#konoha# 1-10

Chapter 1: Konoha

Year 58, Konoha Calendar — Summer

August in the Land of Fire was not fit for human survival.

Noon.

A faint breeze stirred the treetops, their branches swaying weakly under the oppressive heat. The leaves, usually vibrant green, hung limp as if scorched into an early autumn.

At Konoha’s main gate, two heavy military-green doors stood wide open. The dirt road leading from the forest was deserted—not a soul in sight.

Kotetsu Hagane and Izumo Kamizuki, clad in standard green flak jackets, sat on stools in the shade just outside the gate.

"So. Damn. Boring."

Kotetsu slumped against his chair, his usually spiky hair drooping like wilted grass. Even the bandages wrapped around his nose and cheeks seemed to sag under the heat.

"This weather’s so bad, even spies wouldn’t bother showing up."

Izumo cracked his single visible eye into a thin line but stayed silent. As special jōnin, guarding the village gate day after day was… less than inspiring.

But someone had to do it.

He still remembered the gap-toothed old man who’d manned this post for nearly two decades before them. His parting words echoed in Izumo’s mind:

"The Will of Fire means burning yourself to nurture the next generation—until they grow into towering trees. And now… it’s your turn to burn. As for me? I’ve got a date with a lovely lady. Good luck, kids!"

With that, the sixty-year-old geezer had sauntered off, never to return.

Leaving two stunned gatekeepers in his wake.

Two years later, their initial enthusiasm had withered like the leaves overhead.

---

Just as Izumo zoned out—

A small figure appeared on the distant road.

Cloaked in white, with only a pale, delicate face visible beneath the hood. A black blindfold covered her eyes and most of her features. A heavy pack weighed down her back as her cane tapped lightly against the ground.

This was Kaguya Hikari—fugitive of Kirigakure.

As she walked, she tilted her head up.

Beneath the blindfold, her Byakugan activated.

The bone-white irises glowed faintly as she studied the barrier enveloping Konoha—a colossal dome of chakra, pulsing with red energy like a living thing.

So this is Konoha’s Sensory Barrier…

The sheer scale of it was staggering. The chakra expenditure alone must be astronomical.

No wonder they’re the strongest. Money really does talk.

Coming from Kiri, Hikari felt like a country bumpkin gawking at a metropolis.

After tearing up her Ship of Hope ticket, she’d paid the harbor master for another passage. A month of bribes, swift ships, and crushed pirate skulls later—she’d arrived.

Now, staring at the barrier’s intricate chakra matrix, she itched to dissect its secrets. But without context, it was just dazzling noise.

Reluctantly, she deactivated her Byakugan.

Darkness swallowed her vision again.

Tap… tap-tap.

Her cane probed the road as she adjusted her pack—stuffed with gambling winnings—and marched toward Konoha.

She had no plans to reveal her eyes. Or even her chakra.

After fleeing Kiri, paranoia was her default setting.

Who knows what’s really going on in this village?

First, infiltrate. Secure her place in the Hyūga main family. Then make her move.

No need to rush now that she was beyond Kiri’s reach…

---

"Hey—hey! Watch the cane, kid!"

Kotetsu yelped as the blind girl’s stick jabbed his foot.

"Oh. Sorry."

Hikari retracted the cane, feigning sheepishness.

Kotetsu rubbed his foot, eyeing her.

Tiny thing, but strong grip.

"Gotta register before entering. C’mon, this way." He guided her to the checkpoint.

Izumo flipped open a ledger.

"Name?"

"Hikari."

"Purpose of visit?"

"Family."

"Alone?"

"Yes."

Izumo scribbled notes, occasionally glancing up to record her appearance.

"Shinobi?" he asked casually.

Hikari tilted her head. "...What’s a shinobi?"

"Never mind. What’s in the bag?"

"Clothes. Food."

"Alright. Don’t wander after entering."

Hikari nodded blankly and shuffled past the gate, her pack sagging with "dry goods."

Too easy. Konoha’s security’s a joke.

---

Outside, the two gatekeepers exchanged looks.

"Well?" Izumo murmured.

Kotetsu chewed his senbon. "Zero sweat in this heat, hauling that giant pack? She thinks we’re idiots."

"Combat ability?"

"No trained stance, but that cane jab had power."

Izumo tapped the ledger. "No signs of transformation jutsu. Nails are clean—either she’s got help, or that blind act’s fake. My money’s on the latter."

"Either way, she’s trouble. I’ll alert the Uchiha Police." Kotetsu formed a hand seal.

"Wait." Izumo stopped him, eyes sharp. "Check with the Barrier Team first."

"Huh?"

"If they’d sensed foreign chakra, they’d have notified us already."

Kotetsu’s frown deepened.

No detection meant two possibilities:

1. She was just a weirdly strong blind girl.

2. She’d bypassed Konoha’s barrier entirely.

And option two?

That’s not some amateur.

"Barrier Team finds chakra, we call the Uchiha. If not…" Izumo’s voice dropped. "This goes to the Hokage. And the ANBU."

Kotetsu grinned. "Guess we hooked a big one. Told you spies work best in heat."

"…That’s not what you said earlier."

"Sure it was!"

! (•̀ᴗ•́)و

Chapter 2: First Encounter

Unaware that her secrets had already been uncovered, Hikari walked through the streets of Konoha.

She ignored the bustling crowd around her, focusing instead on channeling chakra into her heart.

The Byakugan drank in energy, restoring her vision.

Bzzzt!

A clear, 360-degree panoramic view flooded her senses—bringing with it an overwhelming sense of security.

The streets were wide enough for three carriages to pass side by side. Despite the scorching sun that could melt one’s hair, the shopping district remained packed.

A toddler, no older than three, kicked a ball onto a rooftop—only for it to be gently tossed back down by an unnamed shinobi passing by.

The noise, the peace, the tranquility—it all left Hikari feeling disoriented.

The blood-soaked horrors of Kirigakure seemed like nothing more than a nightmare. As if she’d woken up and returned to the peaceful world she once knew.

But the four colossal faces carved into the distant cliffs reminded her: This was Konoha—the place she’d longed for.

Gurgle…

A loud growl from her stomach snapped her back to reality.

First, food. Then, the Hyūga compound to claim her lineage. After that, she’d showcase her talent, master the Hyūga Main Family’s Eight Trigrams Palms Revolving Heaven, and maybe even compete with Hinata for the title of future clan head.

Lost in her ambitions, Hikari strode straight toward Ichiraku Ramen.

Ichiraku Ramen—Konoha’s most famous eatery, and the unofficial "boss arena" where the Nine-Tailed Fox regularly spawned.

