After Hinata left the field, the other students' practical combat matches became dull, and everyone was distracted.
The impact of the practical combat class was like a giant rock thrown into a calm lake, ripples spreading across all levels of Konoha.
Inside the Hokage Office, the smoke was thicker than usual.
Hiruzen Sarutobi paced by the window with his hands behind his back, the image of Hinata's devastating punches in the crystal ball replaying in his mind.
"Hinata... Monstrous Strength... when did she master it?"
He muttered those words under his breath, his brow furrowed.
"The Hyuga Clan's physical talent is indeed outstanding, but to reach this level... it's unheard of."
He ruled out the possibility of Tsunade teaching her personally; that Disciple had been away from the Village for years, her whereabouts a mystery. He didn't even know where Tsunade was, and Tsunade had no deep ties with the Hyuga Clan.
Then, the remaining possibility pointed to the Hyuga Main Family itself.
"Hiashi... what on earth have you done to your daughter?"
The Sandaime's gaze sharpened.
"Did you develop some kind of secret medicine to stimulate potential? Or found a Taijutsu Legacy completely different from the Gentle Fist?"
"I must have a talk with Hiashi."
The Sandaime made up his mind. This wasn't just about Hinata as an individual; it concerned the future direction of the Hyuga Clan, whether this power could be used for Konoha, or if it would become a new unstable factor—the Uchiha precedent was right before his eyes.
In this sensitive period right after the Uchiha's annihilation, any change in the strength of a major clan deserved the highest vigilance.
Danzo's eyes would also start to fixate on Hinata; that guy would check for utility in anyone who showed even a bit of exceptional talent.
The Sandaime didn't forget his other observation target.
"As for Naruto..."
Thinking of Naruto's jaw-dropping shock when he saw Hinata's performance, the Sandaime sighed.
"Perhaps I should have Iruka pay more attention to Naruto's psychological state to prevent him from feeling unnecessary frustration due to his peer being too powerful."
Although he knew that child possessed resilience beyond imagination... Meanwhile, at the Hyuga Clan Compound, in the Main Family study.
Hyuga Hiashi stood alone by the window, his face as calm as still water.
Naturally, he had also received word of his daughter's "astonishing" performance in the practical combat class immediately.
As a father and the Clan Chief of the Hyuga Clan, his feelings were even more complex than the Sandaime's.
There was naturally shock; he knew better than anyone that within the Hyuga training system, there was absolutely no Legacy that purely pursued such external, fierce power.
But more than that, there was an indescribable worry.
During the Kumogakure Incident, Hinata had shown calmness and decisiveness beyond her age, which he attributed to a burst of potential under crisis and some kind of Bloodline instinct.
But this time, in an ordinary combat class, she had proactively revealed this incredible Monstrous Strength. What did this mean?
"Is she sending a signal to me, to the clan, or even to the Village?"
Hiashi's fingers lightly tapped the window frame.
"Or is this just an unconscious act? Or simply showing off her talent?"
He recalled Hinata's focus and quietness over the past few years; sometimes, even he felt he couldn't see through his own daughter.
He ruled out the idea that Hinata did it to show off, believing she had other intentions.
"It seems I need to have a good talk with her."
Hiashi thought to himself.
He had to clarify the source and nature of this power, as well as his daughter's true thoughts.
It was no small matter for the power system of the Hyuga Main Family heir to deviate from tradition.
At the Ninja Academy, after school.
News of Hinata's feat began to spread.
"Hey, have you heard? The Hyuga Clan's Miss, she's simply ridiculous!"
"It's really terrifying, is that really human strength?"
"Never provoke her in the future... you'll be beaten into a pulp..."
"Hinata the Monstrous Strength Girl..."
Similar discussions echoed in every corner of the campus.
Wherever Hinata went, students instinctively made way, their gazes filled with awe.
"Hey, Shikamaru, have you heard of any Ninjutsu or cultivation methods that increase one's strength?"
Kiba asked casually while holding the listless Akamaru.
Shikamaru propped up his chin, watching others gather to discuss Hinata, and spoke to Kiba.
"There are. Tsunade of the legendary Sannin also has immense strength, but the Hyuga Miss shouldn't have had contact with her."
"There are many Ninjutsu and cultivation methods that enhance strength, but they all have obvious characteristics. Hinata shows no such traits; it's as if the strength is her own."
At this point, Shikamaru sighed.
"Good grief, what a drag. She's definitely going to be a troublesome person in the future. I don't want to deal with her, and you'd better not provoke her either."
Kiba, holding the sluggish Akamaru, bared his teeth and moved his still-aching arm, muttering.
"Dammit... that Monstrous Strength girl..."
Uchiha Sasuke walked at the back with his hands in his pockets, his gaze colder and sharper than usual.
"Hinata."
He repeated the name in his mind.
"That kind of power... if only I could have it..."
His desire to grow stronger became even more burning after witnessing a completely different kind of power.
He planned to observe Hinata to see if it was some special Ninjutsu; if it was, he would copy it with his Sharingan.
Then he could take out his dear brother once and for all.
Naruto seemed a bit dejected. He watched Hinata's departing back and scratched his head.
"Hinata is so amazing... I feel like I've been left far behind... No way, I'm the man who's going to be Hokage, I have to work even harder!"
His disappointment was quickly replaced by greater determination.
Hinata, at the center of the incident, seemed oblivious to the discussions and gazes around her. She calmly walked out of the school gate toward the Hyuga Clan Compound.
The effect seemed even stronger than expected, she evaluated internally.
After today, the Sandaime, that Old Fogey Danzo, and the eyes within her own clan would likely turn toward her. One wrong move and she could be doomed.
Although the Hyuga Clan was powerful, trouble was inevitable. Danzo was even worse; he might try to brainwash her into joining Root or target her eyes, thinking they were the cause.
Her pure white eyes remained calm and rippleless. These were unavoidable. She was already at the seventh level of Qi Refining and could finally begin to show her edge.
Her top priority was to break through to the eighth level of Qi Refining, or even Foundation Establishment. By then, that old fellow Danzo would pose no threat to her, except for Kotoamatsukami.