This is the power of the Breathing Technique.
Even though Matsuake is still far from reaching the higher realm of Total Concentration Breathing, “Total Concentration: Constant,” its effects are already remarkably evident.
After all, the Breathing Technique enhances physical strength, and the Senju Clan has always been renowned for this.
The combination of the two produces a synergistic effect greater than the sum of its parts.
Hah…
Matsuake could feel as if every cell in his body had come alive.
With each breath, the air felt more scorching than usual.
In the next instant, he had vanished from his original position.
The veins on his right fist bulged as he charged forward with overwhelming force.
Fast, precise, and fierce!
In the blink of an eye, the distance between the two rapidly closed.
“So fast!” Tsukuyomi widened her eyes.
Through the vision of her Byakugan, she could clearly see his movements.
However, her body’s reaction couldn’t keep up.
Thus, even though she instinctively wanted to dodge, she couldn’t move.
Faced with this powerful punch, she could only assume a defensive stance, intending to endure it as much as possible.
As the distance closed, she could even hear the sharp whistle of air stirred by his movement and punch.
Yet, the punch ultimately stopped right in front of her.
It remained about a palm’s distance away from the arm she had raised in defense.
Her hair fluttered in the gust from his fist.
Tsukuyomi stared blankly at Matsuake before her.
After a long moment, she finally snapped back to reality.
Her previously terrified expression shifted to one of admiration.
“Matsuake-kun, you’re amazing!” She could sense that the power of that punch was no less than the Taijutsu of some Chūnin in her clan.
“Ahaha, I still have a long way to go.” Being gazed at with such admiration by a cute girl made Matsuake feel a bit embarrassed.
In truth, he couldn’t maintain the Breathing Technique for extended periods yet.
Especially during intense combat, the duration he could sustain it was even shorter than when stationary.
After all, it had only been a day since he began training in the Breathing Technique.
“Tsukuyomi, you’re the one who truly surprised me.” “The coordination between your Byakugan and Gentle Fist is so seamless.
With just a bit more polishing after graduation, you’ll likely reach Chūnin standards.” “…” “Of course, you should be more confident.
Among your peers, probably not many can match you.” Glancing at the sky, he noticed it was getting late.
Matsuake suggested, “Tsukuyomi, to thank you for practicing with me, let me treat you to dinner.” “Huh?” Tsukuyomi seemed tempted but also hesitant, her expression slightly conflicted.
However, after a few seconds of hesitation, she nodded in agreement.
“Then I’ll go back first and let my elder brother know.” Although they looked similar, Tsukuyomi’s life was completely different from Hinata’s.
The former wasn’t burdened with the expectations of inheriting the Main Family.
Aside from following clan rules and learning etiquette, she wasn’t subjected to strict supervision.
In contrast, Hinata had been groomed since childhood as the Main Family heir, held to high standards in every aspect by her elders.
Since she had several older brothers, especially the eldest who had already inherited the clan leadership, her presence as the clan leader’s younger sister was rather low-key.
In the evening, the two met again on one of Konohagakure’s busiest streets.
Choosing a barbecue restaurant they often frequented, Matsuake led the girl inside.
Upon stepping into the restaurant, the scents of roasting meat and spices immediately filled their nostrils.
At the same time, they could see the glistening, oil-slicked grilled meat on the tables of other diners, its sheen and aroma stirring their appetites.
After taking their seats and ordering, the two began to chat casually.
This rare atmosphere gave Matsuake a unique yet relaxed feeling.
If he had to describe it, it was as if a friend he had only known at the Ninja Academy had now become a friend in his daily life.
The distance between them had thus shortened considerably, and the usually reserved Tsukuyomi gradually began to speak more.
Through their conversation, Matsuake also gained a deeper understanding of her and the Hyūga Clan.
In fact, the Hyūga Clan did not consist of only a single Main Family lineage under the clan head.
If the clan head’s lineage did not die out due to unforeseen circumstances, the heirs of other Main Families would naturally become elders of the Hyūga Clan in the future.
If, for some reason, the clan head’s lineage had no successors, another Main Family would take over based on factors such as bloodline and reputation.
This situation was also more realistic.
If, as many believed, the Hyūga Clan had only one Main Family lineage, many things would be unexplainable.
For example, how did Ao from Kirigakure break through the Caged Bird seal to obtain the Byakugan?
If this Byakugan belonged to a Main Family member, and there was only one Main Family lineage, then the Hyūga Clan’s Main Family would have been extinguished.
Moreover, in the anime, other Hyūga Clan members had indeed appeared without the Caged Bird seal on their foreheads.
The explanation that there was more than one Main Family lineage was more reasonable.
However, to prevent the number of Main Families from expanding unreasonably, only one person from each Main Family lineage could inherit the Main Family status, while the other children would be branded with the Caged Bird seal and become part of the Branch Family.
Otherwise, if one day the Main Family outnumbered the Branch Family, wouldn’t that be a joke?
Would it be the Branch Family protecting the Main Family, or the Main Family protecting the Branch Family?
Although Tsukuyomi was already attending the Ninja Academy, she had not been branded with the Caged Bird seal.
She did not volunteer the reason for this, and he naturally felt it inappropriate to ask.
After their chat, both of them felt even hungrier.
Once the grilled meat they had ordered arrived, they focused on enjoying their dinner.
Though she appeared to be eating slowly and carefully, Tsukuyomi’s pace was surprisingly fast.
Initially worried that she might not have enough to eat, Matsuake had deliberately ordered enough for three people.
But now, seeing the faint, almost imperceptible look of lingering hunger and dissatisfaction on the girl’s face, a thought suddenly struck him.
“Boss, we’ll have three more servings of grilled meat over here!” A couple of years ago, there had been a period when his own appetite had suddenly increased.
At first, he had worried that something might be wrong with his body, but after asking Tobirama, he understood.
The Senju Clan’s unique constitution did not manifest all at once like other Kekkei Genkai but developed gradually.
Around the ages of four or five, this process accelerated, so the body naturally required more energy.
Similarly, other Kekkei Genkai also required greater energy intake during their awakening and evolution phases.
Tsukuyomi had awakened her Byakugan early, indicating a high purity of bloodline, so it was normal for her to need more food.
“I’m so embarrassed, Matsuake.” After finishing the meal, Tsukuyomi lowered her head slightly, feeling a bit ashamed.
Just moments ago during their casual chat, at Matsuake’s request, Tsukuyomi changed how she originally addressed him, now calling him directly by his name.
However, she still felt a bit embarrassed about having eaten so much earlier.
This was precisely why she had hesitated about accepting the invitation in the first place.
Only after sensing that the other party genuinely didn’t mind did she finally relax.
Even though she now claimed to be full, in truth, she was only about half to two-thirds satisfied.
It was already quite late, so after saying their goodbyes, the two headed back to their respective homes.