"Father, Sister is flying! Why can't I do that?" Hanabi asked with a touch of envy from the spectator seats.
Hiashi froze.
The temperature around him seemed to drop a few degrees, a palpable tension filling the air. You ask me, but who do I ask? He thought. I can't fly either!
After all these years, not even the clan head had awakened the Tenseigan.
He had initially believed Hinata's timid nature made her unsuitable to be the next clan head.
Yet, she had defied expectations, displaying astonishing talent and awakening the unique Tenseigan.
Just when he thought Hinata would lead the clan to glory, a problem arose.
After years of study, even she didn't understand how she awakened the Tenseigan or its full capabilities. There was no way to replicate it for other clan members.
Just as a weary Hiashi shifted his focus back to Hanabi, Hinata grew even stronger, subconsciously utilizing some of the Tenseigan's powers.
He felt like his eldest daughter's existence was a constant slap to his face, and his decisions.
"By the way, Father," Hanabi continued, oblivious to her father's inner turmoil, "that boy next to Sister... is he her boyfriend? Holding hands in front of so many people is she declaring her ownership? Sister's so bold!" Hanabi added, landing another unintentional blow to her father.
In her memory, Hinata had always been timid and introverted.
However, having secretly observed Hinata over the past few years, Hanabi noticed significant changes.
Her sister was becoming more confident and outgoing.
She suspected it was all because of this brother-in-law.
"Hmph! Such improper behavior in public! Don't you dare follow your sister's example!" Hiashi scolded. "You have exceptional talent, you will awaken the Tenseigan eventually, I'm sure of it."
Hanabi had always possessed greater talent and mental fortitude than Hinata.
More importantly, Hanabi possessed the ambition to become strong, the drive necessary to lead the Hyuga clan to greater heights.
If even a timid child like Hinata could awaken such special eyes, then Hanabi certainly could as well.
Hiashi firmly believed in his judgment. Training Hanabi as the next clan head was the right decision!
As for that boy... While Hiashi hadn't paid him much attention, he knew he was from the Yuhi clan.
The Yuhi clan was once prominent, specializing in Genjutsu, but had gradually declined.
During the Nine-Tails' rampage, their pillar, Shinku, perished, shattering the clan. Now, only Kurenai and Natsuki remained, a reconstructed family clinging to each other for support.
His servants had reported that Natsuki was this year's top graduating student, a prodigious talent.
This new generation boasted quite the bit of talented individuals. To be ranked first meant he had considerable potential.
After all, he surpassed not only the fortunate Akimichi boy – the one who could transform into ultraman, who could, arguably content with a jonin – but also a certain Uchiha boy.
It was evident that Natsuki was a true genius.
Hiashi had a higher tolerance for geniuses.
But snatching away his daughter? It wouldn't be that easy. His gaze toward Natsuki sharpened, taking on a calculating edge.
Hiashi's gaze was filled with scrutiny, like a father-in-law sizing up a potential son-in-law.
Meanwhile, Asuma approached Kurenai. "Haha, that kid Natsuki always has a flair for the dramatic. Hasn't even been a month, and he seems to have gotten stronger again."
Kurenai, whose eyes had been glued to Natsuki, only snapped back to attention when Asuma spoke.
"Huh? Stronger?" she responded absentmindedly, then realized she was his sister; she should know his situation better than anyone.
"Ha, haha, yeah. That kid trains incredibly hard. He's gotten stronger without even realizing it. Though he's still a showoff at heart, that little rascal." Yeah, definitely stronger… His flirting skills have certainly improved. Kurenai thought, avoiding Asuma's gaze and turning away.
She refocused on her brother.
The hot spring trip a few days ago had made her realize for the first time that Natsuki was no longer a child.
Later, their argument about the back rub led to a more fight and he'd actually slipped a hand under her clothes, leaving her breathless and flustered.
She still didn't know where he'd learned such moves.
Nevertheless, these were all new experiences for her, each memory bringing a blush to her cheeks.
Beside her, Asuma was captivated by Kurenai's blushing profile, which resembled the warm hues of a sunset.
"The rules for the final round are as follows..."
After explaining the rules of the third exam, Genma Shiranui addressed the participants: "Now, for the first match: Natsuki Yuhi versus Kiba Inuzuka! The two aforementioned examinees, please remain.
"Everyone else, proceed to the waiting room to prepare for the next round."
As the proctor finished speaking, the other participants left the arena, leaving the field to the competitors.
"Natsuki, good luck," Hinata whispered before departing.
Before Natsuki could reply, Kiba interjected, "Hey, Hinata! That's so unfair! I'm your teammate too! Why don't you cheer for me?"
Kiba's words froze Hinata.
They were indeed teammates, just unlucky enough to be drawn against each other in the first round.
She shouldn't play favorites. Still, she couldn't help but root for Natsuki.
"Well then, Kiba, you... you also have a little bit of my support," Hinata added halfheartedly.
Though the words were almost the same, they lacked enthusiasm.
"Wow, Hinata, that's blatant favoritism!" Kiba exclaimed. "But... a little bit is enough! Just watch how I defeat Natsuki!" He jumped up and down theatrically.
As their teammate, constantly subjected to their public displays of affection, Kiba didn't feel deeply wounded.
"Ah?" Hinata gasped, momentarily believing he had some secret weapon to defeat Natsuki.
"Alright, Hinata, you should go back now. Kiba's obviously joking," Natsuki said, hands clasped behind his back, an air of nonchalance about him.
"I can beat this guy with one hand tied behind my back. Just watch how I crush him."
"Oh." Hinata realized Kiba was just being his usual self. Indeed, she knew Natsuki's strength well; Kiba had no chance of winning.
Reassured, she left the arena.
"As expected of Natsuki, you saw right through me," Kiba said with a smile if he'd calculated everything.
Although he longed to put up a good fight, Natsuki was a monster.
Even with Akamaru, he wouldn't be able to defeat even Natsuki's summoning beast. It was better to conserve his energy and continue training with Akamaru, hoping for a breakthrough in their evolution.
"Oh? You don't want your Akamaru to evolve anymore?" Natsuki's question instantly made Kiba's eyes light up.
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