Mastering the Elements - Chapter - 24

The Hyuga Compound was buzzing with elegance and formality.

Lavish decorations adorned the halls, the air carried the delicate scent of freshly brewed tea and rare incense, and finely dressed guests mingled in quiet conversation.

It was an exclusive gathering, meant for only the most important families in Konoha.

Most of the attendees were clan heads, their spouses, and children, alongside a few high-ranking council members and even distinguished figures from the Fire Capital.

It was a celebration that emphasized status, bloodlines, and legacy.

And then, there was one family that stood out.

Unlike the regal air of the Hyuga, the Pottaru family arrived with a completely different presence.

They weren’t a clan, nor were they tied to Konoha’s political structure.

They had no noble lineage or inherited prestige.

Yet, their presence commanded attention.

Leading them was Harry Pottaru, dressed in his usual fine dark robes, his posture relaxed yet impossibly composed—a man who exuded an aura of quiet power, despite the fact that no one outside the Hokage truly understood his true influence.

Beside him was Mikoto, a woman once exiled from her own clan, now standing tall with grace and dignity, her kimono refined but not extravagant, proving that she no longer needed the Uchiha name to be respected.

Their son, Itachi Pottaru, followed closely, his piercing emerald eyes scanning the surroundings with subtle curiosity.

And then there was Naruto—the loudest among them, grinning from ear to ear, clearly excited but barely managing to contain himself in such a formal setting.

Each member of the Pottaru household carried beautifully wrapped gifts, the final touch that made them undeniably part of this gathering.

As the Potaru family stepped inside, whispers immediately rippled through the crowd.

Many guests exchanged glances, some discreet, others openly staring.

"Who are they?" one noblewoman murmured behind her fan.

"They aren’t a clan… are they?"

"Why are they here?" another questioned.

The Hyuga elders, who sat near the head of the banquet table, silently observed their entrance, their expressions unreadable.

However, the Hokage, who had been conversing with one of the Fire Daimyō’s representatives, simply smiled knowingly when he noticed them.

If anyone knew the truth about Harry Pottaru, it was Hiruzen Sarutobi.

He knew that while Harry kept a low profile, the man was far more influential than any of the clan heads in this room.

And yet, none of them had any idea.

That’s how Harry wanted it.

As the Pottaru family reached the main hall, Hiashi Hyuga, the head of the Hyuga Clan, gracefully rose from his seat to greet them.

His white eyes, cold and calculating, briefly studied each of them.

He gave a small nod.

"Welcome to our home, Pottaru family. We are honored by your presence."

Mikoto bowed respectfully. "Thank you for having us, Hiashi-sama. We are grateful for the invitation."

Harry simply inclined his head slightly, offering a polite yet effortless greeting.

"It is always a pleasure to attend an evening of such refinement," Harry said smoothly, his voice carrying an air of quiet amusement.

Hiashi subtly narrowed his eyes at Harry.

Unlike the other clan heads, Hiashi was not blind to the fact that Harry was not just an ordinary man.

His mannerisms, his aura—everything about him suggested power, control, and an understanding that few possessed.

"Please, come and join us," Hiashi gestured to the seats reserved for them.

It was a rare invitation.

Not many were granted a place among the noble clans, especially not outsiders.

But Hinata had personally requested it.

And Hiashi had granted it.

Not because of sentimentality—

But because he, like the Hokage, had begun to suspect that Harry Pottaru was not someone to be overlooked.

Across the hall, Hinata, dressed in a delicate pale blue kimono, was already waiting near the entrance when she saw them arrive.

Her face immediately lit up with joy.

"Mikoto-obasan! Itachi-nisan! Naruto-kun!"

She hurried forward, bowing deeply before looking up at them with a bright smile.

"I’m so happy you came!"

Mikoto chuckled warmly.

"Of course, dear. We wouldn’t miss it for the world."

Itachi nodded respectfully.

"Happy birthday, Hinata."

But before Hinata could respond—

Naruto practically bounced forward, arms outstretched.

"Hinata! Happy birthday!!"

And without thinking, he pulled her into a tight hug.

The entire room went silent.

Hiashi stiffened, his Byakugan flaring for a split second.

The nobles whispered in quiet shock.

A Hyuga heiress, hugged in such a way in public?!

Hinata, red-faced, blinked in complete shock.

Her brain stopped working.

Mikoto, watching the whole thing, simply sighed and shook her head with a knowing smirk.

"Still clueless."

Harry chuckled softly.

"Absolutely."

As the Pottaru family took their seats, the party truly began.

