10 Observation Haki

In the blink of an eye, three years had passed. 

During this time, significant changes had occurred among the new generation of ninja. 

Firstly, there was Uchiha Sasuke. Following the tragic extermination of the Uchiha clan, he had grown increasingly withdrawn and arrogant, isolating himself much like Hayashi. Yet, his aloof demeanor only seemed to enhance his appeal to the immature girls in their class, who flocked to him incessantly. 

Then there was Yusuke Hayashi, recognized as the second male heartthrob of the class. Many secretly dubbed him the 'cold prince', a title rivaling even that of Uchiha Sasuke. His popularity had been bolstered by his longstanding position as chief student. Surprisingly, it even surpassed Sasuke's influence in other classes.

However, little did anyone know that this 'cold prince' had been sending out shadow clones in his stead for over three years. 

Throughout their three years as classmates, they had only interacted with his clones. They never encountered his true self during that time. Save for the occasional appearance during major exams in the first year, Hayashi himself had ceased attending the ninja school entirely from the second year onward. 

Why? Because he had become too formidable. 

His strength wasn't just limited to combat prowess; his ninja skills had surpassed the need for conventional training. Coupled with his growing reservoir of chakra, Sasuke had been unable to defeat even one of his shadow clones for the past three years. 

Lastly, there was Hyuga Hinata. 

Unassuming and often overlooked, Hinata had undergone a remarkable transformation. Unbeknownst to most, she too had started sending out shadow clones a year ago. 

Their secret bond forged from a courageous act years prior had only grown stronger over the past three years. 

Initially disciplined and timid, Hinata had gradually transformed. From secretly sending her shadow clone to class, she now joined him in rigorous training sessions instead. 

In the training area of Hayashi's resident, the sound of their sparring echoed through the open wooden door. No longer the children they once were, their attacks had evolved from gentle to powerful. 

Hinata employed her family's unique Gentle Fist technique, her temple veins bulging as she launched attacks with precision. 

Meanwhile, Hayashi moved with grace and agility despite being blindfolded. Effortlessly dodging Hinata's strikes, he displayed remarkable skill and precision.

In the end, it was Hayashi who emerged victorious, landing a light hand chop on her forehead. 

Breathless but not disheartened, Hinata's face lit up with joy despite her defeat. Beads of sweat adorned her flushed cheeks as she expressed her gratitude to him. 

Removing his blindfold, his smile revealed a sense of contentment as he thanked Hinata for her assistance. 

In a soft voice, tinged with timidity, she reciprocated. She expressed her happiness at being able to help him.

As their eyes met, Hinata's gaze faltered, unable to meet Hayashi's directly. She remained as delicate and timid as ever. 

Observing her transformation, he felt a surge of emotion. Gently, he embraced her, cherishing her presence as if she were a precious treasure in his arms.

"Hayashi..." 

He felt the slight tremble in the girl's arms as he held her close. Gently, he ran his fingers through her waist-length hair, grown over the past three years per his suggestion. 

With no hint of sweat but only her natural fragrance filling the air, he released Hinata from his embrace. Using his kimono's cuff, he wiped the sweat from her face. Then, he placed his palms against her flushed cheeks, sensing the rising body temperature.

With a smile, he said, "Let's move on to the next stage." 

"Um..." 

Blushing with embarrassment, Hinata nodded vigorously, her head still spinning from the intimacy. He had guided her through this before, and his familiarity with the process was evident. 

After allowing Hinata a few moments to collect herself, he blindfolded himself once more with cloth strips. Then, he sat cross-legged, his back turned to her.

Observing his posture, Hinata's pure white eyes were no longer veiled by shyness. Instead, they were filled with admiration and reverence.

Yusuke Hayashi and Uchiha Sasuke were both hailed as geniuses in the ninja school. One was the top student among his peers. The other was the lone survivor of the Uchiha clan, always vying for the top two spots.

To the outside world, it seemed like only a small gap separated them. However, Hinata knew better than anyone that the difference between Sasuke and Hayashi was not just a step, but an insurmountable chasm. 

Recalling the miraculous swordplay she had witnessed, Hinata picked up Shigure Kintoki placed nearby by Hayashi. 

Standing behind him, she gripped the bamboo sword tightly and lunged towards him with force. If he failed to dodge, it would surely leave a painful mark on his right temple. 

But just as the bamboo sword was about to strike, Hayashi instinctively lowered his head, narrowly avoiding the attack. 

Having grown accustomed to such encounters, Hinata continued her assault, attacking Hayashi's head from various angles. Yet, each time, he effortlessly evaded her strikes, moving with the grace of a butterfly flitting through a garden. 

It felt as if he could predict her every move and every breath. It was as though he were using the famed Sharingan of the Uchiha clan to observe her every motion.

Compared to the observation abilities of the Sharingan, his skill set is more versatile and powerful. Not only can he predict his opponent's movements, but he can also sense the presence and number of enemies outside his field of vision. This amalgamation of predictive prowess and situational awareness is a fusion of the Sharingan's observation and Byakugan's insight. 

This unique ability is known as Observation Haki, a skill not native to the Naruto world but cultivated to remarkable heights by Hayashi. With sufficient mastery, it can even grant the user the ability to foresee the future. 

In the span of three years, Sasuke's progress may have been modest. However, Hayashi's advancement has been nothing short of remarkable. His Hawkeye inheritance template has surged to 33.26%, indicating a formidable command over his spiritual powers. The fact that he has already mastered both Armament and Observation Haki speaks volumes about his extraordinary growth.

Although Armament Haki typically requires more experience and maturity to master, he is methodically honing his skills. He dedicates significant time to perfecting his Observation Haki, showing relentless determination in his training. Despite being a young ninja, he managed to awaken this ability in just three months and has made significant strides in mastering it over the past seven months. 

However, what truly sets Hayashi apart is his deep understanding of the Breath of All Things, a fundamental principle of swordsmanship. His proficiency in this aspect of combat has earned him the admiration and worship of Hinata. She serves as a witness to his incredible growth, exemplified by his ability to cut through the waterfall.