Ok, before anything, let me say this…Jiraiya is awesome! I find him fully hilarious and at the same time, he's quite a good teacher as well. I know I've done similar things when teaching more complicated martial arts moves.
Next…I'm very sorry for taking so long to update! One thing lead to another with work and moving and before I knew it the month had changed itself on me! I'll try to make it up to everyone soon.
Well lemme see what I've got in the 'ole review box before I start in on my normal information…
Well, first and foremost, happy belated birthday Kagehusha! I meant to update earlier, but the real life thing popped up.
I suppose Hinata and Naruto will get dirty eventually…but probably not in the room. I suppose there might be a few dust-bunnies or something but no actual dirt in the room itself. You'll have to wait for a mission or something for that.
As for the jutsu I'm making…I'm not telling on this one. Normally I'd drop hints…well…I suppose I could drop a few hints. It involves the main area of concern of Inari…with the addition of his normal companions. Oh yes…much hilarity shall ensue…Mwahahahahah!
The "evil man-eating octopi" was a passed down story, but not a myth per say. I like saying it and I grabbed it from the second Ranma ½ movie. I love Ranma jokes.
Just out of curiousity, I did ask a friend of mine who is constantly being heckled by her family to be a more "proper Japanese lady" the definition if –hime. Princess isn't a bad definition. It's not entirely correct, but it's not bad. It's a blanket title for all young ladies who would be in a position of noble status. It fits I suppose. I just have a clear cut idea of a Princess…and the orient really doesn't have something that fits that picture. I'll describe the differences later I suppose. Anyway, I'm very sorry about that. I did make a mistake and for that I will apologize.
It would seem my last rant did its job and got people thinking. Still…I must apologize because it was more of a full blown rant colored by personal opinion and not my typical information that allows you to make you own choice. Even if you did like the information given, I am sorry for giving such a long rant before the story.
In apology, this time the information section will be some good information about a very popular area of Oriental mythology, dragons.
DRAGONS
Like many things, it's hard to tell where the legends of dragons started. However, I'm willing to bet it started as Chinese considering that they have the oldest civilization in the orient. Still, that doesn't mean legends don't differ. So we shall split the dragons into 3 distinct categories…Chinese, Japanese and Korean.
The Oriental dragon is a marvel of beauty. Sinuous, wise, benevolent and powerful, the dragon was the symbol of China for decades. The dragon was linked as a messenger from the mortal realm to the gods. Even in this day and age, the Chinese are strict about the portrayal of dragons even if the country now officially uses the panda as a national symbol instead of the dragon.
Chinese dragons have four toes on each foot and the Imperial dragon has five toes on each foot. The legend in China is that the further the dragon travels from the mainland, the less powerful it will get until eventually it loses its feet altogether. The dragon is known to fight the tiger when the two meet. This is because they are polar opposites of each other. Where a dragon is wise, the tiger is reactionary. When the dragon is cautious, the tiger is foolhardy. The fighting between the two is rumored to cause massive destruction as the two opposites vie for dominance.
The Japanese dragon has three toes and of course they say that dragons originate in Japan. The stories here say that the further a dragon travels from Japan the more toes it gets until finally it has so many toes it cannot walk.
The Koreans do not claim that the dragons originate there. Considering that they are the youngest of the far eastern counties I can respect that position. From my research however, the Koreans have a picture of a seven toed dragon hidden by rafters where they met with Chinese delegates. This was to assume some superiority over the Chinese, but the picture is hidden so as not to insult them.
Of course there are many types of dragons, however most of the oriental dragons deal with water. To my count there are Karp dragons, River dragons, Ocean dragons, Guardian dragons and Messenger dragons…but I'm sure there are more.
Is it a lot of info? No, not really. However more information would require me to go into quite a few legends. The one I wholeheartedly suggest people to look up is an old story called "The Journey West" which also references the Monkey King and a few other legends.
