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Hiashi had read the proposal several times over. Even as the head of the Hyūga clan, he couldn't help but be impressed.
He glanced again at the boy before him.
How does a seven-year-old write something this thorough?
"This business plan... You came up with it after studying Konoha's dining industry for a year?"
Neji gave a calm nod. He wasn't about to expose himself by overexplaining. Of course, Hiashi had been monitoring him. If he hadn't noticed, that would've been the strange part.
And as for appearing too mature? Well, Itachi had already set that bar absurdly high. If anyone raised suspicion, they could go interrogate him first.
"So, Clan Head," Neji said evenly, "what's your decision?"
He wasn't in a rush. He had no intention of running the business alone. The Hyūga clan was a powerful backing why not use it?
Hiashi's guilt over the past made him a useful ally. His rebellion two years ago blinding himself had been calculated, after all.
Hiashi finally sighed and set the scroll down.
"...Neji, I'll approve this. But if the clan invests, your share will be small."
That was fine. Neji knew the deal he'd be a silent partner. The power play was more important than profit.
"I'll leave the rest to you, Clan Head."
Hiashi gave a small nod. "Don't worry. I won't let you be shortchanged. This proposal will silence any doubters."
'With a child like this, how could the Hyūga clan not flourish...' Hiashi thought. 'If only he still had those eyes...' [ ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) ]
"Then I'll take my leave," Neji said, standing.
"Not so fast." Hiashi smiled faintly and motioned toward the door. "You too, Hinata."
A small figure entered the room, cheeks flushed pink. She knelt quietly beside Neji.
"Father," she murmured.
Hiashi nodded and looked back at Neji.
"Hinata is enrolled at the Academy now. I'd like you to personally guide her."
"Of course."
Neji didn't hesitate. Hinata was adorable, and more importantly, no one else was allowed to bully her except him.
He'd toughen her up himself. That way, when she finally fought others, she'd knock them down without mercy.
All part of the plan.
Hiashi continued, "You're progressing well despite the lack of Byakugan. Your Gentle Fist development is delayed, but if you still wish to pursue it... I will teach you."
Neji bowed. "Thank you, Clan Head. I have no intention of abandoning the Gentle Fist. I'm still a Hyūga."
'Of course, I'll learn it' Neji thought. 'My Byakugan is back not that anyone knows.'
Plus, the Gentle Fist's chakra targeting was a perfect pairing with his Armament Haki. With it, he could floor any Academy student in one hit.
And it helped him keep up his "blind monk" persona.
Hiashi was clearly satisfied. "You can begin Hinata's training today. I'll evaluate your progress later."
He turned to Hinata. "Your training will be supervised by Neji. I expect regular improvement."
"...Yes, Father."
With that, Hiashi left the room, Neji's proposal in hand. Time to convene with the clan elders and formalize the plan.
The dojo was quiet again. Only Neji and Hinata remained.
She looked up, gaze lingering on the thick blindfold that covered his eyes.
She felt guilty.
Deep down, Hinata believed she was the reason Neji had blinded himself.
"...Please take care of me, Neji-nii," she whispered.
Neji gave her a soft smile, gently patting her head.
She was far too considerate. Hiashi's upbringing had made her carry a weight no child should bear. Neji had seen this before children so kind and responsible, they collapsed under their own expectations.
Some became distant. Others are socially anxious. Some just broke.
"Relax, Hinata," he said warmly.
Her cheeks turned red. She nodded shyly, relishing the gentle pat on her head. Neji-nii is still Neji-nii.
But the affection faded. Neji straightened, his tone sharpening.
"...Time to train. And don't expect me to go easy on you."
"Yes, Neji-nii!"
There was a surprising resolve in her voice that made Neji nod in approval.
They both assumed the Gentle Fist stance.
Neji activated his Mind Net. In an instant, Hinata's chakra flow and micro-movements were laid bare before him nothing hidden.
He raised his hand. "Come at me. Show me how far you've come."
Hinata let out a small cry and darted forward, fists aimed at his chest.
Neji sighed.
Too direct.
He parried her easily, twisted with precision, and tapped her forehead with a single flick.
"Ah—!"
She stumbled back, clutching her head.
"You overextended. Too rigid. Easy to read."
He folded his arms. "Seven parts force, three parts control. Hit through the body, not at it. A fully committed strike is easy to dodge and leaves you wide open."
"Y-Yes, Neji-nii..."
What he was teaching wasn't just the Gentle Fist it was closer to Jeet Kune Do in philosophy. But in the Naruto world, the Gentle Fist was practically a fusion of pressure-point striking and rapid-flow combat. It emphasized speed, precision, and fluidity, not actual gentleness.
Honestly, Neji had never found the "gentle" part very convincing.
Still, Hinata regrouped. She adjusted her form, reduced her force output, and attacked again, flowing and responsive.
Better.
But still not enough.
Neji danced through her strikes, redirecting them effortlessly. Each time she faltered, he tagged a vital point.
"I struck here... you're dead."
"Here... also dead."
"Here? Still dead."
Hinata blushed furiously. Neji wasn't holding back and he wasn't exactly being gentle about where he struck.
But she kept going.
Because if Neji-nii believed in her, she'd keep fighting even if her face was burning with embarrassment.
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[Support with 100 PowerStones = 1 Bonus Chapter]