"That is called Chakra Enhanced Strength. It's a chakra control technique," Aoba explained briefly, then smiled and said, "We played so much yesterday, so today we should train properly."
"Hinata, let's spar first."
Aoba often sparred with Hinata because training with her also helped improve his own strength.
The Hyuga Clan's Gentle Fist is a taijutsu technique that strikes the opponent's body with chakra, damaging their chakra pathways and internal organs.
Under normal circumstances, it is most effective when paired with the Byakugan, as only with the Byakugan can one clearly see the body's meridian system.
However, Aoba was a medical ninja. He was already familiar with the structure of the human body and its acupuncture points. So during his sparring sessions with Hinata, he gradually mastered some of the Gentle Fist techniques.
Moreover, over the past few months, Hinata's Gentle Fist had improved at an astonishing rate.
It was just that she didn't like to show off much, so no one could have imagined that this little 'Steam Princess,' who blushed at the slightest thing, was actually the strongest in their group, apart from Aoba.
Thus, sparring between him and Hinata was beneficial for both of them.
"Okay!", Seeing that she was the first one Aoba called out, Hinata's face immediately lit up with joy.
Aoba gave Tenten and Ino a look, and only then did they reluctantly let go of him.
"Hmph, it's always Hinata first," Tenten pouted in dissatisfaction.
Hearing this, Aoba leaned close to Tenten's ear and whispered, "I'll teach you throwing techniques hand in hand later."
"I don't care about that!", Tenten's face turned red, and she walked away.
Aoba also made a promise to Ino, who was looking at him expectantly, before she happily pulled Sakura aside.
Aoba and Hinata moved to a more spacious area.
"Attack me," Aoba gestured at her.
Without hesitation, Hinata activated her Byakugan.
She quickly closed the distance between them, and in an instant, the two began exchanging blows.
Although her face was slightly flushed, her punches were extremely swift.
.
.
.
"Alright, Hinata."
Aoba caught Hinata's fist and pulled her into his arms, stopping her movements.
At this moment, Hinata was already gasping for breath.
Beads of sweat rolled down her forehead, tracing along her flushed cheeks and down to her equally red neck.
Her black bangs, damp with sweat, stuck to her fair and slightly pink face.
She looked unbelievably cute.
Aoba took out a handkerchief and helped Hinata wipe the sweat off her face.
When she realized she was in his arms again…
Even though this wasn't the first time, Hinata's CPU still overloaded and short-circuited.
A faint mist seemed to rise from the top of her head.
"It's my turn! My turn!", Tenten impatiently ran up to them, dissatisfied with how long they were lingering in that moment.
Before Aoba could react, the steaming Hinata quickly escaped from his embrace.
It was their unspoken agreement. No one was allowed to hog all the attention.
On the surface, the four of them all adhered to this rule.
Aoba didn't say much.
Seeing how eager Tenten was, he took her to another area to practice throwing techniques.
———
"Aoba, is this right?"
Tenten, her face slightly flushed, softly asked for Aoba's opinion.
Aoba looked at Tenten's posture and couldn't help but shake his head with a bitter smile.
He walked behind Tenten, spread his arms, and held her wrists to adjust her stance.
Even though he maintained a certain distance, Tenten could still feel his breath on the back of her neck.
Her little face turned completely red.
Aoba had already taught Tenten this throwing technique many times, yet every time they practiced, he had to correct her all over again.
.
.
.
After personally instructing Tenten on her throwing technique, Aoba could only guide Ino and Sakura on the basics of Konoha's standard taijutsu.
Because he couldn't teach anything beyond that. Ino's clan practiced secret techniques, which he couldn't interfere with, so he could only teach her some general basics of taijutsu.
As for Sakura, when they had been at Tsunade's house, Aoba had already taught her everything she needed to know.
Tsunade was someone who always pushed responsibilities onto others, so the task of training Sakura had mostly fallen on Aoba and Shizune.
"Aoba-kun, I'm going home now."
"Mm, see you, Hinata!"
Hinata, her voice soft and sweet, said her goodbyes to Aoba and headed towards her clan's estate.
Even when she reached the gate, she still peeked out and waved at him.
———
"Aoba, see you tomorrow!"
Sakura, her face red, quickly bid farewell and rushed home.
She didn't even give Aoba a chance to respond.
She hadn't even left yet…
———
"Aoba, see ya!"
Ino waved playfully and said goodbye to Aoba.
"See you, Ino!"
———
"Aoba, I'm leaving now!", Tenten, her face flushed, reluctantly let go of Aoba's hand and walked towards her family's weapon shop.
"See you, Tenten!"
"Whoo—", After sending off all four girls, Aoba let out a sigh of relief.
Then he turned and headed toward the Senju estate, curious about the surprise Tsunade had prepared for him.
But when Aoba arrived, he found that neither Shizune nor Tsunade had returned yet.
He wasn't surprised and simply walked inside.
Shizune now worked at Konoha Hospital every day. Not only did she earn money for the household, but she also improved her medical skills.
Occasionally, near the end of her shift, emergency cases would come in, and she would stay to help, making it normal for her to come home late.
As for Tsunade, she was probably gambling again, losing money until she forgot the time.
Seeing that it was already getting dark outside, Aoba went into the kitchen and started preparing dinner.
By the time the meal was almost ready, Shizune finally arrived home, looking exhausted.
She stood at the entrance, bent down to remove her shoes.
Wearing a black yukata, as she slipped off her high-heeled sandals, she inadvertently revealed her long, fair legs.
However, around her upper thighs, she had layers of bandages wrapped tightly.
Anyone familiar with Shizune knew that beneath those bandages were not only soft, fair thighs but also poisoned senbon needles.
Senbon were needle-like concealed weapons.
Shizune stepped inside, hesitated for a moment, then quickly realized what was happening and smiled in delight.
Just then, Aoba walked out of the kitchen with a dish in hand.
Their eyes met.
"I'm home," Shizune said with a sweet smile.
Aoba quickly smiled in response.
"Welcome home," As Aoba placed the dishes on the table, the scent of disinfectant filled his nose.
Then, he felt something press against the back of his head—soft.
And then he was hugged.
"Shizune-nee?", Aoba asked in confusion.
"Let me recharge my energy," Shizune murmured, sounding exhausted.
'She is probably really tired.'
"Did you have a lot of patients today?"
"So many, so many…"
Aoba didn't dare move.
Because Shizune was hugging him like she was snuggling a cat, taking deep breaths against him.
He was genuinely afraid she might suddenly pounce. He was still just a kid.
Only after she had her fill did Shizune finally let go, looking refreshed.
But Aoba's hair was now a complete mess, looking like a bird's nest.
Seeing his aggrieved expression, Shizune couldn't help but chuckle.
She patted his head playfully and teasingly said, "Thanks for the treat."
"You're welcome... "
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