章 13: Finishing the First Training Session

Takumi offered a slight nod of approval, acknowledging Hikari's natural aptitude, "You're showing great potential once again...", He admitted, his tone carrying a hint of praise yet remaining grounded,

"But remember, these movements are akin to an empty dance without the ability to actually channel and project chakra from your palms first. Remember? That's the essence of our Gentle Fist—to use your chakra to directly affect your opponent's chakra pathway system."

He paused to demonstrate, focusing his chakra on his palm, making it visible to the naked eye, "Watch closely with your Byakugan harder now...", He instructed Hikari. As Takumi's chakra flared, it served as a vivid example of the control and power a skilled Hyuga could wield.

"A true practitioner of the Byakugan isn't limited to just palms and fingers; they can extend chakra from any point in their body...", Takumi explained, emphasizing the versatility and surprise element this skill offered both in offense and defense, "This ability is fundamental for surprise attacks and protecting oneself.",

He then shifted his stance, showcasing the seamless integration of chakra control with the physical movements he had just taught,

"What you've learned today is the first foundational layer of the Gentle Fist. Another step is mastering the projection of your chakra. This style isn't just about striking; it's about how you engage your chakra pathway system to interact with and disrupt your opponent's instead."

Takumi's serious and expectant gaze met Hikari's. "After you return to your room, focus on this aspect of your training. Learning to accurately eject chakra from your body is crucial. It's what transforms these movements from mere forms into the powerful techniques that define the Gentle Fist."

However, to Takumi's surprise, after closely observing the elder's demonstration of chakra control and ejection, Hikari's focus intensified.

His Byakugan flared with concentration, beads of sweat forming on his forehead as he concentrated deeply. Under Takumi's watchful and somewhat astonished gaze, Hikari lifted his palm upward.

Gradually, he began to gather chakra there, visibly concentrating it until a small, flame-like aura became visible, hovering just above his skin.

The room fell into stunned silence as Takumi witnessed this display of raw talent and control from such a young student. It was an unexpected demonstration of Hikari's capability, one that went beyond mere potential.

Hikari, as if basking in his achievement, suddenly let a victorious smile spread across his face, the kind of pure, childlike joy at mastering a new skill. Then, with a cheeky grin aimed at Takumi, he said, "Don't worry, sensei, I will be careful to practice this aspect as well later..."

Takumi, momentarily silenced by the display, soon found his voice, a mix of astonishment and admiration coloring his tone, "You're good...", He acknowledged, the surprise evident in his voice.

"Just by observing me once, you've managed to accomplish this? Very well, now that you've mastered this step, you should proceed with the other chakra control exercises I provided in those materials yesterday. Just follow the instructions outlined there; I believe you won't require my assistance in that regard at all, seeing how smart you are."

The realization of Hikari's innate talent prompted Takumi to adjust his training plan on the spot: "Given your evident aptitude...", He continued with a genuine interest this time: "I've decided to introduce you to the third fundamental block of Gentle Fist training today. You are also going to practice at home. You're ready to begin working on it sooner than I anticipated."

"The third fundamental ingredient involves incrementally increasing your body's overall speed by directing chakra from your pathways to your muscles. This must be done in small doses...", He explained, emphasizing the importance of control.

"Overdoing it could lead to excessive force, disrupting the precision of your Gentle Fist strikes. This technique is, therefore, mostly applied to the leg muscles, enhancing your mobility rather than the strength of your hand strikes. It enables us to close the distance to our opponents more swiftly, compensating for the Gentle Fist's inherent close-combat limitation. Watch closely.",

With that, Takumi prepared to demonstrate, his demeanor shifting to one of focused intent. Hikari's Byakugan activated, not wanting to miss a moment of the display.

Takumi then began to move around the dojo with astonishing speed, each step propelled by a subtle surge of chakra to his legs.

To Hikari's eyes, Takumi almost seemed to blur, moving like a shadow that danced from one end of the space to the other.

Yet, despite the speed, Takumi's palm strikes remained precise and controlled. He demonstrated how to approach an imaginary opponent, closing the distance rapidly before delivering a series of Gentle Fist strikes. Each movement was fluid, a testament to years of practice and mastery.

As Hikari observed Takumi's demonstration with his Byakugan fully activated, he barely kept pace with the elder's movements. Yet, it was the preliminary glimpse into how Takumi harnessed and directed chakra into his leg muscles that truly captivated him.

This insight into Takumi's technique was a revelation to Hikari, expanding his understanding of the Hyuga clan's capabilities and the potential applications of their Kekkei Genkai.

It was astonishing that the Hyuga could achieve a continuous, lower-intensity version of the Body Flicker Jutsu through precise internal chakra control.

Hikari realized that the Byakugan's ability to provide an internal view of one's chakra pathway system and muscles could simplify complex techniques that required intricate chakra control, making them more accessible to Hyuga practitioners compared to shinobi like Minato Namikaze or Shisui Uchiha.

Hikari mused on the possibilities this technique offered, both in combat and strategic retreats, 'If not for the need to maintain the rhythm of the Gentle Fist in legs too, some Hyuga might have earned the moniker associated with the Body Flicker Technique instead...',

'It will be very easy for me to learn that technique fully in the future for potential escape scenarios. Sure enough, real life is different from fiction. The Hyuga clan was indeed massively underestimated...', Hikari once again lamented at the ignorance of some people.

Following the demonstration, Takumi addressed the still-dazed Hikari, offering further guidance for his independent practice,

"You're free to work on this speed-enhancing technique on your own, but proceed with caution", Takumi advised, underscoring the importance of safety in solo training sessions.

"Our morning sessions will focus only on refining your Gentle Fist movements. It's crucial to get your stances and strikes exactly right into your muscle memory, and I'll be there to correct any mistakes and improve your form over time. The other two things you can do yourself basically at home.", Takumi explained, setting the agenda for their ongoing training.

After all, he was a very busy individual, and chakra control was usually a much simpler process to train at and relied more on time, whereas Gentle Fist movements relied more on experience and finesses that required the assistance of a senior Hyuga member to pass it.

With their plan for the coming days established, they agreed to reconvene again the next morning to continue Hikari's training.

Takumi offered a nod of approval, recognizing Hikari's dedication and eagerness to learn.

"See you tomorrow, Hikari-kun. Remember, patience and diligence are your allies in mastering the Gentle Fist..", He said, imparting a final piece of wisdom before parting.