Chapter 17
This was completely beyond the scope of Tianxiong's comprehension!
Might Guy, standing tall with his usual passionate demeanor, spoke with surprising indifference:
"It doesn't matter much—what matters is the result. Tian Yu's current strength has already surpassed that of a typical genin."
"If it weren't for the Third Hokage's current regulation that forbids early graduation from the academy, I would've already brought Tian Yu with me on missions outside the village."
"But sooner or later, that won't matter."
"I've already acknowledged Tian Yu as my official disciple!"
"What?! Surpassing genin level? Lord Guy's personal disciple?!"
Tianxiong was utterly dumbfounded at this revelation.
His mind reeled, completely unable to process the shock.
He'd originally just hoped his son might pass the Ninja Academy exams.
Yet now, not only had Tian Yu already surpassed genin-level combat ability, he'd even caught the eye of the village's foremost taijutsu master—Might Guy!
This was no small feat!
---
Chapter 17: Hinata's Secret Watch
At one of Konoha's remote training grounds...
"957… 958… 959… 997… 998… 999—1000!"
Ding!
[System Notice: Congratulations! Task complete—practice sword swings 1,000 times daily for a full month!]
[Reward Unlocked: Blueprint - Nichirin Blade (Sun Wheel Sword)]
Tian Yu's eyes lit up instantly.
The Sun Wheel Sword...!
This blade originated from the legendary Demon Slayer Corps of another world—Kimetsu no Yaiba. It was a unique weapon, its blade adapting in color to the user's innate attributes, earning it the name "The Blade of Changing Color."
Even though this world had no demons or breathing styles—
If he could forge the Sun Wheel Sword here in the world of shinobi...
It would still be an exceptionally powerful weapon!
"Finally, that's all four forging tasks completed!"
Tian Yu smiled as he browsed through the new additions in his system's inventory.
Now, three brand-new blueprints rested in his collection:
1. Skyfeather Robe (Tian Yuyi)
2. Lightstep Boots (Lingling Boots)
3. Sun Wheel Sword (Nichirin Blade)
---
[Skyfeather Robe - Tian Yuyi]
Difficulty: ★★☆☆☆
Materials Needed: White Feather, Black Feather, Blue Steel Stone, Lunar Iron
Effect: Automatically resizes to fit the host's body, balances temperature, and maintains cleanliness. Self-repairing through chakra infusion.
Not built for defense, this robe was designed for comfort and utility in daily life.
A perfect creation for someone lazy—no need to buy clothes again or do laundry!
---
[Lightstep Boots - Lingling Boots]
Difficulty: ★★☆☆☆
Materials Needed: Hair Crystal, Star Iron, Cold Iron
Effect: Boosts movement speed by 5%.
Just reading that speed buff made Tian Yu's heart race with excitement.
Even a 5% movement increase could be decisive in battle.
---
[Sun Wheel Sword - Nichirin Blade]
Difficulty: ★★★☆☆
Materials Needed: Refined Iron, Crimson Gorilla Iron, Crimson Gorilla Ore, Golden Sandstone... (13 materials total)
Effect: Exceptional sharpness. Compatible with breath-style techniques.**
Tian Yu's eyes widened.
A three-star weapon!
This was the highest-grade weapon blueprint he'd unlocked so far.
Thirteen different materials—most of which were rare or even legendary in forging circles.
Just acquiring them would take time and careful planning.
Compared to the Sun Wheel Sword, the Skyfeather Robe and Lightstep Boots were far easier to craft. Their materials were common, and Tian Yu already had most of them stored in his family's forge.
Only the feathers would require some field collection.
He'd have to head out into the forest surrounding Konoha to gather what he needed.
Tian Yu closed his system interface and sheathed the bamboo training sword in his hand.
Just as he was about to leave the training ground...
He suddenly tensed.
His honed instincts picked up a faint presence in the woods nearby.
Someone's watching me?
Tian Yu narrowed his eyes and called out sharply,
"Who's there?"
"Ah! I-I'm sorry, Tian Yu-kun…"
A soft, stammering voice came from behind a large tree.
From the shadows emerged a petite figure with snow-white eyes.
"Hinata?"
"I—I didn't mean to spy on you training…" Hinata fidgeted nervously, tears welling up in her eyes, clearly afraid that Tian Yu might be angry.
She looked like she was on the verge of crying.
Tian Yu exhaled lightly, lowering his guard.
"It's alright. I just thought it might be an enemy."
Relaxing his stance, he asked with curiosity,
"What brings you here? Don't you have practice at home?"
Seeing that he wasn't mad, Hinata's nervous energy slowly dissipated.
But now that the fear was gone, her usual shyness surged forward.
Her eyes dropped to the ground, her fingers twiddling together.
"I… I…"
She stammered, struggling to form words.
"Don't be nervous. It's just the two of us," Tian Yu said gently. "You can speak slowly."
So gentle… Hinata thought to herself, her heart fluttering.
Finally, mustering a bit of courage, she managed to speak:
"I… I heard that your class has a final battle assessment tomorrow… and your opponent is… my cousin, Neji…"
"So you came because you're worried about me?" Tian Yu asked with a warm smile.
"Mmm…" Hinata mumbled, her voice barely audible, her face flushed.
Her breathing quickened, and she was clearly overwhelmed with embarrassment.
Even though Neji was her cousin, she… she wanted Tian Yu to win!
She'd actually come out here just to give him encouragement,
But now she didn't know what to do.
What if he hates me? Hinata panicked inside.
"Hinata."
Tian Yu's voice called her back to reality.
"Eh… y-yes?"
She blinked in confusion—
And suddenly felt gentle hands lift her chin.
She was stunned.
Right before her eyes was Tian Yu's handsome face—less than a foot away!
Sharp jawline, straight nose, soft lips,
Deep eyes like midnight stars.
He smiled as he said:
"Why are you always looking down? You've got such a beautiful face,
Look—just like this—it's much better when you look at me with confidence."
—
Time seemed to freeze.
Hinata's face instantly turned crimson—as if submerged in boiling water.
Her brain short-circuited.
Then—thud—she fainted.
"Wha—"
Tian Yu caught her quickly, stunned himself.
Was I… too forward?
He'd only wanted to give her some confidence, to help ease her self-doubt…
But he hadn't expected her to pass out!
"…Guess I'll just talk to her again later."
Tian Yu shook his head, then gently picked her up and carried her on his back,
Heading toward the Hyuga compound.
—
At the entrance to the Hyuga Clan estate,
He was promptly intercepted.
Several Hyuga guards quickly surrounded him with sharp eyes.
After all, their clan heiress had been returned unconscious—
And carried on the back of a boy.
Naturally, they were more than a little suspicious of Tian Yu.
He was temporarily detained for questioning within the Hyuga compound.