In the Hyuga Clan estate, Hinata sat cross-legged on a cushion.
Little Hanabi was currently wearing loose training clothes, her eyes closed. Her small face was slightly flushed from nervousness and anticipation as she sat upright, trying her best to imitate her sister's posture.
Just a moment ago, Hinata had asked Hanabi if she wanted to become as strong as her sister. Hanabi's eyes had immediately lit up—she could become as strong as her sister!
Hinata placed a Talisman on Hanabi's smooth forehead, where it gradually faded and then vanished.
Hinata watched Hanabi's reaction closely, her perception enveloping her sister's entire body just in case.
Time passed bit by bit.
The power of the Spirit-Cleansing Induction Talisman attempted to guide the potential Spiritual Root traits within Hanabi.
However, aside from the slight ripples of the Hyuga Clan's naturally pure Chakra, which leaned toward yin-softness and insight, the Talisman did not trigger any signs of "Spiritual Root" traits, and the energy eventually dissipated slowly.
Hinata was not surprised to see this. In the world of cultivation, people with Spiritual Roots were one in ten thousand, let alone here.
That she herself possessed a Spiritual Root was mostly thanks to the System.
"Alright, it's over." Hinata said to Hanabi gently.
She carefully opened one eye, then the other, looking timidly at her sister.
"Sister... how was it? Is... is Hanabi very stupid?" Although she did not quite understand what was being tested, she could feel that nothing special seemed to have happened just now.
Hinata looked at her sister's somewhat anxious gaze, shook her head gently, and patted Hanabi's head.
"No, Hanabi is very smart. It's not you who is wrong, but this world."
"Eh?"
Hanabi did not understand what her sister meant, and the System's voice also sounded.
[Detection result: No Spiritual Root Aptitude.]
The System's prompt sounded at the right time, carrying a hint of an "I told you so" hindsight tone.
[host, how about we consider Chakra Sage Arts? Or focus on developing the Byakugan? The return on investment might be higher!]
Hinata ignored the System's nagging.
She looked at Hanabi, who, despite being a little disappointed, quickly cheered up, and a decision was already made in her heart.
With a flicker of her thoughts, she pulled up the detailed description of Artificial Spiritual Roots in the System shop and began to carefully examine the Fusion process, potential risks, and subsequent cultivation plans.
Only by cultivating immortality could one become stronger and achieve longevity. If Hanabi were to die of old age, and everyone she knew were gone, what would be the point of walking alone in this world?
However, just as she was preparing to further refine the details of the plan, a soft but rhythmic knocking sound came from outside the quiet room, followed by a maid's respectful report.
"Lady Hinata, an Anbu Ninja sent by the Hokage wishes to see you, saying there is urgent intelligence."
Hinata's eyes flickered slightly. At this time, the Third Hokage sent someone to find her?
"Take him to the side hall to wait." She instructed calmly, then looked down and said softly to Hanabi.
"Hanabi, sister has some things to handle. Let Xiaobai play with you for a while, okay?"
"Mm!" Hanabi nodded obediently. Although she was a bit reluctant to see her sister leave, she sat down sensibly.
Hinata stood up, straightened her clothes, handed the sleeping Xiaobai to Hanabi, and then walked out.
Inside the side hall, an Anbu wearing a fox mask stood with his hands down. Seeing Hinata enter, he bowed slightly and reported in a steady, clear voice.
"Lady Hyuga Hinata, by order of the Third Hokage, I am to convey intelligence. We have discovered the location of the Rogue Ninja Uchiha Sasuke. The Third Hokage hopes you will be informed and may exercise your own judgment based on the situation."
There was no ripple in Hinata's pure white eyes, and she only nodded slightly.
"I understand."
The Anbu bowed again and then leaped away from the roof.
"Tsk, how rude. Stepping on someone else's roof and not using the front door. Really..."
Hinata was a bit speechless. She had thought it would take a while, but it was over in two sentences.
Almost at the same time she was thinking, the Xiaobai in Hanabi's hands suddenly raised its head slightly and blinked its eyes.
Immediately after, a piece of information was transmitted directly into Hinata's consciousness.
(Jiraiya and Tsunade have invaded the core of the base, and Kimimaro is fighting them. Hmm... it's a bit troublesome. Do you want to come and watch the fun?)
Hinata raised her eyebrows. Intelligence from three parties had gathered almost simultaneously.
Hanabi's lack of Aptitude, Sasuke's location, and Orochimaru being "visited" by two of the Sannin.
It was truly lively outside now; everyone was busy.
Busy, everyone is busy. It's good to be busy.
Hinata's gaze seemed to pierce through the walls of the Hyuga Clan estate.
It seemed she needed to go out.
But before leaving...
She walked back into the room, where Hanabi was still staring at the newly awakened Xiaobai.
"Hanabi." Hinata called softly.
Hanabi immediately stopped and looked up at her sister, her large eyes filled with trust.
Hinata walked over to her and crouched down, exchanging an item from the System shop—it was the Innate Dao Essence.
She felt the energy cluster in her palm, and after confirming it was harmless, she spoke.
"Sister has to leave the Village. Before I return, this will stay with you. It will be like the gentlest sunlight and dew, helping to nourish your body and spirit. The process might make you feel a bit sleepy; don't resist, just let it happen naturally."
Hanabi looked at the beautiful and magical halo of light. Although she didn't understand what it was, as long as it was given by her sister, she trusted and liked it unconditionally.
"Mm! Hanabi will be good! Sister must come back early!" She nodded vigorously.
Hinata said no more and gently pushed the Innate Dao Essence halo toward Hanabi.
The halo seemed to have a life of its own, gently wrapping around Hanabi completely, and then slowly permeating into her body.
Hanabi only felt an incomparably warm and comfortable sensation—as if returning to the primordial state of life—surge through her entire body. Her eyelids involuntarily grew heavy, her little head bobbed, and soon she fell into a deep sleep within this warm embrace.
Hinata carefully perceived Hanabi's state, confirming that this energy was nourishing every inch of her flesh, bones, and even her Soul in the most gentle and effective way, without any discomfort or risk. Only then did she feel slightly relieved.
Finally, she carried Hanabi to the bed and tucked her in.
[Relax, host. Products from the System are top quality. You can rest assured. But since it's already confirmed she has no cultivation Aptitude, why use this? Wouldn't it be easier to just implant a Spiritual Root?]
"It's fine, as long as it helps her. I'm busy now, so let her use it for now, and I'll study it when I get back."
Hinata took one last look at her sister, who was sleeping peacefully, as if wrapped in the world's most beautiful blessings, and then gently closed the door to the quiet room.
Then, she summoned a Clone to protect Hanabi.
After doing all this, Hinata finally felt at ease.
[System: Tsk, sister complex.]
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