Chapter 544
Sasuke and Naruto's Meeting
Two days passed in this way.
Sasuke leaned against a thick oak tree, his dark eyes calmly scanning the surroundings.
He had been lurking in this parallel world for two days.
The environment, so different from the main world, kept him constantly on guard. Most importantly, Konoha was filled with an indescribable sense of oppression, like a taut bowstring.
"We need to disguise our identities first."
Sasuke muttered to himself; this was something he had to do every day.
According to the information provided by the village, the Uchiha clan in this world has been wiped out, with the only survivors being a boy named "Sasuke" and a traitor named "Weasel".
He had to be careful to avoid any situation that might expose his identity.
Sasuke formed hand seals, and chakra flowed through his body.
Just as Sasuke was about to finish the hand seals, a clear and loud voice came from afar.
"Sasuke...!"
Sasuke stiffened slightly, quickly pinpointing the source of the sound.
It was a girl's voice, full of energy.
Footsteps approached quickly, and a figure emerged from the bushes.
Her golden ponytail swung behind her head, and her orange tracksuit swayed slightly.
The girl had six faint, mustache-like lines on her cheeks and bright blue eyes.
Her eyes lit up when she saw Sasuke:
"What are you doing here, Sasuke?"
Sasuke's pupils contracted slightly.
The face in front of me, besides having blonde hair, is also female.
Other features, such as the lines of his beard and even his straightforward expression, bear a striking resemblance to Naruto.
It's just softer, with lines that belong to a young girl.
"Naruko".
Sasuke confirmed it in his mind.
According to intelligence, Naruto Uzumaki in this world has become a woman named Naruko Uzumaki, who is the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki and suffers discrimination in the village.
"What are you daydreaming about, Sasuke!"
Naruko had already run up to him and waved her hand in front of his eyes.
Her fingers were long and slender, and her palms had thin calluses from long-term training.
"Sakura says she has something important to discuss: the special training plan for the Chunin Exams!"
Sasuke quickly adjusted his expression, mimicking the gloomy demeanor that Sasuke in this world should have in his memory.
He turned his face away, deliberately lowering his voice:
"understood."
Brief and indifferent, consistent with the description of Uchiha Sasuke in the intelligence report.
A withdrawn and taciturn boy driven by hatred.
Naruko seemed to be used to this attitude and unconcernedly took his wrist:
"Let's hurry up and go, Sakura is waiting for us at the usual spot!"
Her palm was warm and firm. Sasuke hesitated for a moment, then did not break free.
The best way to gather intelligence is to integrate into Team 7 of this world and observe these key figures up close.
The two walked through the training grounds, encountering several Konoha ninja along the way. Sasuke keenly noticed the undisguised disgust and fear that flashed in their eyes when they saw Naruto. Someone whispered among themselves:
"A fox spirit..."
"Stay away from her."
Naruko paused noticeably for a moment, but quickly resumed her normal pace, even deliberately straightening her back as if to defy those gazes.
Sasuke silently observed all of this, a complex mix of emotions welling up within him.
In his world, Naruto is the son of Kushina, a highly anticipated genius of the Uzumaki clan, and has his mother Kushina taking meticulous care of him.
And this blonde girl in front of me...
"arrive!"
Naruko stopped at a secluded practice area.
There are several old wooden stakes here, and the ground is uneven, clearly a corner that few people visit.
"Sakura hasn't arrived yet."
Naruko looked around, then plopped down on a nearby rock.
"She's probably been held up by the medical team again. She's been really busy lately, saying she's going to take the medical ninja qualification exam."
Sasuke leaned against the tree trunk, silently observing Naruto.
She sat casually, with one leg bent and her arm resting on her knee.
Sunlight filtered through the leaves and fell on her face, making the lines of her beard even more prominent.
"Hey, Sasuke."
Naruko suddenly spoke, her voice softer than before.
"You seem a little different."
Sasuke's heart tightened, but he remained outwardly calm:
“What’s different?”
I can't explain it.
Naruko tilted her head and looked him over.
"It just feels... less cold. Before, you would avoid me like the plague, but today I actually dragged you here."
"You think too much."
Sasuke responded by looking away.
"Maybe."
