Konoha Notes

Chapter 379 Hinata
The special training class has gained a new member. A member of the Hidden Mist faction.

Neji Hyuga didn't even lift his eyelids.

Four of the five great ninja villages have already arrived, so it's understandable that the last one is late.

The Hyuga clan wields considerable power within the arena, and even as a member of the branch family, Neji is the undisputed pinnacle of the branch family's generation.

With his exceptional talent, he was placed in the prestigious nursery alongside the second son of the Uchiha clan patriarch, making him an unspoken symbol of Konoha's new generation of power.

He knew about the arrival of the exchange students from Wuyin at the venue area and their upcoming enrollment in the village soon, earlier than anyone else.

Things that were expected didn't cause any stir.

Therefore, when Chojuro, Haku, and Suigetsu stood in the training ground, he didn't feel the same curiosity as the others.

As usual, the newlyweds were overwhelmed by the youthful energy emanating from Matt Kai.

Chojuro's forehead broke out in a fine sweat, the pressure visibly mounting. Shiro merely widened his eyes slightly before returning to quiet acceptance.

Only Shuiyue muttered to herself, "This guy's style is so different from the previous Konoha ninjas."

Training was underway, and the three new recruits were quickly drawn into the fast-paced rhythm.

Neji was still just completing his part; these changes were merely minor fluctuations in the numbers on his training log, nothing fundamental.

After the event was over, Neji was about to leave when Guy called him back.

Neji.

In the afterglow of the setting sun, the eyes beneath the thick eyebrows lost their usual exaggerated smile and became more solemn.

"Come with me."

Kai waved and walked towards the secluded spot under a tree at the edge of the training field.

Neji followed in silence.

The shade of the trees filtered out some of the heat, and the cicadas' chirping sounded distant. Kai said, "The village... plans to conduct special training for some people."

"Originally, ninja academy students were not qualified to come into contact with this field."

"But your talent has been recognized. I personally believe that, in the current special training class, apart from Gaara of Sunagakure, you are the only one who is qualified to receive that kind of training at this stage."

Neji then asked, "Was that the purpose of Lord Shuji's visit four days ago?"

Kai didn't answer directly, but stroked his chin, his tone seemingly drifting a bit: "Neji, I qualified to be a Jonin instructor last year, and for a long time afterward, I frequently came to the Ninja Academy to observe the students."

His voice softened a bit.

"I'm looking for a child who can carry on my youth, my beliefs, and my path."

Neji replied calmly, "Li, right?"

"Uh!" Kai whirled around, his eyes wide, even taking a half-step back, pointing at Neji and stammering, "W-how did you know?!"

Neji sighed; even without using his Byakugan, he could guess what was going on.

"In the special training class, besides Atsui from Kumogakure and Deidara from Iwagakure, only Rock Lee will give a full response to the theory of youth. The other two are from outside the village."

“Ahem…you’re as perceptive as ever.” Kai muttered, then his expression turned serious again. “Even so, Neji, since the village has entrusted you to me for special training, even if it’s just for this limited time, you are not just students to me.”

His gaze was fixed directly on Neji, without any pretense.

"You are my disciples."

Under the shade of the trees, the dim light moved slowly across Neji's fair face. His fingers, hanging at his sides, twitched slightly before quickly relaxing.

"So, before you get into that deeper training, as your teacher, there are some things... I feel I have to tell you."

Kai stepped forward, his tone more sincere than ever before, even carrying a hint of clumsy pleading: "Neji."

"let it go."

"Let go... of those things that are entangled with you and the Hyuga main family." In the distance, the scattered laughter and chatter of students leaving the training ground could be heard.

Neji's white eyes were as cold and clear as ice in the dimming light.

He has buried his resentment deep inside, using it only as motivation to keep moving forward. Is that not enough?
"Is this a condition for participating in the new training?"

"Do not."

Kai shook his head without hesitation, his voice firm and resolute.

“This isn’t due to the village’s conditions. It has nothing to do with the cultivation plan itself.” He raised his hand and pressed firmly to his heart, his eyes open and burning with passion. “This is from my teacher, personally, to my disciple whom I value and hope will go further and have a smoother path…”

"...and the request made."

"This is just my personal request, Matt Kay."
-
Hokage's office.

Xiu Si leaned back on the sofa, holding out a newly compiled list of personnel for the special training class.

The door is open.

The sound of footsteps grew louder as they approached, stopping at the doorway.

Hiashi Hyuga appeared there. He was dressed in a standard Konoha Jonin vest, with an armband on his left arm indicating his position as the head of the police department, looking impeccably composed.

He didn't go in directly, but instead raised his hand and tapped the open door frame twice with his knuckles, making a crisp sound.

"Mr. Shuji."

"Come in."

Rizu walked indoors.

Shuji gestured for him to sit down, and the head of the Hyuga clan sat down and began his report.

"This month, the routine patrol reports, abnormal incident handling records, and the list of reserve personnel to be dispatched for next month's joint meeting have all been compiled and handed over to Lu Jiu for review."

"In addition, a preliminary draft of temporary security procedures for dealing with the potential threat of spore magic within the branch has been prepared and requires your final approval."

"Very efficient." Xiu Si placed the list on the coffee table. "I will look at the draft tomorrow morning."

Rizu nodded slightly, sat quietly for a while, and then said, "Regarding the preliminary list of candidates for 'Natural Energy Adaptive Practice'... thank you for your consideration and nomination."

Shuji looked at him: "The police branch is one of the most important defensive lines on the outskirts of Konoha."

"The situations we need to deal with in the future will only become more and more complex, going beyond the scope of routine security. There is a need for people who can stand at the forefront and have the ability to handle unconventional situations and identify potential threats."

His gaze fell on the Leaf Village emblem on the Hiashi armband.

"This capability is something the branch must possess, and someone must take on the responsibility."

"At this stage, based on an assessment of your overall abilities, status, and controllability, you, as the current head of the Hyuga clan and also in charge of the branch, have been included in the first batch of observation and trial lists."

His words contained no praise, only statements.

It's not "we chose you because you're excellent," but rather "we chose you because this position requires you, and you are currently a relatively suitable candidate."

Hiashi Hyuga's face did not show any disappointment or dissatisfaction at being offended by these blunt words.

Instead, he lowered his head again, this time with a deeper movement than before.

"I understand, I will make the necessary preparations."

Shuji nodded: "If you can't do it, the village needs someone new."

"Let's make those preparations as well."

Hijikata was silent for a moment, then bowed his head again: "Yes."

(End of this chapter)