C126 What Do You Cloud Ninja Mean by This? Do You Want to Fight?

Hinata gazed at her hands, feeling the surge of strength building within her body, a sense of profound tranquility settling in her heart.

As she looked up at the moon, her thoughts drifted back to the moment she met Yang Ming. That encounter had left a deep impression on her, stirring her soul. Whenever she felt weary from her training, she would come to this spot, staring at the open ground before her as if Yang Ming stood there, helping her regain her confidence.

Just then, two Hyūga Clan ninja appeared out of nowhere.

Upon seeing them, Hinata greeted them with due respect.

"Uncle Hyūga Izumi, Uncle Hyūga Nagare!"

These two were journeyman ninja of the Hyūga Clan, tasked with Hinata's covert protection.

As the princess of the Hyūga Clan, it was only natural for her to be well-guarded, especially after the recent incident that had prompted the family to take her safety even more seriously. After all, any harm coming to the esteemed princess of Konoha's premier clan would tarnish their illustrious reputation.

"Miss, it's getting late. We should head back," one of the ninja said with a nod.

"Alright," Hinata replied softly, nodding her head obediently. She didn't want to be a burden to them and began walking towards the Hyūga estate.

The two ninja exchanged a sigh and a quiet conversation.

"It's a twist of fate that our princess, who should be revered by all, has such a temperament," Hyūga Izumi lamented.

"Talent may be innate, but personality is shaped over time. I believe Lady Hinata is just going through a phase. She will undoubtedly mature and rise to lead our Hyūga Clan to new heights of glory," Hyūga Nagare countered, shaking his head as they disagreed.

"You're right. The young lady is still growing. With time, these concerns will fade away," Hyūga Izumi conceded, acknowledging Hinata's potential, though he remained skeptical of her current demeanor.

Their voices were hushed, but Hinata could hear every word, casting a shadow over her brightening spirit.

Together, the trio made their way toward the Hyūga residence. Strangely, the moon shone exceptionally bright that night, and the path to the Hyūga Clan seemed longer than usual. After a quarter of an hour's walk, the familiar gates were still nowhere in sight.

"Trouble—it's an illusion, we've got enemies!"

The two ninjas snapped to attention, positioning themselves protectively, one in front and one behind Hinata, poised for battle.

"Hmm?"

Hinata tensed up, sensing danger.

"You're quite vigilant, aren't you?"

As they braced themselves, a mocking voice cut through the air. A kunai thudded at their feet, and in the moonlight, a middle-aged Cloud Ninja emerged.

He eyed Hyūga and Hyūga Liu with a look of ill intent.

"Cloud Ninja!"

The sight of the newcomer soured their expressions instantly.

"You're on Konoha soil. Is your uninvited presence here an attempt to provoke war between Konoha and the Cloud Village?"

Hyūga Liu exchanged a knowing glance with Hyūga, who nodded and moved to shield Hinata. Hyūga Liu faced the Cloud Ninja with a chilling stare.

Chakra surged through their bodies, ready to be unleashed at a moment's notice. In such a place, at such a time, the sudden appearance of a Cloud Ninja was an unmistakable sign of hostility.

"Heh!"

The Cloud Ninja scoffed at Hyūga Liu's accusation, then his gaze shifted to Hinata, behind them, his eyes gleaming with avarice.

"So this is the Hyūga Clan's pure Byakugan, free from the 'caged bird's' control. A single Byakugan has doubled a Mist Ninja's strength on the battlefield. I wonder, how much more power will we gain if we, the Cloud Ninja, acquire two?"