Of course there are also legendary dragon-like things, Orochi being one of them. The Orochi has been in quite a few games as well, including but not limited to Dragon Warrior and Final Fantasy. According to the legends, the Orochi had eight heads at least it did before the god Susanoo killed the beast after being kicked out of heaven. The actual story goes something like this…
After playing a very un-thought-out prank on his sister, Amaterasu, the god Susanoo was kicked out of the heavens and was forced to walk the earth. During this time the god came across an old couple in Isumo province who told the god that their daughter was to be sacrificed to the Orochi. After seeing their daughter, Susanoo fell deeply in love and offered to kill the Orochi in exchange for their daughters hand in marriage. The old couple accepted immediately.
To defeat the Orochi, Susanoo set out eight barrels of sake which the Orochi drank and then fell asleep. While sleeping, Susanoo cut off the heads of the Orochi. Hey, Susanoo is a pragmatic god and prefers not to get all bloody ok? Anyway, while killing the beast, Susanoo found a blade known as Ame-no-Murakomo which was later named Kusanagi. Another name of the blade is Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi or "Grass-cutting sword".
And now you know….and knowing is half the battle! The other half is violence.
Q-Bert: #()!
See you at the end of the story!
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The Hyuuga Way
Calm before…
Chapter 12
Ramen…why did her bed smell of ramen? No, there was a little more, ramen and sweat. There was that part of her that wanted to stay in bed as long as possible. That part had certainly been insistent the last few days …
One of Hinata's eyes peeks open to look around. Nope, this was definitely not her bed. This wasn't even her room. While her room was sparse, her own room was much more old fashioned. A simple, thin mattress on the floor and a place to lay her head was all she needed to sleep. Right now, she was in a bed. It wasn't that beds were bad, in fact, she enjoyed the feel of the bed…she just preferred something more simple for a daily basis.
Now to find out how long she had been resting. From the sounds from the couch, she had evidently been resting long enough for Naruto to fall asleep. As she turns to the window, just the hint of color peeking over the village was enough to warn Hinata of the time. Definitely time to go.
It would seem that Naruto had been a gentleman and only tucked her in…bad thoughts! The mind can wander to other options of what could have been later. Off the bed, Hinata turns and with small, efficient movements makes the sheets. Wait a moment, Naruto needed to go to the talks today…hmm…he'd have about two hours if he woke up now…
To most, the decision would be easy, however Hinata had to balance the fact that Naruto needed to be awake with the fact that she was alone with Naruto in Naruto's room. If anything unforeseen happened, she may very well be laying back in the bed recovering. Right now, however, was typically then she had the most chakra available and thus could resist the Naruto-influence much better.
Finally, Hinata takes a deep breath and walks toward the couch, "Umm…Naruto-kun…you might want to get up now."
From the couch, Naruto's voice replies, "But I don't want to practice the Bunshin again, I want to test out Explosive tags. I'll be good."
Hinata shakes her head. Naruto, explosive tags and good didn't really seem like they belong together in the same sentence to her. Anyway, best to wake up Naruto before he could actually worry her, "Naruto-kun, you wouldn't want to be late would you?"
Naruto rolls over in his sleep, "But if I leave now, I'll be waiting on Kakashi-sensei for hours…"
Hinata sighs. Well, at least she didn't have to worry if Naruto was well rested. Well, there was one trick she could try. If it didn't work, then she'd have to resort to the time honored Hyuuga method of dousing the sleeper with cold water. "Naruto-kun…your ramen is ready."
Immediately, Naruto shoots into a sitting position, "Ramen?" He frowns slightly as his mind clears, "Wait a moment, I don't smell any ramen." He blinks and looks at the window, "Aw crap…it's morning already. Guess I forgot to set my alarm."
Hinata gives a small breath of relief. At least Naruto was up now, that solved one problem. "I am sorry Naruto-kun…If I hadn't…"
Naruto shakes his head as he gets up, "Nah, its ok. Neji-san said you probably needed the rest."
Neji? Neji knew she was here and hadn't…great…she'd definitely hear about this when she returned home. Best to be heading home anyway, before most of the house was up. "Thank you Naruto-kun. I…I should be heading home now. I would not wish to miss morning practice."
