Chapter 117: Konan's Growth

Konan hovered in the sky, the gentle sunlight falling on the wings made of white paper, reflecting a dazzling brilliance. She smiled softly and said, "I have named this technique 'Dance of the Shikigami' and have derived some special uses. Brother Hanma, look..."

Konan's fingers moved, and the white paper danced like elves, floating into the distant sky.

Hanma felt no waves in his heart regarding this scene, and even felt a bit sleepy, because any woman who could not withstand his power was a genderless existence in his mind. The only woman in the entire ninja world who could currently interest him was Tsunade…

But Obito beside him was evidently not in the same state as Hanma. At this moment, he was slightly agape, hearts practically popping out of his eyes, looking dumbfounded.

It seemed he had thought of something and started to laugh foolishly to himself, losing all the cool image he had moments ago, and even looking a bit perverted.

Konan in this state had practically stunned Obito…

Hanma glanced at the pig-headed Obito, shook his head amusingly, and maliciously thought: "If something happened to Konan now, like being struck by lightning from the sky or something, this kid's Mangekyo Sharingan might just awaken in anger..."

Seeing Obito like this, Hanma thought of an interesting possibility and couldn't help but laugh. If seven-year-old Obito awakened the Mangekyo Sharingan now, he wondered what Madara Uchiha would feel about it…

It's known that Madara Uchiha, who had average talent, only awakened his eyes in his teenage years. This stark contrast might make Mr. Madara want to hit his head against a tofu block and give up his Moon's Eye Plan…

Even Indra within him, at Obito's age, could barely be on par with him. After all, Obito did awaken two tomoe just because Kakashi got scratched, and later awakened the Mangekyo in rage over a girl, becoming the only true god of the Uchiha at the age of thirteen.

The current Obito's feelings for Konan greatly surpassed those for Rin Nohara in the original timeline. If he awakened his eyes because of Konan, even Hanma didn't know what terrifying power would erupt…

He spent almost all his time with Konan, not only stuck together at the ninja school but often discussed ninjutsu and life together, much like soulmates.

What Obito, who lost his parents at a young age, lacked was family affection and companionship, and Konan, who had experienced war since childhood, showed maturity and strength that perfectly matched Obito's needs. 

Moreover, Konan was quite beautiful…

Though the two hadn't crossed any lines yet, merely holding hands at most, Obito evidently had fallen head over heels.

Konan gazed at the distant paper, Chakra flowing silently as she shouted, "Heavenly Wrath!"

The white paper gradually revealed one sealing technique after another, turning into explosive tags and blocking the distant space.

"Boom…!"

A sky full of flames devoured everything in the distance, the intense explosion making the ground of the training field tremble slightly.

Even the guards in the distance became alert and rushed over to check the unusual situation. Upon seeing Hanma's figure, they smiled, shook their heads with admiration, and returned to their posts.

"No doubt, Lord Hanma. The disciples he trains can achieve things we can't…"

Hundreds of explosive tags exploded at this moment, displaying a power several times greater than Obito's Dragon Flame Song technique earlier. Obito stared blankly at the scene before him, seemingly sinking into self-doubt…

He initially thought that Konan needed his protection, but at this moment, the strength she displayed had somewhat exceeded his imagination.

"Is Sister Konan really this strong…"

Obito clenched his fists, inwardly berating himself for his laziness: "Obito, how can you be so complacent? Last night, you only trained until two in the morning…"

Hanma clapped his hands, looking at Konan with a pleased expression, loudly praising, "Well done, Konan… With just this move, even a Jonin, if caught in a suitable ambush, would likely meet their end."

Minato beside him nodded solemnly. Hanma's words were not an exaggeration. Even he would have to use the Flying Thunder God technique to escape if surrounded by such a number of explosive tags.

The fact that Konan, just over ten years old, could create such a delicate ninjutsu was truly terrifying, even making Minato slightly doubt his own proud talent.

"When Konan grows up, with more chakra and improved structure, the power of this technique could swell to an unimaginable extent..."

"Even Brother Hanma might…"

Minato glanced at Hanma's physique and sighed, stopping his thoughts. In this ninja world, besides Tsunade and himself, Minato knew Hanma's body the best, having grown up with him.

Minato had witnessed all of Hanma's progress step by step.

From his Rasengan not hitting Hanma earlier, Minato gauged that it probably wouldn't even leave a white mark now, let alone explosive tags. Such attacks, full of coverage yet lacking power, were like massages to Hanma.

"Oh, can't let pride get ahead, the younger generation is getting stronger and stronger. It's time to ponder the embryonic form of bloodline termination…"

Minato stared at Konan, his gaze flickering. The structure of the Dance of the Shikigami was much superior to the Hydration Technique, not only conferring the ability to fly but also allowing faster self-deconstruction, fitting his vision more perfectly.

Konan sweetly smiled, took out a ninjutsu scroll, and handed it to Minato playfully, saying, "Teacher Minato, this ninjutsu is my tribute for apprenticing!"

Minato was surprised. Even with his long experience following Hanma, he was moved by Konan's thoughtfulness, feeling a bit embarrassed.

"Goodness, my intentions just written all over my face, being seen through by a child…"

Minato scratched his head, coughed, and said earnestly, "Don't worry, Konan. Since you're my apprentice, I will treat you as Brother Hanma treats me."

Taking the ninjutsu scroll, he then tapped Obito's head hard, mockingly saying, "This Uchiha genius, look at her, then look at yourself, tsk tsk…"

Obito snorted, seemingly sharing in the praise Hanma gave Konan, ignoring Minato, and sneakily glanced at Hanma, seemingly wanting to say something…

Obito was a devoted fan of Hanma, having grown up during the Second War listening to his heroic tales of defeating Jinchuriki and receiving donations from Hanma, which greatly improved his living standards.

Meeting Konan somehow brought them closer, establishing a subtle connection.

For Obito, Hanma was an idol, not someone he interacted with but always silently admired.

At Hanma's clan leader appointment ceremony, Obito performed the Grand Fireball Technique, and Hanma gifted him a Clan Leader Robe, calling him a potential clan leader, delighting him immensely.

Unfortunately, they had no personal interaction afterward, leaving Obito heart itched, longing to build a genuine personal relationship with Hanma.

Obito was now quietly straightening his chest, trying to catch Hanma's attention with a meticulously handcrafted pendant of Hanma's portrait hanging there…

Hanma amusingly watched Obito's small gestures, patted his spiky head, and kindly said, "Obito, your performance is also excellent. Keep working hard. At your age, I was far less impressive than you…"

"Uchiha, needs you youngsters to take on the future responsibilities…"

Obito was shocked, muttering, "Really, Clan Leader? I don't believe it!"

(End of Chapter)