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Hakuma paused for a moment, contemplating how to respond to Naoko. Should he conceal his identity or reveal it? Ultimately, he felt that revealing it would be the better choice to establish a solid foundation for their relationship and to demonstrate his trust in her.
"Well, this isn't exactly a common situation in Kusagakure either. You see, I am the current clan head... which is why I have an aide with me." He smiled slightly, feeling a bit awkward.
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Hakuma instinctively stepped forward as Naoko wobbled toward him. His hands gently steadied her by her shoulders, his touch firm yet reassuring. He met her wide-eyed gaze with a soft smile, his golden eyes warm with kindness.
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"Careful," he said gently, his tone soothing.
"The stones can be slippery. Are you alright?"[break][break]
Once she seemed steady, Hakuma let his hands fall away, giving her space while maintaining a reassuring presence. Rather than tease her, he tilted his head slightly, his smile unwavering.
"You don’t have to worry. Everyone stumbles sometimes—it’s part of learning to find balance."[break][break]
He gestured toward the stone platform beside him, offering his hand to guide her as he spoke.
"Here, sit with me." Turning to the aide, who had been observing the interaction with a mix of professionalism and mild skepticism, Hakuma added,
"She’s someone I trust. I’d like her to join us."[break][break]
The aide hesitated, clearly unsure. They glanced at Naoko and then back at Hakuma, their expression thoughtful.
"Hakuma-sama," they began in a cautious tone,
"if this is your wish, I will allow it. However, I must admit I wasn’t prepared for an additional participant." Their voice was calm, but their gaze was not particularly friendly toward Naoko. Lacking information about her and her background, they felt it was their responsibility to ensure that the young clan head did not associate with the wrong crowd.
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Hakuma, oblivious to it all, gave them a respectful nod, his voice steady yet warm.
"Thank you."[break][break]
With that, Hakuma guided Naoko to sit beside him. He adjusted his position and turned to her with a reassuring look.
"Just follow along and breathe. Let the aide’s instructions guide you. It’s simpler than it seems."[break][break]
The aide cleared their throat, clearly trying to mask their reluctance, before addressing both students.
"Very well. Let’s begin. Close your eyes and focus on your breathing. Inhale deeply… exhale slowly. Feel the warmth of the springs around you. Let it seep into your senses and connect you to the natural flow of energy."[break][break]
Hakuma’s eyes closed obediently, his expression serene as he began to synchronize his breathing with the rhythm of the aide’s voice. He spoke softly to Naoko without opening his eyes.
"See? Just breathe. You’re doing fine."[break][break]
正法眼 Seihōgan [lit. True Law Eyes]
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Hakuma completed the Enkō clan's hijutsu ritual and obtained the Seihōgan. When Hakuma activates the altered eyes he gains access to the use of clan techniques through his eyes
黄金の感覚 | Kogane no Kankaku [lit. Golden Sense]
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When activated, the Seihōgan provides passive sensory information similar to chakra sensory on active Doujutsus within a 5-meter radius and highlights them in the user's vision in the same rich honey-gold. This does not provide any information about which kind of Doujutsu is active.