When Hyūga Sōsuke's large hand pressed against Uchiha Gin's chest, specifically the tanchū acupoint, a flicker of confusion appeared in his pale eyes.
Logically speaking, any decent shinobi would instinctively dodge or retaliate when someone suddenly closed the distance. But this curly-haired guy with a dead-fish expression didn't even twitch—no resistance, not even a blink.
Had he given up?
"If you keep groping like that, I'm gonna have to start charging you."
Just as Hyūga Sōsuke was hesitating on whether to strike, Gin, who had been quietly letting the creepy middle-aged man touch him, furrowed his brow in annoyance.
"Huh?"
Meeting Gin's gaze, Hyūga Sōsuke felt a strange chill. There was no disdain in those lifeless eyes, but that calm reaction still struck a deep blow to his already-fragile branch family pride.
"Then please, allow me to demonstrate!"
Suddenly enraged, Sōsuke's patience snapped. Whatever mercy remained in him evaporated as chakra surged to his palm.
From his palm, the chakra shot out, and with precise force, it struck through Gin's tanchū acupoint and entered his body. The technique was meant to wreak havoc on the internal chakra pathways—a signature of the Hyūga clan's secret art.
"Ha~ I've been looking forward to this~"
Up until now, Gin had looked utterly disinterested. But the moment he sensed the chakra entering his body, he perked up. His dead eyes glinted with curiosity. He deliberately allowed the chakra to roam freely through his body's meridians.
"Tch~ this actually feels kinda nice."
Since Gin's body had been modified by the system's bloodline, he'd never really pushed his chakra to full capacity. His pathways had been in a dormant state.
But now, Sōsuke's chakra injection was acting like a warm-up massage, lubricating his chakra network. The soothing sensation made Gin silently praise his attacker—he now regarded this visiting therapist with newfound friendliness.
"Damn it, don't look at me like that!"
Still holding back his strength, Sōsuke was only trying to seal Gin's chakra points to force a surrender, not damage his internal organs.
But after the very first strike, Gin gave him a pitiful look—as if silently judging him. That was the final blow to Sōsuke's pride. His anger flared, and his hands accelerated.
There were still thirty-one palms left in the Hakke Sanjūni Shō (Eight Trigrams Thirty-Two Palms)!
Thud! Thud! Thud!
In front of the onlookers' solemn eyes, Gin was flung through the air like a kite with a snapped string, continuously struck by the enraged Sōsuke. Every blow carried a slicing sound that made everyone instinctively clench their butts.
Blue chakra visibly poured into Gin's floating body with every strike, making Hashirama frown and clench his massive fist.
"Aniki, don't rush in. That curly guy isn't so simple."
As Hashirama's fury built and he prepared to step in, Tobirama stopped him, eyes narrowing as he observed Gin, who seemed to be unconscious.
"Don't worry. His chakra hasn't weakened at all."
On the other side, Hyūga Ten'yō, arms crossed, watched the battle intently with his Byakugan active.
"Hmph~ You can still surrender now. If something happens to this Uchiha, don't blame me."
In his view, Gin had taken a critical first strike and was now helpless as the gentle fist chakra ravaged his meridians. Ten'yō smiled smugly and lectured the Senju brothers.
Thirty-One, Thirty-Two Palms—Complete!
As the final palm landed, Sōsuke closed his eyes as if unable to bear seeing Gin's miserable state. But the faint smile on his lips betrayed his true feelings.
"Apologies, I'm still learning. Maybe I got a little carried away—better get him to a hospital."
With a faux-guilty tone, he feigned regret, shaking his head while urging the Senju to call emergency services. If Gin didn't get treatment, his meridians might suffer permanent damage.
"Ah? Ohhh~ As expected of the legendary Gentle Fist! I, Uchiha Gin, hereby name you Number One in relaxing sore muscles!"
Just as Sōsuke turned proudly to walk away, Gin's voice suddenly echoed from behind, filled with admiration.
Sōsuke froze, turning around with a stunned expression. His Byakugan eyes widened in disbelief.
"No way! I clearly sealed thirty-two chakra points! You shouldn't be able to even stand!"
"Mission failed. Gained 16 Mind Energy."
"Phew~ If I have a talent, it's being durable. Next time, try a few more points. Thirty-two's not quite enough."
Thanks to Sōsuke's "therapy," Gin's body now felt warm and relaxed. He looked at the two Hyūga with appreciation, thinking they were wasting their talent as shinobi—they should open a massage clinic.