Naruko shrugged and suddenly stood up.
"By the way, since Sakura hasn't arrived yet, would you like to come over to my place? I bought some delicious food yesterday."
The invitation came suddenly, but Sasuke made a decision almost immediately.
This is an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Naruko's life in this world.
"casual."
"Then it's settled!"
Naruko's eyes lit up, seemingly pleased that he hadn't refused.
The two left the training ground and headed towards Naruto's house.
Finally, Naruko stopped in front of a small building.
"We're home!"
She pushed open the creaking wooden door, and a smell mixed with musty odor and instant noodle seasoning packets hit her.
Sasuke stood at the door, stunned.
The entryway was piled high with empty instant noodle boxes, some of which were already moldy.
Dirty clothes and ninja tools were scattered on the floor, and many instant noodle boxes were piled up in the corner.
Next to the refrigerator were several cartons of milk that were clearly expired; the cartons were swollen and deformed.
Sunlight streamed in through the dirty window, casting dappled patterns on the dusty floor.
The entire space was filled with an atmosphere of abandonment and loneliness.
"It's a bit messy, haha."
Naruko smiled awkwardly and hurriedly kicked away the empty box blocking her way.
"Please sit wherever you like, I'll go boil some water."
She strode into the small kitchen, and the sound of rummaging through things could be heard.
His gaze swept across the room.
On the coffee table lay an open book, "Basic Theory of Ninjutsu," with the edges of the pages curled up.
Clearly, Naruko was just using the book to weigh down her instant noodles.
Sasuke picked up the book and glanced at it casually. Inside were some crooked notes by Naruko.
The sound of water boiling came from the kitchen.
Naruko came out carrying two bowls of noodles, with a few pieces of green vegetables and a fried egg simply placed on top, which was obviously something she had added on purpose.
"Sorry to keep you waiting!"
She placed the noodles on the table and sat down cross-legged.
"Try it, my instant noodles are absolutely amazing!"
Sasuke put down his notebook and sat down opposite her.
The bowl of noodles was steaming hot.
He picked up his chopsticks and took a bite.
The taste was average, just regular instant ramen, but the fried egg was cooked reasonably well.
"How about it?"
Naruko looked at him expectantly.
"good."
Sasuke said.
Naruko smiled, a smile so bright it seemed out of place in the dark room.
She lowered her head and ate her noodles with relish, finishing the bowl in no time.
Ah, that's satisfying!
She put down her bowl, wiped her mouth, and then noticed Sasuke looking around the room with a somewhat unnatural expression.
"Well... the house is indeed a bit messy. I've been busy with tasks lately and haven't had time to tidy up."
Sasuke didn't reply. His gaze fell on the expired milk cartons in the corner.
Naruko followed his gaze, her expression changing slightly, before she feigned nonchalance and said, "
Those things, I forgot to throw them away.
She is lying.
Sasuke was almost certain.
The sheer number of those milk cartons suggests they were once part of a daily diet.
Why did it stop?
Because it's expired and I don't have the money to buy a new one?
Or is it because of something else?
Because of laziness?
What kind of life does Naruko lead in this world?
"Sasuke."
Naruko suddenly spoke, her voice lower.
"You seem really different today."
Sasuke looked up at her.
You don't usually look after my house.
Naruko smiled.
"Actually, I know that no one likes to come to my house. It's too messy and too run-down, and... people will gossip if they stay with me."
She paused, her blue eyes fixed on Sasuke:
"But you came today and even ate my noodles. Thank you."
At that moment, Sasuke saw Naruto's shadow in this blonde girl.
But the Naruto he knew never needed to do that.
Kushina would keep her house spotless, the refrigerator always full of food, and there would always be hot meals on the dining table.
Naruto returned home injured during training, where his mother gently bandaged his wound.
And this Naruto in front of me...
"I have to go now."
Sasuke suddenly stood up.
"Huh? So fast?"
Naruko also stood up.
"Sakura might be arriving soon..."
"Something happened."
Sasuke said briefly and walked towards the door.
"That...that special training for the Chunin Exams..."
"We'll talk about it tomorrow."
He pushed open the door and left without looking back.
Walking down the deserted streets, Sasuke felt unusually heavy-hearted.