"Yeah, training is always good." Naruto nods firmly. Training was something that he still took very seriously. "If I have time, I'll come over and see how everything is going ok?"
Hinata smiles as she returns the nod, "Y…Yes, I would like that…see you later Naruto-kun." With that Hinata disappears out the door and heads home.
Naruto waits a few moments and then shakes his head, now intent on getting ready, "Ok, one thing at a time. Mission first, then the confusing stuff." He frowns as he tosses the new shinobi outfit on the bed, "Who am I kidding? The talks are probably going to confuse me too."
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Certain benefits are not readily attributed to being the caretaker of the household. One of those benefits would be knowledge of the building layout and the habits of each member that would be around at any given time. Still, Hinata definitely did not wish to be noticed. As far as she knew only Neji would actually know where she had been all night. Otherwise, everyone would probably be told that she had gone to sleep early. That could be a good or a bad thing all things considered. Anyway…now it was time for something she hadn't needed to do in a long time…she would break into her own house, which is quite different than her typical hobby of escaping the house.
Silently, she hops onto the south wall. The trees on that side would help her keep cover. Also, at this time, the guard was typically on the other side of the lawn and would be turning…yep, right on schedule…she could follow him for a bit just inside the Byakugan weak spot.
She drops down to the lawn without a sound, her presence dropping at the thought that if she was caught, she would not hear the end of it from her father. Typically, such talks were to be avoided. She disliked the "I'm disappointed in you" talks.
The Branch Member stops for a moment, looking about for a few seconds before continuing onward. Once the guard continues, Hinata allows herself to breath again. That was close, no more letting the mind wander.
Carefully, Hinata trails the Branch member to the edge of the house and then slips within the house when the opportunity arises. Typically, the nights were warm during this time of the year and a few doors would be left open to keep the house cool. This was a definite advantage for her as it means that when she slips into the house, there is no sound of the door opening and closing.
In silence, Hinata activates her Byakugan. Hmm…the guards seemed to be running a little slow tonight inside. That meant, she needed to stray from her planned course, instead of heading down the side hallway, she moves down the main hallway, quietly placing her sandals at the storage area by front door with the rest of the Main branch's footwear and then slides through the greeting room to get to the hallway with her room. Through the next rice paper wall, Hinata sees the outline of somebody heading for her room…Neji more than likely. Perhaps she could…yes, that could work. Quickly, she moves down the hallway to her room and slips inside. She had about 20 seconds now…"Henge." she states, willing herself into an illusionary form. No doubt Neji would try to surprise her, thinking that she would be desperate to make things appear normal.
Outside Neji smirks. It looked like Hinata had made it home after all. He doubted she had been home long at all. If his hunch was right, he had caught the smallest bit of her charka signature about 30 seconds ago…so it should be ok to…Neji reaches out for the door only the realize that Hinata was now headed for the door? What? Had he made a mistake?
Hinata opens the door of her room, now clad in only a loose fitting kimono to travel to the family baths. On the other side, she finds Neji standing outside her door almost ready to open it, "Neji-kun…it is quite early. I did not think you would be up just yet."
Neji nods, "Nor did I think you would be up yet…tradition says that Naruto should be sleeping in your room, not the other way around." He wouldn't let his plan fail now.
Hinata gives a deep blush, at least he wouldn't be able to tease her with that information more than once, "Yes…but it is not proper for the guardian of the heir to be opening the door this early in the morning…one might get the wrong impression…"
Neji blinks. Crap! He'd been outdone there…ah well…he would have the last laugh…oh yes. He would definitely have the last laugh, he would not lose once more. "Indeed…I shall be off to practice now." Neji turns, heading down the hall toward the practice area, "Hinata-sama…you may wish to tighten your kimono a bit more...your charka reserves are showing more than proper."