The nobles continued watching them closely, still unsure what to make of them.

Hiashi, despite his usual stoic demeanor, took subtle notice of how his daughter’s gaze kept drifting toward Naruto.

The Hokage, amused by the entire situation, leaned back in his seat, observing everything like a man watching an intricate game unfold.

And Harry Pottaru?

He simply smiled, sipping his tea.

He knew that tonight would be an interesting night.

The Hyuga Clan was known for its prestige and power, and as the heiress, Hinata’s birthday celebration was no exception.

With influential figures from Konoha and even guests from the Fire Capital in attendance, the gifts that were brought were nothing short of extraordinary.

A large section of the hall had been dedicated to the lavish presents, forming a collection that shimmered under the candlelight.

One by one, Hinata was expected to open each gift in front of the giver, as a sign of respect and gratitude.

It was a tradition among the noble clans, meant to publicly acknowledge the wealth and generosity of their allies.

The first gift she opened was a luxurious kimono, its fabric woven with real gold threads.

Gasps of admiration filled the room.

"A masterpiece!" one noblewoman whispered.

"Such fine craftsmanship," another murmured.

Hinata bowed politely to the noble who had gifted it. "Thank you very much. It is beautiful."

She moved on to the next gift—

A tea set made of pure crystal, so clear and delicate that it looked like it was crafted from solid ice.

The hall buzzed with approval as she carefully ran her fingers over the smooth surface.

"A truly exquisite set," one elder Hyuga commented.

More gifts followed.

A necklace adorned with rare moonstones from the Land of Lightning.

A hairpin encrusted with sapphires shaped like the Hyuga Clan symbol.

A pair of handcrafted fans, once owned by a noblewoman from the Fire Capital.

Each gift was a symbol of status, proving how important Hinata was in the eyes of the village’s elite.

But despite the luxury, Hinata’s smile, while graceful, was practiced.

She appreciated the effort, but none of the gifts truly felt personal.

And then—

It was time for the Pottaru family’s gifts.

Whispers spread across the hall as all eyes turned to the unusual guests.

Unlike the noble families, the Potarus were not part of Konoha’s clans.

They had no historical alliances nor political motives for their gifts.

And yet—

Hinata’s expression brightened as Mikoto stepped forward, holding a beautifully wrapped package.

"Happy birthday, Hinata-chan," Mikoto said warmly, handing her the gift.

Hinata carefully unwrapped it, and when she pulled out the soft fabric, her eyes widened.

It was a kimono, but unlike the others, this one was not laced with gold or jewels.

Instead, it was crafted with elegant silk, dyed in shades of twilight blue and lavender, embroidered with delicate white cranes taking flight.

It was subtle, yet breathtaking.

"Mikoto-sama… this is…" Hinata’s voice wavered slightly.

Mikoto smiled.

"I wanted to give you something you’d actually feel comfortable wearing, dear. Something that suits you."

For the first time that evening, Hinata’s smile was genuine.

"Thank you… I love it."

Mikoto simply patted her head, ignoring the whispers of the nobles who had expected something more extravagant.

Next was Itachi.

He stepped forward, holding a small bonsai tree, its delicate branches adorned with tiny white flowers.

"Happy birthday, Hinata," he said, offering the gift.

Hinata’s eyes widened as she reached out and ran her fingers along the leaves.

"It’s beautiful…" she whispered.

Itachi gave a small smile.

"I know you love plants. This one is strong, and if you care for it, it will grow for many years."

Hinata hugged the bonsai close, her heart warming.

"I will take very good care of it, Itachi-nisan."

For once, the murmurs in the hall softened, as even the nobles approved of such a thoughtful gift.

Then came Harry Pottaru.

As Hinata unwrapped Harry’s gift, the murmurs in the room grew louder.

She expected something fancy, but instead, inside the elegant silk wrapping was a simple silver ring, resting atop a velvet cushion.

The nobles exchanged confused glances.

A ring?

A cheap piece of jewelry?

That seemed… uncharacteristic.

But Harry simply smirked.

"Put it on, kid."

Hinata hesitated for only a second before slipping the ring onto her index finger.

The moment the metal touched her skin, a gentle warmth spread through her hand, a faint pulse of chakra responding to her own.

Her Byakugan activated instinctively, and she saw it—intricate chakra threads woven deep into the metal.

This was no ordinary ring.

"Channel some chakra into it," Harry instructed, watching with a knowing grin.

Hinata nodded, focusing her chakra into the ring—

And in the next instant, the ring glowed.

