Chapter 87: An Ordinary Day

Black Zetsu recalled the little "Jet Boy" from a year ago and said, "No need. After all, he isn't Kumotsuru Kajin."

"Since he has already left this world, my plan can proceed." Black Zetsu didn't pay much attention to Torifū, as virtually every member of the Kumotsuru clan could use Cloud Release, but none could compare to Kumotsuru Kajin. In his eyes, Torifū was merely a talented child, and Black Zetsu had seen many like him. Black Zetsu also didn't believe that Torifū's appearance would disrupt his millennium-long plan; success was right before his eyes!

Black Zetsu turned to look at Uchiha Madara; if he could just manipulate this person, his plan would already be half successful. What Black Zetsu truly needed was just Uchiha Madara's Sharingan to awaken the Rinnegan. They were all mere pawns.

"He should be waking up soon, right?"

"Probably."

...

The next morning, Torifū was woken by the system. Naturally, Torifū was unaware that the two old schemers of the Ninja World had secretly begun to act last night.

He got up, washed, and ate in one fluid motion. Yesterday's rest had greatly relaxed Torifū's mind and body, and all his physical fatigue had disappeared. He was now full of vitality, though the thought of training made him unable to feel truly happy.

He checked on the two young cranes and found that they were changing day by day! They had grown a full circle larger just overnight. In a few more days, they would probably be able to carry Torifū through the sky.

He checked them over and found nothing unusual; both cranes were in good spirits. He wasn't sure if it was due to their celestial crane bloodline or the [Summoning Seed]. But as long as there were no downsides, the faster they grew, the sooner they could become combat ready.

However, since they were already so big, he couldn't keep calling them "little cranes"; it would be better to give them names. But he couldn't think of anything at the moment, so Torifū decided not to pressure himself. It was almost time for their assembly anyway, so he would think of names while training.

"Cloud Release: Crane's Cry Scattering Flowers Technique!"

A thick cloud of mist exploded, and Torifū split into three pure white cloud cranes, flying towards the Hokage Rock. This was the first time Torifū had released this technique within the village, and the villagers naturally hadn't seen it before. However, some who were familiar with Torifū's daily activities recognized him and waved in greeting.

Indeed, the Kumotsuru clan truly had a deep connection with cranes; not only was it their family crest, but even their ninjutsu incorporated cranes. Just as the Nara clan traditionally raised deer, cranes seemed to have long been a symbol of the Kumotsuru clan. Torifū thought that perhaps it was because their ancestor always kept celestial cranes by his side, and later generations, thinking the ancestor liked cranes, designed the family crest that way.

According to clan records, cranes seemed very difficult to tame as summoning animals, simply because their innate pride and freedom made them hard to restrain. Most of the clan elders' crane summoning animals were raised from a young age, forming deep bonds along the way, which allowed them to become summoning animals. And coincidentally, Torifū's two cranes were also raised from a young age, so that should count...

Torifū's speed in his cloud crane state was still very fast, as this technique was not only used for travel but primarily for escape and retreat. Each of the three differentiated cloud cranes could re-form into Torifū's main body, so as long as one cloud crane survived, Torifū could successfully escape danger.

As he thought, Torifū had already arrived above the Hokage Rock. The three cloud cranes converged, and surrounding clouds swirled as Torifū's figure slowly materialized. He looked around; no one else had arrived yet. It seemed he was early again. After waiting for about fifteen minutes, everyone gradually arrived. Yesterday's rest had also relaxed everyone, and their spirits were noticeably high today.

Just then, Tobirama arrived on the mountaintop with Hashirama using Flying Thunder God Technique.

"Good morning, children. Did you all rest well yesterday?"

Hiruzen's face held a smile; it was obvious to any keen observer that he had good news.

"Good morning, Hokage-sama, Sensei. Everyone rested quite well."

Hashirama nodded, noting that the children were all quite energetic today.

"That's good. I don't have anything going on. You all go chat with Tobirama."

Hashirama almost shooed Hiruzen and the others towards Tobirama. He, on the other hand, watched Torifū and Naori, pondering how he should tailor their training regimen for the day. Both children's strengths were steadily increasing, and there was less and less that could be improved through basic training. So Hashirama could only have them consolidate their foundations repeatedly, ensuring that whatever they trained in the future would yield twice the results with half the effort.

"Today will be the same as usual. Continue with your regular training; no stopping before noon!"

"Yes!"

At this time, Hashirama was still very strict, shedding his usual amiable demeanor and becoming a severe master. If their movements were imprecise or if they showed any slack, Hashirama would mercilessly point it out. Whenever this happened, Hiruzen and the others could be seen sitting around Tobirama. Sometimes they chatted, sometimes they were serious, but in any case, they were quite idle, which made Torifū very envious. Even though his own strength was greater than theirs, he still had to train. The most infuriating part was having to watch them leisurely chat. It was practically psychological torture.

Hiruzen, who was chatting, suddenly felt a chill down his spine. He looked back and saw Torifū staring intently at him. It made him shiver.

Finally, training ended, and it was already noon. One entire morning was spent either training or sparring with Hashirama; there wasn't a moment of rest. Hashirama, however, was in high spirits. Seeing his apprentices gradually improving, Hashirama was very gratified. In a few more years, these children would become the pillars of Konoha Village, and he could finally relax a bit. In fact, Hashirama was already considering putting down his heavy responsibilities and living a peaceful life for a while.

However, there were still many matters to attend to. If the Five Kage Summit went smoothly, Hashirama might be able to step down as Hokage. He would then let his brother Tobirama take over as Hokage. Tobirama had told him about many policies that would benefit the village's development, and Hashirama believed he couldn't achieve them himself. If his brother took over Konoha Village, it would undoubtedly elevate Konoha to a new level. And he would only need to protect the village's stability, which would indeed be much easier. He just didn't know if Tobirama would be willing to accept the Hokage position.

"Sensei, will training be the same tomorrow?" Naori asked, wiping her sweat.

Hashirama thought for a moment, but since he hadn't developed a more suitable training method for his two apprentices, he could only helplessly nod. "That's right, it will be the same tomorrow."