In the back hills of Konoha,
the forest was dense, wild grasses tangled everywhere. Nine figures moved together, silently coordinating.
"Three o'clock. Target distance, 500 meters."
Hyuga Hizashi's veins bulged around his eyes as he activated the Byakugan.
The Hyuga clan descended from the descendants of the Ōtsutsuki, and were one of the founding clans to join Konoha in its early days. Their kekkei genkai, the Byakugan, determined their scouting and combat abilities.
Depending on bloodline purity, the Byakugan's power varied. As a member of the main family, Hizashi and his brother Hiashi possessed the most refined Byakugan.
Hiashi, however, belonged to a branch family, restricted like a bird in a cage, with blind spots in his vision.
The Byakugan was unique to the Hyuga, a tool of reconnaissance. As a main family member, Hizashi could maintain 360-degree vision, sense chakra flow inside others, and see objects at extreme distances up to a kilometer away.
He could also detect an opponent's chakra points. Coupled with the clan's Gentle Fist technique, even internal structures could be destroyed, making the Byakugan deadly.
"Shikoku, as expected of you, Hizashi," Hikaru Kinoshita praised.
The nine of them had spent three months together. Bonds had strengthened, and today they were out camping hunting wild boars.
Hizashi took the lead, while Uchiha Shigeru turned his head in annoyance, letting out a cold snort.
Damn it. When will my Sharingan awaken?
Being in this class of geniuses without his doujutsu was stressful. He had asked clan elders but received no useful guidance.
"When you understand the true meaning of love, Shigeru, your Sharingan will awaken."
Shigeru blinked, utterly confused. Did that mean he didn't love Mikoto deeply enough? Ridiculous!
"Minato, flank it from behind and cut off its escape route. Shikoku, Rokku, and Choza, take the left wing. Mikoto, Shigeru, and Shinju, take the right wing. Hizashi, observe at all times."
Hikaru Kinoshita spoke quickly, assigning positions.
"And you?" Shigeru asked.
Hikaru grinned, launching forward. "I'll confront it head-on."
"Damn it! Always the same!"
This hunt was clearly not their first. Everyone had their roles, aiming to take down the boar.
In the ninja world, chakra flowed through everything. Animals were often larger than normal.
Today's target was the King Boar, a five-meter-tall beast with bristly fur and tusks like javelins, gleaming menacingly.
It lowered its head to graze, but sensed danger approaching.
At that moment, the team reached their positions.
Hikaru crouched on a branch, eyes on the boar, 20 meters away.
Pushing off with his legs, he leapt into the air. "Gomu… Gomu… Pistol!"
His fist struck like a hurricane against the boar's skull.
"Ugh!"
The boar's eyes bulged as it screeched in pain. Hikaru didn't pause, throwing punch after punch. Despite his small frame, each strike unleashed immense force.
The boar went berserk, its eyes bloodshot, hind legs digging into the ground as it charged with tusks lowered.
Hikaru leapt to the side, avoiding the attack.
The boar continued forward, heading straight toward the Pig-Deer-Butterfly squad.
"Shadow Possession Jutsu!"
Nara Rokku used the clan's secret technique, extending his shadow to connect with the boar.
"Choza, hurry!" Rokku shouted. The boar was fast, and controlling it was exhausting.
"Multiplication Technique, Human Bullet Tank!"
Akimichi Choza expanded his body, spinning like a top, charging forward in a dust cloud.
Just in time, Rokku withdrew his jutsu. Boom!
The boar was launched into the air, sand and stones scattering.
Rokku panted heavily, watching carefully. "Done?"
When the dust settled, the boar shook its head and ran in a new direction.
Humans were too cunning. I'm out for now.
Shigeru's eyes flickered with excitement. Rapid hand signs formed:
Snake – Goat – Monkey – Boar – Horse – Tiger.
"Try my jutsu!"
"Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu!"
The C-rank ninjutsu surged into a two-meter-wide fireball, aimed at the boar.
"Roar!"
The thick-furred boar caught fire, rolling on the ground in agony. When the flames died down, its body was charred, nostrils steaming, fury reaching its peak.
"The boar's enraged. Hold it!" Hikaru shouted.
Shinju charged in fearlessly, leaping toward the boar, right hand ready.
Hikaru watched in awe. Six-year-old Shinju already possessed superhuman strength? Truly a Senju.
As Shinju's fist neared, the boar struck back, tossing him aside.
"Ugh!"
Hikaru realized he had overestimated. Shinju had no tricks up his sleeve just pure reckless courage.
Thump!
Shinju collided with a tree but got up, seemingly unhurt. His eyes blazed with dissatisfaction at his own attack. "Damn it!"