Chapter 130: Hiashi - This Person is Terrifying!

"Kyohiko, your reflexes and striking speed are truly astonishing." The now motionless Hiashi couldn’t help but voice his admiration. Though brief, their exchange had consisted of over a dozen moves. Multiple times he’d attempted to seal Kyohiko’s chakra through pressure points, only to have his efforts thwarted by explosive chakra bursts that repelled his strikes. And that final technique... "Was that last move the technique you suggested Might Dai combine with the Eight Gates?" "No." Kyohiko shook his head. Beside them, Hyuga Kisai worked through his initial shock, his expression growing increasingly complex. Finally collecting himself, he spoke: "Clan Head, that was a secret technique of the Senju clan from years past." However... The Strong Fist technique shouldn’t be difficult for the Hyuga to counter. While the explosive power and comprehensive chakra bursts were formidable, simply targeting other pressure points could restrict Kyohiko’s chakra bursts and limit his strength. Yet... Kyohiko’s reaction speed and striking velocity were shockingly fast, nearly matching their capabilities when using the Byakugan. This was truly terrifying. In the Senju clan’s history, only two individuals had possessed such abilities: Senju Hashirama and Senju Tobirama. Now, the Senju name existed only in history books, while their bloodline persisted through generations, manifesting in this commoner child. How tenacious... how unbelievable! Hyuga Kisai no longer dared to underestimate Kyohiko. He finally understood why, among all those in Konoha connected to the Senju, Tsunade had grown increasingly close to Kyohiko. Such genius was simply too dazzling! His gaze softened slightly. "However, Kyohiko, this technique of yours seems to incorporate Kumogakure’s ninja taijutsu as well?" "Truly, no technique can escape the Byakugan’s sight." Kyohiko offered the compliment. The Strong Fist? Hiashi paused momentarily before comprehension dawned. Of course. Kyohiko’s grandmother was none other than Senju Touka, quite renowned in her day, though the family had declined by his father’s generation. By Kyohiko’s time, they’d been completely dispossessed. Hiashi’s eyes held newfound respect. To rise from such desperate circumstances to his current position represented an incredible against-all-odds struggle. Compared to this... Hiashi felt ashamed. Previously, he’d considered the Hyuga clan powerful. But recently, he’d grown increasingly aware of their deficiencies at the highest levels. Kyohiko continued diplomatically: "The Hyuga’s Gentle Fist hasn’t shown its most sophisticated aspects either. I’ve heard your Eight Trigrams Palms can seal all the body’s chakra points, rendering opponents powerless..." Hyuga Kisai nodded repeatedly. This young man wasn’t just powerful - he knew how to speak properly. Was he really only ten? Previously he’d thought supporting a child unwise, but now... The more he looked, the more he saw the youth’s tremendous potential. His attitude shifted accordingly, and he immediately nodded to Hiashi, saying: "Clan Head, I have other matters to attend to. As for Jonin Kyohiko here..." "I’ll handle hosting duties." Hiashi smiled in agreement. Then he turned to Hyuga Shinji. Hyuga Shinji bowed deeply before leading the guards at the entrance away. He represented the branch family. Now, Kyohiko’s strength alone had left him deeply shocked and insecure. With the main family’s approval, what could the branch family possibly say? The courtyard held only Kyohiko and Hyuga Hiashi. Hiashi explained: "I’ve only recently inherited my position. Family matters still require discussion, so I originally intended for you to demonstrate your skills. But I never expected—" Here, he couldn’t help but sigh. "Kyohiko’s talent is truly awe-inspiring. At your age, I wouldn’t have lasted against one of your hands." "You went easy on me, Hiashi-senpai." Kyohiko remained humble. Hiashi chuckled wryly but didn’t force false modesty, quietly accepting the offered courtesy as he changed topics. "Inviting you here, the second matter is actually a personal request." Hiashi led Kyohiko toward the rear courtyard. He wasn’t eager for more sparring. A brief exchange had already forced him to use Rotation - continuing would likely destroy the entire courtyard. For the property’s and everyone’s safety, tea seemed preferable. As tea was served, a Hyuga maiden carried the pot with graceful decorum. With delicate features, snow-white skin, and blue hair, she smiled at seeing them. Her gaze toward Hiashi held particular tenderness. Hmm? Could this be Hinata and