A rush of energy spread up her arm, and before anyone could blink, the small ring expanded, shifting and reforming until—

A sleek, silver bow appeared in her hands.

The gasps in the room were instantaneous.

The nobles stared in shock, and even Hiashi’s usually unreadable expression faltered slightly.

Hinata’s eyes widened in awe as she studied the bow.

It was beautifully crafted, its smooth silver surface reflecting the candlelight, yet it felt weightless in her grip.

"Now, pull the string," Harry said.

She did—

And as soon as she drew the bowstring back, a glowing blue arrow formed out of pure energy, materializing between her fingers.

More gasps.

More stunned silence.

The Hyuga elders were speechless.

Hinata, still wide-eyed, looked at Harry.

"This is… incredible."

Harry shrugged casually.

"You don’t need to carry a quiver, and you’ll never run out of arrows. The bow is weightless when not in use, and you can summon it in an instant. Just a little something to make long-range combat more… accessible."

Hiashi stared at the weapon, then at Harry.

"You… forged this?"

Harry smirked.

"Something like that."

It was a vague answer, but Hiashi didn’t press further.

Instead, he looked at his daughter, who was still examining the bow with awe.

A Hyuga—using a weapon that combined elegance, precision, and deadly force.

This was not a normal gift.

This was a game-changer.

Hiashi Hyuga, standing behind his daughter, narrowed his eyes.

"Potaru-san… this is an unusual gift."

Harry smirked knowingly.

"The Hyuga have the sharpest eyes in the village," he said casually.

"And yet, they never use them for long-range combat. That always seemed like a wasted opportunity."

The room was dead silent.

Harry’s words were bold, spoken openly in front of Konoha’s elite.

Hiashi stared at the bow in his daughter’s hands, then back at Harry.

His gaze was piercing, but Harry met it without hesitation.

For a long moment, the tension hung in the air.

Then, to everyone’s shock—

Hiashi nodded.

"You are not wrong, Potaru-san."

A ripple of surprise passed through the room.

And Hinata?

She was staring at the bow, her fingers trembling slightly.

A weapon.

A tool of strength, not just elegance.

For the first time, she felt like she had been given something that wasn’t meant to make her look pretty—but something that made her stronger.

"Thank you…" she said softly, gripping the bow.

Harry simply winked. "Make sure you learn to use it, kid."

And finally—

It was Naruto’s turn.

Hinata turned to him expectantly, and Naruto, looking nervous, stepped forward.

"Uh, so… I got you something cool too!"

He handed her a small scroll, wrapped in a red ribbon.

"Here! Sign it with your blood!"

The nobles gasped.

Hinata blinked. "What…?"

Harry, Itachi, and Mikoto—who already knew what was inside—grinned.

"It’s a summoning contract," Naruto explained excitedly. "For the Seven Ninja Rabbits!"

The room fell into stunned silence.

Hiashi’s eyes widened slightly, clearly not expecting this.

"Summoning…?" Hinata whispered, eyes flickering to the scroll.

Naruto nodded eagerly.

"Yeah! They’re super strong and fast! They even have a sled to carry you if you ever need to escape! And… well, I know you love animals, so… I thought you’d like it."

Hinata’s hands shook slightly as she unrolled the scroll, reading the names of the rabbits inscribed inside.

This wasn’t just a gift.

It was an invitation to power.

Her father’s gaze remained unreadable, but Hinata could feel the weight of his expectations pressing down on her.

Still—

She smiled.

"I love it, Naruto-kun."

And for the first time that night—

Her happiness wasn’t practiced.

It was real.

Summoning contracts were legendary treasures in the Elemental Nations.

Most were passed down through generations—from father to son, master to student.

They were never given away freely.

They were never sold.

Owning one was a sign of great power, a mark of being part of a prestigious lineage or a worthy disciple of a legendary shinobi.

And yet—

Here stood Naruto Uzumaki, a loud-mouthed academy student, handing out a summoning contract as if it were a casual birthday gift.

The nobles stared, their expressions ranging from skepticism to intrigue.

They had already been shocked by Harry Potaru’s enchanted bow for Hinata—

But now?

Now, they were outright doubting.

"A summoning contract… freely given?" one elder Hyuga muttered.

"Impossible," another scoffed.

"It has to be fake," a noblewoman whispered behind her fan.

"Even the great clans do not just give away contracts," a merchant lord pointed out. "And this one… is for an entire team of summons?"

The disbelief spread through the hall.

It didn’t help that Harry Pottaru, the man behind this so-called contract, was still an enigma.

Sure, the Hokage knew him.

And yes, Tsunade Senju openly respected him.

