Woods of Fate

The darkness of 'Venom' enveloped Tsubasa once more, plunging him deep into the earth. This time, his movements felt far smoother and faster. 'Venom' slid through the earth with extraordinary agility, indicating a significant increase in control and power.

Tsubasa felt every cell in his body resonating with Venom's dark power, creating a perfect synergy between body and forbidden ninjutsu. He was as if one with the earth itself, moving freely and unhindered beneath the surface.

This sensation always brought him peace and tranquility, regardless of the chaos and danger of the ninja world above. In the earth's darkness, he found shelter and freedom, a place where he could be himself without worrying about the threats and intrigues of the outside world.

Tsubasa's goal this time wasn't specifically directed. He simply wanted to explore the outside world, expanding his knowledge of this dangerous shinobi world.

He wanted to see with his own eyes the diversity and wonders of the ninja world, understanding the political landscape and powers hidden behind the scenes. This exploration was part of his preparation for the future of the Takagami clan, strengthening the foundation of knowledge and experience he would need to lead his clan to prosperity.

In his mind, a small hope flickered to find clues about the existence of the Bijuu, tailed monsters possessing immense power. Information about the Bijuu might be useful in the future, Tsubasa thought.

The Bijuu's power was one of the greatest forces in the ninja world, and mastering or at least understanding their power could provide significant strategic advantages for the Takagami clan. He knew that searching for the Bijuu was a dangerous and difficult mission, but he couldn't ignore the potential power they possessed.

As 'Venom' continued to move underground, Tsubasa sensed changes in the soil texture and surrounding temperature. These differences indicated environmental changes on the surface. This underground journey could give him an overview of the outside world's topography and climate.

From dry sandy soil to moist and nutrient-rich humus, from cold mountain temperatures to warm lowland temperatures. This underground journey gave Tsubasa a glimpse into the diversity of the world above.

He sensed the transitions of different ecosystems, from cold pine forests to humid tropical rainforests, all of which stretched out above his head. This ninja world turned out to be far wider and more complex than he had ever imagined.

After a while, 'Venom' finally resurfaced, bringing Tsubasa out of the earth's belly in the middle of a dense forest. He felt Venom's movement slow down and stop, then his body was lifted to the surface, feeling the touch of air and sunlight again.

The fresh forest air immediately greeted him, filling his lungs with oxygen. The scents of damp soil, green leaves, and forest flowers pierced his nose, creating a refreshing sensation. He took a deep breath, feeling the life energy of the forest flowing into him.

Tsubasa decided to exit 'Venom' and rest for a moment under the shade of a towering tree. He lay down on the soft green grass, letting his body rest after the long journey. Sunlight filtering through the gaps in the foliage created soothing patterns of light and shadow around him.

The sound of a small river flowing swiftly and the chirping of forest birds accompanied his rest, creating a peaceful and calming atmosphere. He closed his eyes, letting the sounds of nature seep into him, soothing his tired mind and soul.

While enjoying the forest's tranquility, Tsubasa's ears caught the sound of children's voices coming from not far from where he was resting. The voices sounded faint, but clear enough to pique his curiosity.

Curiosity drove him to find out the source of the sound. With careful and silent movements, Tsubasa moved closer to the source of the conversation. He moved like a ghost, utilizing shadows and trees as camouflage, ensuring his presence remained undetected.

From behind the leaves of a bush, Tsubasa saw a scene that caught his attention. Two small boys stood facing each other on the bank of a small river that bisected the forest. The atmosphere between them seemed tense, as if a fierce debate was underway. Their faces were strained and serious, contrasting with the innocence and naivety of children their age.

One of the boys, who had spiky dark hair, stood upright with a serious and slightly angry facial expression. The aura radiating from his body felt strong and dominant, even though he was still very young. His eyes flashed with high confidence, as if he was completely sure of his opinion.

The other boy, who had mushroom-like dark hair, had a gentler face, but his gaze held a strong and unyielding determination. He stood in a defiant stance, showing no fear or trepidation whatsoever.

