Hoshiko smiled her grip on Hinata's hand firm and reassuring. "Always," she replied, her voice steady and full of quiet determination.
Hinata's shy smile brightened ever so slightly, her steps becoming a bit more confident as they continued forward. The sun climbed higher in the sky, its golden rays spilling over the Hyūga compound and casting long shadows across the pristine walkways. The warmth on their backs was a comforting contrast to the cool morning air, a reminder of the day's promise.
The sisters approached the training grounds, a sprawling area surrounded by rows of carefully trimmed trees and bordered by high stone walls that offered privacy for the Hyūga's practices. The sound of focused effort greeted them: the sharp thuds of strikes against wooden training posts, the grunt of effort as shinobi sparred with one another, and the occasional bark of an instructor correcting form or offering encouragement.
Hoshiko's gaze sharpened as they entered the compound, her heart-stirring with a mixture of anticipation and resolve. She could feel the weight of her new reality pressing down on her, but it wasn't unwelcome. It was a challenge, and she was determined to rise to it.
Near the center of the training grounds, an older Hyūga clan member stood waiting for them. He was tall and broad-shouldered, his pale lavender eyes scanning the two sisters with a critical but calm expression. His long hair was tied back neatly, and his posture radiated authority and discipline.
"Hoshiko, Hinata," the man called out, his voice measured and commanding. "Your father has entrusted me to oversee your initial training. I am Haruto Hyūga. You will refer to me as sensei while we are on these grounds. Is that understood?"
"Yes, Sensei," the sisters replied in unison, their voices carrying the same mixture of nervousness and resolve.
Haruto stepped closer, his gaze sweeping over them both before settling on Hoshiko. "You are the elder, are you not?"
Hoshiko straightened slightly. "Yes, Sensei."
"Then lead by example," Haruto said firmly, his expression neutral but expectant. "Your chakra natures are unique and will require creativity to master. We will begin with control exercises to ensure your foundation is strong."
He turned to Hinata, his tone softening ever so slightly. "And you, Hinata, must find confidence in your strength. Fire and lightning demand precision and decisiveness. Hesitation will weaken you. I will push you, but it is because you carry the potential to succeed. Do you understand?"
Hinata nodded quickly, her small hands clenching at her sides. "Yes, Sensei."
Haruto stepped back, gesturing toward a set of wooden posts arranged in a neat line at the far end of the compound. "We will begin with chakra control. Approach the posts, and I will instruct you further."
Hoshiko and Hinata exchanged a quick glance before moving toward the posts, their feet crunching softly against the gravel path. Hoshiko could feel Hinata's nervous energy radiating beside her, but she kept her expression calm and focused, determined to set a strong example for her sister.
As they reached the training area, Haruto spoke again. "Channel your chakra into your hands and strike the posts. The goal is to exert enough control to leave a mark without shattering the wood. Precision over power. Begin."
Hoshiko took a deep breath, centering herself. Closing her eyes for a brief moment, she focused on the ebb and flow of her chakra, feeling its familiar warmth as it pooled in her palms. Opening her eyes, she struck the post with a quick, fluid motion. The wood splintered slightly where her hand connected, leaving a clear indentation.
Haruto nodded approvingly. "Good. Controlled, but strong. Keep refining that balance."
Beside her, Hinata hesitated, her hands trembling slightly as she prepared to strike. Hoshiko turned her head just enough to catch her sister's nervous glance. "You've got this, Hinata," she said softly. "Just breathe and focus."
Hinata swallowed hard but nodded. She closed her eyes, taking a deep breath before striking the post. Her hit was less controlled, the wood cracking more than it should have, but it was a solid start.
Haruto stepped forward, his tone neutral but instructive. "You overcompensated, Hinata. Your chakra flared too strongly. Pull back slightly and let the flow guide you. Try again."
Hinata nodded quickly, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment but her resolve strengthening. Hoshiko watched her with quiet pride, knowing her sister's growth would come with time and encouragement.
As they continued the exercise, Hoshiko felt her own determination growing. Each strike, each adjustment, and each word of guidance from Haruto was a step closer to the shinobi she knew she was destined to become. And as she glanced at Hinata, whose strikes were steadily improving, she knew one thing for certain: they would face this journey together, side by side, as sisters and future shinobi of the Hyūga clan.
