Chapter 23: Trying to Trick Someone into Having a Daughter Again!

Chapter 23: Trying to Trick Someone into Having a Daughter Again!

"Attack detected, data collection in progress."

"Analyzing the opponent's strength, speed, and current environment."

"Current data indicates the target is using only 1% of their total power."

As Sarutobi Hiruzen's fist came crashing down, his power and speed were quickly collected and analyzed by the technological terminal. What surprised Hyūga Hinata, however, was that Sarutobi Hiruzen was only using 1% of his strength! Even though it was just 1%, his speed and power were almost on par with hers! 

So this is what the gap feels like? It's truly despairing. Even though her current strength was almost at the level of a Chūnin, in front of him, she was nothing more than a toy. This battle, which was already a farce, had now turned into nothing more than a game between an adult and a child.

"Ugh!" 

Hinata thrust her fist forward, clashing with Sarutobi Hiruzen's. After blocking his attack, the Eight Trigrams Seal beneath her feet dissipated, and the next moment, Hinata was sent flying several steps backward.

Sarutobi Hiruzen instinctively prepared to strike again.

But on the other side, Hinata hurriedly retreated and exclaimed in her childish voice, "Wait! Stop! Please stop!" 

The gap was too large; she realized there was no point in continuing the fight. It was purely a waste of time. She would be better off using this time to train harder.

Sarutobi Hiruzen paused, slightly surprised. He understood the pride and determination of young people; he had been just like her back in the day, always eager to try out a few moves, never backing down, always thinking he could challenge anyone. 

He had originally intended to fulfill her wish and teach her a lesson in humility and the vast difference in their abilities. But he didn't expect that after just one exchange, without any real progress, she would already concede?

Meanwhile, Hyūga Ao and the nurse beside him were also a bit confused.

Hyūga Ao understood what had just happened, but he didn't quite understand why Hinata had suddenly backed down. Aren't kids usually full of energy? But her behavior just now was a little strange. Hyūga Ao couldn't quite wrap his head around it.

"I know when I'm outmatched. I have a good sense of self-awareness," Hinata said, her words accompanied by the image of a little girl trying to act mature.

But precisely because of this display, her words didn't carry much weight.

Sarutobi Hiruzen, however, was even more pleased, his eyes showing a deep fondness. 

She was obedient, sensible, clever, and a genius to boot. Such a perfect girl was rare indeed. If only she were his daughter… Curse you, Hiashi! Always trying to trick others into having daughters!

"You little brat."

Nearby, Kurama Yuu, who was already curled up on the ground like a trembling shrimp, managed to lift his head and glare at Hinata with hatred in his eyes, muttering curses under his breath.

"Guards," Sarutobi Hiruzen called out calmly, casting only a brief glance at Kurama Yuu, not bothering to engage further.

"Lord Hokage, your orders?" 

Immediately, members of the Hokage's Guard opened the doors, entering the room and kneeling in anticipation of Sarutobi Hiruzen's commands.

"Take him away. Interrogate him, then imprison him in Konoha's jail!" Sarutobi Hiruzen ordered, his expression calm but with an undertone of severity. It was clear he was deeply angered by Kurama Yuu's actions.

"Yes, sir!" The guards stood up, approached the limp Kurama Yuu, and hauled him away. As they left, they couldn't help but glance over at Hinata. A child performing surgery in an operating room? Or was she here to cause trouble? Never mind, it wasn't important.

"Phew." Sarutobi Hiruzen exhaled a deep breath and turned to Hinata, speaking in a heartfelt tone: "Good child, you've been through a lot. If you ever need anything, come to me. I'll do whatever I can to help you."

With that, he turned and walked away. His elderly figure exuded a sense of weariness and the weight of old age.

After witnessing the talents of this young prodigy, Sarutobi Hiruzen suddenly felt old. Having seen the Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze, pass away and watching the younger generation rise, he found himself reminiscing about the old days. Growing old, it seems, is inevitable.

Even after Sarutobi Hiruzen left, Hinata just stood there, stunned, watching his departure. *Through a lot? What's he talking about?* This was nothing. *Back in the day…*

"Thank you, Lady Hinata," Hyūga Ao said as he approached her with a complicated expression, his eyes filled with sorrow. The sudden change in his old friend was hard for him to accept.

"Mm." Hinata only nodded in response, saying nothing more.

"Quick! We have more injured!" 

Suddenly, there were more shouts outside. A group of frantic ninja hurriedly called out as Konoha Hospital became busy once again. It was clear that this would be a sleepless night.

"Please, Lady Hinata," Hyūga Ao said as he shrugged his shoulders. He was still weak and exhausted, unable to assist others.

"I understand." Hinata nodded and stood up, heading outside.

"A child? Why are you wearing surgical scrubs? Are you from the Hyūga clan?"

"He's badly burned by a Fire Release. If you want him to die, we can talk a little longer."

"..."

Moments later, voices rang out from outside, accompanied by Hinata's emotionless tone and the sound of a cart being wheeled in. A group of ninja, somewhat dazed, pushed the stretcher into the operating room, still doubtful that a child could do anything, especially in such a serious situation.

"Lord Hyūga Ao!"

Once inside the operating room, several ninja immediately recognized Hyūga Ao, the renowned medical ninja of the Hyūga clan.

If it were someone else, they might have had some doubts, but with a medical ninja from the Hyūga clan, one with the Byakugan, they could rest assured.

"Alright, this is a critical area. No unauthorized personnel allowed," Hinata said decisively as she began pushing the others out of the operating room before closing the door.

Her strength surprised the ninja. How could a child have such frightening power?

*Slam!*

But before they could finish being amazed or say anything more, the door was shut.

"Alright, let's start the treatment!" Hinata clapped her hands together, looking at the pale-faced Hyūga Ao and the nurse with satisfaction.

"Lady Hinata, we'll need your help. In our current state..." Hyūga Ao said with difficulty, his weakened state making it clear that he couldn't assist in the surgery.