Cousin, you've got real competition now…
"Damn it! How dare you humiliate the Hyūga like this! I'll—"
"Enough, Sōsuke. Haven't you embarrassed yourself enough?"
Face red and fists trembling, Sōsuke was ready to jump back in, but Ten'yō's cold voice froze him.
"Please, give me another chance!"
Realizing his protector was angry, Sōsuke fell into despair. If Ten'yō abandoned him, the clan leader might cripple him. Desperate, he slammed his head to the ground repeatedly, his headband stained with blood.
"Useless. I treated you like a trusted aide, taught you secret techniques—and this is what I get? Beaten by a useless Uchiha?"
Excuse me—rude much? "Useless Uchiha"? Really?
Ignoring Sōsuke, Ten'yō now fixed his eyes on Gin, scanning him from head to toe with his Byakugan.
"Hey, eyes up here. I'm warning you—I'm not wearing underwear today!"
Gin, fully aware of what the Byakugan could see, instinctively shielded his lower body and declared boldly.
Pfft!
Hashirama, finally relaxed after seeing Gin unharmed, took a sip of tea—then sprayed it out in shock.
"You're lying! You are wearing underwear—with strawberry prints!"
Pffttt!!! Now it was Tobirama's turn to spit.
Gin's shocking claim was nothing compared to Ten'yō's unexpected retort. He'd scanned Gin several times, then suddenly looked stunned—as if he'd seen something terrifying.
"What… what exactly did you eat growing up?"
The once-arrogant Ten'yō now looked at Gin with an almost worshipful smile, humbly asking his secret.
"Ah, you know what they say—each village has its unique produce. Konoha soil grows Konoha people."
Though confused by the sudden change in attitude, Gin answered graciously.
"Let's talk more after business is done."
Snapping out of his daze, Ten'yō waved the question away for now. His Byakugan eyes now bore no hostility.
Gin was confused. He'd publicly humiliated a member of the Hyūga, and yet Ten'yō wasn't angry?
"I've heard much about the Sharingan's mysteries. Gin-dono, would you be willing to show me?"
Ignoring the ashamed Sōsuke, Ten'yō politely addressed Gin with respect now, even calling him -dono.
"Uh, I actually did use my Sharingan earlier… but your buddy was hitting me so hard I couldn't open my eyes~"
Faced with the request, Gin scratched his head sheepishly. He couldn't say he hadn't activated it—it would seem like he wasn't taking the match seriously.
"I see. Then what do you think of our clan's secret technique?"
Ten'yō nodded, then asked another pointed question.
"Well, it's quite effective. Though that guy's technique could use a bit more polish—he'll get there with practice~"
Not wanting to throw Sōsuke under the bus, Gin offered a polite critique.
Sōsuke, still kneeling, looked up in surprise. He hadn't expected Gin to speak kindly of him.
"Hmph. He only learned the basics and dared to show off. I'll whip him into shape later."
Ten'yō's anger eased thanks to Gin's words, and he decided not to give up on Sōsuke just yet.
"Thank you, Ten'yō-sama!"
Revived, Sōsuke bowed deeply, tears of gratitude welling in his eyes.
"Enough. Get out of the way if you don't want to keep embarrassing yourself."
Ten'yō waved him off, eager to talk more with Gin.
"Yes, sir!"
Sōsuke quickly scurried off, shooting Gin a grateful look.
"I must apologize. What Sōsuke displayed was just the surface level. Only we of the main house know the real techniques."
Ten'yō explained, giving context.
Sōsuke was considered one of the top branch members, skilled and experienced. As a reward for his service, he'd been given a weakened version of the Gentle Fist.
"That explains it. I thought it seemed basic—I nearly memorized it with just a glance."
Gin nodded thoughtfully, meeting Ten'yō's gaze sincerely.
"What? You learned it?!"
Ten'yō was stunned. Even the diluted Hakke Sanjūni Shō (Thirty-Two Palms) was extremely difficult to master for outsiders.
"And you're sure that's the first time you've seen our Gentle Fist?"
"Of course! Never met a Hyūga before today."
Gin looked indignant at the accusation.
That technique? He'd totally copied it off a shy little bob-haired girl on a dark and stormy night. And it was 100% authentic!
"Then… why does your version look so… girly?"
That had been bugging Ten'yō. The more they fought, the more something felt off.
"Wait—your Gentle Fist has gender versions?"
(End of Chapter)
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