Hanabi’s mother? Kyohiko started slightly, quickly rising to accept his cup with thanks. After she departed, Hiashi said: "Kyohiko, if I may ask - what exactly did you advise Might Dai?" "Nothing too significant. I’ve studied the Eight Gates myself and can currently open up to the third gate. I had this theory that at higher levels, taijutsu might undergo qualitative changes..." Kyohiko explained his thinking. Hiashi had supported him fully regarding the ANBU matter - for minor questions like this, he saw no reason to hold back. Besides, assisting Hiashi might yield additional benefits. Why not? After listening, Hiashi pondered momentarily. "I see. As the Eight Gates unlock, the body’s chakra restraints open, and physical changes lead to transformations in strength and ability." In essence, at that level it transcended mere taijutsu, tapping into humanity’s limitless potential. Understanding dawned. Then Hiashi said: "Unfortunately, activating the Eight Gates means losing control of one’s chakra, making the Gentle Fist unusable..." He sighed. Clearly, the Eight Gates and Gentle Fist represented fundamentally different paths, offering no mutual reference. "You wish to combine the advantages of both Strong and Gentle Fist?" Kyohiko asked. Hiashi nodded seriously. "To be frank, I feel somewhat lost, and many clansmen don’t understand me. I’ve heard you excel at ninjutsu research, having devised countermeasures against Suna’s Magnet Release. I hoped you might offer insight." Hiashi’s tone held respect. With Kyohiko’s demonstrated strength and level, he’d long ceased being an ordinary commoner, now standing shoulder-to-shoulder with major clans. After all, he was no ordinary individual. While the Senju name had vanished, their bloodline hadn’t. When talent emerged, invisible resources would inevitably gather. Tsunade had been one example - Kyohiko was another. The Sannin. The Senju. These all represented Kyohiko’s resources. Hiashi couldn’t imagine who else might succeed as Fifth Hokage in ten-plus years besides Kyohiko. So... Where was the shame in seeking advice from Konoha’s future youngest Hokage? "The Strong Fist isn’t the right direction, in my opinion." Kyohiko shared his honest thoughts. Hiashi nodded. He’d already reached the same conclusion. His initial interest stemmed from the Eight Gates’ overwhelming power. But after Kyohiko explained their fundamental principles, he recognized their incompatibility with the Hyuga. Yet ninjutsu also seemed lackluster. What Gentle Fist could defeat required no additional training. What Gentle Fist couldn’t defeat remained unaffected regardless. Wasn’t that pointless? This represented most Hyuga’s perspective. Had the Eight Gates not demonstrated such overwhelming strength, they likely wouldn’t have considered any changes at all. After voicing his frustrations, Hiashi glanced subtly at Kyohiko. "Kyohiko, do you have any suggestions?" "Suggestions, you say..." Kyohiko paused momentarily. For the Hyuga clan seeking strength, the Eight Gates path was clearly impassable. "Techniques focusing on chakra concentration and bursts, combined with the Gentle Fist, could achieve powerful armor-piercing effects. Alternatively, mastering certain nature transformations to counter specific situations." "Nature transformations, or chakra concentration and burst techniques..." Hiashi frowned. Then he recalled Kyohiko’s earlier demonstration of the Strong Fist technique. Wasn’t that precisely a concentration and burst method? A single strike had shattered his highly condensed Vacuum Palm, even forcing him to employ Rotation to deflect and block. Was it feasible? After lengthy consideration, he nodded subtly. It was possible. But this was another clan’s secret technique! Even if the Senju clan now strictly consisted only of Tsunade, their heritage wasn’t for outsiders to appropriate. As for incorporating nature transformations... Somewhat cumbersome, yet still a viable option. However. Neither solution fully satisfied Hiashi. He sighed inwardly. Kyohiko continued: "If the Hyuga clan agrees, I could consult Tsunade-nee about exchanging certain technical insights between our families." Hiashi’s head snapped up, eyes flashing with disbelief. "You’re serious?" These were secret techniques. Kyohiko and Tsunade would willingly share them? He found it hard to believe. Kyohiko clarified: "An exchange, not outright gifting to the Hyuga." "What would you want in return?" Hiashi’s posture unconsciously straightened, becoming solemn and serious, as if facing not Kyohiko but the head of the Senju clan. Kyohiko had already prepared his answer. "I’d like