But who was he really?

"Lady Hinata," one Hyuga elder finally said, stepping forward. "Forgive our skepticism, but summoning contracts are extremely rare. If you wouldn’t mind… could you sign it here? So that we may see its authenticity?"

The murmurs grew louder, but Hinata—

Hinata smiled.

"I would love to," she said, her gentle voice carrying a quiet confidence.

Hinata turned to Naruto, who was practically vibrating with excitement.

"Okay, okay! I’ve seen Itachi-niisan do this a hundred times!" Naruto beamed, bouncing on his heels.

Itachi sighed fondly.

"Two hundred," he corrected.

"Alright, listen, Hinata! It’s easy!" Naruto continued. "First, you sign your name in blood!"

Hinata nodded, pricking her finger and pressing her bloodied thumb onto the contract.

The noble guests watched in silence, some leaning forward to see better.

"Next," Naruto instructed, "you do these hand signs and slam your palm on the ground and channel your chakra! And then—poof!"

Hinata took a deep breath.

Then—

She moved.

With grace and precision, she did her hand signs and pressed her palm to the ground, channeling her chakra exactly as Naruto described.

"Summoning Jutsu!"

BOOM!

A massive cloud of white smoke exploded in the center of the party.

The nobles gasped, shielding themselves from the sudden blast.

And when the smoke cleared—

Seven armored rabbits stood in the middle of the Hyuga banquet hall.

The Seven Ninja Rabbits were a sight to behold.

They were not small, as most had expected.

Each stood taller than Hinata, their muscular forms clad in sleek, battle-worn armor.

And each one carried a weapon, perfectly suited to their combat role.

The nobles gawked in stunned silence.

Even the Hyuga elders—usually unshakable—showed visible shock.

For a moment, no one spoke.

Then—

"Where’s the battle?!" Gekko, the massive rabbit wielding a spiked mace, barked.

"Who are we fighting?" Hanzo, the nunchaku-wielding assassin rabbit, demanded.

"Are we under attack?!" Sajin, the archer rabbit, looked around with narrowed eyes.

And then—

They all froze.

Because instead of a battlefield—

They were in the middle of a grand banquet hall.

With nobles.

And food.

Lots.

Of.

Food.

The realization hit them all at once.

And then—

"Wait a second…" Shirohime, their leader, tilted her head. "Did we… just get summoned to a party?"

The other rabbits blinked.

Then—

"FOOOOOOD!"

The entire squad of elite warrior rabbits immediately abandoned all battle posture and rushed toward the tables.

Guests gasped and scrambled aside as the giant, armored rabbits began inspecting the banquet tables with alarming enthusiasm.

"What’s this?" Hikage, the shadow-thrower rabbit, grabbed a delicate mochi ball.

"It smells amazing!"

"Is that roasted cauliflower?!" Mizuhana, the water dancer rabbit, practically drooled.

"I call dibs on the dumplings!"

"Wait, where’s the carrot dish?! THERE'S NO CARROT DISH?!"

The stunned silence of the nobles quickly turned into whispers and disbelief.

This was an elite summoning contract?

The guests were watching in a mix of fascination and horror as the most powerful rabbit warriors in existence started arguing over desserts.

Despite the chaotic scene, Hinata stepped forward.

Her gentle voice carried a new firmness.

"Everyone, please."

The rabbits froze, turning toward her.

She smiled warmly.

"I promise to summon you again for a proper feast. But for now, please return to your summoning realm."

Shirohime, the leader, studied Hinata for a long moment.

Then—she grinned.

"Heh. Well, if our summoner is this polite… I suppose we can wait."

With a swift hand sign, all seven rabbits vanished in a puff of smoke.

For a long moment—

Silence.

Then—

The hall erupted into conversation.

"It was real!"

"Unbelievable—she really has a summoning contract!"

"And they were armored warriors!"

Even Hiashi Hyuga, who had been stone-faced through most of the event, allowed the smallest hint of approval in his expression.

"It seems," he said at last, "that my daughter has gained an extraordinary gift."

The nobles nodded in agreement, now seeing Hinata in a new light.

She wasn’t just a fragile heiress anymore.

She was a summoner.

A shinobi with powerful summons.

And as for Naruto—

He simply grinned, nudging her.

"Told ya it was cool, Hinata!"

Hinata giggled.

"It was amazing, Naruto-kun."

Mikoto, watching from the side, whispered to Harry.

"I think you’ve just turned the Hyuga Clan upside down."

Harry chuckled, sipping his tea.

"Wouldn’t be the first time."