Hinata blinks a moment. What? What did he mean? She steps back into her room to actually change into her bathing kimono. Curious, she looks down at the henge she had created. Indeed, she had thought about making it so that she had loosely tied but she had not thought about how loose or what it would show. The neckline of the kimono was far too low to be proper and showed the contour of her…"Chakra reserves?" She thought a few moments. Where had she heard that before? Wait a second! Hadn't Neji said something about that after talking with Naruto? Hadn't Naruto commented on her chakra reserves? If it all tied together then Naruto had complemented her on…
Thud.
Outside the room, Neji grins. Vengeance was indeed sweet.
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Tsunade was not happy. Naruto was cutting this far too close. Had he finally picked up the habit of being late from Kakashi? No, that really wasn't Naruto's way. Naruto was as reliable as the Hyuuga in some ways. More reliable in other ways. Still, she would have to thank Hiashi for the sake…he had not been overstating the taste of the fine rice wine, although it was certainly not a brand that could be gotten anywhere. She would have to ask about it when she got the chance.
Quickly, Tsunade checks the time. Gaara and his sister would be showing up soon. Damn Naruto and his pranks. If he didn't show up, she'd make sure he felt sorry one way or another.
The door opens before her and a shinobi wearing a very plain, deep blue ninja suit motions for Gaara and Temari to enter first. Tsunade frowns, everyone knew better than to wear a mask and hood inside the Hokage tower. One or the other was acceptable, but the two together made it near impossible to distingish the person beneath.
The shinobi reaches up to pull down the hood while at the same time, removing the mask. Heh, now that was funny. Tsunade hadn't suspected a thing. The old lady was getting rusty, "Hokage-sama…the delegates of the sand are here."
Tsunade glowers for a moment. Naruto certainly wanted to push his luck today didn't he? Still…the outfit he had right now did make him look respectable. In fact, he looked more like a ninja now than she had ever suspected that he might look. Tsunade bows and then motions to the side door, "Delegates of the Village of Sand, please follow me that we might talk a bit."
Gaara nods and returns the bow, "Indeed, there is much to speak of. The information you have supplied to us raises many questions, though we shall do our best to assist you in any way."
Internally, Naruto winces. This was definitely going to be a long day.
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At the Hyuuga Manor, Hinata slowly makes her way toward the meditation room. The finances at this point were quite easy to ensure, although she was sure something would come up later, it always did. As Hinata steps softly down the hallway, one of the branch members bows lowly, "Hinata-sama…has Hanabi-sama passed all the preparations by you yet? It would seem the party will be awfully expensive…"
Hinata returns the bow with a small bow of her own, something that was never overlooked by the branch members who tended to receive only a nod from other main family members, "No she has not…I will need the list of expenses in two days if I am to make adequate preparations."
The branch member bows, "Very well Hinata-sama. I shall ensure you get a full list." With that, the branch member heads off to continue the days chores. Hinata gives an internal sigh. That didn't bode well if the branch members were asking if things had been approved. Normally, she would be happy to allow Hanabi to do as she wished. However, Hinata did not wish any trouble either and she definitely sensed trouble.
Quietly, Hinata opens the door to the meditation room and takes a seat. There was still time before she would need to do anything today. The meditation would do her good. She would be able to center herself before anything unforeseen happened today. Yes, relaxation would be good.
To be honest, Hinata had no clue how long she was in the meditation room. Meditation could be like that at times. However, she could feel she was no longer alone. Beside her, her father sat in the same meditation position.
"It has been a long time since you have meditated so well Hinata-chan." Hiashi comments evenly.
Hinata nods quietly, "Thank you father."
Stirring a little more Hiashi continues, "You will have the rest of today off Hinata-chan. Tomorrow, Hiaga-san will be teaching you some things that you should have been taught long ago."
Hinata nods once more, not truly understanding, but not wishing her father to know that.
Hiashi sighs, "I am truly sorry I did not recognize the signs earlier. If I had, perhaps some of the problems of the past could have been avoided."
Hinata blinks, turning toward her father slightly before asking, "Is…there a problem father?"