Everything in this parallel world made him uncomfortable: the oppressive atmosphere, the hostile villagers, and the girl who lived alone in the house but still tried to smile.
"It's completely rotten."
He muttered to himself, a cold glint in his dark eyes.
In this world, no father changes the rules.
Therefore, the Uchiha clan perished, Jinchuriki were treated as monsters, and a girl who should have been treated with kindness struggled to survive in filth.
Sasuke clenched his fist.
He needed to complete his mission as quickly as possible, gather enough intelligence, and then leave this disgusting place.
…………
The main world, Konoha Village.
Kiyoshi's family.
Kiyoshi sat in a rattan chair in the courtyard, holding a cup of tea in his hands.
He was wearing a simple dark bathrobe, the belt loosely tied, revealing the outline of his muscular chest.
Her black hair was unbound and casually draped over her shoulders.
He is waiting.
The footsteps came from the other end of the corridor, very softly.
Kiyoshi smiled slightly but didn't turn around.
"Teacher Kiyoshi."
Her voice was soft, with a hint of barely perceptible tension.
Kiyoshi turned his head.
Hinata Hyuga stood three steps away, dressed in a white training robe.
That was a style that Kiyoshi specially designed for her, somewhere between traditional Hyuga clan clothing and modern ninja attire.
The top is fitted, perfectly outlining the curves of a body that is beginning to develop. The hem is slit to allow for easy leg movement, and the sleeves are gathered at the wrists with the Hyuga family crest embroidered on the cuffs.
To be honest, it looks somewhat like a cheongsam. Several years have passed, and that shy and timid little girl has blossomed into a graceful young woman.
Hinata is now nearly 1.65 meters tall, much taller than in the original story.
Her long, smooth, bluish-purple hair was tied into a low ponytail at the back of her head, with a few strands falling beside her cheeks, making her skin appear even whiter.
Especially those pure white eyes, which were now slightly lowered, with long eyelashes casting faint shadows on their eyelids.
But the biggest difference between her and before is the change in her temperament.
The timidity and hesitation of the past have mostly faded away, replaced by a calm and reserved demeanor.
"Hinata is becoming more and more feminine."
Kiyoshi smiled, put down his teacup, and gestured for her to sit down on the cushion next to him.
Hinata's cheeks flushed slightly, but instead of bowing her head in a panic as before, she sat down as instructed, placing her legs together at an angle and her hands neatly on her knees.
"Did Master Qing Si call me here to check on my progress in cultivation?"
She asked.
Not entirely.
Kiyoshi sized her up.
"How is your training going with the recent changes in Gentle Fist and Chakra nature?"
Hinata's eyes lit up:
"You've become even more skilled, Kiyoshi-sensei."
"I've done some training, and besides lightning and fire attributes, I've also discovered that wind attribute can enhance the penetrating effect of acupoints, but it weakens the duration of chakra blocking. Water attribute, on the other hand, can extend the duration of the effect, but its initial strength is insufficient."
Qing Si nodded slightly.
Under his guidance over the past few years, Hinata has also developed some chakra properties that she didn't have before.
"A very good research direction."
He commented.
"But what I'm going to teach you today is something else."
Hinata sat up straight and focused her mind.
Kiyoshi stood up and walked to a spot further inside the courtyard.
He condensed a ball of chakra in his hand; it was "Sage Chakra".
"This is a specialized immortal technique that I recently developed."
Kiyoshi looked at the "Sage Chakra" in his palm.
"Instead of pursuing overall enhancement, I specialize in boosting physical abilities; I call it the 'White Phoenix Immortal Technique.'"
"Bai Huang..."
Hinata murmured.
"Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, this 'immortal technique' is at its core: unleashing potential under pressure and constantly pushing limits in battle."
Qing Si explained.
"It is not suitable for everyone because it requires a high level of physical aptitude."
He looked at Hinata:
"But you're suitable. The Hyuga clan is known for its flexible physique and strong recovery ability. Most importantly, you have a foundation in Gentle Fist, which can serve as the vehicle for the 'White Phoenix Sage Art.'"
Hinata's heart started racing.
