1 Changes PT1

"Faster. Move faster, boy!" barked a raven-haired man clad in white robes. His long, elegant hair framed a face that exuded both wisdom and ferocity, fitting for the battle-hardened warlord he was.

His lavender-tinted milky white eyes had a disconcerting effect, capable of shaking individuals to their cores with a single glare. Every step he took on the battlefield radiated confidence and authority, commanding awe from even his allies.

As his son, I had grown immune to his passive intimidation, allowing me to meet him eye to eye at the Hyūga training grounds, where we fought relentlessly.

The sound of rapid jabs filled the air, each strike precise and deadly. Every training session felt like a fight for survival.

With a poke, my shoulder was dislocated before my pain receptors could even register the sensation. A flick to my forehead drew blood effortlessly while a single jab split my lip like paper meeting water.

My vision blurred from the onslaught, bruises marring my skin, but I knew I needed to create distance to regain my bearings. However, my father's relentless assault left me little opportunity for respite, my eyes nearly swollen shut from the barrage of blows.

Desperation fueled my actions as I tactically retreated, throwing dust into my father's eyes to buy precious seconds of reprieve. Momentarily disoriented, he flinched, allowing me a brief respite to catch my breath and strategize.

"Why is he always this aggressive?" I mumbled with exasperated breaths, seizing the momentary lull in combat to assess my options.

I couldn't face him head-on. He was stronger than me, faster, and smarter, but I knew what would happen if I gave up… It would only get worse.

I contemplated my advantages and disadvantages against him for a moment… but then shortly gave up after realizing that there were far more of the former.

Cracking my knuckles in uncertainty, I charged forward. Despite my physical limitations as a toddler in a world full of seasoned ninjas, I had been reborn with a innate durability and strength that set me apart from everyone that I knew or knew of.

At birth, I had a rare genetic mutation; one that allowed me to heal from injuries in less than a fraction of the time it took for a normal person to heal. In short, it was what was allowing me to withstand the full force of my father's onslaught without fear of fatal consequences.

As I squared up and prepared for the next round, I had to acknowledge that my quirks were a mixed bag. On the darker side of things, because I was the heir to my clan, my father did everything in his power to make me stronger, beating me brutally 360 days out the year with all his 360 palms. On the brighter side, J learned to somewhat defend myself.

But… I wasn't gonna lie, his fist and palms still hurt like a bitch. I didn't like getting hit by them, but every time I complained, he just hit me harder.

A year ago, I thought our little matches were bordering the line of child abuse. As soon as my birthday 3 months ago, I now truly understood what child abuse was.

In fact, just looking at him right now, I could tell he was getting ready to exercise his privileges of beating me.

"*swoosh*"

With enough power in his legs to crack the ground beneath him, he rocketed himself toward me with his hands dangling behind his back.

As we rushed towards each other, my heart raced with a mix of anticipation and dread. I readied myself for the impending clash, fully aware of the daunting challenge ahead. My father was an elite Jonin, his prowess in Taijutsu unmatched.

As he closed in, his movements were swift and precise, a testament to his mastery of combat. He unleashed a barrage of strikes, each one aimed at a vulnerable point on my body. His fists and feet found their mark with alarming accuracy, landing blows that sent shockwaves of pain through me.

I tried to defend myself, but his attacks were relentless, coming at me from all angles. My arms and legs absorbed the brunt of the assault, the impact causing bones to crack and joints to ache. I gritted my teeth against the pain, refusing to give in to weakness.

But despite my best efforts, I couldn't evade every blow. A powerful punch connected with my nose, sending shards of pain shooting through my skull. I felt the bone give way beneath the force of the impact, blood streaming down my face.

With each passing moment, the odds seemed increasingly insurmountable. My father's skill and experience left me struggling to keep up, my movements growing sluggish with exhaustion. Every strike he landed brought me closer to defeat, the relentless onslaught wearing me down.

As the attack continued, my father's final palm strike to my chest struck with devastating strength, launching me backward with a brutal force. I tumbled across the ground, the impact sending shockwaves of agony through my body.

After I swallowed a few mouthfuls of dirt, I landed in a heap of dirt and rocks, my shoulder bearing the brunt of the crash.

I could feel the bones in my shoulder shatter upon impact, the pain crawling up my arm like angry fire ants. The sound of cracking bone echoed in my ears as I lay sprawled on the ground, gasping for breath.

Dirt and debris clung to my battered form as I laid there like a starfish, pain coursing through every fiber of my being.

"Ugh."

I grunted, not because of the pain, but for what was about to come.

I could feel my body beginning to mend itself, the bones in my shoulder slowly knitting back together. But the process was agonizing, each moment of healing more excruciating than the last.

As my body repaired itself, I could feel every bone shifting and realigning, the sensation sending waves of nausea washing over me. It was a grotesque ordeal, the pain so intense that I could scarcely bear it. But still, I gritted my teeth and endured, knowing that the alternative was far worse.

Through a clenched jaw, I forced myself to endure the torment, my body wracked with agony as it struggled to heal.

