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Chapter 71: Return

In the end, at Kiba's request,

Taki Maya's matter continued to be kept secret. Uzumaki Kushina sighed but

didn't press further. Hyuga Shinsuke and Hyuga Yutaka also agreed,

understanding the implications for the Hyuga family's reputation. Revealing

that Taki Maya's infamy was to protect Hyuga Shinsuke would be a significant

blow to the Hyuga family. Even Shinsuke could be marked with the "Caged

Bird" seal as a consequence.

From Kiba's point of view, this

was the best outcome. He had nothing to lose by keeping the secret. Even if

Taki Maya was regarded as a hero, it wouldn't change the villagers' attitudes

overnight, and his situation might not improve much.

Thinking of those villagers who

hated him suddenly becoming warm and overly kind because they had wronged him

made Kiba uncomfortable.

This is fine now.

He had the owner of Konoha Mantou,

Uncle teuchi, and some villagers who didn't mind his identity, caring

sincerely. He had Kushina, Hirohiko, and Yukina. That was enough; he didn't

expect more.

Even if Taki Maya was truly a

traitor, it didn't matter.

His goal was the Chunin Exam and

the upcoming battles. He needed to master more ninjutsu and strengthen his

body.

For the first time, he felt his

life was fulfilling, even though it was just training or sparring, exhausting

and scarring him daily.

Physical fatigue and pain couldn't

overcome the sense of spiritual fulfillment.

That's it!

Kiba walked out of the Hokage's

office, walking ahead with Uzumaki Kushina. Behind them, Hyuga Shinsuke and

Hyuga Yutaka kept a respectful distance, whether intentionally or not.

Shinsuke Hyuga said to Hyuga

Yutaka, "We owe Kiba a favor."

Hyuga Yutaka frowned. Though

dissatisfied with Kiba, he no longer hated him after learning the truth. He

could think calmly about Kiba instead of blindly denying everything.

Kiba could have asked the Third Hokage to clarify

the misunderstanding about Taki Maya. He is the 'son of a hero,' not a 'son of

a traitor.'

But he didn't, following his

father's behest and enduring the villagers' disdain.

If it were me, could I do it?

Hyuga Yutaka asked himself, then

said, "Sensei Shinsuke, I think so too. But I don't think I can become

good friends with him as my father expected."

Hyuga Shinsuke smiled slightly.

"It's okay. Don't force it. As long as the misunderstanding between you is

cleared. Also, Yutaka... I'm sorry, it's me..."

"Sensei Shinsuke, please

don't say that. You raised me and taught me Gentle Fist. I will never forget

this kindness. My father sacrificed for you, which was his choice. I will not

blaspheme his will! So, please don't apologize, Sensei Shinsuke," Hyuga

Yutaka said.

Shinsuke Hyuga was taken aback. This child, teaching me

not to blaspheme Sara's will? Yutaka, maybe you're not worse than Kiba, maybe

you can help me with that matter.

"I see, Yutaka. I won't bring

up the apology again. You must pass the Chunin exam. After you pass, there is

something I want to discuss with you," Hyuga Shinsuke said.

"Yes, Sensei Shinsuke!"

Hyuga Yutaka replied.

They walked back to the practice

field. Uzumaki Kushina playfully hit Kiba with a knuckle, threatening,

"You'll be beaten if you don't pass the Chunin exam," then returned

to her seat.

Hyuga Shinsuke didn't stay to

watch the game and left directly.

Kiba covered his head. The playful

hit from Kushina had been painful. Hyuga Yutaka, walking beside him, had a

gloating smile on his face.

Kiba glanced at him. Although it's

understandable for this guy to want to kill me, his father was killed. It's

logical to hate the son of the enemy. If it were me, I'd probably feel the

same.

Moreover, Hyuga Yutaka is closely tied to the Hyuga

family and Shinsuke, who is like a master and father. If I show no leniency,

Yukina might be embarrassed. After all, she saved my life; I can't make things

difficult for her.

But to be friends with him? Absolutely not! This kid

is so annoying! If he provokes me, I'll probably end up beating him!

Walking into the participants'

auditorium, the surprised and puzzled eyes of other participants focused on

them.

"It's Kiba and Yutaka,

they're back!"

"Yeah, why were they taken

away by Anbu? Cheating?"

"I don't think it's cheating.

The proctor didn't announce a winner. What's going on?"

During the discussion, Kiba and

Hyuga Yutaka snorted coldly and turned their heads.

It seemed the matter was resolved,

and there was no killing intent between them.

Namikaze Minato looked away from

the battle on the field, relieved but also smiling wryly.

These two boys don't seem to get along very well!

"Kiba! You're back? Are you

okay? Why was Anbu called?" Yukina, clearly worried, rushed to Kiba,

asking a series of questions.

Hirohiko joined them quickly.

"It's not your turn."

It meant Kiba's battle was not

randomized after he was taken away.

Looking at Hirohiko and Yukina,

Kiba smiled slightly. "Actually, there's nothing wrong. Some things need

to be kept secret, so I can't tell you. Just know that everything is

fine."

Seeing Kiba's calm demeanor,

Yukina frowned but then sighed in relief, knowing Kiba was okay.

"It's fine," she said,

not pressing for more information.

Hirohiko nodded as well.

"Watching the game, it's Shiga Taketake."

"Shiga Taketake's game?"

Kiba and Yukina stepped forward, standing side by side with Hirohiko, looking

toward the field.

Shiga Taketake turned around and

kicked sideways, hitting the opponent's right side, targeting a vital point.

Immediately, the opponent's eyes darkened, and he passed out.

"He hit the vital point

directly?" Kiba was taken aback.

"Yes, his Taijutsu is very

precise, targeting the opponent's vital points. He controls his strength well.

Otherwise, a bit more force could cause a serious accident," Yukina

explained. After speaking, she glanced at Kiba, then in the direction of Hyuga

Yutaka.

Brother Yutaka and Kiba... are they alright?

She worried about the relationship

between Kiba and Hyuga Yutaka. The quarrel had been unpleasant. She felt that

their being taken away by Anbu must have something to do with their

relationship.

At that moment, Namikaze Minato's

announcement came.

"The Chunin Exam, second

trial, eleventh round, Shiga Taketake wins."