17 Chapter 17

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Chapter 17: Hinata, Increase the Population of Uchiha

Senju Hashirama spoke, "If this continues, this little Sasuke will have the strength of a Jōnin as soon as he graduates, right?"

Senju Tobirama responded, "It's not a question of 'should', he must."

The first Nature Transformation was successfully practiced by guesswork. As expected, the Fire Style Nature Transformation shouldn't be difficult for an Uchiha.

Hatake Kakashi mused, "I have a bad feeling." He felt like he was going to suffer! If in a parallel world, he still had to guide Sasuke, who would be a Jōnin in strength, what then? Kakashi foresaw a student whose strength would be beyond imagination, potentially finding that he had nothing left to teach.

Zabuza remained silent, also sensing trouble approaching.

Hatake Kakashi imagined facing Uchiha Sasuke with Jōnin strength and winced internally. Would his counterpart in another world be defeated instantly? He hoped not to face such misery!

Time passed, and Sasuke continued his training, improving his chakra control ability step by step. His skill in controlling the chakra flow through each meridian grew stronger, and his practice in Fire Attribute Nature Transformation progressed steadily. Simultaneously, Sasuke diligently read books to enrich his mind, amass information, and enhance his thinking skills. He felt he was drawing ever closer to the hidden truth behind the events in Konoha.

One day, after finishing his training, Sasuke was on his way home when he heard a little girl crying, along with the taunts of several boys.

"You are the sister of that nasty Neji!"

"It's so disgusting, having the same white eyes!"

"Hey, aren't you from the Hyuga clan with those haughty eyes? Show us!"

"You crybaby, good for nothing!"

"Monster! A monster with white eyes!"

Sasuke frowned and approached the commotion. He recognized the girl, surrounded by a few bullies—it was Hyūga Hinata, usually quiet and inconspicuous in class.

Sasuke stepped forward and said, "Hey, you guys. Three against one girl, is that how you want to play it?"

He was unimpressed by these older-looking bullies.

"U... Uchiha Sasuke!"

"Damn, it's him. Let's get out of here!"

"What a disappointment."

Seeing Sasuke advancing, evident fear on their faces, the three boys planned their escape. Although they weren't in the same grade, Sasuke's reputation was well known throughout the school, including his strength. Despite their numbers, the bullies were uncertain.

"Stop!" Sasuke commanded sharply.

The three bullies, ready to run, froze, shaking.

"Did I say you could go? Apologize to her," he said, pointing at Hinata.

Though the bullies were reluctant, they gave in after Sasuke effortlessly picked one up and threw him to the ground with one hand.

"Sorry!"

"We were wrong!"

"Forgive us!"

Seeing Sasuke wave his hand, the brats ran away, grateful for their pardon. Sasuke knelt down and touched Hinata's head:

"Your strength should be fine. Why didn't you fight back?"

A warm smile appeared on his face. After practicing with the schoolgirls for so long, Sasuke had become very proficient in his actions. His warm male smile was almost invincible!

"..."

Hinata's face turned crimson. She held her head with both hands, her voice soft and her face wearing a warm smile. She seemed to be surrounded by a soft halo.

"I, I don't dare..."

Hinata murmured. Sasuke sat down directly, facing Hinata:

"Why don't you dare to fight back? Is something bothering you? You can tell me; I'll try my best to help you!"

The softness in his words made Hinata's built-up psychological pressure seem to release. She began to share her thoughts in a quiet, intermittent voice. As the patriarch's daughter, she faced high expectations from her father. As her sister Hanabi grew, her father became stricter with her. During today's daily sparring, because she hesitated to hit her sister hard, she ended up at a disadvantage, which greatly displeased her father.

After a scolding, Hinata ran out of the house crying, leading to the current situation. Sasuke listened carefully, nodding occasionally and adding a few words, helping Hinata articulate her feelings.

"What you're doing is normal. I understand you. If I had a younger sister, I wouldn't have the heart to be harsh with her either," Sasuke said gently.

Seeing his understanding, Hinata felt relieved and a little happy to be recognized. Sasuke continued:

"If I had a younger sister, I might train even harder because I wouldn't want anyone to bully her. For instance, if you were my sister and I saw you being bullied like earlier, I might just rush up and fight those people!"

"Puff…" Hinata couldn't help but laugh, quickly covering her mouth.

Sasuke smiled and went on:

"You should understand that feeling, right? If your sister were bullied like that, what would you do?"

Hinata replied, "I... I will protect Hanabi!"

In that moment, Hinata seemed to realize something. To gain stronger power, she could protect those she cared about. Therefore, she should be more serious about her training. Even in daily sparring with Hanabi, she should give it her all. The stronger she became, the better she could protect her sister!

With this realization, Hinata expressed her gratitude, her little face slightly flushed:

"Thank you... I understand what I need to do."

Sasuke's name became deeply imprinted in her heart.