Chapter 26: Broken Guard

Hearing that, Lian Ye and Nara Motoya exchanged a glance and immediately stepped forward.

The Byakugan of the Hyuga Clan Clan grants X‑ray vision and an almost 360° field of view.

After activating his Byakugan, Hinata Yuki naturally spotted the two hidden in the shadows.

"Hello, Hinata Yuki," Lian Ye greeted.

"What a coincidence to meet here," Nara Motoya added.

Hinata Yuki's Byakugan swept over them: "You also want to block me?"

Hearing that, Nara Motoya hurriedly shook his head, "No, no…"

He had just personally witnessed Hinata Yuki effortlessly defeat Uchiha Yan and Uchiha Lin.

This guy is terrifyingly strong—practically a monster!

If they actually fought, his fate would be absolutely grim.

Lian Ye felt a spark of interest, eager to try.

He really wanted to spar with Hinata Yuki to see who was stronger.

Hinata Yuki's displayed power was great; without a duel, neither side could know who was stronger…

Lian Ye ultimately dismissed the idea.

There's still a long way to go; the two will eventually have a chance to spar.

He isn't a warmonger, so there's no need to invite trouble himself.

"You've misunderstood; we're just passing by," Lian Ye explained.

Seeing they meant no harm, Hinata Yuki deactivated his Byakugan.

Lian Ye stared curiously at his eyes and asked, "Yuki‑kun, at what age does the Hyuga Clan Clan's Byakugan usually open?"

He wasn't very knowledgeable about such matters, so he asked.

Nara Motoya's gaze followed, also curious about the question.

Hinata Yuki looked at them puzzled, not understanding why they asked.

Though puzzled, he explained, "The opening age varies per person, usually between ten and twelve."

Lian Ye realized that the Hyuga and Uchiha are similar; aside from rare cases, the opening occurs in the teens.

Wait, Lian Ye thought of something and stared at Hinata Yuki in surprise—this guy seems to be that exception…

"Yuki‑kun, how old are you?" Lian Ye asked.

"Six years old."

Lian Ye: "…"

Good fellow, a year younger than himself.

"Yuki‑kun, you're truly strong—opening at six!" Nara Motoya was greatly shocked.

Is this the world of geniuses?

Hinata Yuki gave no response; he's heard such remarks too often.

And Nara Motoya was wrong; he didn't open at six, but at five!

Lian Ye stared intently at Hinata Yuki, his face showing confusion.

How could this guy's talent be so great, yet he's never heard of him?

He knows Yuanfei Rizhan, Zhi Cun Tuan Zang, Uchiha Jing, but has never heard of Hinata Yuki.

Hinata Yuki's talent is by no means weaker than that of Yuanfei Rizhan and the others.

He quickly realized the truth: there is only one.

That is, Hinata Yuki never fully matured… and died.

This made Lian Ye sigh; indeed, only fully grown geniuses are true geniuses!

Those cut off midway or who faded into the masses don't count.

Lian Ye clenched his fists, resolved to train hard.

His goal of becoming stronger has never changed—having the power to protect himself in the Ninja World.

Hinata Yuki noticed Lian Ye's odd state and asked, "Uchiha Lianye… are you alright?"

Lian Ye, hearing that, waved his hand to indicate he was fine.

Hinata Yuki assumed Lian Ye was shaken by his own talent, and offered comfort: "Don't envy; keep training, you can achieve it too."

Lian Ye: "???"

He finally understood why Uchiha Lin and Uchiha Yan tried to block him…

That's so damn… pretentious!

Hinata Yuki walked to Lian Ye's side, halted, "I'll wait for you to catch up to my steps."

After speaking, he walked straight away.

Lian Ye stood rooted, staring blankly at Hinata Yuki's figure receding until it vanished, unable to recover for a long while.

The words kept looping in his mind.

【I'll wait for you to chase my steps… steps… foot…】

After a while, the more Lian Ye thought, the hotter his face grew, and he was completely broken.

King of Pressure, this guy is definitely the King of Pressure!

If Hinata Yuki were still here, he would launch an attack without hesitation and give the "King of Pressure" a good beating!

"Lian Ye‑kun, are you alright?" Nara Motoya asked cautiously.

It was still the first time he had seen Lian Ye so angry.

"I'm fine, I really am fine!"

Seeing Lian Ye's look that seemed to want to kill, Nara Hon fell silent.

'You call this nothing?'

But he, being tactful, didn't press further, feeling a bit of schadenfreude.

'Looks like more than just me was hit by the monster…'

He is one of the top geniuses of the Nara Clan, and at only six years old his strength had already reached Genin Rank.

He had thought that with his talent he could become a standout at the Ninja School.

But on the second day of school, he was defeated by Hinata Yuki in two moves.

Moreover, there were many classmates stronger than him.

Nara Hon became thoroughly insecure.

Only then did he realize the difference between an ordinary genius and a supreme monster.

Lian Ye's roar pulled his thoughts back.

'It's infuriating! So pretentious! Really, so pretentious!'

Nara Hon: '…'

'Weren't you just saying it was nothing earlier?'

'Why are you angry again?'

Lian Ye, now seething, never expected that Hinata Yuki's two sentences would break his guard.

Lian Ye swore in his heart that he must reclaim his standing.

'Isn't it just showing off?'

He can do it too!

Even years later, whenever Lian Ye recalls those two lines, he still can't let go…

————————

Qianshou Feijian Residence.

'What's wrong with this brat?'

Qianshou Feijian quietly leaned against the kitchen doorway, muttering to himself.

Lian Ye had just returned home when Qianshou Feijian noticed his odd demeanor.

He saw Lian Ye furiously stir-frying, his face a dark line.

He was curious what could have made this brat so angry.

Considering this brat, even not being annoying is a good day…

At that moment, Lian Ye carried out the dishes.

'Brat, what happened?' Qianshou Feijian asked.

'Nothing much, I just ran into a King of Pressure,' Lian Ye said.

'King of Pressure?' Qianshou Feijian didn't understand the term.

Lian Ye had no intention to explain; after eating, he headed to the Training Ground.

He needed to become stronger, so that when he eventually defeats Hinata Yuki, he can also craft a few show‑off lines.

Qianshou Feijian, while watching Lian Ye train, pondered the meaning of 'King of Pressure'.

But after half a day of deep thought, he still couldn't grasp it.

'No idea what this brat is smoking?'

Since he couldn't figure it out, he stopped trying.

He counted the days and realized it had been a long time since he studied the Uchiha.

Thinking that, Qianshou Feijian got up, went to the kitchen, added a large amount of Monghan Drug to the milk, and showed a satisfied smile.

He went to the Training Ground and handed the milk to Lian Ye.

'Brat, it's about time.'

Hearing that, Lian Ye stopped training, drank the milk, and then returned to his room to bathe and sleep.

That night, he dreamed of the Laboratory again…