Naruto: Heaven Rewards Diligence

These days, Hyūga Hiashi was deeply surprised by Hinata's transformation—especially her changes in battle.

Her strikes, once soft and hesitant, now carried a new weight. In the past, Hinata's timidity had limited her. Hiashi, as her father and clan head, could only press her with stricter demands, but no matter how much he urged her, she lacked the fighting spirit to back it up.

Her Gentle Fist once lacked firmness, flowing with nothing but softness. She couldn't even defeat Hanabi, who was five years her junior.

But lately, Hinata's training had become more intense. Even her spars with Hanabi had grown serious.

Although she still fought defensively, her new style shocked even Hiashi. On the surface, it resembled the Gentle Fist, yet its movements carried a strange rhythm—mysterious, elusive.

Hanabi often found herself being drawn in, as though caught in quicksand. No matter how she struggled, Hinata dictated the pace of the match.

What stunned Hiashi most was that Hinata's technique, though rooted in the Hyūga's Gentle Fist, clearly carried traces of another style entirely.

Could it be that Hinata had created a new Gentle Fist form on her own?

Before long, Hanabi was drenched in sweat.

"No more, no more! Big sister's cheating! She's slippery like a loach—I can't even hit her!" Hanabi pouted, her lips jutting out in exaggerated protest.

Hiashi's stern expression softened slightly. "Hmm. You did well. But this Gentle Fist technique… what is it?"

To see her father, usually so strict, show satisfaction made Hinata's heart tremble with joy. A small smile blossomed across her face.

But his question left her frozen. She thought of Naruto. If Father learned that it was Naruto who taught her, would he blame him? Would he make things difficult for Naruto-kun?

Countless thoughts raced through Hinata's mind, but in the end she lowered her gaze and said softly, "I… created it."

Hiashi gave a faint smile. "As expected of my daughter. Keep working hard."

Hinata nodded quickly, relief flooding her chest.

Then Hiashi turned to Hanabi, his tone strict once more. "You too, Hanabi. Do not fall behind."

Without waiting for her reply, he turned and left. Hanabi stuck her tongue out at his retreating back.

When he was gone, Hinata leaned down and whispered, "Don't do that, Hanabi."

But Hanabi only puffed her cheeks and made another face at her sister.

Hinata said nothing, only gazed at her with gentle eyes and reached out to ruffle her hair.

"Big sister… what was that move you used? Can you teach me?" Hanabi suddenly asked.

Hinata froze. "Ah…" She hadn't expected Hanabi to be so eager.

Naruto-kun hadn't forbidden her from teaching it… but this was his technique. She should ask him first.

"I'll have to… think about it. I'm not sure if I can teach it properly," Hinata said hesitantly.

Hanabi's lips twisted into a pout. "Hmph! Is it because brother-in-law won't let you teach me?"

"Eh?! W-what are you saying?!" Hinata's face flushed bright red.

"Heh heh! I wonder who's always murmuring 'Naruto-kun, Naruto-kun' in her sleep…" Hanabi teased, her mischievous eyes sparkling.

"N-no! I don't!" Hinata waved her hands frantically, her cheeks burning.

"Big sister's embarrassed~!"

"Hanabi!"

Hinata's flustered shout sent Hanabi laughing as she bolted across the courtyard, her older sister chasing after her.

After returning to his quarters, Hiashi's expression darkened again. He sighed heavily.

"Hinata…"

A father knows his daughter best. Hinata's claim of creating that technique was a lie—he could see through it easily. Such a style, so fluid and adaptive, could not be invented in a short time, nor mastered without decades of refinement. And Hinata's movements were still immature, proof that the technique had yet to reach its full potential.

No originator would ever appear so unpolished.

Moreover, Hinata had been coming home late these past days. Was she meeting someone to train? But who outside the Hyūga clan could possess such mastery of Gentle Fist principles?

Hiashi frowned deeply. This mystery troubled him. Still, as long as it strengthened the clan, perhaps it was not a threat.

Yet for Hinata's safety, precautions were necessary.

Summoning an elite branch family shinobi, Hiashi gave his command:

"Investigate Hinata's recent activities. Report anything unusual to me immediately."

"Yes, Hiashi-sama!"

The branch ninja bowed on one knee before vanishing in a blur, leaving Hiashi alone with his thoughts.

...

Inside the room…

Under the dim candlelight, the shadow of a figure stretched long across the tatami floor. A man in a Chūnin vest knelt respectfully on one knee.

He reported in a steady voice:

"Head of the Clan, Lady Hinata has recently been spending much of her time with Uzumaki Naruto, Uchiha Sasuke, and Hyūga Neji, in addition to attending the Academy."

"…?"

Hiashi's brows furrowed. Uzumaki Naruto and Uchiha Sasuke? And even his nephew, Neji?

At the thought of Neji, a faint trace of guilt flashed across Hiashi's stern face.

But why would those three be grouped together? On the surface, it seemed like children merely gathering to play. Yet Hiashi knew better—this was no simple coincidence.

Uzumaki Naruto—the Nine-Tails' jinchūriki—was one of the most important figures in the entire village.

Uchiha Sasuke—the last surviving heir of the Uchiha clan—carried a status that was no less sensitive.

And Neji—though of the branch family—was his brother's son, a prodigy, and already at the top of his class. By rights, he was a year above Naruto and Sasuke. There was no reason they should be mingling together.

Hiashi's frown deepened as he pieced through the implications, so lost in thought he failed to notice the fleeting glint in his subordinate's eyes.

...

Behind the mountains, at a secluded training ground…

Naruto, Sasuke, and Neji stood together, while Rock Lee trained rigorously under Guy-sensei a short distance away.

The three were still mid-discussion.

"Hey, Naruto," Neji asked, his tone casual but probing, "why do you think Lord Hiashi sent someone to investigate us?"

Naruto smirked knowingly. "Don't you already have the answer in your heart?"

Neji chuckled and rubbed the back of his head. "I just wanted to hear your take on it."

Ever since temporarily escaping the binding threat of the Caged Bird Seal, Neji had grown noticeably more relaxed, his former bitterness tempered into something lighter.

"Does it even need analyzing?" Naruto said, shrugging.

"Hinata's sudden growth, her change in fighting style, and this 'unfamiliar' form of taijutsu… of course Hiashi-sama would be suspicious."

"By the way," Neji pressed, "what's your real goal in taking control of Hyūga Sōsuke?"

"Tch. Isn't it obvious?" Sasuke cut in coldly before Naruto could answer.

"We're short on manpower as it is. And more importantly, Hyūga talents are invaluable for reconnaissance. The Byakugan covers angles the Sharingan doesn't."

Although he looked down on the Hyūga bloodline compared to his own clan's, even Sasuke couldn't deny the Byakugan's superior range and scouting ability.

"Hmph." Neji turned his head away with a cold snort.

He and Sasuke never got along—barbed remarks passed between them as naturally as breathing. Still, when it mattered, Neji knew Sasuke's words weren't without reason.

He didn't bother arguing further. He already knew Naruto's intentions. He had only wanted to hear him say it outright.

...

TN:

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