Chapter 18: Direction of Training

The sun began its descent, casting long shadows over Konoha.

Within the Senju clan grounds, a once-powerful force in the ninja world, the "Senju of the Forest" had dwindled significantly due to war and unforeseen events. Now, only Tsunade Senju remained as the sole direct descendant.

The vast grounds had long been deserted. Old, mottled walls, cracked roofs and stone steps stood as silent testaments to the clan's past glory, with only the towering statue of Hashirama serving as a reminder of their former grandeur.

However, today, a new spark of life flickered within the abandoned Senju grounds.

Boom!

A thunderous explosion erupted from the back mountain of the Senju clan territory. A massive tree, requiring several people to encircle it, was effortlessly snapped in half by a monstrous force. The airborne trunk tore through the forest, leaving a dragon-like trail of dust in its wake.

It was hard to believe that such slender, fair arms could unleash such terrifying power. Tsunade's "Monstrous Strength" alone was enough to secure her position among the Jonin.

Hyuga Yuto, panting heavily, took cover behind a large boulder. The "bell-stealing game" had been going on for hours, and he had exhausted all his options: setting traps, ambushing, even using explosive tags.

Despite the Byakugan's enhancement, the gap between him and Tsunade was simply too vast.

"Yo! My dear apprentice! Are you so shy that you can't face your teacher?" The golden-haired woman stood atop a tree bathed in the evening sun, arms crossed, her gaze sweeping across the landscape.

"Don't forget, your task is to snatch the bells from my waist~"

Tsunade swayed her hips, causing the bells to jingle merrily.

Hyuga Yuto took a deep breath and said helplessly, "Lady Tsunade, for me now, challenging an opponent of Sannin level is truly too early... Although it's embarrassing to say, Sensei, could you please go easier on me?"

Tsunade chuckled, "Indeed, you currently can't even touch me. So... let's make it easier."

She unhooked the bells and tossed them high into the air.

"For five seconds, I won't try to grab the bells. If you can catch them within that time, you pass."

Within the 360-degree vision of the Byakugan, the woman's outstretched five fingers were clearly visible.

The bells would reach their peak in about three seconds, then freefall... just enough time!

Hyuga Yuto focused his remaining chakra on his eyes and legs, and dashed out from behind the rock.

The Byakugan's terrifying insight allowed him to capture every detail within a kilometer radius: the dented soil beneath his feet, the faint traces left by the wind brushing against leaves, the slight upturn of the golden-haired woman's lips, the bells shimmering gold in the setting sun...

Boom!

Hyuga Yuto shot forward over a hundred meters in an instant, reaching the treetops with a few leaps.

Directly above him, the bells lost momentum, hung momentarily in the air, and then began to fall.

"Time's up!" At that moment, Tsunade suddenly spoke and vanished from her spot.

Body Flicker Technique... Hyuga Yuto thought to himself and instantly made a decision. He jumped with all his might, aiming to grab the bells first.

Almost simultaneously, Tsunade's fist connected with Hyuga Yuto's back, and his hand brushed against the bells.

The young man from the Branch Family was sent flying like a spinning top. Thankfully, Tsunade held back; otherwise, that single blow could have shattered his spine.

"The bells..." Hyuga Yuto lost his balance, feeling the world spin around him. The bells were within reach, but his grip failed him.

Fortunately, he still had a sense of altitude. The moment he was about to hit the ground, he kicked a nearby tree, adjusted his posture, and managed to land on his feet at the last second.

"I must get the bells!"

Hyuga Yuto stretched out his left hand to grab the bells, while his other hand, without looking, swung back with all his might, channeling all his chakra into his fingertips.

With a bang, Tsunade and Hyuga Yuto landed at the same time.

A tenth of a second later, a crisp sound echoed through the forest - the bells hit the ground. Hyuga Yuto failed to grasp them in his hand.

Behind the young man, the blonde beauty grabbed his right hand and easily pinned it behind his back.

"Very clever, Yuto." Tsunade was quite fond of this apprentice. "At the last moment, you guessed my attack direction and used the Gentle Fist to block in advance... Although you didn't stop it completely, it was still a brilliant tactic."

Hyuga Yuto shrugged. "The back of the first thoracic vertebra is the blind spot of the Branch Family's Byakugan. Anyone who knows this would naturally attack there. Unfortunately, Sensei, your taijutsu level is far superior to mine."

Tsunade released him and flicked the bells up with her toes, blowing away the dust clinging to them.

"Yuto, the Byakugan's blind spot is not a fatal weakness. Is there any real difference between 360-degree vision and 359-degree vision? Many clever people, like you just did, use that blind spot as a trap to lure enemies, turning a weakness into a strength."

Hyuga Yuto stood attentively, listening to his teacher's guidance.

"Ignore the Byakugan's blind spot, Yuto. Your biggest weakness now is the Gentle Fist."

"The Gentle Fist, the Hyuga clan's pride and joy, their inherited taijutsu. To be fair, this secret technique is powerful. It can often inflict internal injuries upon contact, targeting the enemy's organs and acupoints."

"However, the core of the Gentle Fist is infusing your own chakra into the enemy's most vulnerable points. Ultimately, most of your attacks require physical contact with the enemy to be effective."

"What if you encounter a tough opponent?"

"A C-rank defensive Earth Release could render you helpless!"

"That's why on the battlefield, Hyuga ninjas often pair up with explosive units to compensate for their lack of long-range attacks and inability to penetrate strong defenses."

"Complementing each other on the battlefield is fine, of course, but you're different, Yuto."

"You are my apprentice. Fame is a double-edged sword. Taking the head of the Hyuga Branch Family genius and taking the life of one of the Sannin, Tsunade's disciple, have completely different strategic implications."

"Moreover, if you truly aspire to become Hokage, complete mastery of combat skills is a must."

"Yuto, what was the name of the technique you used at the banquet?"

Hyuga Yuto respectfully replied, "Lion's Fangs, Lady Tsunade."

"A very good attempt. I see great potential in this technique... You've likely realized the limitations of the Gentle Fist and are already working on fixing your shortcomings."

"Yuto, from now on, we will focus on two things... First, I will teach you medical ninjutsu. Don't underestimate or resist it. Learning medical ninjutsu can significantly improve your chakra control."

"Second, I will teach you [Monstrous Strength] and help you perfect Lion's Fangs. Jiraiya and Minato Namikaze are experts in this type of chakra-releasing ninjutsu, so we can seek their guidance."

"As for other ninjutsu, like the [Yin Seal] on my forehead, I will also teach you, but not now. Yuto, becoming stronger requires patience..."

Hyuga Yuto nodded, completely agreeing with the blonde woman's thoughts. "Sensei, I understand. Trying to learn too much at once can be detrimental."

"Such a sensible child..." Tsunade chuckled and patted the boy's head.

By now, the sun had completely dipped below the horizon, leaving the Senju clan's back mountain shrouded in darkness.

"Let's go, Yuto." Tsunade stretched. "I'm exhausted. Let's get some ramen!"

"Whatever you say, Lady Tsunade."

"Yuto, you're paying. Your teacher lost all her money gambling, hahaha..."