As for the crystal orb telescope in the Third Hokage's hands, Neji didn't care much. The Third wouldn't make such a rookie mistake.
If he had truly used that orb to observe the Hyuga clan, Hyuga Hiashi would never just sit by and do nothing.
Hoo~
Letting out a long breath, Neji focused his chakra through the Byakugan. Bit by bit, his hands began to gather massive amounts of Gentle Fist chakra. With precise shape transformation, they formed into two fierce, lion-headed auras.
This was the Gentle Step Twin Lion Fists an advanced Gentle Fist technique taught only to the Hyuga clan's main family.
Gentle Step Twin Lion Fists: A secret high-level taijutsu of the Hyuga clan, blending Gentle Fist techniques with chakra shape transformation. With the Byakugan's aid, the user gathers chakra into both hands to form two lion-shaped constructs of energy. Incredibly powerful, but extremely difficult to master due to the strict chakra control required.
This was the reward Neji had received from training with Hinata.
He never would have imagined he could master such a powerful technique.
And yet, here it was his.
Neji lay back comfortably on his bed, completely content.
Despite not having formally learned chakra shape transformation, he had still managed to master the Twin Lion Fists.
"At this rate, I should be close to Jonin level strength before the Chūnin Exams."
"Still, battle experience and reaction speed are things I'm lacking. That can only be earned over time."
The next morning, Neji arrived at the training grounds, only to find Hinata already waiting there.
This girl's determination isn't half bad.
Her physical endurance was undeniably poor, but Neji had decided to give her special training to help her at least gain the ability to defend herself.
Even though it was early, the training grounds were already full of people.
The ninja world is truly unforgiving, Neji thought to himself.
"Neji-niisan, why are we here so early?" Hinata asked.
Maybe because of yesterday's training, Hinata no longer seemed as afraid of Neji. Though, she was still just as shy.
"Running," Neji replied flatly.
"Huh? Running?" Hinata blinked.
"Your stamina is lacking. If you want to improve, daily morning runs are the most effective and straightforward method."
Without waiting for her response, Neji took off jogging around the grounds.
Hinata hesitated for only a moment before hurrying after him.
One was the Hyuga clan's prodigy, the other the main family's heiress. They instantly drew attention.
"Neji and Lady Hinata really are diligent. We should step it up too."
"Let's go! You got this, Neji! Lady Hinata!"
Neji turned slightly and glanced at Hinata her face was already flushed red.
"Host jogged with Hyuga Hinata. Reward: Lightning Chakra Nature obtained."
Lightning nature chakra?
That meant he now had all five elemental chakra natures, except for Yin and Yang.
Even in ninjutsu, he was now a prodigy.
The entire morning, Neji and Hinata kept running laps. Neji was fine, but Hinata was completely exhausted.
"Don't slack off. If you stick with it, your strength will improve dramatically," Neji said.
Hearing this, Hinata smiled shyly.
Growl~
As they rested, an untimely sound echoed.
Hinata immediately clutched her stomach in embarrassment, her face redder than ever.
"Well, after spending the whole morning training with you, it's only fair you treat me to a bowl of ramen," Neji said as he stood and glanced off into the distance.
Hinata looked up at him, dazed, her cheeks glowing, and then gave a timid nod.
"Neji-niisan… so warmhearted…"
At the entrance of Ichiraku Ramen, Neji said to the old man behind the counter, "Two of your signature bowls, please."
"You got it!" the old man replied cheerfully.
After finishing their meal, Neji paid the bill and led Hinata out.
"Host treated Hinata to a meal. Reward: Mental energy increased by 10%."
Mental energy in other words, resistance to genjutsu. The stronger the mind, the less vulnerable one is to illusions.
"Neji-niisan…"
Neji turned to look at her and smiled for the first time. "What, are you only going to eat with me this once?"
Hinata quickly shook her hands, flustered. "N-no! Not at all!"
"Then it's settled. Next time, it's your treat," Neji said with a grin.
"O-okay," she replied softly, her head bowed.
Neji glanced at the girl beside him so shy and bashful. She was really kind of cute.
"Hinata, it's been a while since we've gone out together, hasn't it?"
Hinata paused for a moment, then lowered her head. "Yes…"
In truth, ever since the incident with Hyuga Hizashi, she and Neji hadn't spoken much.
"Well? Want to walk around for a bit?"
"With… Neji-niisan…" Hinata's face turned bright red as she met his gaze, then quietly nodded.
The two strolled quietly through the village, the atmosphere between them calm and pleasant.
Hinata suddenly stopped in front of a shop, completely captivated by a charm shaped like a stuffed animal.
Neji couldn't help but think, She really is a little girl at heart.
He took a long look at the charm, then silently continued walking alongside Hinata, enjoying the peaceful moment.
"Host went shopping with Hyuga Hinata. Reward: Physical attributes increased by 10%."
Physical attributes the foundation of all combat. Clearly, the system was rewarding things that mattered.
...
Back at the Hyuga compound.
"Hinata, this is for you." Neji pulled out the stuffed-animal-shaped charm from his robes.
"This is…" Hinata's eyes widened in surprise as she stared at it.
"Well, you seemed to really like it, so I bought it when you weren't looking. Consider it a symbol of our reconciliation," Neji said casually.
"N-no, I can't! Father said I shouldn't accept gifts from others!" Hinata flailed her arms, her face red as a tomato.
"What's wrong? Don't you want us to be on good terms again?"
"That's not it!" Seeing Neji's hint of disappointment, Hinata grew anxious.
"Then take it."
Hinata hesitated for a moment before finally, bashfully, accepting the charm from Neji's hand.
"There, that's better." Neji patted her head.
"Host performed a head pat on Hyuga Hinata. Reward: Chakra Enhanced Strength (Medical Palm Technique) acquired."
Medical Palm Technique: A top-tier medical ninjutsu that rapidly heals both internal and external injuries. Can also disrupt an enemy's chakra flow with devastating results. Can be applied even from a short distance away.
The affectionate gesture made Hinata's eyes sparkle. She looked as if she might turn into a puff of steam at any moment.
Neji sighed and withdrew his hand.
Even in the Medical Corps, only a select few could use the Medical Palm Technique. It could heal from a meter away and even serve as a potent offensive move.
"No surprise it came from Hinata. She really delivers when it comes to rewards," Neji murmured.
Just then, a loud voice rang out in the distance, snapping Hinata from her daze.
"Burn, my youth!"
Neji didn't even need to turn around to know who it was.
"Guy-sensei… what are you doing here?" Neji asked, his mouth twitching as he turned around.