Tsubasa observed the appearances of the two boys in more detail. The spiky-haired boy had sharp black eyes and a strong aura; Tsubasa felt a strange familiarity with his appearance. There was something in his gaze and posture that felt familiar, as if he had seen it somewhere before.

Meanwhile, the mushroom-haired boy had a gentler face, but behind the gentleness, Tsubasa saw a hidden steel resolve in his eyes. The appearances of both boys felt familiar, as if he had seen them before. However, the memory was still vague and not fully clear in his mind.

Suddenly, a flash of memory crossed Tsubasa's mind. The scene of two small boys talking by the riverbank felt so familiar, like a scene he had seen in one of the Naruto anime episodes he watched in his previous life. His heart began to pound, a strong premonition beginning to haunt him.

Tsubasa was beginning to realize who the two little boys in front of him actually were. Fragments of memories from his previous life began to piece themselves together in his mind, forming an increasingly clear and terrifying picture.

"No way… could they be… young Madara and Hashirama?" Tsubasa thought with extraordinary shock. His brain struggled to process the information he had just received. His vision blurred for a moment, and he had to take a deep breath to calm himself.

If his guess was correct, then he had met two of the most legendary and influential figures in the history of the ninja world, Senju Hashirama and Uchiha Madara, in their childhood!

This encounter felt like a dream, like fate had brought him to this world to witness the beginnings of ninja legends. He realized how special this moment was, a rare opportunity that might never happen again.

The debate between the two little boys became clearer in Tsubasa's ears, confirming his guess. Their raised voices and their distinctive tones of speech further strengthened his conviction.

"...I told you mine went the furthest!" exclaimed the spiky-haired boy in a raised voice, full of confidence. His firm and confident tone reminded Tsubasa of the arrogant and ambitious adult Madara.

"No! Mine went further just now! You cheated!" replied the mushroom-haired boy in a displeased tone, his face flushed with annoyance. His gentle but firm tone of voice reminded Tsubasa of the somewhat goofy and passionate adult Hashirama.

Tsubasa was dumbfounded to hear the content of the two little boys' debate. It turned out, what they were arguing about so fiercely was the distance of their urine streams!

This childish scene was in stark contrast to their future image as legendary ninjas who would shake the shinobi world. The irony and humor of this scene made him smile wryly.

Tsubasa couldn't help but smile at the scene before him. The scene in front of him felt both funny and extraordinary. Seeing young Madara and Hashirama arguing about something so trivial, he felt as if he was witnessing history being etched before his very eyes.

He was reminded of the story of young Madara and Hashirama's childhood filled with fierce rivalry but also close friendship.

Their childhood rivalry was what later drove them to become the strongest ninjas of their era. Their friendship was the foundation for the creation of Konohagakure, the first ninja village that became a symbol of peace and unity in the shinobi world.

Tsubasa thought, this was a rare opportunity that might never happen again. Meeting young Madara and Hashirama, two important figures in the history of the ninja world, and perhaps even becoming friends with them.

Who knew, this friendship could change the history of the shinobi world in the future. He realized the immense potential of this meeting, an opportunity to influence the future of the ninja world.

Without hesitation, Tsubasa decided to try approaching the two little boys. However, he didn't want to approach them directly and suddenly, as that might make them suspicious and scared.

He had to be careful and find a way to approach them naturally, building their trust slowly.

Tsubasa took a deep breath, preparing himself to interact with the two future legends of the ninja world.

He emerged from his hiding place behind the bushes and walked slowly towards the two little boys with a friendly and non-threatening facial expression. He tried to present himself as a harmless figure.

Young Madara and Hashirama were startled by Tsubasa's sudden appearance. They both turned quickly and stared at Tsubasa warily and slightly suspiciously. Their sharp eyes, full of ninja instincts, assessed Tsubasa intently, searching for signs of danger or ill intent.

Their eyes scanned Tsubasa's appearance from head to toe, judging whether this white-haired young man was friend or foe. They sensed a faint aura of power from Tsubasa, realizing that he was no ordinary boy.

Tsubasa tried to smile as sincerely as possible and raised both his hands up, showing that he was not carrying any weapons and had no malicious intent. He wanted to dispel their suspicion and show that he came in peace.

