Chapter 15

Chapter 15: The Unveiling of a Conspiracy

Hyuga Akira?

Who is this guy?

As a dedicated fan of Naruto, Koshino prided himself on remembering every talented character in the storyline. Otherwise, how could he have recognized Fugaku Uchiha at a glance?

So, when even Shikaku and Choza exclaimed in surprise, pointing out that the boy named Hyuga Akira ahead was the pride of the new generation of the Hyuga Clan, 

Koshino couldn't help but scrutinize Hyuga Akira in the arena, thinking to himself, "I don't recall any Hyuga Akira in the original story! Could he be a genius who fell during his growth before he could truly shine?"

With that thought, Koshino felt a chill in his heart and glanced at Fugaku Uchiha, who was smirking coldly, with a peculiar look in his eyes.

Many geniuses only hold value once they mature.

In the world of ninjas, especially during the brutal times of war, it's quite common to nip geniuses in the bud. Moreover, 

with the Uchiha Clan approaching with hostility, Koshino couldn't help but speculate that Fugaku Uchiha's true intention was to use this "spar" to eliminate a genius like Hyuga Akira, preventing the rise of the Hyuga Clan.

Perhaps Koshino's thoughts were a bit dark, but Fugaku Uchiha was definitely someone to be wary of.

Even if Shikaku hadn't spoken up, when Koshino saw Hyuga Akira assume the Gentle Fist stance, preparing to face off against Uchiha Sanen, he began to secretly guard against any underhanded tactics from the Uchiha Clan.

Especially when Hyuga Akira made the first move, launching a Gentle Fist strike at Uchiha Sanen, Koshino couldn't help but think:

"Impressive! Compared to the new generations of the Hyuga and Uchiha Clans, the Nara Clan's new generation is practically useless!"

"Their exchange is what a ninja duel should be, not child's play!"

Koshino wasn't exaggerating; both Hyuga Akira and Uchiha Sanen were quite formidable.

At only eight years old, Hyuga Akira had not only awakened the Byakugan but also mastered the Gentle Fist to a commendable degree, suppressing Uchiha Sanen's offensive in just a few exchanges.

Though Uchiha Sanen seemed at a disadvantage, once he pulled a kunai from his ninja pouch, he transformed, turning the tables on Hyuga Akira.

Indeed, having a weapon in hand is a significant advantage over fighting barehanded.

Watching the duel between Hyuga Akira and Uchiha Sanen, Koshino felt he was accumulating a wealth of combat experience, and seeing Koshino's focused attention, Shikaku nodded approvingly. 

Then, shifting his gaze to Hyuga Akira, Koshino heard Shikaku say slowly, "Your Uncle Choza was right; Akira is the hope of this generation of the Hyuga Clan, though unfortunately born into a branch family. 

As for Uchiha Sanen, he seems to have the upper hand, but he's relying entirely on the sharpness of his kunai to suppress Akira."

"Koshino, the outcome will be decided in at most two more rounds. Watch Akira's movements carefully; he's about to counterattack!"

"Got it!"

Nodding vigorously, at first, Koshino hadn't paid much attention to the duel, but as time went on, just watching their exchange gave him a faint sense of becoming stronger!

Because in a ninja duel, it's not just personal strength that matters; the accumulation of real combat experience is equally crucial.

In the original story, when Uzumaki Naruto first faced off against a ninja, he was so scared he couldn't even muster half his strength. 

In contrast, Uchiha Sasuke, during missions with Naruto, stood out because he had already accumulated some combat experience during his time at the ninja academy, leaving Naruto in the dust.

Back then, it wasn't that Sasuke was too strong; it was simply that Naruto lacked experience, and failing to act was already half the battle lost.

The situation before Koshino was equally tense. Between Hyuga Meiji and Uchiha Sanen, it was a fifty-fifty match. However, Hyuga Meiji's combat experience was more extensive.

His Gentle Fist technique was strategic and calculated, quickly allowing him to grasp Uchiha Sanen's rhythm. Soon, the hidden dagger was revealed!

"Gentle Fist Art! Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms!"

"Boom!"

"Boom!"

"Boom!"

With a loud shout, the essence of the Hyuga Clan's Gentle Fist was vividly displayed. The spectators, including Shikaku and Choza, were in an uproar. 

It was clear that none of them had expected Hyuga Meiji, at only eight years old, to have mastered the essence of the Gentle Fist technique, even being able to perform the Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms.

However, with the keen eyes of a Jonin, Shikaku, Choza, and others were only slightly surprised before letting out a deep sigh.

Because Hyuga Meiji's Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms was, at best, a superficial grasp. It wasn't just about the ferocity of the attack; even the fluidity of the moves had some issues.

Nonetheless, in a sparring match among juniors, being able to use the Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms meant Hyuga Meiji had already secured victory.

In the next moment, Uchiha Sanen, who had previously been able to suppress Hyuga Meiji, found himself completely unable to counterattack under the barrage of the Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms, retreating step by step, seemingly on the verge of defeat.

But just as Uchiha Sanen was about to lose, Koshino, who had been closely watching Fugaku Uchiha, suddenly had a glint of realization in his eyes! "Not good!"

In the original text, it was clear that Fugaku Uchiha had planned ahead. Before sending Uchiha Sanen and Uchiha Younen to challenge, he had them wear armor lined with barbs!

Thus, Hyuga Meiji had only managed to execute ten palms of the Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms before his fingers were stained with blood, nearly crippling his hands!

Even more despicably, taking advantage of Hyuga Meiji's injured hands, Uchiha Sanen's eyes flashed with malice, and he reversed his grip on a kunai, aiming directly for Hyuga Meiji's abdomen!

Uchiha Sanen's intention was clear; he was determined to cripple Hyuga Meiji!

Moreover, Fugaku Uchiha's scheme was well-calculated, making it seem as though Uchiha Sanen was about to lose, only to counterattack at the crucial moment. 

So, when Uchiha Sanen's kunai was about to strike Hyuga Meiji, not even Hizashi, let alone Shikaku and Choza, could stop Uchiha Sanen's assault!

But just as Fugaku Uchiha was basking in his success, and Uchiha Sanen was about to cripple Hyuga Meiji, there was a sudden "boom!"

In Uchiha Sanen's astonished gaze, he suddenly found that no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't bring the kunai down!

Hizashi, seeing this, was overjoyed!

Catching a glimpse of the Shadow under Uchiha Sanen's feet changing, Hizashi smirked coldly, leaping to the center between Hyuga Meiji and Uchiha Sanen, forcefully grabbing Uchiha Sanen's wrist holding the kunai, and angrily shouted, "Brother Fugaku, what is the meaning of this? It's just a spar, are you trying to cripple Meiji?"

"Cripple Meiji? I had no such intention."

"But Shikaku, what do you mean? It's just a spar between two juniors, and you suddenly intervene—"

"Wait! It's not Shikaku, who are you?"

Seeing the change in the Shadow under Uchiha Sanen's feet, most people initially thought it was Shikaku who intervened, even Fugaku Uchiha was no exception.

But when they looked over, Shikaku had a cold smile on his face, and he hadn't even formed a single hand sign!