Every second felt like an eternity as I lay there, covered in dirt and blood, my physical form slowly piecing itself back together.

"Get up, son. I know you have more fight in you," My father teased.

With a weary sigh, I dragged myself upright, brushing off the remnants of battle from my robes. Meeting my father's gaze, I detected a fleeting flicker of hesitation behind his smile.

"Do you remember my teachings, Agni?" he asked, his voice tinged with solemnity.

I straightened my shoulders, a silent affirmation of my readiness to face whatever he threw at me.

"Well, you have a lot. You gotta be more specific than that."

He nodded, his expression serious. "Let me remind you of two fundamental principles. Firstly, to protect the Byakugan, one must be prepared to sacrifice everything – mind, body, and soul."

"I understand that…" I replied, feeling the last of my injuries fade away as my body almost completely healed.

"Secondly," he continued, his tone softening with unexpected empathy, "weakness is not tolerated within the Hyūga clan. We are bound to pursue perfection relentlessly, in order to unlock the full extent of our potential…This applies to you, to every member of our clan including myself."

I only nodded to his words. I had already heard them too many times to count, but yet, I remained respectful as I almost always had.

"I want you to understand that—that I don't derive any pleasure from pushing you to such extremes… But because of the unique traits of your body, you possess boundless potential that goes even beyond my own comprehension… That's why I train you so rigorously – to unlock and maximize the power resting inside of you."

"Yeah… I understand."

His words struck a chord within me, resonating with the weight of centuries-old tradition and familial expectations. For a moment, I hesitated, grappling with the unspoken question lingering in his gaze.

"Do you resent me?" he asked, his vulnerability catching me off guard.

"W-what?" I was tongue-tied. Since coming to this world, this was the first time I experienced this side of him.

"It's okay if you-"

Cutting him off immediately, I shook my head in disagreement.

"Father, I don't hate you… I know you probably think I can't grasp the position I'm in, but I do. I know for a fact that a lot of people roam this world aimlessly without a purpose… some waste their whole life trying to find theirs… But you gave me one at birth. You gave me something to strive for… You, and all the other Hyūgas before me literally handed me a golden spoon. The least I can do is protect it… So no. I don't hate you."

His unexpected vulnerability caught me off guard, momentarily piercing through his tough exterior. For a fleeting moment, I saw a chink in his armor—a glimpse of warmth and understanding that I hadn't anticipated.

His soft sigh and the hint of a smile tugging at his lips kinda made me feel as if we had just forged a bond of some sort. It was new… Different. I didn't mind at all. "Well said, Agni," he murmured, his voice tinged with pride. "It still amazes me to this day how a child like yourself has always had a way with words."

But our shared moment of vulnerability was short-lived, quickly replaced by his familiar determination and resolve. "Enough sentimentality," he declared, his tone firm once more. "Let's see if you can match your words with action, Agni."

He then rushed at me again without a moment of warning, aiming to sweep my legs with a kick.

Seeing the attack coming, unlike the hundreds of times in the past, I quickly hopped off my left foot, propelling myself with enough momentum to do a backflip the moment he got too close.

When he launched his kick half-assedly, I jumped in the air and soon realized that I was caught in his trap.

'Damn. The kick was a lie.'

The kick was a faint attack that allowed him to prepare for his next.

My father's true attack was now being fired while I was in a state of panic.

"Vacuum Palm," his voice echoed with ominous authority, sending shivers down my spine as I braced for impact.

In that split second, the world seemed to slow to a crawl, allowing me to witness the intricate dance of chakra as it manipulated the very air around us. The sand beneath my feet trembled in anticipation, mirroring the tension that hung heavy in the air.

With a ferocious whoosh, the compressed air surged forth like a tidal wave, its deadly intent cutting through the dusty atmosphere with chilling precision.

"*Whoosh*"

The air crackled with anticipation as the deadly projectile hurtled towards me, slicing through the atmosphere with the ferocity of a raging tempest.

My heart pounded in my chest as I realized the true danger of my father's vacuum palm technique – it wasn't just wind manipulation, it was a lethal barrage of razor-sharp blades, capable of cleaving through flesh with terrifying precision.

"Oh-fuck." I cursed under my breath, my senses heightened as adrenaline surged through my veins, urging me to react with lightning speed. Without a moment to spare, I dropped to the ground, narrowly evading the deadly assault that could tear me apart like tissue paper.

"*Whoosh*"

The force of the attack was staggering, enough to rend a boulder in twain twice my size. Only by the thinnest margin did I avoid being eviscerated, feeling the scorch of its passage as it singed a lock of my hair in its wake.

What frightened me most was that my father's vacuum palm wasn't your run-of-the-mill ninjutsu. No. It was blades of death capable of piercing holes through people.

"*Woosh*"

With enough power to split a boulder that was double my size in 2, I just barely avoided the full brunt of the attack by the skin of my teeth. A lock of my hair disintegrated instantaneously because of it.

