"Kushina, can I ask you to treat the hidden wound on Hinata's body?"
"For Hinata's training, I simply followed the same method my father used to train me and Hizashi. I never expected such a situation to arise."
Hyuga Hiashi did not become angry at Kushina's accusation. On the contrary, guilt was evident on his face. He truly cared about his daughter, but the status of the Hyuga family's main branch meant he could not afford to go easy on her. Furthermore, the exceptional talent of Neji Hyuga, a member of the branch family, placed immense pressure on him. He did not want his daughter to fall behind.
As a result, Hiashi set strict standards for Hinata, subjecting her to training just as intense as Neji's. However, what Hiashi failed to realize was the inherent difference between boys and girls. The excessive training regimen he imposed on Hinata not only failed to strengthen her but also hindered her natural talent.
It wasn't until Kushina Uzumaki handed him Hinata's medical report that he finally understood the extent of the damage his training had caused.
Fortunately, his mistake could still be rectified.
"Of course, there's no problem with the treatment. Although there are numerous hidden injuries, with proper recuperation, a child of her age will recover quickly."
"But if Hinata continues with your training method, there will be no difference between treating her and not treating her at all!"
"Hiashi, you need to understand the real issue!"
Seeing Hiashi acknowledge his mistake, Kushina softened her tone and expression.
"You misunderstand me. My intention is to have Hinata stay at your house so you can help heal her hidden wounds."
"The ninja school is about to start. I want to send Hinata to your home on school days, and I will bring her back on Saturdays and Sundays."
"This way, there will be a five-day gap between high-intensity training. I believe this will be a more balanced approach. Staying at your home will also make her treatment more convenient."
"Kushina, Minato, please!"
With that, Hiashi stood up and bowed deeply to Minato. Seeing Hiashi's sincerity, the anger in Kushina's heart dissipated. After all, what parent doesn't love their child? Though Hiashi often appeared indifferent, both Kushina and Minato knew him well—he was not a cold or heartless person.
"Minato." Kushina turned to Namikaze Minato. She was moved by Hiashi's sincerity and wanted to agree, but this decision was not hers alone to make. Minato's opinion was necessary.
"In that case, let's do as you wish, Hiashi."
"Don't worry. Hinata will be well taken care of in our home."
Seeing Kushina's expression, Minato immediately understood what she was thinking. Allowing Hinata to stay with them was simply a matter of adding an extra plate at the dinner table—hardly a burden for the Hokage.
"Thank you!" Hiashi finally smiled upon receiving Minato's affirmative response.
With this matter settled, Hiashi breathed a sigh of relief. Soon after, Minato summoned Fugaku and Nara Shikaku, and they discussed and ranked the candidates based on the results of the three assessments.
From a comprehensive perspective, Uzumaki Naruto, who was initially ranked third, moved up to first place after the actual combat assessment and physical qualification exam. Uchiha Sasuke ranked third, while the second-place candidate was Senju Karin, the daughter of Senju Nawaki.
In the afternoon, the results were posted at the entrance of the ninja academy. Many candidates had failed the selection process, but the reason was not due to their performance in the first shuriken assessment or the second actual combat evaluation. The real reason for their failure was the third qualification examination—these children had been deemed unsuitable to become ninjas!
While Konoha was bustling with excitement over the academy entrance assessments, Uzumaki Raiden's travel group had just left the Land of Flowers. After several months of travel, they finally arrived at the border of the Land of Tea.
The Land of Tea lies south of the Land of Fire. The country is rich in various types of tea, and its unique flavors make it a popular commodity throughout the ninja world. Thanks to this valuable resource, the Land of Tea enjoys a thriving economy and a prosperous population.
Although it is not one of the Five Great Nations, the Land of Tea boasts some of the best living conditions in the entire ninja world. As a neutral country, it has successfully avoided conflict during both the Second and Third Ninja World Wars.
However, the remnants of war have begun to take root in the Land of Tea.
"You there, stop!"
"Hand over all the goods on the carriage!"
"Give us all your valuables!"
On a major road in the Land of Tea, a massive tree, thick enough for five people to wrap their arms around, had fallen across the path, blocking the convoy's route. A medium-sized caravan with thirteen carriages was now at a standstill, held up by more than a dozen armed men.
These robbers were rogue ninjas—deserters from various villages, including Mist, Konoha, and the Land of Wind. Their leader was a pockmarked man with a goatee, wielding a long blade. As he spoke, he swung his sword at the fallen tree.
With a sharp crack, splinters flew as the blade left a deep gash in the trunk, sending a wave of panic through the drivers.
"Bandits! It's bandits!!!"
The driver of the lead carriage tumbled from his seat, scrambling towards the others while shouting in alarm.
Before he could get far, a kunai flew from behind, piercing his back.
Thud!
The driver collapsed to the ground, blood pooling beneath him.
"He's dead! He's dead!!!"
A terrified scream echoed through the forest.
At the center of the caravan, Uzumaki Raiden had been napping when the sharp cry reached his ears, jolting him awake.
"Kakashi, what's going on?" Raiden grabbed Sakegari no Tachi and lifted the carriage curtain, peering outside. Beside him, Uchiha Itachi rubbed his sleepy eyes.
"Master Raiden, it looks like we've run into bandits," Kakashi reported, leaping down from the top of the carriage.
"And it seems they've already killed someone."
"Bandits? This is already the fourth group we've encountered in the Land of Tea, isn't it?"
"Why is the security here so terrible?"
Raiden frowned, clearly annoyed. Meanwhile, Itachi, still groggy a moment ago, instantly became alert at the mention of bandits.
"Kakashi, Itachi, Obito, Rin—take care of them quickly. We need to reach Aoba Town before nightfall, so let's not waste any time."
"Don't leave any of them alive."
Raiden lightly patted Uchiha Itachi's back. This was part of their training. Along the journey, Raiden himself had not lifted a finger. Handling petty criminals was a simple task for Kakashi and the others.
Mere bandits.
(End of this chapter)