Chapter 32: The First Awakening Sign

Chapter 32: The First Awakening Sign

It was still early in the day when Team Eight, having finished their meal courtesy of Kurenai Yuhi, didn’t disband but instead headed straight to the Hokage’s office to begin their first official mission.

As expected for a newly formed squad, their initial task was a D-rank mission. Hinata Hyuga and Shino Aburame had initially approached it with curiosity, but their enthusiasm faded when Kurenai led them to a foul-smelling ditch and asked them to clear the debris floating on the water’s surface.

For Hinata and Izayoi, who could already walk on water, the task was trivial. Shino, too, found it effortless—techniques like tree-climbing and water-walking had been mastered by him back in his third year at the Ninja Academy. These were foundational skills demanded by their clans, even if the Academy didn’t teach them.

Even if Izayoi hadn’t taught Hinata these techniques, her mastery of the Tenketsu Striking would eventually have prompted her father, Hiashi Hyuga, to train her in them. After all, these skills were about multitasking chakra control. Once mastered, they amplified the power of Tenketsu Striking and made learning the Gentle Fist far easier.

Kurenai Yuhi was initially surprised to see Izayoi and the others already proficient in these advanced chakra control techniques. But given Hinata’s and Shino’s prestigious backgrounds, as well as Izayoi’s strength and his close relationship with Hinata, she quickly understood. For them, these skills truly were second nature.

Soon, Kurenai found herself facing a new problem. She had planned to use this mission to teach Izayoi and the others more advanced chakra control. Now that they already knew it, what else could she offer?

Izayoi, unaware of Kurenai’s dilemma, felt only gratitude. Though they called her “teacher,” their mentor-student dynamic wasn’t quite the same as a traditional sensei-apprentice relationship. As a jōnin supervisor, her role was to guide newly graduated genin through missions, ensuring they became competent ninja. Some mentors deepened their bond with favored students, passing on their techniques, but others simply withdrew once a team member advanced to chūnin rank. Compared to Kakashi Hatake of Team Seven—who let his students struggle with garbage duty while he lounged under a tree reading smut—Izayoi, Hinata, and Shino were incredibly lucky.

After completing the mission and dividing their payment, Team Eight parted ways at the Hokage’s office.

“Hinata, let’s celebrate our first paycheck with a nice meal!” Izayoi said.

“Mm-hm!”

Armed with fresh ingredients from the market, they returned to Izayoi’s apartment, planning to cook dinner and then invite Hanabi Hyuga over. But as Izayoi stepped into the hallway, he suddenly froze, his brows knitting together in pain. A sharp hiss escaped him, and the grocery bag slipped from his hands.

“Izayoi-kun, what’s wrong?!” Hinata exclaimed, her face clouding with worry.

“My Kekkei Genkai… it’s awakening!” he gasped, pressing a hand to his eyes as he leaned against the wall. His voice trembled with discomfort, yet his lips curled into a grin of excitement.

“R-Really? You have a Kekkei Genkai too?!” Hinata stammered, her eyes widening.

“Mm. This’ll be our secret,” Izayoi said, placing a hand on her shoulder. “Hinata, help me upstairs. There’s something I need you to do.”

“Of course!”

Hinata nodded fiercely, abandoning the scattered groceries as she guided Izayoi to his room. After helping him lie down, she fetched bandages and a black eye mask from his drawer, handing them to him wordlessly.

Once blindfolded, Izayoi formed a hand seal, his senses expanding to envelop the entire Konoha Central Street. Moments later, he dropped his hands, his expression grave.

“Hinata,” he murmured, “don’t tell anyone—not even Hanabi—that my Kekkei Genkai awakened late. If word spreads, people will take interest. If my clan still existed in Fire Country, I might have a future. But if it’s a foreign bloodline… they’ll brand me a threat. Konoha won’t trust me, and… our future together would vanish.”

“I understand,” Hinata vowed, her face resolute. She’d never betray him.

“I think this awakening will take days. If Team Eight gets missions, create a Shadow Clone to take my place. Make sure it wears my clothes—Shino’s insects will notice the difference otherwise. Also, have the clone mention it’s practicing my new technique.”

“Understood.”

“And keep Hanabi away for a few days. I’ll need help bringing meals… but I might hide using Invisibility Technique. If you can’t find me, just call out. Don’t use Byakugan.”

“Got it.”

Hinata nodded, her cheeks flushing with determination. For once, she would be the one protecting Izayoi.

“Relying on you these next few days… thank you.” Izayoi smiled.

“Mm-hm…” Hinata whispered, her heart racing.

She couldn’t wait for what lay ahead.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end