With her ability to absorb Tailed Beasts and fuse their chakra, Hikari couldn’t help but salivate at the thought of the Nine-Tails sealed inside Naruto.

Just a tiny taste of the Three-Tails’ power had doubled her strength. If she took a few bites of the Nine-Tails? She’d skyrocket like a damn rocket.

Tap… tap… tap…

Her cane tapped against the ground as she pushed aside the noren curtain bearing the words "Ichiraku" and stepped inside.

The shop was simple, even shabby—a long counter with a few square stools haphazardly placed in front. But it was packed, every seat taken. Even with her Byakugan, she couldn’t spot an opening.

Ayame, wearing an apron and balancing a bowl of ramen, emerged from the kitchen. Her gaze lingered on Hikari’s blindfold before she offered a polite smile.

"Hello there, little miss. We’re full right now—would you mind waiting a bit?"

Bad luck, but expected for a popular spot during peak hours.

"Sure—"

Before Hikari could finish, a voice as piercing as a kunai cut through the air.

"I’m gonna eat FIVE bowls of tonkotsu ramen today!"

"My wallet can’t handle you, Naruto."

"I don’t care! You promised me a meal at Ichiraku before school starts tomorrow! No take-backs!"

The voices grew louder as two figures pushed through the curtain.

Hikari glanced up—and immediately flinched.

The blinding glow of their chakra made her eyelashes tremble. She adjusted her Byakugan, dialing back the透视 parameters.

An old man and a child.

The elder wore the Hokage’s robe, his once-powerful frame slightly hunched, leaning on a cane. The wrinkles at his eyes stretched like knife scars down to his cheekbones.

Behind him—a tiny blond boy with whisker marks and sky-blue eyes that sparkled like polished gemstones.

Sarutobi Hiruzen and Uzumaki Naruto.

This lucky?

The other customers recognized them too. Some stood to greet the Third Hokage, but their smiles vanished the moment they noticed Naruto. Disgust twisted their faces.

"Let’s go. I’m done."

"Check, please."

Chopsticks clattered as patrons paid and left, offering Hiruzen stiff nods on their way out.

Within moments, the lively shop turned quiet.

Ayame counted change for a departing customer, only to realize they’d already left. Sighing, she noted the tab for next time before turning to Hiruzen.

"What’ll it be, Hokage-sama?"

"…Sorry, Ayame-nee."

Naruto’s shoulders slumped.

He was used to the village’s hatred—but guilt still gnawed at him for hurting Ichiraku’s business.

"It’s fine! Now we’ve got seats. The usual tonkotsu, Naruto?" Ayame replied warmly, unfazed.

"Tonkotsu—"

"Ah-ah, Naruto. First come, first served."

Hiruzen chuckled, gesturing to Hikari, who hadn’t moved an inch.

"That young lady was here before us."

"Oh! Right!"

Ayame smacked her forehead. With Naruto around, customers always fled—she’d assumed Hikari had left too.

"Sorry about that, miss. What’ll you have?"

She guided Hikari to a stool, stashing her cane and bag nearby.

"I can’t see the menu. Any recommendations?"

"Tonkotsu! Tonkotsu ramen’s the BEST!"

Naruto blurted out, his blue eyes bright but hesitant.

"Alright. One tonkotsu, then."

Ayame scribbled the order. "Same for you, Naruto?"

"SUPER MEGA ULTRA LARGE BOWL!"

"…Regular for me."

Hiruzen smiled.

"Coming right up!"

Ayame whisked away the empty bowls and vanished into the kitchen.

"Thanks," Hikari said, turning slightly toward Naruto.

"Uh… heh… n-no problem!"

Naruto scratched his head, stunned that someone was actually talking to him.

"…You’re not scared of me?"

"Are you ugly?"

"…Huh?!"

Naruto choked.

Staring at her—even with the blindfold, her delicate features were undeniable—he couldn’t exactly claim to be hideous.

"If you are, it’s fine. I can’t see." Hikari tapped her blindfold.

"I’m NOT ugly!"

"I believe you."

"Really!"

"Sure."

"Heh heh heh…"

Hiruzen stroked his beard, watching the two chat with grandfatherly amusement.

The village’s despised demon fox, meeting a blind beauty.

What a poetic encounter.

Memories of his own youth flickered in his mind—

BOOM!

A puff of smoke erupted outside.

A Konoha Anbu in a green flak jacket and monkey mask entered, stiffening briefly at the sight of the silver-haired girl before leaning in to whisper to Hiruzen.

"Third Hokage…"

His voice was too low to hear clearly.

But Hikari’s ears twitched almost imperceptibly.

Her Byakugan’s power surged into her auditory senses.

Shintai Shihai(Body Domination) activated.

Her ear canals morphed—reshaping into sound-funneling structures, amplifying high-frequency capture while keeping appearances natural.

Her ossicles transformed into hollow, honeycombed structures, sharpening vibration response.

Soon, the Anbu’s murmurs became clear:

"…Shiranui Genma reported a suspicious blind girl… named Hikari… no chakra detected by the barrier…"

"Hikari… that’s a pretty name!"

Naruto’s booming voice nearly ruined her eavesdropping.

"…Thanks."

She kept listening as Hiruzen’s gaze flicked to her the moment Naruto said her name.

…Well.

This was awkward.

Less than an hour in Konoha, and she was already flagged as a spy—to the Hokage’s face.

Worse, she was cozying up to the Jinchūriki of the Nine-Tails while the Third Hokage watched like a hawk.

Tch.

…Messed up.

---

(＾▽＾)

Chapter 3: Ichiraku

Steam billowed from the kitchen, carrying the rich scent of meat blended with a hint of sweetness. The aroma made Hikari’s already-growling stomach twist even harder.

But right now, she wasn’t in the mood to eat.

She hadn’t even returned to the Hyūga clan yet, and already, Konoha’s guards had pegged her as a foreign spy. Before her noodles even arrived, a report had been sent straight to the Hokage.

And now, here she was—sitting across from the Hokage himself while casually chatting with the village’s precious Jinchūriki of the Nine-Tails.

Way to crank up the suspicion level.

As the ANBU operative retreated under Sarutobi Hiruzen’s silent signal, the ramen shop plunged into uneasy quiet.

Naruto, though terrible at reading the room, stayed silent—his uncanny sixth sense kicking in.

Hikari’s mind raced.

To clear the Third Hokage’s doubts, all she had to do was reveal her Byakugan.

But she didn’t want to expose it.

Her mother, Hyūga Tenkei, had left the village years ago. Who knew if her grandfather—the Hyūga’s elder councilman—was even alive? The clan wasn’t some united front; its rules were suffocating. As a half-blood of Hyūga and Kaguya descent, her chances of being accepted into the main family were slim.