She could sense the immense power contained within the "Sage Chakra" and understand the deeper meaning behind Kiyoshi's words.
This technique was developed specifically for her.
"Teacher Kiyoshi..."
She spoke, her voice trembling slightly.
"come over."
Qing Si said.
Hinata stood up and walked up to him.
The two were very close, and she could smell Kiyoshi's faint scent.
Kiyoshi raised his hand and gently lifted Hinata's chin with his fingertips.
This action made Hinata freeze, her cheeks instantly turning red, but she did not flinch.
"It might hurt a little."
Kiyoshi said in a low voice.
Then he lowered his head.
Hinata felt warm breath brush against the side of her neck, followed by a slight stinging sensation.
Kiyoshi gently bit her skin with his teeth, but did not actually break the skin.
Through this point of contact, a stream of chakra was directly injected into her meridian system.
That is a new "Spell Seed".
Unlike in the past, this time the seeds are more complex.
Hinata could clearly sense its presence. Near her heart, it was connected to the main meridian, continuously releasing gentle "Sage Chakra" while absorbing her own chakra and the natural energy of the air, slowly growing.
The whole process lasted about ten seconds.
Kiyoshi raised his head and took a step back.
There was no blood on his lips, and Hinata had no wounds on her neck, only a pale pink phoenix-shaped mark that shone slightly in the moonlight.
How are you feeling?
The Qing official asked.
Hinata closed her eyes and felt the changes within her body.
A tingling sensation spread from the side of my neck to my whole body, like soaking in warm water, or like a subtle electric current flowing through every muscle.
The feeling was strange; it was a little itchy and a little hot, but not uncomfortable.
On the contrary, she felt much lighter, as if she had been freed from invisible shackles.
“Very…special.”
She opened her eyes, and the whites of her eyes involuntarily turned on.
The world changed in her eyes.
It wasn't just a 360-degree field of vision, nor just the flow of chakra; she could see natural energy. Those points of light floated in the air, converging in the trees, the water, and the land.
"Try to activate it."
Qing Si instructed.
"Imagine the phoenix awakening in your meridians and spreading its wings."
Hinata took a deep breath and focused her mind.
The "Celestial Seed" near her heart responded to her call.
A warm current surged from the seed and quickly flowed throughout the body.
She could feel her meridians expanding, with the most noticeable changes occurring around her eyes. A warm sensation spread from the corners of her eyes, and some kind of pattern formed there.
Hinata walked to the edge of the pond and observed herself through the reflection in the water.
A light gold eyeshadow appeared at the corner of her eye, extending outwards from the corner and slightly upturned at the end, resembling the tail feathers of a phoenix.
The eyeshadow wasn't overdone; instead, it added a touch of sanctity to her delicate features.
Her white eyes also changed; a faint golden halo appeared in her originally pure white eyes, and feather-like patterns appeared around the edges of her pupils.
"This is... the new 'Sage Mode'?"
Hinata asked softly.
"The initial stage".
Kiyoshi walked to her side and looked at her reflection in the water.
He paused, then added:
"This mode cannot be maintained for long. With your current chakra levels, you can only last for a maximum of three minutes. After that, 'Sage Chakra' will begin to erode your body, and in severe cases, it may lead to petrification."
"I understand."
Hinata nodded seriously.
"Now, let me see your practical application."
Kiyoshi walked to the center of the practice field and turned to face her.
“Use this method to practice Soft Fist with me. Don’t hold back, attack with all your might.”
Hinata took a deep breath and assumed the starting stance of Gentle Fist.
The master and disciple stood facing each other. Qing Si was still wearing loose robes, his hands hanging naturally at his sides, without any defensive posture.
But Hinata knew that even if Kiyoshi-sensei stood still, he was invincible.
She moved.
The speed in "Celestial Arts Mode" is beyond imagination.
With a single step, his figure left a faint afterimage, instantly traversing five meters to arrive in front of Qing Si.
With his right hand held together like a sword, he thrust straight at one of Kiyoshi's chakra points.
Kiyoshi raised his left hand and gently touched Hinata's wrist with his index finger.
It was just a seemingly casual touch, but Hinata felt the flow of chakra in her entire arm instantly become disordered, and the power of that finger strike was reduced by 70%.