"Hi… excuse me," Tsubasa greeted in a polite tone, pretending to be confused. "I'm looking for directions to the nearest village. Do you know the way?" He hoped this lie could be a good conversation starter, breaking the tense atmosphere and building a bridge of communication with them.

Young Madara and Hashirama exchanged glances for a moment, as if communicating wordlessly, assessing the situation and deciding whether to trust Tsubasa or not. Their innocent yet sharp eyes analyzed every detail of the white-haired youth before them.

After a few seconds, young Hashirama, who seemed more friendly and open, replied in a hesitant tone, "Village… what village are you referring to?" The frown on his forehead indicated confusion.

"Uh… village… Konoha village!" Tsubasa replied a bit stammering, mentioning the name of the village that first crossed his mind.

"Konoha? Never heard of it!" young Madara retorted in a curt and disbelieving tone. Madara's blunt reply made Tsubasa flinch slightly. Madara's sharp and piercing gaze made him feel a bit nervous, but he tried to remain calm and not show his nervousness.

'Oops… wrong village name,' Tsubasa thought inwardly, feeling a bit regretful. Mentioning the name Konoha was clearly a big mistake that could cause a chain reaction in this world's future. He should have been more careful and thought of another village name that was more relevant to this era.

However, young Madara's curt reaction actually became an unexpected opening for Tsubasa to initiate further conversation. This small mistake actually opened up opportunities for him to get closer to these two young legends.

"Oh… really? Sorry, I'm really lost and don't know much about this area," Tsubasa said while scratching his head in an awkward gesture, trying to look harmless and innocent in the eyes of the two little boys. "This is my first time coming to this area." He hoped his gestures and words could convince them of his ignorance, dispelling their suspicion and building trust.

Young Hashirama, who had a gentler and more trusting heart, seemed to soften slightly seeing Tsubasa's innocent expression. A small smile began to grace his lips, dispelling the tension in his face.

"It's okay," young Hashirama said in a friendlier tone. "This area is indeed a bit confusing if you're not used to it." He showed understanding and friendliness, making Tsubasa feel a bit relieved.

"My name is Hashirama," young Hashirama continued, introducing himself, extending his hand towards Tsubasa with a friendly smile. "And this is Madara," Hashirama pointed to his friend who still wore a suspicious face.

Tsubasa gladly accepted Hashirama's handshake, shaking it firmly. "Nice to meet you, Hashirama-kun, Madara-kun. My name is Tsubasa," Tsubasa replied, introducing himself with a wide smile.

He returned Hashirama's smile sincerely, trying to create a good impression and build a positive relationship with the two boys. "Thank you for being willing to help me."

"So, you're really lost?" young Hashirama asked once more, confirming Tsubasa's confusion. He wanted to make sure that Tsubasa truly needed their help, and was not a bad person pretending to be lost.

"Yes, that's absolutely right," Tsubasa replied while nodding. "I'm looking for the nearest village to rest, fill my stomach, and find supplies." He explained his purpose honestly and simply, hoping to fully win their trust.

Young Hashirama thought for a moment, then said in a tone offering sincere help, "In that case, how about we help? We know the paths around this forest. We can take you to the nearest village." He offered help without hesitation, showing his kind heart and sense of responsibility to help those in need.

"Really? Of course! I would be very grateful!" exclaimed Tsubasa with a feigned expression of joy and relief. In his heart, he was grateful that his plan to approach young Madara and Hashirama was going smoothly. He felt excited and optimistic about the potential of their future friendship.

Young Madara snorted cynically hearing Hashirama's offer, but he didn't directly refuse. He just turned his face away with a displeased expression, but still followed Hashirama's steps as he began walking, guiding Tsubasa.

And so began the unexpected introduction between Tsubasa and young Madara and Hashirama. A meeting that started with a small lie about directions, but paved the way for a friendship that might change the destiny of the shinobi world in the future.

The fate of the ninja world now stood at a crossroads, and Tsubasa, unknowingly, had become an important part of that change.

----| POLL |----

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