If she revealed her Byakugan now, she’d be throwing herself into the storm.

One wrong move, and the consequences would be unbearable.

What now?

Konoha also had the Yamanaka clan, experts at memory extraction. Her memories wouldn’t hold up under scrutiny. Hell, they wouldn’t even need ninjutsu—a simple X-ray at the hospital would expose the dense bone membrane beneath her skin and the inhuman skeletal structure lurking underneath.

After consuming the Three-Tails’ flesh and boosting her chakra reserves, she’d modified her body even further.

Now, standing at just 130 cm tall, she weighed a staggering 100 kg—enough to make her steps noticeably heavy. Her physical traits were harder to suppress, unlike back in Kirigakure.

This was the side effect of growing stronger.

A lion can’t hide among sheep.

"Hokage-sama."

In the cramped silence of the ramen shop, Hikari suddenly turned her head—startling Hiruzen, who’d been subtly observing her.

"Oh? What is it?"

Hiruzen stroked his beard, smiling warmly like a kindly old man rather than the leader of one of the Five Great Shinobi Villages.

"If you have questions, just ask. No need to stare."

Naruto, who’d been openly admiring Hikari’s profile, immediately ducked his head. Hiruzen’s lips twitched awkwardly.

Kids these days… so blunt.

Even with her eyes covered, her senses were sharper than most.

Suppressing his surprise, Hiruzen dropped the act. If she’d already noticed their suspicions, there was no point tiptoeing.

"Hikari, you’re not from here?"

"Didn’t your ANBU just tell you that?"

"Your hearing’s good?"

"You could say that."

"Why come to Konoha?"

"To find family. Become a shinobi. Get revenge."

"How’d you bypass the chakra detection barrier?"

"Innate ability."

Hikari kept her pulse steady, spinning lies effortlessly. No matter how intensely Hiruzen studied her, he’d find no tells.

"To become a Konoha shinobi, you must attend the Academy. And the Academy only accepts Konoha-born residents—not rogue-nin."

As the Academy’s de facto headmaster, Hiruzen shut her down flat.

Hikari smirked.

She raised a slender finger, pointing at the kettle behind the counter.

Hiruzen and Naruto (who’d been sneaking glances) both turned.

"Hiss—!"

The lid rattled violently.

Scalding water shot from the spout, arcing through the air before splitting into three perfect streams—filling their teacups without a single ripple.

No hand signs?!

No—this was a Kekkei Genkai!

Hiruzen’s mind reeled.

Water Release, executed without seals, with precision beyond his own? At her age? Impossible.

Only a bloodline limit could explain it.

"Still not enough?" Hikari asked, amused by Hiruzen’s shock.

This was the only ability she could safely reveal.

But it was enough.

No village would waste a rare Kekkei Genkai user—let alone a child prodigy—as a spy. The risk outweighed the gain.

The Three-Tails’ sealess Water Release + the Byakugan’s chakra control? In pure manipulation, she’d rival even Senju Tobirama.

Her identity might still raise questions, but the "spy" label was off the table. Once she revealed her Byakugan and rejoined the Hyūga, the clan’s influence would handle the rest.

Exposing this power was a calculated risk.

"Hikari, that was awesome! Can you teach me?!"

Naruto gawked, poking at his cup before yelping as he burned his tongue.

"Can’t teach this," she said, ignoring his pout. "Well, Sandaime-sama?"

"Impressive," Hiruzen admitted, his wariness fading.

He understood her message.

Kekkei Genkai users were too valuable. Even Danzo wouldn’t be stupid enough to waste one as a spy. That wasn’t infiltration—it was gifting talent to the enemy.

If a village did send a bloodline spy? Hiruzen would welcome them. Take whatever intel you want—just stay and pass on those genes.

Bloodlines were that precious.

And here he was, the "Professor," outclassed in Water Release by a child. The power of lineage was humbling.

"Kekkei Genkai users are rare," Hiruzen mused, "but Konoha has rules. The Academy’s policy was set by the Nidaime. No exceptions."

"Understood. I respect rules."

Hikari smiled.

She caught his meaning:

"No outsiders in the Academy" meant "Become a Konoha citizen first."

Simple.

"Ramen’s here!"

Ayame and Teuchi emerged with three steaming bowls, shattering the tension.

"No business during meals," Hiruzen declared.

"Agreed."

The two nodded—strangers, yet in sync.

"Whoa! Smells amazing!"

Naruto cheered, practically glowing as he slurped a noodle.

"Hikari, try it!"

She obliged, biting into the tender chashu.

Rich, savory, perfectly balanced.

"Delicious. Good call, Naruto."

"Heh heh!"

Naruto puffed up like a proud Jigglypuff.

Hiruzen’s wrinkles deepened with amusement.

"How many bowls today?" Teuchi asked, wiping his hands on his apron.

"FIVE!" Naruto held up all five fingers.

"Oh-ho! Quite the appetite!"

"My wallet’s crying," Hiruzen sighed, clutching his purse dramatically.

"Then eat extra to make it worth it, right Naruto?"

"YEAH!"

Ayame giggled behind her hand.

The tension melted away, replaced by warmth.

Watching Naruto laugh, slurp, and clown around, Hikari’s lips curled as she gazed at the "Ichiraku" sign on the wall.

No wonder he grew up so kind.

This wasn’t just a ramen shop.

It was home.

At Ichiraku, you didn’t come for the noodles.

You came for the heart.

---

(◕‿◕)✧

Chapter 4: Cold Reception

"Hikari… you’re AMAZING!"

At Ichiraku Ramen, Naruto gaped as the blind girl beside him downed an entire bowl of noodles—without chopsticks—in one go.

Next to her, the stack of empty bowls towered higher than she was.

"That’s… twenty bowls now."

"Truly… an astonishing appetite."

Teuchi wiped sweat from his brow, slamming dough onto the counter with renewed vigor. For a chef, failing to satisfy a customer’s hunger was a disgrace worse than a samurai’s dishonored blade.

Hiruzen glanced at his thinning wallet, then at the five giant bowls piled near Naruto, and felt a flicker of gratitude.

At least the kid doesn’t eat like a Tailed Beast.

"Ah… no need to push yourself, Teuchi-san. I’m about done."

After draining the last drop of broth, Hikari stood and casually pulled out a thick stack of crisp bills from her pack.

Ayame stared at the money, then at her nearly empty change pouch.

"This… is too much."

"Keep the rest. I’ll be back."

Shouldering her bag and grabbing her cane, Hikari paused.

She tilted her head toward Naruto, who was watching her with puppy-dog eyes.

"See you later, Naruto-kun."

"Uh—yeah! Bye, Hikari!"

