After reading the proposal several times, even Hiashi, as the Clan Leader, was quite impressed.
This made Hiashi continuously scrutinize Neji, truly curious how the boy's mind worked to write something so thorough and comprehensive.
"Is this the result of your year-long investigation into Konoha's catering industry?"
Neji nodded slightly; there was no way he would expose his true methods.
As for Hiashi knowing his whereabouts, it was not surprising at all; it would be strange if he didn't.
The only suspicious point of precociousness was covered by Uchiha Itachi; if anyone wanted to be suspicious, they should go find him first, as he was an unparalleled Prodigy.
"So, Clan Leader, what is your decision?"
Neji looked at Hiashi; he wasn't in a hurry. He couldn't monopolize all the benefits brought by this proposal.
So, why not use the Hyuga Clan as a powerful backing? Hiashi's guilt, though accidental, yielded a good result.
His stance two years ago was merely to avoid having the Caged Bird Seal imprinted.
After much consideration, Hiashi finally made his decision.
"Neji, I approve of this matter, but with the clan's involvement, your share will be very low."
Neji naturally understood. As long as it succeeded, the dividends might be low, but he would essentially be a hands-off manager.
Neji directly said, "Then I'll leave it to Clan Leader!"
There was no need for more words; solely based on Hiashi's guilt towards him, he would surely secure the maximum benefits for him.
As expected!
Hiashi said, "Don't worry, Neji, I will make sure you don't suffer any losses. This plan is enough to shut them up."
With such a son, why wouldn't the Hyuga Clan prosper? It was just those eyes, what a pity.
"Clan Leader, then I shall take my leave!"
"Not so fast!"
Hiashi smiled, beckoning to Hinata, who was peeking from outside the door. Her small face flushed, and she walked in, kneeling beside Neji.
She softly said, "Father!"
Hiashi nodded, then looked at Neji.
"Now that Hinata has also entered the Ninja Academy, you still need to guide her more."
"Of course!"
Neji wouldn't refuse this; after all, Hinata was so cute, he certainly couldn't let her be bullied.
Naturally, he would be the one to bully her!
If he bullied her, Hinata would become stronger and beat others to a pulp.
So, no problem!
"Then I can rest assured. But as for you, your Gentle Fist Cultivation is severely hampered now that you don't have the Byakugan. However, if you want to learn, I can still teach you."
"Thank you, Clan Chief. I will not give up on the Gentle Fist, after all, I am still a member of the Hyuga Clan."
He couldn't possibly not Cultivate the Gentle Fist; his Byakugan wasn't truly gone, and besides, he needed the Chakra flow of its Moves, which was unique.
Coupled with Armament Haki, beating up a few kids was still not a problem.
He also needed to maintain his persona, and only the Gentle Fist could be used for easy victories.
Hiashi nodded, very satisfied with Neji's attitude, which also made him feel a little better inside.
"Today, you will teach Hinata! I will test you later and teach you new Gentle Fist Moves."
"Hinata, your Cultivation is entrusted to Neji. I will check periodically."
Hinata lowered her head and whispered, "Yes, Father."
After giving his instructions, Hiashi left with Neji's proposal.
Clearly, he needed to discuss and finalize this plan with others in the clan.
In the dojo, only Neji and Hinata remained.
Hinata looked up at Neji's eyes, but they were covered by a thick eye patch, which revealed a hint of guilt in her pure white eyes.
Because she felt that it must have been her fault that Neji-nīchan (Neji, older brother) had dug out his own eyes.
"Neji-nīchan (Neji, older brother), please guide me in the future!"
Neji smiled, noticing Hinata's guilt, and gently ruffled her hair.
Under Hiashi's guidance, Hinata's personality was like this because she was too sensible.
She took all the burdens upon herself, pressing her until she couldn't breathe.
He had seen many such intelligent and sensible children; most of them, as they grew up, were tightly bound by this guidance and responsibility.
Some immersed themselves in their own world, becoming quiet and taciturn, disliking conversation with others, and having their own hobbies.
Others became even more reclusive, with slight social anxiety, or even rigid and inflexible, very stubborn.
"You should rely on me more in the future!"
Hinata's small face flushed, and she softly hummed, enjoying Neji's head pat. She thought that Neji-nīchan (Neji, older brother) was indeed still Neji-nīchan (Neji, older brother).
After half a day of doting, Neji's warm expression receded, and he put on a serious face; it was time for some bullying.
He pulled Hinata up and said in a deep voice, "Let's start training. I won't go easy on you, Hinata!"
"Yes, Neji-nīchan (Neji, older brother)."
A crisp, soft voice rang out, unexpectedly carrying a hint of tenacity, making Neji nod.
The two assumed the Gentle Fist stance!
Neji's expression was serious, and his Kenbunshoku Haki instantly unfolded. Hinata's aura was completely revealed before him, with no secrets to speak of.
He beckoned!
"Come on! Let me see how your Gentle Fist Cultivation is now."
Hinata looked at Neji, gathering her courage, and let out a soft cry, swinging her small fists towards Neji.
Such a direct Gentle Fist, Neji shook his head inwardly, directly using the momentum to grab her, looking at Hinata's stunned small face.
He flicked her directly on her forehead.
Ugh~
Immediately, Hinata cried out in pain and recoiled.
Neji instructed, "Too much force, no variation. This makes it very easy for people to see through you."
"Remember, use seven parts force, retain three parts. Your punch should go past the body, not directly hit, otherwise, if the opponent dodges, your force will be at its peak when it hits nothing, and any changes or transitions will be stiff, leading to openings."
Hinata seemed to understand, yet not quite: "Yes, Neji-nīchan (Neji, older brother)."
In reality, what Neji was teaching was not Gentle Fist, but rather something akin to Jeet Kune Do.
However, the Gentle Fist in Naruto was more rigid and fierce, showing no softness at all.
Each palm strike aimed at the Chakra Meridians, emphasizing speed, accuracy, and ruthlessness. The softness formed a restraint, creating a binding effect.
Anyway, he truly hadn't seen any 'gentleness' in the Hyuga Clan's Gentle Fist; it was far from what he understood it to be.
Hinata, following Neji's instructions, regrouped, retaining three parts of her strength and only using seven parts.
She made a few changes to her Moves when facing Neji's dodges, but unfortunately, Neji's Gentle Fist changed.
He used her strength against her, like a whirlpool. Hinata only felt her thrown punches follow Neji.
Every part of her body was easily touched by Neji-nīchan (Neji, older brother), with no consideration whatsoever.
"Every time I touch you, it means you've died once, because I can easily kill you with that one touch!"
"Yes, Neji-nīchan (Neji, older brother)."
The training continued, but Hinata's small face was flushed with embarrassment. Neji-nīchan (Neji, older brother) truly didn't care about her, touching her everywhere.