the Hyuga’s pressure point techniques." "What?" Hiashi’s expression changed dramatically before he quickly shook his head. "Impossible!" "Hiashi-senpai, don’t reject it outright." Kyohiko raised a finger. "May I demonstrate first?" "You know pressure point techniques?" Hiashi stared intently. After several seconds, he nodded slightly. "Proceed." "Human chakra pathways share fundamental similarities, with certain positions having minimal variation. For example—" Kyohiko pointed. Chakra erupted. Following a sharp, brief burst, Hiashi felt obstruction around his shoulder’s chakra points, rendering his left arm’s chakra flow sluggish. He actually knew pressure point techniques?! Hiashi’s shock surpassed even his earlier astonishment, accompanied by heightened wariness. This meant... Medical-nin could theoretically memorize acupoint charts and master basic pressure point techniques. For the Hyuga, this represented troubling implications. Fortunately, their clan’s foundation wasn’t pressure points but the Byakugan and Gentle Fist, limiting the technique’s overall impact. Yet if Kyohiko could replicate pressure points today, Gentle Fist might follow tomorrow. Eventually, the Hyuga’s exclusive techniques could be hollowed out entirely. Hiashi’s gaze turned grave as he weighed the implications. Kyohiko added: "If you’re concerned I might research Gentle Fist next and encroach on your domain, I assure you it’s unnecessary." "Why?" "The Hyuga’s position in Konoha is irreplaceable. Even if Gentle Fist were replicated, it could never match the Eight Trigrams Palms—only the Hyuga can truly master them." Kyohiko wasn’t bluffing—the Eight Trigrams required Byakugan assistance; mastery without it was virtually impossible. Furthermore— "I know another technique that might benefit your clan." "What technique?" Hiashi asked curiously. Kyohiko smiled: "A technique of my teacher Jiraiya’s—rapid hair growth." Hiashi’s mouth twitched. Hair? What possible... Wait... Hiashi’s head jerked up, eyes wide with realization, instantly grasping Kyohiko’s hand. Then he realized— He’d revealed too much. What a terrifying individual! After a silent moment, Hiashi asked: "What do you want in exchange? If it’s Gentle Fist, discussions end here." "Of course not. I propose the Hyuga permit non-combat-oriented clan members to study medical ninjutsu, and collaborate on researching the body’s hidden chakra points." Kyohiko revealed his true intent. Yuuhi Kurenai’s proposal actually suited the Hyuga best—not genjutsu specialists or the Yamanaka. Their Byakugan could rapidly assimilate medical techniques through direct observation, an unparalleled advantage. As for hidden chakra points— This stemmed from Kyohiko’s knowledge of traditional medicine, suggesting special acupoints invisible to normal eyes but detectable by the Hyuga. Hiashi was stunned. He’d expected demands for Gentle Fist or more secret techniques, not this simplicity. Permitting pacifist members to study healing. Joint research on chakra points. It seemed unbelievable. "That’s all?" "Yes, that straightforward. We respect your and the Hyuga’s autonomy. Moreover, I understand your constraints—a single technique exchange would suffice for clan accountability." Kyohiko replied. "Personally, I agree. But clan consensus is required." Hiashi had no reason to refuse. Because... Beyond the pressure point exchange, Kyohiko’s requests harmed nothing while benefiting the Hyuga significantly. Even the most conservative elders couldn’t oppose advantageous proposals. "Naturally, I understand the complexities." Kyohiko stood and bowed. "Thank you for the tea. Without further matters, I’ll take my leave—the ANBU duties await." "Agreed. You’ll receive our response." Hiashi rose to see him out. Watching Kyohiko depart, he sighed deeply. "Dear, what troubles you?" "Yūka, I believed I’d already assessed Kyohiko highly. Yet today proved my understanding still falls short." Hiashi confessed. "That young man is terrifying! He resembles the Second Hokage, perhaps even... potentially surpassing him." The Second Hokage... Hyuga Yūka gasped. That legendary figure stood among Konoha’s greatest, second only to Hashirama and Madara. That child could exceed him? Yūka struggled to believe it, yet she trusted Hiashi’s judgment implicitly. "Would you consider studying medical ninjutsu?" Hiashi turned to her. Yūka blinked. "Why do you ask?" "Kyohiko proposed non-combatant Hyuga transitioning to medical training. It will likely pass. If willing, I could recommend you." Hiashi explained. Yūka smiled softly. "I’d be honored. Especially if it benefits our clan." "Then it’s decided."