Chapter 24: The Hyuga Clash: Tragic End
At this time, Uchiha Tatsumi's eyes were already fixed on Hyuga Hiashi. The other side was indeed worthy of being the next Clan Leader of the Hyuga Clan, demonstrating both experience and perfect timing. If Orochimaru hadn't intervened, Hyuga Himeji, who had endured the full onslaught of the Sixty-Four Palms, would have had no chance.
Would Hyuga Himeji fail just like this? The students below the stage watched in absolute silence, their gazes fixed on the unfolding drama. Despite the gravity of the situation, there wasn't a trace of panic on Himeji's face. Her expression remained cold and composed, far more so than most ninjas.
As Hiashi's finger pointed towards Himeji, a dazzling Chakra burst forth, enveloping her in a semicircular aura. "Eight-Trigrams Palm Revolving Heaven," Himeji's voice rang out.
"This is…" Uchiha Tatsumi stared in disbelief. Many students in the audience had never witnessed such a Ninjutsu. Several Chakras condensed and encircled Hyuga Hiashi. As he struck the first few palms of the Sixty-Four Palms, he was caught and spun by the Chakra, his offensive abruptly halted.
"Himeji, keep it up!" The audience erupted in cheers once more. Hyuga Hizashi, watching anxiously, felt helpless. Orochimaru, who had been observing the situation, sighed in admiration of Himeji's innate talent, his eyes gleaming with interest.
Revolving Heaven was a Secret Jutsu reserved for the Main House members. At this time, Hyuga Hiashi was merely the Young Clan Leader. Hyuga Himeji and Hyuga Hizashi were also from the Main House, making them eligible to learn this technique. However, being eligible didn't guarantee success. Only those with exceptional talent could master it, and Hyuga Himeji, at just nine years old, had done so.
Although her Revolving Heaven was only a semifinished product, lacking in range and strength, it still showcased her remarkable potential. The Academy truly housed many geniuses.
In the audience, Uchiha Tatsumi explained Revolving Heaven to Mikoto and Minato. "Eight-Trigrams Palm Revolving Heaven is the Hyuga Clan's Secret Jutsu," he began. "During an attack, a large amount of Gentle Fist Chakra is released from the Chakra tenketsu within the body, then rotates in a circular motion like a top, bouncing all physical attacks."
"With the added rotation and Byakugan's strong observation power, this move is also known as 'Absolute Defence.'"
"Absolute Defence?" Minato whispered. "Is there really such a thing as Absolute Defence?"
Uchiha Tatsumi shook his trench coat and smirked. "Minato, every Ninjutsu has its weaknesses. No technique is invincible."
Minato nodded in understanding.
On the stage, Hiashi struggled to his feet after being struck by Revolving Heaven, blood trickling from his mouth. Hyuga Himeji, having endured several palms from the Sixty-Four Palms, also faced Chakra circulation issues.
Hiashi stood tall, addressing Himeji. "Younger sister, let's end this here."
Himeji stared back at Hiashi, saying nothing. Uchiha Tatsumi analysed her strategy, explaining to his friends. "Hyuga Himeji's plan was brilliant. She recognised the gap in their Taijutsu skills and lured Hiashi in close, then used Revolving Heaven to catch him off guard. Although her Revolving Heaven hit Hiashi, his injuries seem more severe."
"But she overestimated her technique's power. Those initial strikes weakened its effect significantly."
"Now, Hiashi can still fight if he drags it out. However, Hyuga Himeji can no longer use her Chakra effectively. Ultimately, she's only delaying the inevitable. Unless she comes up with a decisive move in this short time, she's going to lose."
Uchiha Tatsumi analysed the situation on the Dotton stage. Himeji also understood the gravity of it. If she allowed her brother to recover, she would undoubtedly lose. Determined not to let that happen, she swiftly took out five kunai and threw them at Hiashi.
Hiashi, gasping for breath, barely parried the attack. He was too slow to dodge and got stabbed in the arm, causing blood to flow freely. Himeji charged at him, aiming a punch which Hiashi intercepted with his right palm. The two continued to engage in a fierce Gentle Fist duel.
The intensity of their clash captivated everyone, drawing their undivided attention. Absolute silence fell over the spectators as they watched, eyes wide in anticipation of who would falter first.
Even Uchiha Tatsumi couldn't tear his gaze away, eager to see how the duel would conclude. Orochimaru, standing in the corner of the ring, observed everything with his snake-like eyes. He raised his eyebrows slightly at the unfolding scene before calming down again.
"This is the essence of being a ninja," Orochimaru mused. "A group of tools, bound to the cycle of slaughter, leading meaningless lives."
Hiashi was in a dire state. Despite still having Chakra, his injuries were so severe that he lacked the energy to continue. Himeji's relentless offensive showed no signs of stopping, constantly entangling him.
"It's not over yet!" Hiashi's gaze remained firm. He refused to give up, even if his opponent was his younger sister. Surrendering now would mean admitting defeat as the Hyuga Clan's Young Clan Leader. He wanted to defeat her with dignity, gain her respect, and bring her back home.
Hiashi took a deep breath and quickly retreated two steps. "Gentle Fist," he muttered, striking Himeji's seemingly defenceless shoulder.
"Bang!" Hiashi's eyes widened as he quickly followed up with another punch to her shoulder. Blood spilled from Himeji's mouth, but she stood her ground, refusing to take a step back. Her resolve was unwavering; she had to defeat her brother and prove her talent.
Hyuga Hiashi had his persistence, and so did she. It didn't matter if her Chakra was sealed. She grabbed his fist, which had struck her, and delivered a powerful kick to his stomach. Hiashi couldn't hold back and fell to his knee, trying his best not to collapse.
Meanwhile Himeji, having given it her all, finally succumbed and collapsed due to the cumulative damage from the previous Juken attacks, her Chakra flow dangerously disordered. Still, she struggled to stand, and the sight of the almost tragic scene caused the audience to fall silent. No one could cheer at this moment.
"I declare this battle a tie," Orochimaru's slightly hoarse voice announced.
However, there was no cheering. Hyuga Hizashi rushed to the stage, carrying his sister Himeji on his back and heading towards Tsunade Hime. Hiashi lay on the ground, unnoticed and unattended, until other members of the Hyuga Clan hurried over to carry him down.
"The Hyuga Clan's ninja are truly terrifying," Uchiha Tatsumi remarked.
"But this is the life of a ninja. Everyone has their own burdens and keeps striving forward," he continued.
"Minato, what is your goal?" Uchiha Tatsumi asked Namikaze Minato, who stood next to him.
"My goal is to protect those I care about," Minato replied solemnly. "For that, I will do my best to become the Hokage of the Hidden Leaf Village!"
"Oh, Hokage?" Uchiha Tatsumi nodded, neither mocking nor approving.
After a moment of silence, Minato couldn't bear the awkward atmosphere and laughed. "Tatsumi, what about you? What's your goal?"
"Me?" Uchiha Tatsumi pondered for a while before replying softly, "I don't know."