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Evolution!
The Tenseigan!
Both Neji and the duo of Tōka and Ruka found their breathing growing uneven.
At that moment, Izuna suddenly spoke up, "Forget the thanks—why did that Hagoromo guy earlier try to control this kid into going to the underground tomb?"
Kaito glanced at Neji and explained, "Ever since Hagoromo last met us in the Hall of the King of Hell, he never returned. The other Hagoromo left on the moon wanted to take over Neji's body to go to the shinobi world."
"So, Hagoromo has already followed the Sage of Six Paths to the Pure Land," Izuna mused, crossing his arms and sneering up at the sky. "That guy still has another descendant living inside the artificial sun, doesn't he? Why not take over that boy's body instead?"
The Hall of the King of Hell?
The Sage of Six Paths?
The Pure Land?
Aside from the three Uchiha, everyone else was utterly lost.
Were these two being serious? Why was the conversation getting more and more outrageous?!
Unlike the somewhat confused Hinata and Karin, or Neji—who was already somewhat accustomed to such things—Tōka and Ruka, as seasoned shinobi, felt like they had suffered more shocks in a single day than they had in their entire twenty-plus years of life combined.
Yet, Kaito showed no intention of sparing their feelings.
"That boy was born without eyes and has never left his castle," he said, raising his gaze to where Sasuke and Suigetsu were still struggling to breach the surface of the artificial sun. He chuckled helplessly.
"It seems Sasuke still needs some help. While Amaterasu's flames can damage the outer protective layer, the Tenseigan's immense energy is constantly repairing it."
"Uncle Kaito..."
Neji forced himself to calm down and pointed at Hinata. "Why did that person say Hinata-sama eyes are Byakugan of exceptionally rare purity?"
"Exactly what it sounds like," Kaito replied, turning to look at the flustered Hinata. "In terms of innate talent, Hinata is likely the most gifted member of the Hyūga clan today."
"Th-That's... impossible..."
Neji found it hard to accept, and his feelings toward Hinata grew even more complicated.
If that were really the case, why was Hinata like this? It was nothing short of a waste!
Hearing Kaito's words, Tōka and Ruka also cast complicated glances at Hinata, sharing the same thought.
"I... um... I'm not..."
Under the weight of everyone's stares, Hinata completely panicked, waving her hands frantically, her face filled with distress.
"You—"
Seeing her like this only irritated Neji further. He scoffed and turned away.
"Neji-nii-san..."
Hinata bit her lip, lowering her head in shame and frustration.
"Are you all wondering why she hasn't demonstrated strength matching her talent?" Kaito raised an eyebrow.
Neji shook his head. "I've said it before—Hinata-sama's personality is too kind. She's simply not suited to be a shinobi."
Hinata's body trembled slightly, and she buried her face even deeper.
What should I do...?
What can I do...?
Neji continued mercilessly, "Someone who hesitates to hurt others at every turn, whose fists waver with uncertainty, can never master the Hyūga clan's Gentle Fist taijutsu."
Suddenly, he let out a mocking laugh. "And yet, this kind of person is the most talented one? How ridiculous!"
What should I do...?
Hinata clenched her teeth, desperately holding back tears.
I don't want to cry...
If I really am the most talented... why do I always fail?
"Hey!"
Karin, who had been watching silently, suddenly couldn't take it anymore. Rolling up her sleeves, she stormed over angrily.
Grabbing Neji by the collar, she glared at him fiercely. "What the hell are you saying, you stupid bastard?!"
"This has nothing to do with you!"
Neji coldly slapped her hand away.
Karin responded by throwing a punch. "Aren't you her brother?! Why are you spouting such pointless nonsense?!"
Slap!
Neji caught her fist, his expression still icy as he stared at her in silence.
"Is kindness... a mistake for a shinobi?!" Karin's eyes suddenly welled up with tears, her voice growing increasingly hysterical. "Is kindness a sin?!"
Neji was momentarily stunned but stood his ground. "Kindness isn't wrong, but for a shinobi, being too kind is simply untimely."
"Is that so..."
Karin suddenly withdrew her hand, her legs giving way as she slumped to the ground.
"Untimely, huh?"
She took off her glasses, roughly wiping away her tears.
"Are... are you okay?"
Hinata, who had been frozen in shock, hurried over to help her up.
"No need. I'll just sit here."
Karin put her glasses back on, hugging her knees as she looked up at Hinata.
"So, your name's Hyūga Hinata? You really are as kind as he said..."
"Y-Yes... I'm Hyūga Hinata. Nice to meet you."
Hinata stammered out her introduction, awkwardly crouching beside her.
"My mom was someone just as kind as you," Karin suddenly said, for some reason opening up to Hinata.
Hinata blushed, offering a shy smile.
"Maybe that bastard Neji isn't entirely wrong," Karin muttered, resting her chin on her knees. "If Mom hadn't been so kind—if she hadn't tried to save others—those scum from Kusagakure wouldn't have discovered her special abilities. We wouldn't have been captured... and she wouldn't have died."
The fiery-tempered girl now looked unbearably fragile, leaving Hinata even more at a loss.
She wanted to say something comforting, but her words failed her. All she could do was gaze at Karin with worried eyes.
"Even though I know it wasn't Mom's fault—it was all those bastards' doing!" Karin suddenly gripped Hinata's hand tightly, staring straight into her pure white eyes. "But... but I hated her kindness back then. It put both of us in danger."
Hinata let her hold her hand, staring back in stunned silence.
"Untimely." Karin tightened her grip, then suddenly laughed. "That idiot Neji put it perfectly. If you don't have the strength to protect yourself and the people you care about, kindness is untimely."
"Hey, princess," she suddenly adopted a tough-girl tone, patting Hinata's head with her other hand. "You're lucky you grew up in peaceful Konoha. Your kindness hasn't cost you anything—yet."
"I..." Hinata suddenly felt a pang of sorrow, her eyes reddening. "Maybe I'm being selfish, but I don't want to change who I am."
"Then you'll have to work even harder," Kaito's voice cut in.
Hinata startled, turning to him. "Kaito-sama?"
"You can hold onto your kindness," Kaito said with a faint smile. "But you'll need the strength to protect it."
"I understand." Hinata's gaze grew resolute. "Without power, kindness can bring disaster."
She turned back to Karin, offering a timid smile. "Thank you, Karin. I'll do my best."
Karin blinked, then looked away with a huff. "Tch. Whatever."