"Hinata-chan the Bayakugan is the oldest bloodlines in Konohagakure. There are depths to the bloodline that does not always make it known right away. That being said, I believe you have an ability with your Bayakugan that causes you to hesitate because you are not sure of which area to hit." Hiashi explains calmly. He disliked having to explain that he had missed the warning signs earlier. However, he was sure Hinata knew what he was hinting at with his speech. "It is for that reason I have requested Hiaga-san to assist you."
Hinata blinks. Her father wasn't angry at her? This was odd, very odd. While her father was not saying she's a genius like Neji, it certainly sounded like he was saying she wasn't a failure. If that was the case then perhaps things might work out after all. "I shall endeavor to learn what Hiaga-san has to teach father."
A small smile crosses Hiashi's lips, "I am sure that you shall do well Hinata-chan. You are like the bonsai. Slowly changing with the help of others…" Hiashi stands and heads for the door, "And beautiful in all forms. I am sure that all will go well when the Tentou comes to give their blessing."
As the door closes, a bewildered Hinata looks on. Had her father just apologized and complimented her?
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At the end of the day, Uzumaki Naruto left the Hokage tower feeling less enthusiastic than he normally would have been. Sure he had done his part, it had even been kind of fun, but something had been missing. He couldn't quite put his finger on what, but he knew something was missing. Still, he had managed to keep his wits about him enough to at least give Temari a challenge. True he was no Shikamaru, but now that he actually knew some of the rules and what to do, he could at least give the illusion that he knew what he was doing. Bluffing was one of Naruto's best talents after all.
However, he knew exactly where he wanted to go now and with whom he wanted to speak with. Hinata was much easier to speak to than anyone else. It was hard to believe it had taken him so long to realize to realize that…wait, no it wasn't. Even he had to admit that he could be pretty dense. At least Hinata didn't rub it in. In fact, she didn't seem to mind it at all. True he didn't know quite what to do about the whole marriage thing, but he was quite sure that Hinata was much more of a best friend that Sasuke.
That thought brought back a few upsetting memories, still…it was true. Maybe, maybe he should try to make up for the lost time? It wouldn't be too hard. He knew what Hinata liked now. He knew the rules for the most part. Now to just figure out a plan…
The Hyuuga manor gate looms in front of him. It was still slightly early for supper, but later than he usually came over in the afternoon. He didn't know where the family members would be at this hour.
Wait…he could tell where one person was, a lighter person, short…there would be only one person in the house that fit that description, "Brat-sama…"
Hanabi gives a small glare, but in all she did not look entirely like the stuck up child from before. If anything, Hanabi looked…well…a lot like him at that age. Scared, alone, and unsure of what to do. It was an odd feeling to see that look on the self-righteous girl from before. His gut told him something was wrong. While most of the time he ignored his gut, after all it usually complained about being trapped in a weak young human, this time, he would settle for listening to it. Perhaps he should test that theory?
"Oi Brat-sama! Been working on the party plans?" Naruto calls.
Hanabi looks around slightly and pulls herself together a bit, "Yes, the plans are nearly done."
Naruto frowns, that didn't sound much like the Brat from last week either. Something was definitely fishy, "So, do you know where Hinata-chan is right now Brat-sama?"
Hanabi glowers, she really didn't like that nickname, but…"Hinata-chan is currently relaxing in her room."
"Awesome!" Naruto starts to head into the house, then realizes something slightly important, "Um…can you tell me where her room is? I've never been there."
Hanabi stiffens. He was asking her to…and there wasn't anyone around…it was servants work...but being a good host…Finally Hanabi nods her head, " I suppose I could take you there." She states quietly.
Naruto grins and ruffles Hanabi's hair, "I guess you aren't so bad brat-sama. I suppose if the party goes well and everything I'll switch to calling you enka-sama."
Hanabi pauses a moment and frowns, "That pun is horrible…"
Still grinning, Naruto replies, "Well, I could keep calling you brat-sama."
"Enka-sama it is..." Hanabi sighs. Really, she didn't understand Naruto's infatuation with nicknames. Hinata didn't have a nickname, why did she get a nickname? Finally, Hanabi motions Naruto to a door, "This is Hinata-chan's room…please…" for a moment the young girl seems to want to ask something, but then settles on saying something else, "Attempt to behave around Hinata-chan…" Quickly, Hanabi retreats from the hallway.