With the attack passing me,I attempted to gain my composure but something in me couldn't rest. At this point, I was irritated. Sanding up,I decided to confront my bully.

"I'm starting to think you want me to hate you. That could have just killed me." I voice with a defeated smirk, wiping the sweat from my forehead.

With a mug of indifference, he responded coldly in a way that suggests that the warmth he just momentarily exuded never existed to begin with.

"You and I both know that even if you were split in half, your body would mend itself back together."

"I get that you have high expectations of me… but father, don't forget that I'm 3,' 'I spat, rather irritated.

"You may be 3, but you have the intelligence of an adult. You also have a healing ability that Shinobi all around the world would kill for. You need to be prepared for when that happens."

In truth, he was right. I knew how this world worked even before being reborn. This was the world where people would jump at the opportunity to steal my eyes. This was a world where children were sent to war, experimented on, and enslaved... and deep down, I already knew that in his training, father was mentally preparing me for the worst the world had to offer.

"Crude, but true enough."

I mumbled.

"Prepare yourself, Agni. I'm coming at you once more."

Squinting my eyes at him in silent disdain, I gripped onto my dislocated shoulder and attempted to put my arm back in place.

"*Sigh*"

"*Crack-Pop*"

I had to admit, his way of teaching was probably the most effective way for me. Why? Like I said, I was special.

One might ask how I ended up in this world. To them, I would reply, It all began when I awoke in a world shrouded in darkness. To articulate it more eloquently, upon entering this realm, I inadvertently encountered a foreign energy that catalyzed a cascade of transformations within me. Despite my reluctance to acknowledge it, this metamorphosis proved to be a boon beyond imagination.

Only later did I come to understand that the enigmatic force was none other than Chakra.

In the realm I inhabited, enveloped in perpetual darkness, Chakra became my sole source of mental stimulation. Merely channeling it through my being induced a profound sense of euphoria. Time lost its meaning in the void of All Black, but it was a duration of considerable length. Amidst the silence, manipulating Chakra became my lifeline, the tether to my sanity.

What was the All Black? It was a realm devoid of sensory input—a desolate expanse of nothingness. It was, in essence, my dad's nuts.

The unsettling reality of things was that I was reincarnated there, burdened with all my memories and faculties intact. Sleep eluded me; I remained in a perpetual state of wakefulness—a tormenting ordeal. Amidst this endless vigil, Chakra was my massage gun that healed all my physical pains… or rather, the lack of any sensory stimulation as a whole.

Upon my entrance into the world, I became acutely aware of the lingering effects of my prior chakra training, which had bestowed upon me peculiar mutations, visibly altering my appearance.

To begin with, my hair assumed a striking hue akin to freshly fallen snow, gradually lengthening and thickening over time.

Furthermore, my eyes bore an unconventional quality, distinct even among the Hyūga lineage to which I belonged. While all Hyūga possessed the Byakugan eye, mine differed with its yellow hue, deepening in shade the longer one met its gaze.

A notable revelation, unearthed by my father and myself, was the perpetual activation of my Byakugan. Unlike the customary activation required by my kin, my ocular ability remained in a constant state of vigilance since before my birth—a period I endeavored to avoid reminiscing upon.

During my time in the womb, I possessed the remarkable ability to peer through the amniotic sac, perceiving the world outside. Enhanced by my ever-active eyes, I beheld a panoramic view, encompassing a full 360 degrees of vision with no blind spot.

At first, it was a real shocker realizing I'd landed in a world where Japanese was the main language. Everywhere I looked, it was all kanji—signs, books, you name it. And here I was, a native English speaker, totally lost.

I had to buckle down and start studying every character, word, and sentence I stumbled upon, trying to piece together this new language I'd never touched before.

Took me months of grinding through Japanese to reach a level where I felt like a toddler. Weirdly enough, unlike my days as a sperm, I actually found studying in the womb kinda amusing.

Around the eight-month mark, I started picking up on snatches of conversation here and there, which was a huge relief. Sure, I wasn't exactly chatting it up with folks, but it beat the loneliness.

But then came the downside of having my Byakugan eyes always on. Everything was sorta translucent, like I was living life in a constant Superman x-ray vision mode. Sounds cool, right? Not so much when you're trying to catch some shut-eye and can see straight through your eyelids.

With practice, I got better at recognizing people by their bone and muscle structures, even though they initially looked like nightmares. And I mastered sleeping with my eyes open.

Looking back, I've really come a long way. From hating my lack of sleep to appreciating my healing factor, it's been a journey. And I know that healing ability will be useful in the future.

One odd mutation was my golden chakra channel, which didn't seem to affect me negatively, and no one else seemed to care much either. But everyone noticed my unusually high chakra reserves for a kid.

That caused a stir, especially among my Hyūga clan. They worried I'd burst out of my mom's womb like the Hulk, which apparently happens sometimes.

So while I was in the womb with my sibling, Hyūga medics kept an eye on my mom. Some even speculated she might have been unfaithful with an Uzumaki, which was absurd. Mom was loyal to my dad and the clan.

