Hizashi Hyūga's body jolted slightly, and a sudden wave of emotion welled up inside him.
The belief that ninja were tools was widespread throughout the ninja world.
Even his own father had only ever said: Your life belongs to the Hyūga Clan—it is your duty to serve it loyally.
Yet from Hyūga Satori, he received care and warmth. For the first time in his life, he felt the comfort of family.
It was also the first time someone had told him to put his own safety first, placing him above everything else.
"It's fine," Hizashi Hyūga said joyfully. "I'd brave fire and water for the organization and the Hyūga Clan. Even if I'm discovered, I'll deal with it immediately."
Satori wasn't exactly sure why he was so excited—like someone who'd just been given a shot of rooster's blood (a common expression for sudden energy).
Still, having a motivated subordinate wasn't a bad thing.
He offered a few comforting words, then turned his gaze to Hizashi's limp arm. Gently taking hold of it, he said, "Your arm's injured. Luckily, I know a bit of Medical Ninjutsu—I'll help you heal."
"You know Medical Ninjutsu too?" Hizashi asked in surprise.
Medical Ninjutsu wasn't something just anyone could learn—it was far more difficult than standard jutsu and required exceptionally precise chakra control.
Even among the Hyūga Clan, there weren't many ninja skilled in Medical Ninjutsu.
"A little. Healing muscle tears and injuries like yours should be no problem at all."
Back when he was in Orochimaru's laboratory, Satori had often treated test subjects.
Initially, he hadn't been very skilled, but after years of practice, he eventually mastered it.
Plus, as a member of the Hyūga Clan, he possessed the Byakugan, which granted vision comparable to a CT scan—a tremendous advantage when healing.
Lifting his palm, Satori gathered green chakra in his hand and gently spread it across Hizashi's arm.
A cool sensation spread through Hizashi's limb, restoring some sensation and easing the pain.
With just this one act, Hizashi knew without a doubt—he was no match for Hyūga Satori.
At this moment, he finally felt genuine admiration and respect for him.
After seeing Hizashi off, Satori turned around and looked toward Chonghuo Hyūga. "Chonghuo Hyūga, don't hold back either. Come here—I'll heal you too."
Chonghuo smiled awkwardly and pulled his reddened hands out from behind his back.
Seeing this, the other Branch House kids couldn't help but laugh.
"Oh man, that's priceless! Chonghuo brother was trying so hard to look cool and kept his hands behind him the whole time they were shaking!"
"Hahaha, no wonder he didn't say a word the whole time."
"Gotta admit, Hizashi really lives up to being more talented than Hiashi. His strength is legit."
...
Hizashi was, after all, someone who had personally learned some of the Main House's core techniques from his older brother—he was much stronger than average Main House members.
For Chonghuo Hyūga to manage to defeat someone like him was already quite impressive.
In truth, it mostly came down to the [New Gentle Fist].
This new fighting style had been developed by Satori Hyūga based on the original [Gentle Fist].
Therefore, in certain ways, the [New Gentle Fist] was specifically designed to counter the traditional [Gentle Fist].
After all, Satori had based his new technique directly on the [Gentle Fist] itself.
The attacking techniques, punching angles, and power application methods of the [Gentle Fist] were all effectively countered by the [New Gentle Fist].
Moreover, Chonghuo Hyūga had also trained under Might Guy in the [Iron Fist Taijutsu], significantly enhancing his physical prowess.
In a direct fight, Chonghuo—who combined enhanced physical defense and offense—was more likely to come out on top.
Satori Hyūga did the same, using [Medical Ninjutsu] to heal Chonghuo's swollen arm.
Chonghuo shook his arm and said happily, "Lord Satori, your medical techniques are just amazing! You healed my arm so quickly."
He realized that Satori's Medical Ninjutsu was far superior to that of other medics, with much better healing effects.
Satori smiled slightly and withdrew his healing hands.
His medical techniques had been refined through countless trials.
His technique went beyond simply using chakra-stimulated cell regeneration to promote wound recovery—he'd also incorporated pressure point stimulation massage techniques.
For common external injuries, they could be almost completely healed.
Compared to the [Mystical Palm Technique], it was somewhat inferior, but it had the advantages of being easier to train and consuming less chakra.
"Lord Satori, how strong are you exactly now?" Chonghuo asked curiously.
Earlier when he stood up to support Satori's honor and status, he hadn't actually known Satori's true strength.
Satori always trained alone, keeping things mysterious, which only increased their curiosity.
Taking this opportunity, Chonghuo finally voiced what everyone wanted to ask.
Seeing the curious expressions on Chonghuo and the other Branch House kids' faces, Satori hesitated for a moment before waving his hand.
"If you're all so eager to know, then why not try for yourselves?"
Rather than letting them speculate endlessly, it would be better to let them experience it firsthand.
He could also demonstrate his strength to earn even deeper respect from them.
"Really?!"
Upon hearing this, the group erupted in excitement.
"Of course it's real. All of you can come at me together." Satori said with a faint smile, yet his words exuded quiet authority.
They hesitated, exchanging glances as they looked at him skeptically.
Truth be told, they knew Satori was strong, but they still doubted whether he could truly take on eight opponents at once.
Seeing their hesitation, Satori let out a booming laugh.
"If you're not going to attack, then I'll start instead."
He took one step forward, his aura surging like a ferocious tiger stirring from slumber, ready to strike.
Standing closest to him, Chonghuo felt it most intensely.
His hair stood on end, his entire body froze in place, overwhelmed by an invisible pressure.
With a thunderous impact, Chonghuo was sent flying backward, crashing onto the ground.
Without hesitation, Satori pushed off the ground with explosive force, launching himself toward two others nearby.
With a swift rising kick, fast as lightning, he sent both opponents flying in a blink of an eye.
His movements flowed seamlessly, fluid and precise, not a single motion wasted.
Seeing this, the rest were greatly alarmed.
"Team up and attack together!"
One of the Branch House youths shouted. At his rallying cry and raised arm, the others charged forward as one.
They leapt into position around Satori Hyūga, encircling him and cutting off all escape routes.
Meanwhile, another stood watch nearby, eyes fixed on him like a tiger poised to strike, ready to intervene at any moment.
With enemies surrounding him, no matter which way Satori turned, he would face attacks from other directions.
But in the next instant, Satori's body dissolved into a puff of white smoke and vanished.
"Bad! It's the Clone Jutsu!"
It was one of the most basic Ninjutsu techniques taught at the academy—the Three Body Techniques.
Though it didn't have the flashiness or raw power of other techniques, it was still quite effective for deceiving enemies and baiting out their ultimate moves.
But with clever use of the Three Body Techniques, even a weaker ninja could outwit a stronger foe.
With a sudden *pop*, Satori reappeared behind one of them. Twisting his waist, he coiled his arms like springs before unleashing a punch like a roaring dragon.
Two of the Branch House youths were sent flying instantly.
The remaining three hesitated for only a moment before rushing Satori.
But as their fists connected, another puff of smoke erupted.
"Damn! Another clone!"
As the group tensed and glanced over their shoulders,
three silent bursts of energy slipped through the smoke, striking the vital pressure points on the three boys.
<><><><><><><><>
Thank you for reading! Your support will keep me updating!
~ Every 50 Powerstones = **4 Bonus Chapters** this weekend!
<><><><><><><><>
~ 100+ Advanced Chapters Available on Patreon!
~ More *Free* Chapters and Books Available on Patreon!
patreon.com/Tansnovel
<><><><><><><><>