"Weird…" Naruto mutters and then raps on the wood section of the door.
Within the room, Hinata had been taking the time to go over the finances once more. There would be a decent amount of money for the dinner later this week. She would also need to set aside money for any traveling they might need to do before the marriage. Luckily, the actual marriage didn't require any planning or money at all. The party afterward would need quite a bit, but all she needed to worry about for the ceremony was a good kimono. Perhaps she would get something more traditional and plain.
The noise outside her door almost causes Hinata to jump. Who could it be at her door at this hour? It was far too early for dinner so it probably one of those unforeseen happening around the house. Flipping through the ledger, Hinata comes to the right page, "Come in, what is the situation?"
As Naruto slides the door open he asks, "Situation? Um…Well, I'm done for the day and thought I'd see how everything was going?"
Hinata quickly turns to look at the door, "Naruto-kun?" ACK! She wasn't ready! Her room wasn't ready! What would her family think? Wait…she knew what they SHOULD think but that wasn't going to happen! What if it did! Within her mind, something snaps her out of the fit of hysterics, "I…I didn't expect you so early. Everything is a mess…"
Naruto looks around the mostly empty room that Hinata seemed to keep impeccably clean. The only thing out of the ordinary would be that her thick coat was folded and set on the ground…which meant...his eyes start to wander up Hinata's body and then quickly move to meet her eyes. No! Bad Naruto! He wasn't a pervert! Damn Ero-sennin. He'd make sure he paid for that later. "Come on Hinata-chan. You're place is cleaner than mine." He comments while shutting the door behind him.
A blush had crept over Hinata's face when Naruto had started looking at her. She was mildly disappointed when he decided to not finish the gaze. Maybe she really wasn't that pretty, "I like to keep it nice and orderly." She says quietly while putting up the ledger.
Naruto smiles, "Well it definitely works! Looks like you have everything in control. Hanabi-san is acting weird though."
Hinata sighs deeply, "Yes, I know. Many of the Branch Members have been commenting that Hanabi is acting a bit out of sorts. I am not sure if it is the party or something else that is causing it, but she is definitely not acting normal."
Naruto settles himself on the floor, avoiding Hinata's bed. After all, it was so…so…orderly. He almost felt out of place, "I guess we'll have to keep an eye on her." He comments. His eyes then fall upon the small tree in Hinata's window, "Is that…"
Blinking her eyes, Hinata follows the blonds gaze, "Yes, my father gifted that bonsai to me last week. It helps me relax…" Hinata confesses.
Naruto's eyes sparkle as he looks at the small tree, "I didn't think I'd ever get to see one. Bonzai are really expensive. You've taken really good care of it…I bet it's worth about twice as much as my entire house."
Hinata shakes her head, blushing once more, "I…I could take better care of it. How do you know about plants?"
Naruto reaches up to scratch the back of his head, "Well, you see, I kinda do a little gardening as a hobby. It's not much, but it's something fun I picked up."
Hinata chuckles. It wasn't often she could surprise Naruto with a question like that. He looked so cute when he did that, "Perhaps you would stay for dinner? I would like to hear about your day."
Naruto nods, "That would be awesome Hinata-chan! So let's see…well, first of all I wore the new outfit you bought for me…"
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The next day, Hinata slowly makes her way to the practice area of the Hyuuga Manor. It wasn't that she was worried about being trained so much as she was worried about what she was to be trained in. Her father had given her very little to work with in terms of information and thus it left her slightly nervous.
Finally, she enters the practice room and gives a bow to the one within.
Hyuuga Hiaga certainly didn't look different than many of the other Hyuuga. In fact, he looked much like any of the other Branch members that she saw on a regular basis. Still, there was a calm ease that Hiaga carried about him that left the young heir at ease.