Sure, the Hyūga knew about the Uzumaki's chakra levels, but the idea of me being part Uzumaki was impossible since mom never left the village during pregnancy. Loyalty meant everything to her.

With a child born possessing both the Byakugan and Uzumaki-level chakra reserves, it posed a threat obvious to anyone with sight, hearing, or common sense.

My father's instinct was to keep our existence hidden from the world outside the Hyūga clan, but rumors about the Hyūga potentially rivaling the Senju clan spread rapidly within the village.

As rumors tend to do, they morphed into something more sinister over time. Soon, whispers circulated about the Hyūga engaging in genetic experimentation with children. No one knew the source, but the implications weighed heavily on my already stressed mother, who feared the possibility of my own power harming her.

The escalating rumors posed a serious threat to our clan's stability. My father, Hiashi Hyūga, understood this all too well, having witnessed similar situations in the past.

To safeguard our clan's future and avoid potential catastrophe, my father had no choice but to seek protection from the Fourth Hokage himself. As head of the Hyūga, one of the Hidden Leaf's founding clans, gaining an audience with the Fourth and Third Hokages was relatively straightforward. Thus, a meeting was arranged, with my mother also in attendance.

While still in her womb, with my rudimentary grasp of language, I inadvertently overheard discussions about my and my sister's safety. In these conversations, my father strategized ways to mitigate the negative attention surrounding the Hyūga clan. As part of a deal, my parents agreed to allow data collection on their protective shield, essentially making me an unwitting participant in an experiment. This revelation only heightened my mother's already considerable stress. I could sense it in her irregular heartbeat, a palpable manifestation of her anxiety.

Before I even entered the world, my mother, sister, and I were subjected to a barrage of tests, with blood samples taken and experiments conducted by Orochimaru and other Hidden Leaf ninjas.

Initially, taking DNA samples was complicated, especially since I wasn't the only occupant of my mother's womb. I had a neighbor—none other than Hinata Hyūga, the future Princess of our clan. As time passed, the medical-nin adapted, refining their experimentation.

Initially, my father hesitated to reveal me to the world because he believed he was dealing with two unique cases, both instilling fear and excitement in his heart. However, Orochimaru's team delved deeper into their studies and discovered that I somehow possessed an excess of vitality.

As I underwent my metamorphosis, Hinata also reaped benefits due to our shared proximity, making us a two-for-one special deal.

When the Third Hokage learned of my unique circumstances, he was reminded of the late Hashirama Senju. Upon hearing the news, the Fourth Hokage ensured constant protection for the Hyūgas, with his personal Anbu keeping watch. Simultaneously, the Third ensured that anyone aware of my special constitution vanished without a trace.

Thanks to the Third Hokage's intervention, anyone who dared to trespass into our territory was swiftly dealt with, ensuring that only a select few, including the Hokage himself and Orochimaru, were privy to my existence.

Despite the language barrier hindering my understanding of the situation, I could glean much from the context around me. The Hyūga clan had effectively become a forbidden zone, shrouded in secrecy and guarded by the Hokage's personal task force.

As rumors began to circulate, speculating about the clan's supposed probation, it seemed logical given the heightened security measures. Why else would the Hokage take such drastic steps to protect us?

Confined within the clan's walls, I remained oblivious to how the outside world viewed us due to these rumors. But truth be told, I couldn't care less. In this new life, my singular goal was clear: to become strong. Not just for myself, but for the sake of my clan.

Perhaps I had been influenced by the Hokage and my fellow clansmen over time, but what mattered most was that I now had a sense of purpose.

In the world of Naruto, I was born as the older twin brother of Hinata Hyuga—an opportunity of a million lifetimes. If my past trauma stemmed from weakness, then this was the perfect place for me to seek strength.

Agni Hyūga. That was who I was. It was a name I would do right by the clan with.

"Your healing is just as active as ever, Agni?"

Asked my father as blood dripped from my mouth.

"No thanks to you." I smiled while my eyes were being restored from their swollen state.

"Well, little mutant. Here I come."

"Alright," I acknowledged, adopting a defensive stance and mentally preparing for the impending clash. As I scrutinized my father's movements, I quickly realized the futility of seeking openings. His agility allowed him to effortlessly evade any potential attacks, leaving me at a disadvantage. Even attempting to maneuver around his limbs for a submission seemed futile, as he possessed the speed and reflexes to counter any such attempts.

Taking a deep breath to steel myself for the inevitable, I resigned myself to the fact that I was about to face another defeat. Focusing my chakra into my feet, I propelled myself forward with determination.

"Haa!" I shouted, aiming a strike at my father's legs, hoping to disrupt his balance. With my hand formed into a makeshift dagger, I reached for his kneecap, intending to limit his movements.

Just as I was about to make contact, I spotted an incoming elbow aimed at the back of my head. Thankfully, my heightened perception, courtesy of my Byakugan eyes, allowed me to react swiftly. However, despite my accelerated perception, my still-developing body couldn't move as quickly as I desired.