His neck straightened, joy bursting in his chest.

"So… are we… friends now?"

"Mhm."

Her reply floated back on the wind, settling deep in Naruto’s heart.

Years later, as Hokage, he’d still remember that noon—the taste of ramen, the heat of the sun, and the girl who’d called him friend without flinching.

---

Hyūga Compound

The polished stone path radiated heat underfoot. The gate—ebony-black, with imposing pillars and beams—bore the Hyūga’s emblem: an eight-trigram seal, exuding cold dignity.

Two guards stood sentry, Byakugan active, foreheads wrapped in white cloth.

"Damn, it’s hot…"

Hyūga Suto wiped sweat from his brow, muttering.

"Suto. We represent the Hyūga’s honor. Mind your manners."

"Tch. Who’s gonna see us? Besides, brother, we’re Branch Family. Since when do we represent anything?"

Suto’s voice dripped sarcasm.

Hyūga Yuto shot him a look but said nothing.

Such was their fate.

Branded with the Caged Bird Seal, their lives weren’t their own. What harm was a little complaining?

Tap… tap…

A small figure approached—cane in hand, eyes shrouded by cloth.

Hikari observed the compound through her Byakugan. Aside from the two guards, the Hyūga seemed to be… napping.

Was Konoha this lax? Or just the Hyūga?

No wonder Hinata got kidnapped so easily.

"This is Hyūga territory. Outsiders aren’t permitted."

Yuto’s voice was ice. His Byakugan glared down at her—a Branch Family’s pride existed only when facing those beneath them.

Hikari stepped forward.

"I need to speak with the Hyūga Elder. I’m a friend of his daughter."

"Daughter?"

Suto scoffed, eyeing her blindfold.

"Stop lying, brat. The Elder has no daughter. Get lost."

Hikari’s fingers twitched.

No daughter?

The Hyūga main family was small. These two looked old enough to remember Hyūga Amekki, who’d died just six years ago.

Had the Elder changed?

"Is the Elder still Hyūga Kei?"

The brothers exchanged glances.

She knew the name.

"It is. But he only has a son. You’ve got the wrong person."

Yuto’s tone softened slightly.

Hikari’s next words froze them.

"Then… do you know Hyūga Amekki?"

The name hit like a kunai.

Suto’s face twisted.

"That idiot got herself killed and lost her Byakugan to Kirigakure. Shamed the whole clan. The Elder disowned her, stripped her of the Main Family status, and erased her from the records."

"Now SCRAM, blind rat, before we make you."

Disowned.

Even in death.

Hikari’s stomach lurched—not at the cruelty, but at the implications.

If her mother was no longer Main Family, then she’d be branded Branch Family the moment she stepped inside.

So much for her plan.

Suddenly, she gasped, looking past them.

"Elder Kei!!"

The brothers whirled around—

"Suiton: Mizu no Yoroi!"

Twin water whips materialized in her hands, lashing out like serpents.

The liquid forced itself down their throats, bloating their stomachs grotesquely.

"Ghk—glug—!"

Yuto’s belly swelled like a balloon. Suto tried to activate his Byakugan, but water flooded his nostrils, filling his lungs.

They thrashed, clawing at their necks—oxygen fading, blood frothing in their chests.

Through the water, Hikari’s face was calm.

No anger. No words.

Just efficiency.

Suto’s pupils shrank.

This girl—she reeked of battlefield carnage.

"P-please… glurg—"

Hikari clenched her fist.

"Suiton: Shinkū no Shōkyaku."

The water imploded, dragging every drop of moisture from their bodies.

Two desiccated corpses collapsed, eyes hollow.

The Caged Bird Seal flickered—destroying their Byakugan posthumously.

Hikari knelt, hands flashing through seals.

"Kawarimi no Jutsu: Gyakuten."

Poof!

The bodies morphed into dried-out koi fish, which she stuffed into her bag.

One last glance at the Hyūga’s emblem.

Then she turned and walked away.

---

(¬‿¬)

Chapter 5: A Fateful Encounter

"Hikari, the Hyūga’s Gentle Fist is the strongest taijutsu in the world—offense and defense as one. With the Byakugan, it counters all physical, ninjutsu, and genjutsu."

"The Eight Trigrams Palms are the main family’s secret. At most… I can only teach you how to awaken your eyes and the basics of the Gentle Fist."

Even with hollow, bloodied sockets where her eyes once were, Hyūga Tenkei spoke those words with pride.

---

Konoha Streets.

Her cane and bundle set aside, Hikari crouched alone on the roadside, cloaked in white.

Memories of Tenkei’s face—gentle as still water despite her blindness—resurfaced.

Optimistic. Kind. Selfless. Pure…

Every virtue Hikari lacked, that woman had embodied.

You guarded their secrets. Didn’t even teach your own daughter. And in the end? The Hyūga erased you from their records.

How pathetic, Tenkei.

A humorless laugh escaped Hikari—mocking, yet tinged with pity.

Being barred from the Hyūga meant little to her.

With her strength, anywhere but Kirigakure could be home.

Still, she hadn’t expected the Hyūga to discard Tenkei’s status so brazenly. No honorary title. Not even a footnote in their history.

Lucky I didn’t rush in waving my Byakugan.

The two branch-family brothers who’d confronted her? Pulverized, then dumped in the river.

No one knew she’d visited the compound. No ties to Tenkei remained.

At least there’s room to maneuver.

Her fingers brushed the smooth black cloth covering her eyes.

She’d be stuck with it for now.

Activating the Byakugan made veins bulge around the eyes, creeping down the cheeks—far too conspicuous.

If exposed, the Hyūga would never let a rogue bloodline escape their control.

Until she could match the clan’s might, she needed something to mask it. A mask felt cumbersome; the blindfold was simpler.

Plan Summary:

- Hyūga homecoming: Scrapped.

- Blind act: Ongoing.

- Next goal: Secure a legal Konoha identity to access ninjutsu archives.

(Illegal methods were viable but risky. Her body wasn’t fully matured yet. Konoha’s stability—not stolen secrets—was her priority.)

Revised Strategy:

1. Enroll in the Academy as a civilian.

2. Excel. Lure the Hokage’s patronage.

3. Avoid Root’s attention. Find a powerful ally…

Piece by piece, she rebuilt her shattered plans on that lonely street corner.

---

Southside, atop a zelkova tree.

Rustle—

A silver-haired ANBU flipped a page of Make-Out Paradise, lounging in the shadows.

Afternoon surveillance: Direct order from the Sandaime.

"Monitor the unidentified kekkei genkai user. Likely not a spy, but exercise caution. Apprehend if hostile."

"Yaaawn…"

Hatake Kakashi blinked drowsily, eye crinkling at the girl below.