"Greeting Hinata-sama, I hear that you share a peculiar ability that would make us more similar than many Main Branch members would find comfortable." Hiaga speaks with a light lilt to his voice, finding the situation entertaining. "Please, activate your Bayakugan and tell me exactly what you see."
Hinata nods, slightly nervous about revealing what she truly saw, "I can see two sets of tenketsu and different trails that connect the points…there is one trail which is larger, but the tenketsu are small. The other trails are fairly small, but the tenketsu vary in size depending on the area."
Hiaga scratches his chin and nods as Hinata speaks, "Yes that does indeed match my own abilities. Please sit Hinata-sama and allow me to explain. The normal Bayakugan sees the pathways of charka as it flows through the body. What you and I see is the flow of chakra as it flows to heal the body as well. The tenketsu that are of odd sizes are collection points of healing. By hitting those points you can disrupt the nerves, muscles and natural healing of the person as long is it's done correctly." He takes a breath, allowing the information to sink in before adding, "However, done incorrectly you may not get any response or you may get a response that you did not want. Untrained, hitting some of these points can cause many problems even without use of the Juuken."
Hinata gives a small gulp. That wasn't exactly comforting, "Is Neji-kun…" She asks quietly.
Hiaga smiles and shakes his head, "Neji-san is just fine. He had a stomach-ache for a few hours, but after stimulating the flow of healing he healed in a few minutes."
Hinata gives a sigh of relief. That was certainly good news.
Smiling, Hiaga continues, "Of course, you will have to learn to heal the damage you can cause with the new techniques. Some things need to be healed quickly, lest the internal damage cause too many problems. Kidney failure is a very painful death."
Hinata gives a small nod, not really wishing to have to find out.
"Very well then, let us go over the basic areas that you will wish to strike and how to distinguish which is a tenketsu and which is a pressure point. Once you have that down, then we'll start on actually hitting said points." Hiaga stops for a moment and then turns to look at Hinata, "Out of curiosity, how long can you activate your Bayakugan and use the Juuken?"
Hinata gives a small blush and taps her fingers slightly, not really wanting to say, "I think the longest I've gone is 6 hours without a break…however I was not overly tired afterward…"
Hiaga raises a brow and then nods, "Excellent, then we shall not have to worry about taking extended breaks during your training since it will require you to keep the Bayakugan up for extended periods of time."
Hinata nods once more. This looked to be quite informative although totally exhausting.
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At the end of the day, Hinata flops onto her mat. She'd never had to use the Bayakugan for that long in one day. Typically she did not keep the Bayakugan active for so long since it does drain a bit of chakra as it is used. Even Neji didn't like to keep the Bayakugan active longer than absolutely necessary.
Still, very few people actually knew the extent of her chakra reserves. She really did not wish to think about it. Since she had started having problems with her Bayakugan, she had started doing more and more chakra control. Many of the chakra control techniques had an added effect of increasing chakra reserves. It came with the territory. Still, at times she had found herself low of chakra after her personal practice and then berated by her father later for not having enough chakra for her normal practice. This Catch 22 had forced her to search for techniques which expanded her chakra reserves as well. Eventually the exercises had become habit and to this day she still ran through the exercises every morning.
Now, as she lay upon her mat, Hinata was quite glad she had been practicing those exercises for so long. Had she not, she doubted she would have been able to get through the entire session. It looked like more memorization tomorrow. Thankfully, she was quite good at memorizing things.
Curious as to the time, Hinata looks up at the window. Early evening…why must the gods torture her so? Supper, exercises, and then she really needed to call it a night.
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Yes…the enka joke is VERY, VERY bad. Basically, it goes like this. Enkai means banquet or party. Enka can mean fireworks or related family. Remember…if Naruto marries Hinata then Hanabi will be family. Yes, it's horrible I know. I regret nothing!
Hmm…the story is a bit shorter than I had thought it was going to be. However it does finally set me up for the part that I want to start on. I just have trouble typing it with all these other words in the way. I warned you all that I have a very odd typing style. Anywho, sorry about the delays. Hopefully there won't be any more until I move in December.
Have fun and see you next time!
Edric Loto
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