist, right? Are you insulting me?"
His voice, filled with anger, shook with emotion, his chest heaving, his shoulders trembling, his fists clenched.
Nana was stunned by his outburst, realizing he saw her as a main family member who didn't try. He thought her poor performance was due to a lack of effort?
She had forgotten that Neji hadn't reconciled with the main family yet. The Cursed Seal weighed on him, constantly reminding him that fate was unchangeable, fueling his resentment and anger towards the main family.
"I never intended to insult you. I fought seriously. You're right, this is my first time with the Gentle Fist, even my first spar. Because I'm... an orphan."
"My parents died when I was born. Though I inherited the Byakugan, I never had the chance to learn the Gentle Fist. Do you understand now?"
Her voice was soft but every word was clear to Neji. He stared at her, stunned.
For a moment, Neji was frozen, guilt flooding his heart. His disdain and anger were based on the belief that she was from the main family.
But she said... What had he just done?
"I'm sorry... How are you?" Neji's sincere apology came as he moved to check her injuries.
"It's okay. From the spar, I've learned some things. Look at my level now." Nana stood, the acupoints unblocked, her injuries mostly healed.
She faced Neji again, assuming the Gentle Fist stance with a more precise form.
She hadn't been beaten in vain. She had memorized the basic moves and, with Neji's guidance, could truly understand the Eight Trigrams Palm.
"Alright. What's your name?" Neji's gaze softened, admiring her as he readied himself.
"I'm Matsumoto Nana." With her name, she rushed forward, her speed and strength vastly improved.
Gentle Fist Art: Eight Trigrams Thirty-Two Palms!
Nana quickly grasped the moves from their previous spar, her power and precision increasing.
What a genius, Neji thought, re-evaluating her. She wasn't just beautiful; she had exceptional insight and talent.
His attacks turned into guidance and correction. Within a few rounds, her Eight Trigrams Thirty-Two Palms became almost perfect in accuracy and speed.
Summer rain poured down suddenly, heavy raindrops hitting the ground. Nana and Neji sheltered in a nearby pavilion, resting from the rain.
"Nana, your insight and talent surpass mine. I'll ask the main family to teach you personally."
Neji spoke sincerely, wanting the gifted Nana to receive the best guidance, even if it meant asking the main family.
"No need. I want you to teach me, Neji-nii." Nana shook her head, looking firmly into his eyes.
"Why?" Neji, puzzled, met her gaze, then remembered his cursed seal, his eyes trembling. How could he forget the main family's control?
"Because you're a genius." Her words shocked him, her eyes sincere.
Nana knew Neji's genius. As a branch member with no guidance, he trained himself, elevating the Gentle Fist to one hundred twenty-eight strikes.
Denied access to family secrets, he learned on his own, mastering Rotation by observing Hinata's turn.
A boy who constantly fought fate, with high talent and relentless effort, was a unique genius in Nana's eyes.
Hearing this, Neji looked at her, strong and aloof for so long, his eyes reddening, tears reflecting the light.
TL NOTE:
Guys Guys, how's the chapter 5-10? Simple vocab right? Easy to read right? Tell me if you want to stop it or continue the way of my translating mwuahaha let me continue this style cuz Im to lazy you know... I don't have an editor duhhh