Six hours. Not a single move.

Passersby mistook her for a blind beggar. Coins and snacks piled at her feet. Even women cooed offers to "adopt the poor thing."

Kakashi tallied the donations.

Enough to buy eight limited-edition Icha Icha novels.

"Tch." My mission pay doesn’t even cover one.

He scratched his spiky hair, mildly aggrieved.

We share traits—silver hair, bloodline, eye disability. Where’s my charity?

(Then again, he did hide his face 24/7.)

Resigned, he resumed reading.

If she gets paid to sit, I get paid to laze. Fair’s fair.

---

Dusk fell.

The bustling avenue emptied, leaving only the "pitiful blind girl" silhouetted against twilight.

Kakashi pocketed his book, squinting.

Seven PM. No food. No bathroom breaks. Do kekkei genkai users not need bodily functions?

His mission mandated three days of surveillance. If she kept this up, he’d be mosquito bait all night.

Objective:

- Study her sealess water release.

- Replicate it via Sharingan.

(Assuming she ever moved.)

---

Then—

Thud. Thud. Thud.

A monster lurched into view.

Green-skinned. No head. Twisted limbs. Guttural grunts.

Kakashi’s hand flew to his forehead protector—

Sharingan: ACTIVATE.

The creature sharpened into focus: vibrant green spandex, bowl-cut hair, gleaming teeth.

…Gai?!

He deactivated the dōjutsu, rubbing his eye.

Too much reading. Hallucinating.

But when he glanced down—

The motionless girl had lifted her head.

Her covered gaze locked onto Gai like a predator sighting prey.

---

(•̀ᴗ•́)و

Chapter 6: Might Guy

The crescent moon hung bright in the sky, its light threading through the screen window like delicate strands, scattering across the stone floor like shattered jade.

In the dining room, under the glow of a fluorescent light, Might Guy cradled a bowl in his hands, lost in thought as he stared at the girl sitting rigidly across from him.

She stood about 1.3 meters tall—likely six or seven years old. A large white cloak swallowed her slender frame, leaving only the lower half of her legs exposed. Her long, silver-gray hair cascaded loosely over her shoulders, reflecting a muted metallic sheen under the light.

Her face was wrapped in a thick black cloth, its edges frayed and uneven, as if torn from some garment. It covered her eyes completely, stretching down over her cheeks and the bridge of her nose.

Guy had found her earlier that day.

After finishing his grueling training—walking home on his hands—he’d spotted a pitiful blind girl huddled by the roadside, seemingly abandoned. So, he took her in.

That was the gist of it.

"Here."

"Thank you."

Hikari naturally accepted the ramen and chopsticks Guy handed her, her movements smooth and assured. The blindfold might as well have been decorative.

Slurp.

She lifted a strand of noodles elegantly, her eating nearly silent—a stark contrast to Guy, who devoured his food with the grace of a wild boar.

"SCHLORRRRP!"

Guy tilted his head back, dumping the entire bowl of ramen—broth and all—into his mouth with a noise like a tractor plowing through a wheat field. Then he dashed back to the kitchen for seconds.

"SCHLORRRRP! SCHLORRRRP!"

Morning: ten laps around Konoha.

Noon: one-finger push-ups—1,000 per digit.

Afternoon: high-intensity weight training.

He was starving.

Slurp.

Hikari finished her bowl just as gracefully, then stood to refill it. Her speed matched Guy’s almost bite for bite.

"SCHLORP—Hikari, you… burp… can see?"

Guy’s round, gleaming forehead wrinkled in surprise as he studied her fluid movements. He’d assumed she was a helpless, blind orphan begging on the streets. Clearly, he’d been wrong.

At his question, Hikari’s ashen pupils—hidden beneath the blindfold—shifted slightly.

Her 360-degree vision unfolded, rendering everything around her semi-transparent. The expiring milk in the fridge. The fruit. The nearly empty wallet in the bedroom, mostly coins with a few crumpled bills. The secret scrolls and adult magazines tucked under the bed.

Even Might Guy himself.

Muscle fibers. Bones. Organs. The sluggish flow of chakra through his meridians—all laid bare.

"I’m blind."

She tilted her head, pointing at the black cloth covering her eyes, her voice cool and matter-of-fact.

"Ah! S-sorry!"

Realizing he’d touched on a sore subject, Guy hastily apologized and dropped the issue of her unnatural coordination.

"It’s fine. Thank you for the ramen—it was delicious."

First time anyone had ever praised his cooking. Guy rubbed his bowl-cut, grinning so wide his cheeks nearly split—though he tried to play it cool. "Just threw it together. Eat up, kid, no need to hold back."

Unbeknownst to him, Hikari’s Byakugan saw right through the act.

"SCHLORRRRP!"

Between laughs, Guy demolished another bowl.

Every taijutsu specialist was a hidden black hole for food.

And Hikari?

Shikotsumyaku + Byakugan.

Both kekkei genkai were natural counters to pure physical combat.

Combined?

Barring the Eight Gates, she could confidently say she’d one day be the bane of every taijutsu user in the world.

Grandmaster of them all.

…Well, grandmistress.

Clink.

Her chopsticks tapped the empty bowl.

"I’ll get it!"

Obliviously playing the role of "dutiful grandson," Guy snatched both their bowls and bolted to the kitchen.

---

Dinner ended abruptly.

Guy hadn’t expected Hikari to pack away ramen like a seasoned shinobi. After two massive bowls each, the pot held nothing but oily broth.

"Uh… There’s no more—"

Returning with a bowl of broth for Hikari, Guy froze.

The "helpless blind orphan" he’d scooped off the street was now crouched over her grimy yellow bag, rummaging through it—

CRACK.

The bowl shattered in his grip, broth splattering across the floor. But he barely noticed.

Inside the bag:

Neat stacks of fire-green bills—the highest denomination in the Land of Fire—bound in thick bundles with kraft paper.

Thicker than the bricks he’d once laid for pocket change during his broke genin days.

And they were just… piled in there like scrap paper. The "old clothes" he’d assumed were rags? Folded meticulously between the stacks.

Wearing that must feel like being wrapped in pure cash.

Guy, who’d never seen this much money in his life, could only stare.

"Here."

Hikari pulled out a stack—so thick she had to cradle it with both hands—and held it out to him.

"F-for me?"

"Mhm. For the food and lodging."

"This is way too much—"

"The rest is a thank-you. For taking me in."

"I…"

Guy’s usual boisterous voice had gone soft, humbled by sheer wealth.

Watching Hikari casually wave around enough money to buy a small village, he suddenly felt he was the stray she’d picked up off the street.

Wait—

Lodging? I never said she could stay!

