Chapter 9: Past and Present Life
Chapter 9: Past and Present Life
The stars glittered in the night sky like pieces on a celestial chessboard.
Above him, the vast darkness stretched endlessly—or perhaps not. Maybe there was a limit to the sky, but Ryosuke's vision simply wasn't broad enough to perceive it.
He lay in bed, staring through the large skylight overhead.
His face was emotionless, lacking even the faint smile he usually wore, even when he was alone.
The truth was, Ryosuke didn't like smiling. It felt exhausting.
He much preferred maintaining a neutral expression—that was his most natural, comfortable state.
But such a blank face often made him appear cold and distant.
Still, Ryosuke didn't want to come off as unapproachable. He wanted people to like him, to depend on him. That was the only way he could feel like he truly existed in this world.
"We prevented Hyuga Hizashi's death this time, preserving the clan's fighting strength."
"The time following that event isn't well-detailed in the original story. Aside from the Uchiha massacre, not much happens—just minor incidents. The real plot kicks off after Naruto graduates."
As he gazed at the sky, Ryosuke quietly reflected on everything that had happened.
It was a habit he'd carried over from his previous life—reviewing each day before bed, making mental checklists of what he'd done and what still needed to be done.
His past life had been anything but ordinary.
Born an orphan, abandoned at a young age, Ryosuke had learned early that he was already behind in life's race.
While most people had families and support, he had nothing.
So he worked hard—harder than anyone else—finishing his education with top marks.
He didn't spend a single cent, relying instead on scholarships and subsidies.
His ability to adapt helped him survive in society after school. He clawed his way out of hardship, and just when life began to taste sweet…
He died.
And woke up here. In a world completely different from the one he knew.
But Ryosuke never resented what happened.
He had no attachments back then—no wife, no children. He didn't want to leave behind a child who'd live the same kind of abandoned life he had.
That thought alone made his transition into this new world much easier.
He had always been alone. He had always depended on himself.
"Hinata needs to build self-confidence. If she's going to be my wife, she can't just be a pretty face. The ninja world isn't as peaceful as it seems."
"Because of the Cloud incident, I lost valuable time. I haven't even started Gentle Fist training yet. I need to remind Father tomorrow."
"As for the progress bar in my mind… it took me three years to reach 100% the first time. But this time, it's only been a year and I'm nearly there. Looks like I'll complete it before turning six."
He mentally organized his plans, one by one, until everything was accounted for.
Only then did Ryosuke rise from bed and quietly close the skylight.
He had designed this room himself. As the heir to the Hyuga clan, he had the money and manpower to create the home he wanted in this world, where modern entertainment barely existed.
Now, it was time to sleep.
He needed to rest—fully and deeply—to welcome tomorrow with clarity and strength.
---
The morning sun cast soft golden light on the courtyard.
Ryosuke and Hinata had been woken up early by Hyuga Hiashi to begin their Gentle Fist training.
Hiashi seemed different today. Maybe their conversation yesterday had changed something, because he no longer treated Ryosuke like a mere child.
And as for Hinata, she was being trained because she was also a future clan head.
"The Gentle Fist is a secret technique passed down through the generations of the Hyuga clan," Hiashi began.
"It relies on the unique ability granted by our bloodline—our Byakugan—to strike at the body's internal systems."
"You already understand the concept. By injecting chakra into an opponent's body, we damage their chakra pathways, meridians, and even internal organs."
He explained calmly, occasionally demonstrating moves so that they could feel the effects firsthand: chakra sealing acupoints, cutting meridians—this was the Gentle Fist in action.
"Ryosuke, you may begin practicing now. I'll guide you."
"Hinata, your body isn't yet ready for Gentle Fist. Continue your regular training to build up your strength and speed."
"Yes, Father."
Hinata nodded firmly and headed toward the other side of the yard to begin her exercises.
Her response was sharp and confident—something that made Hiashi pause.
He realized something had changed about her.
She didn't flinch. She didn't look away. She faced him directly.
That hadn't happened before.
"She's trying to earn your approval," Ryosuke said softly, sensing Hiashi's confusion.
"She's trying to learn what it means to be a clan head."
"Even if she hasn't reached your expectations yet, I hope you'll encourage her. A little praise can go a long way."
Self-confidence was a powerful force.
It helped people unlock their potential—made them do more with less effort.
That's why Ryosuke had let Hinata misunderstand him yesterday. It was her own bravery that had created that moment. He wanted her to grow from it.
He didn't want her to become a puppet leader who just followed orders. He wanted her to be capable, strong, and proud of her position.
Hiashi turned to look at Ryosuke for a moment, then gave a small nod.
He didn't press further. He didn't ask for details.
"Begin your training, Ryosuke. That Uchiha prodigy already reached Chunin-level strength at eleven. You're younger, yes, but you've been blessed by the ancestors. Don't fall behind."
"I'll do my best," Ryosuke replied with a quiet smile.
And just like always—unless it was necessary to reveal his true strength—he preferred to keep his answers vague and his cards close to his chest.
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