"*Boom*"

The sound of impact echoed through the air as the ground beneath us trembled from the force of my father's strike. Managing to roll between his legs at the last moment, I narrowly avoided the devastating blow, breathing a sigh of relief at my narrow escape.

"That would have definitely fractured my skull if I was a second slower," I thought, a mix of relief and fear coursing through me as I narrowly dodged my father's lethal blow.

Without a moment to spare, I spun around, leaping into the air with determination, aiming for his right shoulder blade.

"*Boom*"

My strike landed with precision—or so I thought. Instead of hitting my mark, I encountered an invisible wall of chakra, a trap meticulously laid by my father.

Realizing my mistake too late, I watched in horror as my father's stance shifted, his chakra surging around him in a display of power.

"This is a skill you should take note of," he remarked, his chakra swirling around him in a mesmerizing dance.

With a graceful motion, my father initiated his technique—Palm Rotation. As he began to rotate counterclockwise, I found myself trapped, unable to move as if held in place by an unseen force.

"*Tap-tap-tap-tap-tap-tap-tap-tap-tap*." With each rotation, my father delivered lightning-fast strikes, his chakra-infused blows hitting me with devastating force. Each tap felt like a punch, injecting chakra blades into my body that overloaded my tenketsu points, draining me of my energy.

The pain was overwhelming as my body convulsed, blood erupting from my lips as I struggled to remain conscious.

"UGH!" I cried out, vomiting blood as I was sent hurtling backward, crashing through room after room of our mansion as if the walls were made of paper. Bones cracked and organs screamed in agony as I was tossed like a ragdoll, unable to control my trajectory.

Finally, I slammed into the hard floor of our living room with a sickening thud, covered in dust and blood, barely able to move.

"That...hurt," I managed to wheeze, my voice barely a whisper as I lay battered and broken.

"Oh...Hello, brother," came a familiar voice, and through blurred vision, I saw Hinata, her Byakugan eyes watching the spar with keen interest.

"Morning," I managed to greet her with a strained smile, my broken teeth already beginning to regenerate.

She sat gracefully on her knees in front of a small table, delicately sipping tea from a porcelain cup.

"Your training today... it's a little drastic," she observed, her voice tinged with concern.

"You don't say," I replied sarcastically, wincing as I tried to shift into a more comfortable position.

"I do," she retorted, lifting the cup to her lips once more with both hands.

"That was sarcasm," I chuckled weakly, shaking my head.

"Really?" Hinata tilted her head ever so slightly, her expression one of playful innocence.

"Ha...you little shit," I teased, unable to suppress a smirk despite the pain.

Hinata seemed different in this world, more confident and mature than I remembered from the original timeline. Perhaps my presence here had influenced her growth.

"Father always says-" Hinata began, but I interrupted her with a knowing grin.

"That insults are unbecoming of a leader," I finished her sentence for her.

She nodded in acknowledgment before continuing, "He also says that-"

Once again, I interjected, "Curses are for the dull-witted."

"And yet... you still use them," Hinata remarked, setting down her cup and resting her hands on her lap.

"I sure do... And I'll continue to. You know why?" I met her gaze with determination, a glint of mischief in my eyes.

"...Why," she asked, her curiosity piqued.

Pushing myself up despite the pain, I turned to face her with a confident smile.

"Because the same father you keep quoting once said that rules are established in the domain of the strong."

At the latter half of my remark, the girl rolled her eyes with an exasperated sigh, her expression a mix of amusement and irritation. Wordlessly, she gestured towards the walls I had crashed through, silently making her point clear.

"Well, you're definitely stronger than our walls, that's for sure," she quipped, her tone dripping with sarcasm.

I couldn't help but inwardly chuckle at her sassiness, despite my battered state. Was it possible that growing up around me, or perhaps the chakra she absorbed from me in the womb, had somehow influenced her psychologically? This certainly wasn't the Hinata I remembered from the media—she had a feisty spirit that was both surprising and entertaining.

"Haha, you're goddamn right. I showed that wall a real lesson it won't ever forget," I replied with a smirk, finding amusement in her banter.

Shaking her head, she took another sip of her tea before casting me a thoughtful look.

"Do you think it's possible that he goes so hard on you because of your behavior?" she asked, her tone teasing yet contemplative.

"You're such a wise little girl. You just might be right, backup," I replied with a grin, knowing full well that my comment would ruffle her feathers.

Sure enough, a small tick mark formed on her forehead, a telltale sign of her annoyance. As twins born into the main branch of the Hyūga clan, I was the guaranteed heir, while Hinata was trained as my backup—a fact that never failed to irk her. Despite her annoyance, it was clear that her sharp wit and intelligence made her more than capable of handling whatever life threw her way.

From a young age, a competitive fire had burned within Hinata, driving her to push herself to the limits of her abilities. I watched from a distance as she tirelessly worked to improve herself, each setback only fueling her determination to prove her worth, especially in our father's eyes. Whenever she faced belittlement, it shattered her princess-like facade, revealing the fierce ninja underneath its surface.