But…

He hefted the weighty "brick" in his hand and swallowed his protests.

Exhaustion from training forgotten, he mechanically began cleaning the spilled broth.

Hikari watched his conflicted expression, amused.

Some things never change, no matter the world.

After leaving Hell’s Port, she’d gone straight to settle accounts with Nagare Bunshin.

That bastard knew the ship was trouble.

Before her, both Orochimaru and Zabuza had squeezed funds out of him. Even the Hope’s tickets had flowed through his hands.

Everyone robs the place on their way out, huh?

Guess we all think alike.

In the end, Hikari had raided the local gambling dens.

The cash in her bag was pocket change—the rest sat in a numbered Fire Country account, accruing interest that could fund a small army.

"Guy."

They’d exchanged names earlier, so she used the familiar one from her past life.

"Yeah?"

On his knees, scrubbing the floor, he glanced up.

"You got a girlfriend?"

"Huh?!"

---

Chapter 7: The Scheme

"If you don’t have a girlfriend, then I could—"

"Absolutely not!"

Might Guy flung his rag aside and leapt to his feet. His face, usually so bold and unyielding, flushed an unnatural shade of red as he waved his hands frantically at the small, silver-haired girl in front of him.

"I’d get thrown in prison!"

"What are you even thinking?" Hikari deadpanned, her expression darkening. "I meant you should adopt me."

"A-Adopt?!"

Guy froze, his bushy eyebrows shooting up. That was not the answer he’d expected.

"You can tell I’m not exactly normal, right?" Hikari picked up her cane and nudged the tan bundle at her feet.

Guy nodded slowly.

No ordinary person carried that much cash around.

And despite the cloth covering her eyes, she moved with eerie precision. He couldn’t tell if she was actually blind or just faking it.

"I’m not from Konoha. I came here to become a shinobi, but the Academy doesn’t accept outsiders. So, I need a Konoha citizenship—and you’re my ticket."

Hikari kept it simple. Seeing Guy’s scrunched-up face relax slightly—a sign he was following along—she pressed on.

"You adopt me, help me become a Konoha-nin. I pay you. Mutual benefits. Deal?"

"Well…"

Guy hesitated.

At twenty-one, freshly promoted to jōnin, he’d never considered marriage—let alone fatherhood. Adopting Hikari wouldn’t disrupt his life much.

But the real kicker?

He was strapped for cash.

As a taijutsu specialist, he could only take combat missions. Each time he opened the Eight Gates, the injuries left him hospitalized—sometimes wiping out his entire mission payout.

Then there were the daily expenses: protein supplements, meat, medicine, torn training clothes… The costs piled up.

If not for his jōnin rank boosting his earnings, he’d still be borrowing from his eternal rival, Kakashi, just to scrape by.

Hikari’s offer? Easy money.

But this was too sudden.

They’d just met, exchanged names, shared a meal—and now, family?

It felt…

THUD! THUD!

Two thick stacks of cash slammed onto the floor, the sound rattling Guy’s resolve like a hammer to his pride.

"Say yes, and from today onward, I cover everything—food, gear, weapons, medical supplies."

Hikari flicked a strand of silver-gray hair behind her ear, her tone dripping with arrogance.

"Oh, and I’ve got rare taijutsu training oils and secret formulas—better than anything on the market. Yours, exclusively."

The Kaguya clan had hoarded plenty of such recipes.

(⊙o⊙)

With each perk, Guy’s resistance crumbled—especially at the mention of secret training formulas. His face practically glowed with temptation.

"And a monthly allowance—"

"ENOUGH!"

Guy cut her off with a dramatic sweep of his arm, his eyes blazing.

"Konoha’s Blue Beast is at your service!"

  ---

Rustle, rustle—

Guy bustled around, clearing out the spare room for Hikari.

Seated on a stool, she watched him work, a sly curve playing on her pink lips.

Hook, line, and sinker.

Earlier, while scanning the village with her Byakugan, she’d spotted Guy training alone—drenched in sweat, pushing his limits.

Perfect.

A strong, kind-hearted, gullible jōnin—desperate for cash?

It was almost too easy.

And then there was the Eight Gates technique…

With her near-indestructible body, amplified chakra from the Gates, and Muscle Domination to focus every fiber of her strength?

The possibilities made her giddy.

So she’d waited for him, playing the role of a helpless blind girl.

And just as predicted—Guy’s kindness did the rest.

He’d barely let her fake a tragic backstory before dragging her home.

Saved her the trouble of lying, too.

After all, Kakashi had been watching from the trees all afternoon. He knew she wasn’t what she seemed.

Probably reporting to Hiruzen right now.

She smirked, recalling Kakashi’s bored yawns over his Icha Icha.

But with Guy as her guardian?

No one would dare touch her.

By tomorrow, the adoption would be official.

Then? She’d flaunt her talents, climb the ranks, and secure her place in Konoha—all while Guy handled chores, cooked meals, and even trained her.

One salary, infinite benefits.

The only downside?

Legally calling him "Dad."

A small price to pay.

  ---

Knock, knock—

Guy turned, startled, as Hikari stepped inside.

"Ah! The room’s still a mess—"

"I’ll help."

Before he could protest, she grabbed a rag and joined him.

"W-Wait, you shouldn’t—"

"It’s fine, Guy."

Hikari flipped the grimy cloth and kept scrubbing.

"Money brought us together, but after tomorrow? We’re family."

"Family…"

The word hit him like a punch to the gut.

Since his father, Might Dai, had passed, family had become a distant memory.

CRASH!

A stack of clutter toppled, sending a dust-free photo frame tumbling toward Hikari’s head.

Guy lunged—

Snap.

Her small hand caught it midair.

"Relax. I have my ways of ‘seeing.’"

She handed back the frame—a faded image of two green-clad figures.

"But… that’s a secret technique, isn’t it?"

"Nothing’s more important than family."

Guy stared at her, then at the photo—his father’s face staring back.

Hikari’s words echoed in his chest, familiar and warm.

Family, huh?

Watching her work, something in his lonely heart shifted.

 ---

Unseen, Hikari’s Byakugan observed his softened expression.

This was why she’d come to Konoha.

The original story? Irrelevant.

A single butterfly’s wings could stir a storm—let alone a living, scheming wildcard like her.

But here, she knew these people.

Their weaknesses.

Their hearts.

And in a world of shinobi, that was the sharpest blade of all.

---

Chapter 8: Chasing the Sun

The next morning, Hikari and Might Guy arrived at the Hokage Building.

The first floor was a bustling, brightly lit hall—Konoha’s central hub for missions, permits, and everything in between.

"Welcome, shinobi-sama! I’m Sawada Fūka, the clerk handling adoptions. Please follow me."