As the training progressed, Hoshiko felt her determination burn brighter with each strike, like a flame growing stronger with every breath of air. Her hands connected with the wooden post in perfect rhythm, the force of her chakra deliberate and controlled, leaving clean marks that spoke of precision and growing mastery. Haruto's voice echoed steadily in the background, offering corrections and encouragement with the weight of experience. Every piece of guidance he gave her felt like a key unlocking her potential, and with each adjustment, she could feel herself moving closer to the vision of the shinobi she wanted to become.
Thanks to the gift of perfect memory and comprehension bestowed upon her by Tsukuyomi, Hoshiko absorbed Haruto's teachings with unparalleled efficiency. Every instruction, every nuance of movement, every explanation of chakra flow and control etched itself into her mind effortlessly. When Haruto demonstrated a slight shift in foot placement or a subtle adjustment in wrist alignment, Hoshiko could mimic it with flawless accuracy on her next strike.
It wasn't just repetition that aided her progress—it was the clarity of understanding that came with her enhanced perception. She didn't just follow instructions; she internalized them, mastering the basics with a speed that bordered on the extraordinary. As the other shinobi trainees nearby struggled to find their rhythm, Hoshiko's strikes grew sharper, more deliberate, and imbued with a confidence that seemed far beyond her years.
Haruto's pale lavender eyes lingered on her for a moment, his expression neutral but his voice carrying a note of approval. "Hoshiko, your progress is impressive. Your chakra control is steady, and your strikes are precise. You have the makings of a disciplined shinobi."
Hoshiko bowed her head slightly, her voice calm but tinged with quiet pride. "Thank you, Sensei."
She glanced at Hinata, who was a few steps away, her small frame tensed as she focused on the task at hand. Hinata's strikes were still uneven, her chakra flaring unpredictably, but there was improvement with every attempt. Her hesitation was beginning to fade, replaced by a growing determination.
Hoshiko watched her younger twin carefully, her heart swelling with a mixture of pride and protectiveness. Hinata's journey would not be as quick as hers—Hoshiko knew that. But she also knew that Hinata possessed an inner strength that only needed the right conditions to blossom.
I will become stronger, Hoshiko thought firmly, her gaze returning to the post before her. Not just for myself but for her and for everyone I care about. I will be the one to protect them.
With that resolve burning in her chest, Hoshiko struck the post again, her movements fluid and precise, her chakra flowing like a steady stream. The sound of the impact echoed through the training grounds, drawing the faint attention of a few passing elders. She didn't notice. Her focus was unwavering, her mind fully immersed in the path ahead.
Haruto moved closer, observing her with a sharp eye. "Hoshiko, increase the flow of chakra slightly. The goal isn't just control—it's balance. Precision paired with power. Show me."
She nodded and adjusted instantly, channeling her chakra with a seamless flow. Her next strike left a deeper mark on the post, the force balanced perfectly with her control. Haruto's approving nod was subtle, but it fueled her confidence even further.
Nearby, Hinata let out a small exhale of relief as one of her strikes landed properly, the wood splintering slightly instead of cracking unevenly. She turned to Hoshiko, her eyes hesitant but hopeful. "Hoshiko-nee-chan… was that better?"
Hoshiko smiled, wiping the sweat from her brow as she walked over to her sister. "It was a lot better," she said warmly. "You're improving with every strike. Keep going, and it'll feel natural soon enough."
Hinata's cheeks flushed, and she nodded, her hands clenching into small fists. "I'll keep trying," she whispered, her voice carrying a note of quiet determination.
Hoshiko reached out, ruffling Hinata's hair gently. "That's my cute sister," she said with a soft laugh. "We'll get stronger together."
As the sun climbed higher, the training continued. Hoshiko's strikes became faster and more precise, her chakra control sharper and more refined with each attempt. Thanks to the gifts from Tsukuyomi, she moved through the exercises with a confidence that surprised even herself. She glanced at Hinata, whose strikes, though slower, were steadily improving; Hoshiko knew that her sister would be different from the anime and manga. That version of Hinata had self-confidence issues. She was timid and soft-spoken. I will make sure this Hinata finds self-confidence earlier in life.