Chapter 204: Hinata's Path to Revenge [Continued] (Patreon)

Chapter List: Naruto: Sakura Blizzard

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In the Hidden Cloud village, the ninja are renowned for their Taijutsu attacks, excelling especially in Kenjutsu and Ninjutsu, with the latter being a highly guarded secret technique not widely practiced. Only those powerful and trusted by the Raikage were granted the method to cultivate Ninjutsu. Since Kenjutsu required no specific entry prerequisites and complemented the village's affinity for Lightning Release, a majority of the Hidden Cloud ninja practiced Kenjutsu.

Kagetsuki was among these practitioners, wielding not a conventional sword but a broad-bladed one. The sweeping strikes of such a sword, particularly when combined with Lightning Release, could unleash formidable power.

Although Kagetsuki's broadsword was not famous, it was of superior quality with a particularly sharp edge. Without the Hyuga clan's Gentle Fist technique, which can project chakra to form a protective layer over the palms, it would have been difficult for Hinata to contend with him.

"Clang..."

Hinata's palm struck the blade of Kagetsuki's sword, producing a crisp sound as if her hand, too, were made of metal.

It must be said that those who had made it this far in the Chunin Exam were no ordinary competitors; their strength far surpassed the average Genin. Kagetsuki, who fought evenly with Hinata, was nominally a Genin but possessed a strength that could outmatch many Chunin. Any typical Genin facing him would likely lose in just a few moves.

"Is this Lightning Release?!"

Confronted with Kagetsuki's slashing broadsword, Hinata instinctively went to block with her hands. However, at that moment, she noticed a flash of lightning across the blade. Through her Byakugan, she could see the dense chakra enveloping the sword had increased significantly, its aura distinctly different from before.

Recalling the Eight Tails - Gyuki's revelation that the Hidden Cloud village ninjas preferred to incorporate Lightning Release into their Kenjutsu, Hinata instantly grasped Kagetsuki's intent.

"Trying to catch me off guard by releasing the Lightning Release chakra upon contact with the blade, paralyzing me to claim victory?!"

A slight smile formed on Hinata's lips, her eyes twinkling like bright stars. She retracted her palm and swiftly spun on the spot. "You underestimate the observational power of the Byakugan, Eight Trigrams Palm—Rotation..."

Chakra erupted from her body's chakra points, forming a massive sphere that repelled Kagetsuki with its rapid spin.

"Is this the Hyuga clan's Gentle Fist secret technique?"

Kagetsuki rose from the ground, dusting himself off. Though taken by surprise and repelled by the Rotation, the robust physique of the Hidden Cloud villagers and Hinata's restraint in not utilizing her full strength meant he was unharmed.

"I had heard elders in our village say that the Byakugan from Konoha's Hyuga clan had a strong suppressive effect against our village. I didn't understand before, but now it's clear—the foremost family of Konoha truly lives up to its reputation..."

The physical robustness of Hidden Cloud villagers was exceptional, capable of withstanding tremendous damage. Like the Third Raikage, they could engage in prolonged battles, even against formidable foes like the Eight Tails - Gyuki. Their resilience was such that even when the Third Raikage was reanimated, he could withstand a direct hit from a Rasenshuriken. While average ninjas of the Hidden Cloud couldn't reach such heights, their physique was still substantially stronger than most.

For the Hidden Cloud, their natural adversaries seemed to be the Sharingan and Byakugan. The Sharingan's dynamic visual prowess could decelerate an opponent's movements, troublesome for the swift Hidden Cloud ninja. As for the Byakugan, with its penetrative sight and chakra-targeting capabilities, the sturdy physical defenses of the Hidden Cloud ninja were of little use, rendering the Byakugan a natural counter—this was why the Fourth Raikage had targeted Hinata before.

Meanwhile, Sasuke's expression darkened at the mention of the Byakugan as Konoha's premier family, feeling the title rightfully belonged to the Uchiha. Uchiha Shisui and Fugaku, disguised as ninja from the Snow village, also struggled to conceal their anger due to their current pretense.

"Is that so?" Hinata nonchalantly smiled, ignoring Kagetsuki's comment. "So far, I've been on the defensive. Now, it's time for the offense!"

With those words, Hinata charged at Kagetsuki. Her Byakugan locked onto the chakra points on his body, her fingertips enshrouded with aggressive chakra, faint sparks of electricity dancing between them.

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

She danced elegantly, each of her strikes aimed with surgical precision at Kagetsuki's chakra points. The fluidity of her motions and the ferocity of her assault created a contradiction that left onlookers mesmerized and terrified in equal measure.

Kagetsuki tried to counter, his sword a blur as he swung it to deflect Hinata's blows. But against the precise and relentless attack of the Hyuga's Gentle Fist, his efforts were in vain.

The watching crowd gasped in awe at the display, realizing they were witnessing a masterful execution of the Gentle Fist technique, which aimed not to maim the body, but to dismantle the chakra network within.

Would Kagetsuki find a way to counter Hinata's relentless assault, or would this be the move that determined the outcome of their battle? Hinata's eyes, unwavering and filled with a sense of duty, seemed to hold the answer. The fate of this duel lay within the dance of her palms and the focus of her legendary eyes—the Byakugan.

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Next Chapter >>Chapter 205: Hinata's Path to Revenge [Continued]