Here's a revised version of the passage:

"Hinata, need I remind you that you're only a few minutes older than me?" I retorted, trying to lighten the mood with a hint of sarcasm.

"Mmm. And isn't it such a shame that five minutes could change things so much?" I added, nodding my head in mock solemnity, which prompted her to roll her eyes even more intensely.

"One day... you won't be able to look down on me like that," she said, her irritation palpable.

"Okay, okay. I'll ease up. Sorry about that," I smirked, attempting to apologize, but she didn't seem to take it seriously.

"You forgot one of father's most important lessons, Agni," Hinata interjected, her voice firm. "One must never be arrogant. Being taken by surprise—"

"—is the death of a shinobi," our father finished, his sudden appearance causing Hinata to jump. His presence always commanded respect.

"Father," we both greeted, bowing our heads in deference.

"Agni... Hinata," he acknowledged with a nod.

"Agni, I noticed you speaking recklessly as if you weren't just thrown through a wall," he remarked sternly.

"Sorry about that. Did I get thrown through a wall? That doesn't sound like me. Maybe I did and just forgot because I got hit so hard," I joked, trying to lighten the mood despite the blood oozing from my head.

"That hubris… It will be your downfall, as your sister just warned, if you aren't careful," Hiashi remarked, his tone grave yet tinged with concern.

"I appreciate having someone like you to keep me grounded," I replied sincerely, recognizing the wisdom in his words.

"At least you acknowledge the reality of the situation," Hiashi nodded, crossing his arms sternly. Despite his imposing demeanor, I knew his strictness stemmed from a place of love.

"As long as you remember that, we'll continue on good terms," he added, his tone softening slightly.

"Hinata," he called out to our sister.

"Yes, father?" Hinata responded, approaching with a respectful bow.

"Arrange for one of the maids to clean up here. Agni and I will conclude our training in two hours, and then it will be your turn," Hiashi instructed, his gaze shifting between us.

"Yes, father," Hinata affirmed before excusing herself to fulfill the task.

Unlike me, Hinata possessed a more typical human constitution, meaning our training sessions with her were conducted with a gentler approach to avoid overexertion.

…

Arriving at the spot where I was almost decapitated, my father stood still while the wind danced on his skin.

"Do you remember the skill I used?" he asked.

"The 8 Trigrams, Palm rotation? What about it?" I turned around, meeting his gaze as he crouched down to my eye level.

"It's a taijutsu technique created by the Hyūga clan's main house, traditionally known only by the head of the clan and the clan's heir. The user emits chakra from all their body's tenketsu to block an attack just before being struck," he explained.

"Yeah, I remember. I'm still not fully healed, by the way," I said, holding an imaginary lump on the back of my head.

"I don't care. Mind over matter, dear boy. Anyway, the reason I've been training you harshly is that I see greatness in you. I'd rather you experience the harshness of training with me first than on the battlefield. Here, you're allowed to make mistakes. Out there, you won't be," he continued.

"Understood," I bowed respectfully.

He then glanced at me, assessing me from head to toe with a mixture of concern and pride in his eyes.

"Son, you understand that your muscles and bones aren't normal, right?" he said, his tone tinged with concern.

"What do you mean? Does that really matter? I'm still pretty weak."

"It matters because genetically, you can barely be considered human. You weigh as much as a grown man, and you're only 3," he clarified.

"Uh… what?"

"Yes. Not only that, but your chakra levels are beyond that of your average Ninja as well. You are stronger, faster, and will be more capable than many when you grow to adulthood," he explained patiently.

"I guess that's what happens when you have a kid I guess. They get your traits," I replied.

"*thump*"

"Ouch. What the hell did you flick my forehead for?"

"Son, the reason I appear as strong as I do is because I've dedicated my life to training. I have more scars on my body than I can count. I've earned my strength through hard work... but you, you were born with it," he said, his voice softening with paternal pride.

His words sparked a cascade of questions within me. What did it mean to be born with strength? What were his expectations of me?

"With that being said, while you may be biologically impressive, when it comes to the various applications of chakra in combat, you still have much to learn... Do you remember what I told you about chakra?"

"It's an extension of the soul," I replied.

"Exactly. Remember that. No matter your healing abilities, once you exhaust your chakra, you'll be vulnerable. Just like the 1st Hokage... you'll perish just like Lord First, leaving your loved ones behind."

I nodded in understanding, unable to offer a retort. He was right. Despite feeling strong, I knew I lacked essential knowledge and skills.

"*sigh*... I suppose I owe you thanks again for humbling me," I grumbled.

"Keep your head up, child. You'll learn the intricacies of chakra in time," he said, lifting my chin gently.

"Moving on, I'm proud to hear that you train your Byakugan in your free time. My own eyes didn't become as developed as yours until I reached 11."

"Thanks, But it's not a remarkable achievement. My eyes are always active, so it only makes sense to train them," I replied.