A statuesque blonde in a sleek black skirt guided them to the counter, her rose-scented perfume trailing behind her. As they walked, envious glares from nearby men locked onto Guy—some admiring, others seething.

Hikari, meanwhile, happily played the role of the "blind girl", her cane tapping lightly as she followed.

Today was a good day.

Her safe development phase was about to begin.

With training and time, her strength would grow exponentially.

In ten years, Kaguya Ōtsutsuki would break free from her seal, resurrecting through Madara. To survive the coming apocalypse, Hikari needed Six Paths-level power—at minimum.

The shinobi world’s power scaling, she mused, was oddly similar to xianxia novels:

1. Academy Student

2. Genin

3. Chūnin

4. Special Jōnin

5. Jōnin

6. Elite Jōnin

7. Kage

8. Super Kage

9. Six Paths

10. Konoha Genin (the true final boss)

The first three tiers were essentially the same—just different stages of growth. Like elementary, middle, and high school.

Special Jōnin were the "honor students" of the regular forces—decent, but nothing extraordinary.

Jōnin marked true elite status, granting political influence within the village.

Elite Jōnin? The village’s pillars—often Kage-level in all but title.

Then came the Five Kage, followed by freaks like Hashirama and Madara (Super Kage), and finally, Six Paths monsters like Naruto and Sasuke.

Kaguya? A tier above even them.

And between me and her? Hikari sighed. About 100,000 Kakashis.

Time to grind.

Her short-term goal? Reach Elite Jōnin level in all areas by graduation.

---

"Hey, Hikari—what’s your surname?"

Guy’s sudden question snapped her out of her thoughts.

Shit.

Kaguya? Hyūga?

Too recognizable.

"How about ‘Might’?" Guy grinned. "Might Hikari has a nice ring!"

"No."

She paused, then declared:

"My surname is ‘Chasing Sun.’"

Chasing Sun Hikari.

A play on "Kaguya" (竹取) and "Hyūga" (日向), blending her past and present. A name that mirrored her ambition—to surpass even Kaguya, the so-called "Moon Goddess," and become the sun itself.

Like the myth of Kuafu, who chased the sun until his last breath—this was her ninja way.

"Chasing Sun… Hikari."

Guy’s eyes shimmered with emotion as he wrote it down.

A girl born in darkness, chasing the sun?

"THAT’S THE SPIRIT OF YOUTH!"

He leapt up, bawling tears, his voice booming across the hall. The clerk froze mid-smile. Every head turned.

"SO PASSIONATE! SO—"

"Stop saying my name!" Hikari hissed, yanking her hood over her face. The stares burned worse than any Fire Release.

The clerk, Sawada Fūka, stifled a laugh at the odd pair—the exuberant father and his deadpan daughter.

"If you love it so much," Hikari muttered, "why don’t you take my name?"

"Wha—that’s not how adoptions work!"

"Keep shouting, and I’ll cut your allowance."

"…Sorry."

---

Minutes later, the paperwork was done.

"Congratulations! You’re now family."

Guy stared at the document, his chest tight.

Father… I’m a father now.

But Hikari was already marching toward the door.

"Next stop: the Academy."

She couldn’t wait.

Right now, beyond raw combat skills, she was a half-baked shinobi—barely knowing the Three Basic Jutsu. A waste of her potential.

Survival in Kirigakure had forced her to prioritize strength over knowledge.

But here?

She could finally learn.

Chakra control. Nature Transformation. Seals. Genjutsu. Medical Ninjutsu.

Most shinobi mastered one.

But for a future Six Paths contender?

Every skill was a stepping stone.

"A towering tree needs deep roots."

The road ahead was long, arduous—but Hikari was ready.

---

Chapter 9: Kazama Koshī

Stepping out of the administration building, Might Guy flashed a thumbs-up.

"Hikari, next stop—the Academy! You nervous?"

"Is enrollment even open today?"

Ignoring Guy’s attempt at playful teasing, Hikari tilted her head. She’d meant to ask this since last night.

Was it really just coincidence that enrollment happened the day after she arrived?

Guy chuckled. "Nah. The Academy has three terms per year: April to July, August to November, and January to March. It’s August now—kids your age already finished a term. If you don’t wanna wait, you’ll have to enroll as a transfer student."

Ah.

Hikari nodded. "What’s the entrance exam?"

"Exam?"

The word triggered a memory. Guy’s voice softened.

"Just one test: chakra extraction. Learn the technique, activate your chakra seed, and you’re in. No time limit."

Pride flickered in his eyes.

Back then, he’d failed—unable to extract chakra within the deadline. The examiner’s words still stung:

"If you can’t master even this, you’re trash unfit to be a shinobi."

Only after relentless training—and a personal intervention by the Third Hokage—had he earned his place. Now, the rules had changed. Last year, a kid like him got in too.

"Don’t worry, Hikari. You’ll pass easy."

Hikari shrugged.

The Chunin Exams might give her trouble—Konoha’s genin were monsters. But the Academy test?

…Pathetic.

---

The Academy stood just across the street.

A five-story building, painted orange with the Fire symbol emblazoned atop it. Beyond the gates, an oval training field sprawled under the sun—currently occupied by dozens of tiny figures hurling kunai at battered targets.

Hikari’s Byakugan pulsed beneath her blindfold. Veins bulged as her vision pierced through walls, mapping the entire campus—

Training Field:

"Uchiha Sasuke—seven hits, excellent! Next: Uzumaki Naruto!"

Pre-massacre Sasuke strutted back to the crowd, basking in squeals from fangirls (Sakura and Ino loudest among them).

"Tch."

A blond boy with whisker marks scowled, envy plain on his face.

"Quit dawdling!" barked Iruka, clipboard in hand.

"Yeah, yeah! Watch this!"

Naruto grabbed a fistful of kunai, already imagining his victory cheers—

THUNK!

A shuriken suddenly embedded itself in the ground where Hikari and Guy had just walked.

Guy blinked. "How did you—?"

"My sensing range is… adequate," Hikari deadpanned, pinching her fingers slightly apart.

Guy nodded sagely.

Makes sense. A blind girl surviving alone? She’d need tricks like this.

---

Academy Admissions Office

The room was sparse—just a desk and a lean man in a green flak jacket. His moss-colored eyes were lifeless, like a stagnant pond.

"Kazama Koshī. State your business."

"This is my daughter, Hikari," Guy said, nudging her forward. "We’d like to apply for transfer admission."

Kosh’s gaze lingered on Hikari’s blindfold. Then, icy disdain dripped into his voice:

"Are you joking?"

Guy’s smile froze.

Hikari’s grip tightened on her cane.

