Chapter 40 40: Hyuga Clan

Ichiraku Ramen! At that time, the operator was still quite young, and there was another male clerk in the store besides him. His daughter Ayame wasn't around yet—probably staying at home. Kaito found an empty seat and sat down, ordering every type of ramen on the menu. He ate without paying attention to anyone else, settled his bill, and left. Honestly... the taste wasn't as amazing as he'd imagined. It couldn't compare to the ramen and noodles he'd had back on Earth. After returning home, Kaito began his daily training routine once again. --- Time flew by, and in the blink of an eye, five years passed quietly. During these years, Kaito's life was full and steady. Now twelve years old, Kaito's appearance had changed considerably. He had a strikingly handsome face, sharp features, and a well-trained body. Without a doubt, a handsome young man. Thanks to five years of practice, his strength had advanced dramatically. --- [Ayanami Kaito] Age: 12 Bloodline: 1% Senju Clan Devil Fruit Ability: Thunder Fruit (Awakened) Taijutsu: Peak Jonin Level Chakra: Kage level reserves Ninjutsu: Shadow Clone, Great Fireball Technique, Chidori.... Overall Strength: Kage Level. Two years ago, Kaito's strength had plateaued. Even with his spatial training grounds, the barrier between Kage level and Peak Kage level was like a natural chasm — impossible to surpass no matter how hard he pushed. It frustrated him immensely. The only thing that made the past two years worthwhile was that Hinata and Ino had grown into graceful, beautiful young ladies — and their feelings for him had become increasingly obvious. It was only a matter of time before those relationships fully bloomed. (FBI, Open up!.,.) Thanks to Kaito's deliberate guidance, both girls' strength had skyrocketed. Ino had fully mastered her clan's secret techniques and, with Kaito's guidance in taijutsu, had also learned the Six Navy Styles. Hinata, combining her Gentle Fist with the Six Styles, could hold her own against elite Jonin under the right circumstances. --- Early in the morning, Kaito finished washing up, dressed in black, and left home. Not long after, Ino arrived. Her long, light blonde ponytail hung down her back, with bangs covering her right eye. She wore a purple dress — no exposed waist, unlike in the original anime. "Sorry for the wait, Kaito!" Ino called cheerfully. "No problem," Kaito replied with a warm smile. "Let's go." Kaito crouched down. Without hesitation, Ino wrapped her arms around his neck, utterly at ease with their closeness. "Aunt Keiko, we're off!" Kaito called over his shoulder. "Alright, thank you for looking after her!" Keiko Yamanaka smiled kindly. In her heart, she was extremely satisfied with this boy. A good cook, thoughtful, dependable... She sighed softly, watching them leave. This child has really grown up. --- Kaito carried Ino on his back as they slowly made their way toward the Ninja Academy. With graduation tomorrow and the storyline about to officially begin, Kaito cherished every moment he spent with her. Passersby rolled their eyes as they saw the pair showing off their affection. After six years of this routine, it was just a familiar scene by now. When they arrived at the academy, Hinata was already there, as usual. Her outfit was similar to the original — modest and conservative — though she now wore her long, purple hair down her back, ever since Kaito had casually mentioned he liked it that way. Before long, Shikamaru, Choji, and the others trickled in, one after another. Perhaps because of tomorrow's graduation, the classroom was unusually quiet. Soon, Iruka entered, scanning the room with a reluctant expression. Then came the final class routine for the last day. --- After escorting the two girls home, Kaito returned to his house. As soon as he stepped inside, his expression turned cold. "Come out. Stop hiding." Whoosh! A figure appeared in front of him. "As expected of you — top student of the Ninja Academy for years," a cold-faced young man in white praised. "My name is Hyuga Ichino. I'm here on the clan leader's orders." Kaito's brow furrowed. He naturally knew who the Hyuga clan leader was. He bore them no grudge — and the only possible reason for this visit was Hinata. Kaito's mind raced, instantly deducing this man's intentions. Trouble. He sneered inwardly. "Our clan leader asks that you stay away from Miss Hinata," Hyuga Ichino announced flatly. "When you were younger, it was overlooked. But now, as the Hyuga clan's heiress and future leader, she will not be allowed to marry an outsider. It's best for you to distance yourself from her." "Did your clan leader personally tell you to say this?" "Yes." "And if I don't?" Kaito asked quietly, his voice devoid of emotion. "I'll have to teach you a lesson — to remind you the Hyuga clan isn't something a nobody like you can touch." Ichino narrowed his eyes. He added coldly, "There are many in the Hyuga clan with strength equal to or greater than yours." Kaito's fury simmered beneath the surface. Okay, then. Let's see how many you have who can match me. Without another word, Kaito's figure vanished. --- Wanna read up to 40+ chapter in advance? Then join my P@treon. Patreon(.)com/Zphyr_