12 The Basics of the Gentle Fist Style

As Hikari stood before Takumi, the Fifth Elder began, his voice stern and commanding, setting the stage for a crucial lesson in the Hyuga clan's martial arts.

"The Gentle Fist isn't just a style of fighting; it's a precise method to incapacitate or even kill an opponent by targeting parts of their chakra pathway system...",

Takumi explained, his gaze fixed on Hikari as if to gauge his reaction.

Hikari, maintaining his role as the eager-to-learn child, nodded respectfully.

"And with the Byakugan's vision, we can see that entire chakra system allowing for that...", Takumi continued, "Tell me, Hikari-kun, do you understand why this gives us an advantage?"

"Yes, sensei...", Hikari replied, his voice steady, "Because we can see the chakra pathways and the 361 chakra points so clearly, we can target them extremely precisely unlike anyone else in the shinobi world, causing internal damage that can't be easily defended against."

Takumi nodded slightly, acknowledging Hikari's correct answer, "Exactly. Our strikes are not brute force but calculated intrusions of chakra into an opponent's body. A single well-placed strike can be lethal. Do you know why?"

Hikari, maintaining his respectful demeanor, replied confidently, "Because the entire chakra pathway system of the human body is intimately directly intertwined with every organ, muscle, vessel, and cell. By disturbing the enemy's own chakra flow with our own chakra, it could hurt their inner organs in that way indirectly."

"Precisely...", Takumi affirmed before deciding to go even deeper, "The Gentle Fist technique is a refined art. We focus our chakra into our hands and release it in a precise burst directly into the opponent's chakra pathways upon contact. This forceful intrusion of foreign chakra causes significant damage to the cells connected to these pathways, leading to internal injuries."

"This method is particularly effective against the internal organs. They are vulnerable because, unlike muscles that can be strengthened, organs cannot be trained to resist damage. A well-placed strike can cause pain, internal bleeding, or even disrupt an organ's function enough to incapacitate or fatally wound someone. So, you should mainly focus on that.",

Takumi's expression grew more serious if that were possible, "But if you can't get the organs successfully, don't worry. Our techniques can also damage nerve endings, burst blood vessels, and bruise muscles with even a glancing blow, so no matter where you hit, it will cause damage.",

"Our techniques also allow us to strike with precision, bypassing armor and clothing. But the true mastery of the Gentle Fist lies in the ability to close chakra points. This requires not just the Byakugan's sight but exceptional skill and control. Each point closed can significantly impact an enemy's ability to use chakra."

Hikari absorbed every word, outwardly the picture of a diligent student soaking in wisdom.

Takumi regarded Hikari for a moment longer, then turned to the center of the dojo, "Let's begin with the basics. The foundation of all you will learn starts with how to focus chakra on your palms at first, but ideally with your fingers as well as you get more proficient in it over time. Pay close attention." 

Takumi stood before Hikari in the dojo, his posture rigid and his expression stern. Despite his stern demeanor, there was a faint hint of approval in his eyes.

 Hikari, on his part, maintained the facade of a respectful and curious child, though, beneath the surface, his mind was as cold and calculating as ever, driven by a desire for power.

"Now, shall we finally begin your training in the 'Gentle Fist'?", Takumi announced, his voice filled with a seriousness that demanded attention,

"And lastly, remember again. This is not just a fighting style. It is the embodiment of our clan's power and heritage. You must not only learn its techniques but understand its essence."

Hikari nodded, his eyes wide with a child's curiosity, yet his mind always raced, absorbing every word.

Takumi continued, demonstrating a stance that was both relaxed and ready, "Observe."

With a swift motion, he executed a series of pam strikes into the air, each movement precise and controlled.

Takumi then turned to Hikari, his gaze sharp, "Show me your stance."

Hikari, still playing the part of the eager student, took up the stance as best he could mimic. Takumi corrected his posture with quick, efficient movements, each touch firm yet devoid of any gentleness.

"Good. Now, strike...", Takumi commanded, stepping back to give Hikari space.

Hikari executed the strikes, his movements were clumsy compared to Takumi's but filled with a determination unseen in most children his age. 

"Again...", Takumi instructed, and the cycle repeated. With each strike, Hikari's form improved, driven by his unyielding will to master the technique and, with it, gain the power he so desired.

He knew that the crux of this ability was embedding these exquisite moves into his muscle memory. It was not physicality-based like the Strong Fist was, this was purely the technical version of taijutsu art.

Meanwhile, Takumi stopped him once again and performed another move. He gestured for Hikari to follow his gaze as he shifted into a defensive stance, demonstrating the fluidity and readiness that the Byakugan's vision afforded him.

"With the Byakugan's all-seeing vision, we are aware of attacks from any direction, enabling us to evade or counter with unmatched precision. This omnidirectional awareness is crucial for maintaining control over the battlefield."

"I'm going to show you the basic Gentle Fist stances and movements we start beginners with, focusing mainly on palm strikes. Watch closely and mimic my movements. It's important to memorize each stance, attack, and movement.",

"You'll practice these daily, and I'll be there to guide and correct you until you've perfected them. Once you've mastered the basics, we'll move on to more precise movements that involve using your fingers and advanced Gentle Fist techniques.",

Takumi stood at the center of the dojo, his presence commanding even in the quiet space. He motioned for Hikari to watch carefully as he prepared to demonstrate the foundational techniques of the Gentle Fist.

He began with slow, deliberate movements, each palm strike flowing seamlessly into the next. Takumi demonstrated a series of combinations, starting with basic forward thrusts, side strikes, and defensive maneuvers, all executed with precision.

His hands seemed to barely touch the air, yet the power behind each movement was palpable, even to an onlooker.

After completing the sequence, Takumi turned to Hikari, "Now, you try. Remember, it's not about speed or power at this stage. Focus on form and precision."

Hikari stepped into the designated spot, mimicking the stance Takumi had shown. He started the combinations, his movements hesitant at first as he tried to recall the sequence of strikes and positions.

With each repetition, however, his confidence grew, and the movements began to flow more naturally.

Takumi watched closely, interjecting with corrections when needed, "Straighten your back more... Focus your chakra at the point of impact... Remember to keep your vision broad; don't fixate on a single point."

The hour passed in a cycle of demonstration, practice, and correction. Hikari repeated the combinations over and over, each time with increasing accuracy and understanding of the techniques. The session was rigorous, demanding Hikari's full attention and effort, but it was also illuminating, offering him a glimpse into the depth and power of the Gentle Fist style.