"The blind cannot be shinobi," Koshī said flatly, shuffling papers. "Leave."

"But Hikari can—"

"This isn’t a game. Shinobi die."

Koshī’s lip curled. "A child’s delusions are one thing. A father enabling them? Disgusting."

Guy’s fist clenched—

CRACK!

Hikari’s cane slammed into the floor, cratering the tiles.

Silence.

"Since we’re at an impasse," she said calmly, "here’s my proposal."

Koshī stared at the shattered floor, then at her. "…Go on."

"A duel. Winner decides."

Guy perked up—oh, he’d love to teach this guy some respect—

Koshī snorted. "Girl, I’m a jonin. You think your daddy here can beat me?"

"Not him."

Hikari lifted her cane, pointing the dirt-crusted tip at Koshī’s face.

"You. Me. Courtyard."

Her lips curved.

"No holding back."

---

Chapter 10: What Kind of Ninja Even Uses Hand Signs?

Ninja Academy.

Outside the school building, at the training range.

A handsome black-haired boy with dark eyes flicked his wrist with effortless grace.

A shuriken flashed through the air—thunk!—landing dead-center in the target.

He turned around.

The Uchiha crest on Sasuke’s back gleamed under the sunlight.

"So cool, Sasuke!"

Sakura and Ino led a chorus of squealing fangirls, swarming around him like a pack of excited puppies.

"Tch. What’s the big deal?"

In the distance…

Naruto, mimicking Shikamaru, chewed on a leaf with his back against a tree. The bitter taste made him grimace.

Unnoticed by him, a certain blue-haired, Byakugan-wielding girl pretended to train while stealing shy glances in his direction.

"Woof! Woof!"

"Good boy, Akamaru!" Kiba scratched the white pup perched on his shoulder before tossing him a treat.

Nearby, Chōji stuffed his face with chips—crunch, crunch—fueling up for training. As a member of the Akimichi clan, turning calories into chakra was his version of hard work.

Then—

"Teacher Kazama’s fighting someone!"

A scrawny, sniffling boy came running, instantly grabbing everyone’s attention.

Kazama-sensei was fighting someone?

Kazama Koshī—one of the rare jōnin-level instructors at the academy.

Rumor had it he’d fought in the Third Great Shinobi War before retiring due to injury.

Cold, aloof, and unfairly good-looking, he was the object of every girl’s admiration… and every boy’s resentment.

The undisputed #1 Most Hated Man in the school.

"Who’s he fighting? Where?" someone asked.

"Some girl—about my height, kinda pretty… and blind, I think? They’re going at it in the training field. Even the teachers are watching!"

Blind?

WHACK!

A taller boy smacked the messenger upside the head. "You call that a fight? Sounds more like Kazama-sensei bullying a disabled girl!"

Rubbing his head, the sniffling boy muttered, "But they’re really going at it! And… Kazama-sensei might actually be losing."

Huh?!

The crowd erupted in disbelief.

"No way! Let’s go see!"

Naruto froze.

That description… Hikari?

Hikari was fighting Kazama-sensei?!

Would she be okay?

The thought of his first real friend—the one he’d bonded with over ramen—in danger sent him scrambling to his feet. He bolted after the others toward the training grounds.

Even Sasuke and the usually lazy Shikamaru perked up.

A jōnin fight was rare enough—but one involving the notoriously stern Kazama Koshī? They couldn’t miss it.

Within moments, the entire class had vanished.

---

Meanwhile…

Iruka stepped out of the bathroom, rubbing his stomach.

The training field was empty—just a few stray kunai scattered on the ground.

"Huh? Did I take a wrong turn? Where’d everyone go?"

Unbeknownst to him, Shino stood directly in front of him, adjusting his sunglasses. Hidden behind his high collar, his face was even more confused than Iruka’s.

"…Am I not human?"

---

Flashback: A Few Minutes Earlier

At the training field’s center, a crowd of teachers had gathered, buzzing with gossip.

"Hey, what’s going on?"

"I heard this blind girl wants to enroll, but Kazama-sensei refused. Now they’re fighting!"

"Wait, no—I heard she’s his secret love child, here to confront him!"

Gai stood at the front, watching Hikari and Kazama face off with concern.

From what he’d gathered:

Kazama Koshī—a jōnin specializing in Wind Release, a veteran of the Third War. Experienced, ruthless, and deadly.

Hikari—a six-year-old blind girl, barely taller than a kunai.

The gap in power was insane.

Gai didn’t think she stood a chance.

But he wouldn’t stop her.

No one had the right to crush another’s dream. As her guardian, all he could do was support her—win or lose.

Maybe if she holds out long enough, they’ll see her determination… just like they did with me back then.

"Eh? Gai, is that you?"

An old instructor recognized his iconic bowl cut.

"Mitsuda-sensei! I, uh… brought my daughter to school."

"You have a kid now?! Time flies! What’s her name? Which class?"

"Her name’s Hikari. And, well… she’s the one fighting Kazama-sensei."

Gai pointed awkwardly at the tiny figure in the arena.

Mitsuda’s face twisted in disbelief.

Gai just scratched his head, unsure how to explain this madness.

---

The Fight Begins

Kazama ignored the murmurs, his cold green eyes locked onto the blind girl barely reaching his chest.

"If you can land a single hit on me, I’ll grant you the right to take the entrance exam."

Hikari didn’t react.

Under her blindfold, veins bulged around her eyes—Byakugan, activated.

Hmm…

- Chakra level: High jōnin tier.

- Physical strength: Average.

- Weapons: 13 kunai/shuriken total.

- Old injuries: Fractured shinbones, wind-nature chakra scarring on his hands.

- Conclusion: Primary threat—Wind Release. Otherwise, manageable.

"Ready?" she asked.

Kazama didn’t answer. His smirk faded, replaced by icy focus.

Shinobi Rule #7: No matter the opponent, discard all emotion. Fight with absolute clarity.

In an instant, he lunged—silent as the wind, his chakra-coated hand shooting for Hikari’s throat.

Let me show you why the blind can’t be shinobi.

His fingers closed in—

THUD.

Hikari’s cane struck the ground.

Water erupted.

A tidal wave of liquid surged from nowhere, crashing toward Kazama.

"What—?!"

No hand signs?!

No warning?!

He slashed through the water with his bare hands—

SPLASH!

The moment the droplets scattered—

Hikari’s finger pointed at his forehead.

The suspended water sharpened into needles, hovering mid-air.

A pulse of chakra—

WHOOSH!

The needles blasted forward, blotting out the sky.

Kazama’s eyes widened.

Now he finally understood.

This blind girl—

WASN’T USING A SINGLE HAND SIGN!

---

(◠‿◠)✌️