bookpower 10. Deeper Knowledge of the Byakugan
10. Deeper Knowledge of the Byakugan
10. Deeper Knowledge of the Byakugan
A few hours after returning home, as Hikari walked towards the dojo where he and Takumi were set to begin their first training session, he couldn't help but reflect on the inherent advantages that shinobi hailing from major clans held over their 'sad' civilian counterparts.
His recovery process, facilitated by a few extra 'soldier' and chakra medical pills to rejuvenate his physical state and replenish his chakra levels respectively, along with a herb bath prepared in his personal bathroom, inside of his room, to relieve his fatigue—courtesy of Takumi's instructions to the servants—had Hikari feeling nearly revitalized after his earlier intense, nearly 'life and death' level of exertions.
And it didn't end there because Takumi also promised that this would be his daily routine from now on to supplement his training like every other main branch member also enjoyed.
This rapid recovery regimen underscored for Hikari the disparities in resources and support systems available to clan shinobi versus those accessible to civilian shinobi.
By leveraging just these three recovery methods—each employed in moderate, safe doses—a shinobi from a prominent clan could feasibly train two to three times more efficiently in both ninjutsu and taijutsu, as well as in other chakra-reliant disciplines, compared to their civilian peers.
Moreover, this intensified training regimen was not only more effective but also considerably more comfortable, enabling clan shinobi to achieve comparable or superior results without the same level of strain or discomfort experienced by those without such resources.
However, to be more precise, not every shinobi clan boasts the same wealth and resources as the Hyuga clan—indeed, the vast majority do not. Furthermore, not every child born into a ninja clan is considered part of its 'core' or inner circle or similarly 'highly talented' and thus would not receive the level of training and resources available to someone like Hikari now.
Hikari soon arrived at one of the estate's dojos, a spacious training area that boasted both indoor and outdoor sections, symbolic of the Fifth Elder's estate's grandeur.
This particular dojo was one of many within the compound, each designed to cater to different aspects of shinobi training, from taijutsu to ninjutsu and beyond.
The architecture harmoniously blended traditional design with the functional needs of a modern shinobi, featuring high ceilings for aerial maneuvers, durable flooring to withstand rigorous training, and large sliding doors that opened to a serene outdoor area.
The outdoor area itself was a meticulously maintained space, with gravel paths leading to various training grounds, each surrounded by lush greenery and tranquil water features that contributed to a calming atmosphere.
"That's precisely why most Byakugan users in our clan choose to specialize and focus their training on one of the three main abilities. Attempting to master all three simultaneously would lead to excessive chakra consumption and eye strain, to the point where they wouldn't achieve significant mastery in any of them. It's acceptable to mix these abilities occasionally, but it's essential to choose one as your primary focus. Given your talent in all three areas, the choice of which to specialize in falls entirely to your personal preference," Takumi elaborated.
"You have the option to specialize in clairvoyance, enhancing your ability to see in detail through obstacles and within covered objects. Alternatively, you could focus on refining your 360-degree vision, enabling you to perceive your surroundings with greater clarity in every direction. Or, you might prefer to develop your long-range vision, which allows for broader, albeit less detailed, observation across vast distances. This latter skill is particularly valued among our clan's auxiliary and support shinobi, mostly chunin and special jonin. But, their unique capabilities make them indispensable for their reconnaissance and support roles.",
"On the other hand, our clan's combatants, including Jonin and 'Elite Jonin' like myself, often prioritize 360-degree vision for enhanced situational awareness and defense during close combat. Clairvoyance is another focus, especially useful for identifying and targeting an opponent's chakra points and internal organs with better precision. Each path offers its own advantages and strategic applications in battle. The choice depends on how you envision your role within the clan and on the battlefield...", Takumi explained, laying out the options.
Hikari, meanwhile, suddenly began pondering deeply, for a few moments, after hearing Takumi's explanation, about the distinctions in Byakugan abilities among clan members, reflecting on Hinata's and Neji's respective proficiencies as depicted in the original story.
Hinata was renowned for her exceptional telescopic vision, capable of extending up to a kilometer as a genin, and further expanding her range significantly as she matured later.
In contrast, Neji, despite not matching Hinata's huge range, instead excelled in the clairvoyance of his close-range vision, particularly in identifying human chakra points well, a skill that highlighted his mastery of the Gentle Fist from a young age leaving Hinata in his shadow in the eyes of Hiashi, the Patriarch, and most other characters at that time.
This validated Takumi's words even more in Hikari's mind about 'support' and 'main' roles within the clan. And Hiashi and other elders certainly weren't happy about the successor being a 'supporting' one at that time. Therefore the following plots regarding Hinata and Hanabi were also logical.
Furthermore, this contrast also led Hikari to now contemplate the possibility of an inherent, genetic predisposition towards excelling in specific aspects of the Byakugan's capabilities between different Hyugas.
'So, does this mean there's not only a focus chosen during one's training but also an innate genetic factor determining which of the three abilities one might excel in?', Hikari pondered.
However, Takumi's observation that Hikari showed talent in all three areas, after the previous short 'check-up' suggested that his potential limitations in mastering all three were not innate but only related to his current level of chakra, spiritual energy, eyesight, and learning ability.
Nevertheless, confident in his potential for growth in all three of these areas, Hikari began to seriously consider a bold approach, 'Then maybe I should aim to enhance all three abilities, not concurrently use them, but to develop each more to have them available in my skillset...?'