"You have a sharp mind. Many would have wasted time in trying to ignore their ocular prowess," he murmured.

"We'll delve into that later. For now, let's return to today's lesson," my father redirected, his tone poised and authoritative. "The technique I demonstrated earlier is called the Eight Trigrams Palms Revolving Heaven. It serves as the ultimate defense, shielding our blind spot located at the back of our necks. Fortunately, that shouldn't pose a problem for you. Nonetheless, it's a valuable addition to your repertoire."

As he elucidated the technique's mechanics and strengths, I listened intently, eager to absorb every detail.

"Firstly, to earn the title of ultimate defense, it must be formidable," he stated.

"I'm assuming you don't call it that because it stopped a few pebbles," I quipped, injecting a hint of sarcasm.

"Indeed. Its strength lies in its ability to repel even the most powerful attacks. I've employed it against formidable foes, including the One-tailed beast," he responded, his words commanding respect.

His explanation ignited a newfound respect for the technique within me, spurring a fierce determination to master it.

"That's impressive… To say the least. You make it sound like the Revolving Heaven is invincible?" I inquired, a mix of admiration and curiosity in my voice.

"Well, the technique isn't invincible, no matter how much others try to convince you. Its potency can be countered if one understands the foundation of the skill," he explained with clarity.

"What's the counter?" I pressed, eager to unravel the technique's intricacies.

"To nullify the ability, one simply has to intercept the user before they initiate their rotations," he replied succinctly, his words leaving me momentarily stunned.

"That sounds like a significant flaw… But, based on my recent experience, it's easier said than done," I admitted, grappling with the implications.

"Nothing worth mastering is easy, Agni. If you wish to counter the Revolving Heaven, you must intercept the user before they channel their chakra," he elaborated, his wisdom offering clarity amidst the uncertainty.

I struggled to fully comprehend his words, knowing that stopping my father, especially in my current state, was a daunting challenge.

"Don't be intimidated. Encountering one of our own on the battlefield is unlikely. And even if you do, a user of the Revolving Heaven cannot advance their movements while employing the technique. They must remain stationary to sustain their rotations," he reassured me, his calm demeanor instilling confidence in me.

"...Ah," I breathed, a sense of relief washing over me.

"Now that you have a better understanding of the skill, I'll repeat it a few more times so that you have a vivid image of it in your mind," he said, poised to demonstrate. But before he could proceed, I raised my hand.

"Wait. I don't think there's a need for that… Let me try something."

"Hmm? What are you…"

Stepping back, I allowed my recent memories to replay in my mind. Soon after, I began to mimic my father's movements.

I circulated chakra throughout my body, manifesting it and initiating the rotation of my tenketsu.

The wind responded to my command, and as I propelled myself into motion, chakra streams surrounded me, electrifying power surging through my veins.

'*Swoosh*'

The sound of wind blades disintegrating debris echoed through the training field as I spun faster and faster, forming a protective dome around me.

I was safe, enveloped in a cocoon of chakra, my senses heightened and my vitality pulsating with each heartbeat.

As I gradually eased the consumption of chakra and came to a stop, I met my father's gaze, a sense of accomplishment swelling within me. His expression mirrored my own, a mixture of pride and astonishment, and in that moment, I knew I had taken a significant step forward on my path to mastery.

"*Wosh*"

As I spun faster and faster, a vibrant yellow dome formed around me, emanating a soft, pulsating glow that blocked out all external sounds. Inside this cocoon of chakra, I felt an overwhelming sense of security. Despite the dizzying speed of my rotation, I remained surprisingly grounded, devoid of any disorientation or vertigo. It was as if the very essence of my being resonated with the pulsating energy coursing through me.

With each revolution, I could feel the chakra pulsing through my veins, infusing every fiber of my being with a voracious vitality that seemed to amplify with each heartbeat. My movements were so swift and forceful that they left a palpable impact on the world around me. The sand beneath my feet melted into molten glass, the grass turned to ash, and pebbles transformed into glowing fragments of magma, all testament to the sheer power coursing through me.

Amidst the whirl of motion, shimmering golden sparks of chakra danced through the air like ethereal glimmers of magic, casting a mesmerizing aura around me. It was a sight reminiscent of the fanciful tales of pixies and faeries, a manifestation of the raw, untamed power I wielded.

But as the momentum of my rotation intensified, I began to realize the destructive potential of my actions. With each passing moment, I drilled deeper into the ground, carving out a crater beneath me and leaving a trail of devastation in my wake. It became apparent that I needed to exercise caution before the destruction grew beyond control.

Gradually easing the flow of chakra, I slowed my rotation until I came to a complete stop. As I emerged from the whirlwind of motion, I was met with the stunned expression on my father's face. His jaw hung agape, his eyes wide with disbelief.

"W-what the hell?!" he exclaimed, his voice a mix of awe and incredulity.

"Uh… Did… Did I do alright?" I ventured cautiously, uncertain of my own success. The unfamiliar color of the chakra had left me questioning whether I had executed the jutsu correctly.

