Chapter 119: Training Hinata
Back in Konoha.
Kiba laid on a comfortable futon in the corner of the room, his body still aching from the last mission.
The wounds were healing well, thanks to the medical ninjas, and the seals had been broken, but...
"Kiba-kun, you should take it easy," Hinata advised with a worried face, "You pushed yourself too hard back there. Kurenai sensei said rest is important for a complete recovery."
Standing near Kiba's bedside, Shino nodded in agreement, his usual stoic expression revealing a proper amount of "concern" for his teammate and "friend".
Kiba groaned softly and shifted his position. "Yeah, yeah, I know, Hinata. But I can't just lie here while you and Shino train without me… again."
Shino adjusted his glasses. "I understand your eagerness, Kiba, but remember, training while injured will only-"
Kiba's habit kicked in, "Yeah, yeah, I know. But don't worry, I'm already bet- Arghhhh!"
Kiba's scream reverberated in the room as he clutched his head, clearly in pain.
"Kiba-kun!" Hinata's cried out in panic, but she didn't know what to do!
But just as quickly as it came, Kiba's pain and screams faded away. Beside him, Akamaru whimpered, nudging Kiba's legs to comfort him.
"Damn it…why is this happening," Kiba growled, his eyes glaring at Shino as he clutched his forehead.
"It seems you haven't recovered yet, Kiba." A sly smile appeared behind Shino's high collar, his eyes flickering over to Hinata and hammered the nail into the coffin. "I spoke to Kurenai sensei earlier. She agreed to bring Hinata and me for joint training sessions, but she demanded that you rest and recover."
"Fine, fine. I'll rest up then. Damn it..." Kiba gritted his teeth, taking the chance to remind, "Shino. If Naruto shows up, just make sure Hinata doesn't faint from nervousness, alright?"
"K-Kiba-kun, it's not like that!" Hinata denied, a blush on her face as her eyes peeked towards Shino.
Shino offered a faint smile, appreciating Kiba's cooperation. "I'll take care of Hinata, Kiba. Don't worry." Yes, he'll take care of her super well.
Oblivious to the hidden meaning in Shino's words, Kiba closed his eyes, succumbing to the much-needed rest.
Shino gestured for Hinata to leave with him. She hesitated for a moment, glancing back at Kiba's resting form before following Shino to their training area.
Third Training Ground.
In the spacious field, surrounded on both sides by tall trees that whispered in the gentle breeze coming from the deep river nearby, Hinata found herself facing Shino... alone.
Hinata bowed her head, her fingers fidgeting restlessly, betraying an underlying tension. "Shino-kun, where is Kurenai sensei?"
Wearing his signature sunglasses and a calm demeanor, Shino was ready to enact his game, "Today, I'll be training you. Kurenai sensei is watching from afar. You can find her with your Byakugan if you don't believe me."
"Mm. I believe you, Shino-kun," Hinata couldn't help but feel a mix of nervousness and anticipation.
Like a snake slithering towards its prey, Shino approached Hinata, doing his best to convey his objectives.
"Hinata, this training will be essential for our growth as a team. Believe in yourself just like I believe in you. You have exceptional potential waiting to be unearthed. So, let's use this time to hone your skills. Hmm, let's begin with the usual shall we?"
A subtle heat crept across Hinata's cheeks. She nodded like a chicken pecking rice, her voice barely rising above a whisper. "I- I'll do my best, S-Shino-kun."
Getting her consent, Shino stepped forward and began demonstrating various taijutsu techniques optimized by Karina just for Hinata.
Well, this was a pleasant way to put it. In fact, it was their way of wheedling out the taijutsu of the Hyuga clan under the guise of teaching.
Of course, the optimization done on their part wasn't fake. Karina has blended in a lot of the taijutsu skills they have collected thus far in order to add some uniqueness.
Then, with the system's combat system in place, their clone had zero trouble regurgitating these optimize skills.
So, Shino took on the role of a "taijutsu genius", showing off in a low-key way.
Dancing around the three stumps in the training ground, Shino delivered fluid strikes that flowed almost like the Wing Chun in his previous world, but mixed with some Gentle Fists he learned.
Hinata intently watched Shino battle the stumps and eventually the air as if he was fighting invisible enemies, absorbing every detail. Battling, battling, dancing, dancing, until... he somehow came behind her.
"Mm. It's your turn, Hinata. Focus on your breathing and your surroundings, Hinata."
With a commanding tone, Shino's strong arms enveloping Hinata's small form from behind, guiding her and letting their movements synchronize with a purposeful intent.
"S-S-Shin-"
"Hush. Focus Hinata. Be aware of the insects around us. Maintain situational awareness. They are your targets."
Though her face was flushed, Hinata still forced herself to follow Shino's instructions, her eyes darting around as she molded her chakra.
Buzz... Buzz... She could sense the presence of the insects, their gentle hum harmonizing with her own energy, and the gentle hum coming from behind her- No, focus, Hinata!
The training session continued with Shino guiding Hinata through various exercises.
They worked on her agility, precision, and combat instincts. With each passing minute, Hinata's movements became more fluid, her strikes gaining strength and accuracy, showing some inkling of birthing her Protecting Eight Triagrams.
Meanwhile, Kurenai stood on the crown of a tree a bit deeper in the forest, observing the duo from afar with eyes betraying a hint of helplessness.
She was pushing her student into the fire pit herself, yet there was nothing she could do about it.
Suddenly, her eyes looked up at the twilight sky. A messenger bird soared through the air, circling above her position. She knew it was a summons from Tsunade, the Hokage herself.
Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! With leaves fluttering around her, Kurenai appeared besides the training duo, announcing with a mix of urgency and concern, "Shino. Hinata. I've been summoned by Lady Tsunade. Something important has come up. I need to leave immediately. Hinata, please continue the training with Shino."
"Eh? Eh?!" Hinata's Byakugan widened slightly, "K-Kurenai sensei?!"
Shino's expression didn't change a single bit, as if he already knew, "Understood. I'll take care of Hinata."
Getting an answer, Kurenai hurried away, giving Hinata no chance to refuse.
With the supervisor gone, Shino looked at the bunny left behind, "Hinata, let's continue... your training."