Chapter 42: The Proving Blow
Through the swirling mist, Hyuga Neji's Byakugan saw everything with perfect clarity. He could trace the intricate network of chakra points covering Kamikawa Hiraoka's body like a star chart. This fight was already over in his mind.
He moved with the Hyuga clan's signature speed, materializing before Hiraoka. His hand shot out, not to strike, but to seize Hiraoka's right wrist in an iron grip.
"Your primary hand is now immobilized," Neji stated coldly. "You cannot form seals. At this range, your chakra points are mine to seal. Once I do, the battle is over."
A flicker of concern crossed Hinata's face from the sidelines. Hiashi watched, his expression unreadable but his posture one of approval.
Hiraoka, however, didn't struggle. A slow, knowing smile spread across his lips. "Is that all?"
"Your arrogance will be your undoing," Neji retorted, his free hand rising, fingers poised to strike at the tenketsu on Hiraoka's arm.
"You're operating on outdated intelligence," Hiraoka said, his voice calm. "Have you ever seen a one-handed seal?"
Neji's eyes widened in shock. Before he could react, Hiraoka's captured hand remained still, but his free left hand became a blur, weaving through a complex sequence with impossible speed.
"Water Release: Thousand Flying Water Needles!"
The Hiraoka that Neji was holding dissolved into water, soaking his arm and the floor around him. Before the shock could fully register, the puddles on the training ground floor rippled. Dozens of water droplets shot into the air, crystallizing into razor-sharp senbon that hovered menacingly, all aimed at Neji.
Neji released the now-useless water and leaped back, his instincts screaming. He would not be given a moment's respite.
"Eight Trigrams Palms Revolving Heaven!"
He became a spinning top of pure chakra, a perfect, impenetrable dome. The senbon shattered harmlessly against the defensive whirlwind, scattering like frozen rain.
But Hiraoka was already preparing his true attack. As Neji's Rotation slowed, he saw Hiraoka standing calmly, a brilliant, crackling blue-white energy coalescing around his right hand. The air itself hummed with its power.
"Hyuga Neji," Hiraoka's voice cut through the electric hum. "Let's test that 'absolute defense' of yours. Lightning Release: Thunder Falcon Thrust!"
The chakra erupted, taking the form of a shrieking falcon of pure lightning. It tore through the remnants of the mist, its trajectory a straight, devastating line aimed directly at Neji's heart.
Neji stared, his Byakugan showing him the overwhelming density of the chakra. He tried to move, to spin, to defend, but his body was locked in place by the sheer, terrifying pressure of the technique. It was too fast, too powerful.
A blur of white intercepted the attack.
BOOM!
The collision was deafening. Hiashi Hyuga stood before Neji, his own Rotation having flared to life just in time to meet the lightning falcon. The two forces warred for a moment before the jutsu dissipated in a burst of sparks and concussive force.
Silence returned to the training hall. The mist was gone.
Hiashi stood with his arms behind his back, his posture rigid. To the untrained eye, he was unmoved. But Hiraoka's sharp eyes caught the faint, almost imperceptible tremor in the hands clasped behind the Hyuga leader's back. He felt that.
Hiashi turned his head slightly towards Neji, his voice flat. "You lost this match."
Neji, pale and breathing heavily, lowered his head. He could not refute it. Without the clan head's intervention, he would have been gravely injured, or worse.
Hiraoka let the remaining chakra around his hand fade. "I did say it would only take a few minutes," he remarked, his tone matter-of-fact.
Back in the austere receiving room, Hiashi regarded Hiraoka with a new, grudging respect. "I will entrust Hinata's well-being to you," he stated, his voice leaving no room for debate. It was not a request, but a decree.
Hinata, standing to the side, blushed a deep crimson, her heart soaring.
His mission accomplished, Hiraoka took his leave. As he walked through the bustling streets of Konoha, his mind was already shifting gears. The Chunin Exams were approaching, and with them, the shadow of Orochimaru's Konoha Crush. He knew the peaceful days were numbered.
"Ah, well," he sighed, sitting on a park bench and looking up at the emerging stars. "I'll just have to roll with it. For now, more pressing matters require my attention."
A slow, anticipatory grin spread across his face. He had a home to prepare. Tomorrow, he would officially invite Hinata and Ino to move in with him. The future was looking very, very interesting.
HELPPP ME WITH SOME STONESSS. THEY KIDNAPED ME.