Chapter 84: Chapter 84: Hyuga Shishin
After all, Tobirama always wanted to teach Torifū ninjutsu for no apparent reason.
Torifū was initially quite willing, as Tobirama was a master at developing ninjutsu! But gradually, Torifū realized that the techniques Tobirama wanted to develop were a bit sinister. Although he didn't mind such ninjutsu, since he was the one controlling the techniques and not being controlled by them, if his teacher discovered these jutsu, they would certainly be sealed. If they were later stolen and caused chaos in the future, he would truly become a sinner for all time. Thus, afterward, Torifū rarely discussed other ninjutsu with Tobirama, except for Space-Time Ninjutsu. One slight oversight, and his techniques might have become something he didn't recognize.
Just as Torifū was about to turn back, a figure approached from a distance. Torifū thought the person looked familiar but couldn't quite place them, so he waited for them to get closer. As the figure drew nearer, Torifū slapped his thigh. "I was just saying last night that I wanted to get to know you better, and today I caught you."
The approaching person was none other than Hyuga Shishin, the young head of the Hyuga clan. Torifū had met him briefly before capturing the tailed beast and again when turning in the mission. They had exchanged a few words then, purely out of politeness and respect. Although he was the Hokage's disciple, Shishin's status was also significant; the young head of the Hyuga clan held great renown.
Hyuga Shishin's eyesight was excellent, and he saw Torifū waiting for him from a long distance away. Shishin also remembered Torifū, as he was the Hokage's disciple, a fact known by all the major clans. However, Shishin initially didn't pay him much mind, given the significant age gap; he was eleven years older than Torifū. But when he learned that this mere seven-year-old child had collaborated with Tobirama to capture the Six-Tails, he couldn't help but be impressed. For only two people to capture the Six-Tails, Shishin certainly didn't believe that Torifū had made no contribution. The Hyuga clan, after all, had mobilized nearly half of their ninja to successfully capture the One-Tail. For such a young child to possess such strength, the Hokage was indeed unfathomable. Shishin's father, the clan head, had also repeatedly advised Shishin to befriend Torifū. However, before Shishin could act, he learned that Torifū had already left the village to deliver a letter to the Land of Wind, so he had given up the idea. He never expected to find Torifū waiting for him today, and Shishin couldn't help but quicken his pace.
"Torifū, are you waiting for me?" Shishin asked as he approached Torifū.
Torifū smiled. "Yes, Shishin-nii. I saw you from afar and thought I'd catch up."
Hearing this, Shishin was also pleased. Of course, he could befriend people, but only if he maintained his dignity. He couldn't blindly cater to others; as the young head of the Hyuga clan, he couldn't stoop to flattering people.
"I had also thought of this before, but you were in the Land of Wind recently, so I had to put the idea aside." He then continued, "Torifū, was your mission to the Land of Wind smooth?"
Seeing Shishin's enthusiasm, Torifū naturally felt more comfortable. He had intended to brazenly strike up a conversation, but he hadn't expected the other party to be so surprisingly warm.
"Fortunately, before I left, Hiruzen-nii had asked your clan's ninja for information on the Land of Wind, otherwise it wouldn't have been so smooth."
"It was relatively easy, though we encountered a few minor thugs along the way. The Kazekage also warmly received us." Torifū briefly recounted his experiences in Sunagakure.
Although Hyuga Shishin had been to the Valley of Wind, Sunagakure was not a place one could just casually visit. Listening to Torifū's experiences helped fill a gap, and when he heard that Sunagakure's conditions couldn't compare to Konoha's, Shishin smiled again.
"It's fortunate that our Land of Fire has abundant resources; we don't have to endure such hardship."
Torifū also agreed. In short, the two chatted back and forth, gradually becoming as familiar as old friends. Honesty was indeed the best way to make friends.
"By the way, Shishin-nii, why are you at the Hokage Building so early? Isn't it too early for work?" Torifū was indeed a bit curious about this. There was no one in the building yet, and he couldn't even get inside. What was the point of coming so early?
"I'm planning to go to the Mission Assignment Station. This route is shorter, and the station is always crowded."
"So I decided to pick up a mission early, and also choose some good ones."
Only then did Torifū understand. So, getting up so early was to have a better and more comfortable work experience? Although Torifū was greatly surprised, he understood. After all, ninja who completed more missions earned more seniority. As the young clan head, Shishin naturally had to be more outstanding and hardworking than others, which was understandable.
"What about you, Torifū? As far as I know, Hokage-sama gave you all the day off today, didn't he?" This information came from Hiruzen, as they were the same age and very familiar with each other.
Torifū scratched his head, looking a bit embarrassed. "Ahaha... I just bought some food and was eating it while walking, and before I knew it, I ended up here."
"Haha, you're quite an interesting person."
The two then continued to chat about stories from their journey to capture the tailed beast, specifically choosing thrilling and bizarre tales to tell. It felt like a storytelling session. They talked until more people gradually started to gather, and then they finally had to stop.
Torifū looked up and realized that almost an hour had passed. He had only met this person a few times, yet they could chat so easily. However, Torifū hoped he could talk even more. Once they became truly good friends, he could bring up the topic of getting blood! A Byakugan Puppet would then be just around the corner!
Torifū said apologetically, "Shishin-nii, I've really delayed you today. Please go get your mission."
Shishin waved his hand. "I gained a lot from our conversation today, Torifū. What are one or two missions compared to this?"
"I just didn't expect you to be so young yet so knowledgeable. I am truly ashamed of myself."
The two exchanged more compliments, and Torifū himself felt a bit embarrassed by all the flattery before they finally parted ways. As he walked away, Shishin still seemed reluctant to leave, but considering he shouldn't rush things, he departed.
Watching Shishin's receding back, Torifū wiped a bead of sweat from his forehead.
"This young head of the Hyuga clan isn't arrogant at all. He's quite comfortable to be around, much like Hiruzen."
He had expected the heirs of such prestigious clans to be full of pride, but he hadn't anticipated such a good attitude. Of course, this also had to do with Torifū's connection as the Hokage's disciple. Otherwise, even if he wasn't arrogant, he wouldn't casually chat with an ordinary person on the street for so long. Time was meant for valuable people or matters.