"..."

"..."

"..."

Silence enveloped the area, broken only by the gentle rustle of the giant cherry blossom tree's branches swaying in the wind.

"Father…"

He appeared on the verge of collapse, his astonishment palpable. Concerned, I nudged him gently, ensuring he hadn't suffered a sudden medical issue.

"Y-Yes. More than alright! Astronomical! Especially for you, having witnessed that skill only once! This is historical… no, monumental!" His usual composure shattered as he leaped into the air with uncharacteristic excitement.

The sudden shift in atmosphere was stark, considering moments ago he had been consoling me about grappling with the fundamentals of chakra.

"… To replicate such an ability at the age of 3, this has never been seen before." His voice trailed off, and he gazed skyward, his thoughts drifting.

"*Sigh*"

After a prolonged silence, he finally spoke up, his tone more composed now.

"The proficiency with which you just employed that skill… for such a feat to emanate from a 3-year-old is truly mind-blowing. The potential you possess… it surpasses anything I've ever witnessed."

"Thank you." His praise left me feeling somewhat bashful, a mixture of gratitude and uncertainty swirling within me.

Then, my father knelt down once more, meeting my gaze with solemnity.

"Son… That display was so impressive, I doubt even a fully grown Fugaku Uchiha could penetrate that defense of yours with his most potent fireball."

'Fugaku… the most formidable Uchiha of our time, excluding Obito… Could he truly be that powerful?'

As if sensing my inner turmoil, Hiashi interjected, his expression sobering.

"However… there is something you should know."

His smile faded, replaced by a grave countenance.

"But, before we proceed, allow me to temper any burgeoning ego. Your physical prowess pales in comparison to his. Your speed is laughable when measured against his son, hailed as a prodigy throughout the entire Leaf Village."

"His… his son?"

"Itachi Uchiha… a 9-year-old prodigy who graduated from the ninja academy two years ago. They say he's without peer."

"…"

"Engaging him in combat would render your life forfeit. You'd meet your end swiftly."

"…"

His method of humbling me was harsh, yet effective. It was a reminder of his expertise in cutting down inflated pride.

"Perhaps you'd fall victim to his genjutsu. Or perhaps he'd dispatch you with a mere kunai. In either case, you'd be defenseless, despite any special attributes your eyes may possess."

"A kunai? But I would assume I could easily evade such an attack… How swiftly must he throw one to imperil my life beyond doubt?"

"Allow me to elucidate… While you may possess greater chakra reserves and output than the average chunin, the average jōnin can hurl a kunai at speeds akin to a lightning bolt. And that boy is poised to attain such status within the next few months."

"What?" I exclaimed, eyes widening in disbelief. A kunai moving at lightning speed? If true, I had much ground to cover.

"You heard correctly. Lightning speed, akin to the bolts that streak across the sky. Their physical prowess far surpasses yours…"

"…"

"But you have the potential to alter that reality." His hand rested on my blood-stained shoulder, a gesture of reassurance.

Meeting my gaze, he spoke with unwavering conviction. "I believe you can transcend all limitations, my son," he said, his warm smile dispelling the tension that had gripped me moments before.

"More than any Uchiha… more than anyone. As long as you persevere."

I had a long journey ahead, and his words served as a humbling reminder of the challenges that lay ahead.

"Okay… What's the next phase of my training?" I asked, renewed determination coursing through me.

"Heh…" He chuckled softly.

"What… What's amusing?" I inquired, puzzled by his sudden mirth.

"I just informed you that the gulf between you and a jōnin is akin to that between the ocean floor and a mountain, and yet you retain such enthusiasm. It's truly remarkable. Never lose that."

"Thank you. I won't. I can't. I have goals that extend far beyond scaling a mountain."

"Heh…hahaha."

After a moment, my father's laughter subsided.

"Distances… Oceans… Mountains… These concepts are unfathomable to others your age, yet you speak of them so casually… It's made me realize something."

"What is it?"

"You possess the Will of Fire… It's also dawned on me that despite being my children, I know precious little about your aspirations."

"…"

"…"

"Well… What would you like to know about me?"

"I want to know… What is your greatest desire in this world?"

"...My greatest desire?"

"Mmm." I nodded.

"There's only one thing I truly desire. It's nothing extravagant."

"Go on. There's no need for preamble. This old and impatient man is eager to hear."

"I want to be strong."

"Strong? Like the Hokage?"

"If possible, even stronger."

"Stronger? Like the First Hokage?"

"If possible, even stronger."

"...Your ambition knows no bounds." Once more, my father was taken aback.

"Why do you seek strength?" He asked, curiosity gleaming in his eyes.

"Because I want to protect what I have."

"…"

"…"

"Agni…"

He adopted a grave expression, his gaze piercing.

"Yes?"

"If your aim is to embody strength itself, I won't extinguish that flame burning within you. On the contrary, I'll do everything in my power to fuel it…"

With those words, I was once again grateful for the fortuitous circumstances of my existence.

***

[9 years later]