The remaining 30% struck Kiyoshi's chest, but it was like a stone sinking into the sea, causing no ripples whatsoever.
"Too straightforward."
Kiyoshi commented.
"The essence of soft boxing lies in softness, which is fluidity, change, and going with the flow. Your finger strike has power, but it lacks agility."
Hinata took two steps back and adjusted her breathing.
Her first attack was easily thwarted, but she was not discouraged; instead, she became even more focused.
With his Byakugan fully activated, Kiyoshi in his field of vision was no longer a simple human form, but a complex system composed of chakra meridians and acupoints.
The next moment, Hinata launched another attack.
Kiyoshi remained standing in place, using only his wrists and fingers to block.
Their hands clashed rapidly, producing a crisp snapping sound.
After twenty moves, Hinata retreated again, slightly out of breath.
"There has been progress."
Kiyoshi said.
"But it's not gentle enough. Your change of tactics is deliberate, not natural. True gentleness should be like flowing water, going around obstacles and penetrating gaps. There are no fixed routines, only a mind that adapts to the situation."
Hinata seemed to be deep in thought.
She closed her eyes, not looking, not thinking, just feeling.
Feel the direction of the night wind, feel the pulse of the earth beneath your feet, and feel the flow of natural energy in the air.
Then, she incorporated those feelings into her chakra, allowing her body to act instinctively.
This time, her actions changed.
It becomes ethereal and soft.
A hint of approval flashed in Kiyoshi's eyes.
Hinata struck his left shoulder with her palm, but just before making contact, she suddenly pressed down, turning towards his ribs.
Kiyoshi parried, and she followed up with an upward slash, aiming for his throat.
Seven transformations in a row, flowing smoothly like clouds and water.
This time, Kiyoshi finally made a move.
He sidestepped and retreated, avoiding the attack with minimal movement, while simultaneously striking Hinata's elbow with his right index finger like lightning.
Hinata neither took the attack head-on nor forced a change of tactics.
Following the force of Qing Si's finger, she floated back three meters like a feather blown by the wind, landing silently.
"very good."
Kiyoshi stopped and smiled.
"This is what Soft Fist should be like."
Hinata opened her eyes, and the "Sage Mode" slowly dissipated.
As the eyeshadow fades, the whites of the eyes return to their pure white.
She felt a wave of fatigue wash over her, but even more so, excitement.
That state she just experienced, that feeling of being one with nature and moving at will, was something she had never experienced before.
"Thank you for your guidance, Professor Kiyoshi."
She bowed deeply, fine beads of sweat appearing on her forehead.
Kiyoshi walked up to her and gently brushed away the strands of hair stuck to her cheek with sweat. This intimate gesture made Hinata tremble slightly, but she did not pull away.
“The cultivation of ‘immortal arts’ cannot be rushed.”
Kiyoshi said.
"Practice for no more than one hour a day, and proceed gradually. Once your body has fully adapted to the beginner level, I will teach you the next stage."
"Yes."
Hinata nodded, hesitated for a moment, and asked softly.
"Teacher Kiyoshi, why is this 'immortal technique' called 'White Phoenix Immortal Art'?"
"The phoenix is a legendary immortal bird that becomes stronger with each rebirth."
He spoke slowly.
"I hope you can keep getting stronger like this."
He turned his head and looked at Hinata:
"And white is the purest color, just like your Byakugan. Don't be bound by the rules of the Hyuga clan."
Hinata's nose suddenly stung with tears.
No one had ever said these words to her before.
Her father always emphasized the responsibilities of the main family, the clansmen always paid attention and looked down on her, and even she herself was trapped in the inferiority complex of not being good enough for a long time.
But Kiyoshi-sensei saw her—not the eldest daughter of the Hyuga main family, not the inheritor of the Byakugan, but Hinata herself.
"I will work hard."
She clenched her fists.
Kiyoshi smiled and patted her on the shoulder:
"Go back and get some rest."
"Yes."
Hinata bowed again and turned to leave.
After taking a few steps, she couldn't help but turn back.
Kiyoshi was still standing at the back.
She quickened her pace, a warm feeling welling up inside her, as if something soft had filled her. (End of Chapter)