Windfall

Drop Some power stones! If you like the chapter! It helps to keep me motivated to upload more!💎💎💎 

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Akio used all his Witness Points at once, finally achieving a qualitative leap in strength.

"I've finally reached the level of a clan leader... and I also have Sage Mode now. This trip has been truly rewarding." Akio reflected on his progress. With his goal mostly achieved, he decided to wait for Hashirama to complete his training so they could return together.

Two days passed, and Akio had already familiarized himself with his newfound power. Hashirama also concluded his Sage Mode training.

Although Hashirama couldn't yet enter Sage Mode instantaneously like he would in the future, he had reduced the transformation time to less than a minute. Moreover, his Sage Mode duration far surpassed Akio's. It wouldn't be long before he fully mastered it.

Having completed their training, the two decided to bid farewell to the Slug Sage.

"Before you leave, I have something to give you." The Slug Sage, upon learning of their departure, was unsurprised and instead handed them a scroll.

"This is the summoning contract of my Slug Clan. Once you form a contract, you can summon my clones. While I may not be of much help in battle, I am quite skilled in healing..." the Slug Sage said calmly.

The two exchanged glances, pleasantly surprised by this unexpected gift.

Akio was particularly puzzled—he had no memory of Hashirama ever using the Slug Summoning Technique.

"Is this because of my influence? Or did Hashirama obtain the Slug Summoning contract but chose not to use it and instead left it for Tsunade?"

Akio couldn't figure it out, but what happened next caught him even more off guard.

Upon leaving the Shikkotsu Forest, Hashirama adamantly refused to take the Slug Summoning scroll.

"Granduncle, I've already received the Rashomon summoning contract. No matter what, this one is yours," Hashirama insisted.

"I... No, you should keep the Slug Summoning Scroll. Your granddaughter—" Akio stopped mid-sentence, almost letting something slip.

"My... granddaughter?" Hashirama looked utterly confused.

"Nothing, nothing. Just a slip of the tongue… Fine, I'll take the scroll." Akio sighed, accepting it reluctantly.

"I can always pass it on to Tsunade later. Maybe I'll even earn the title of her mentor?" Akio thought to himself, finding the idea appealing.

At that moment, familiar golden words appeared before his eyes, confirming that taking the scroll was indeed the right choice.

"Witnessed and slightly altered an important side event in the Naruto world—Slug Summoning Beast. Gained 2 Witness Points (*2)."

A total of 4 Witness Points! Having just exhausted all his previous points, Akio was relieved to have some emergency reserves again. He chose to save them for now.

Having concluded their training in the Shikkotsu Forest, Akio and Hashirama decided to visit the Tenbin Clan to bid them farewell.

Upon arrival, they discovered that the Tenbin Clan was preparing to relocate. Akio had previously sealed their bloodline abilities and informed them that the abnormalities in their bodies were caused by the excessive natural energy in the area.

Over the past three months, Akio had gradually strengthened the seal, and no members of the Tenbin Clan had lost control since. To prevent further influence from natural energy, they had decided to move their entire clan.

Upon seeing Akio and Hashirama, the Tenbin Clan leader personally greeted them, accompanied by the burly warrior who had previously fought Hashirama.

The warrior gave Akio and Hashirama a reluctant glance, still somewhat displeased about having his transformation ability forcibly sealed.

However, considering that even in his transformed state, he had been utterly defeated by Hashirama, he wisely chose to keep his complaints to himself.

The Tenbin Clan leader, on the other hand, was in high spirits, practically glowing with energy.

Akio carefully sensed his chakra—he had made a breakthrough and was now at the peak Jōnin level.

The clan leader warmly welcomed them and even invited them to stay for a farewell banquet.

Akio was tempted. During their time in the Shikkotsu Forest, they hadn't been forced to eat bugs like Naruto in Mount Myōboku, but the slugs only ate leaves and grass... He hadn't seen meat in days.

However, Hashirama had been away for over three months and suddenly remembered that he was still the leader of the Senju Clan. Anxious to return, he left Akio with no choice but to follow.

After a simple lunch, they departed for the Senju Clan's territory. The Senju warriors stationed at the Tenbin Clan had already returned three months prior—after all, in a war-torn era like this, it was impossible to grant an entire unit a three-month leave.

On the way, Hashirama remarked, "It seems that sealing the Tenbin Clan's bloodline power was the right choice. Their transformation ability may have granted them temporary strength, but it might have also limited their true potential. I noticed that the clan leader's strength has increased since our last visit."

"In the short term, it may benefit them... But," Akio hesitated for a moment, "since it's a bloodline seal, their descendants might..."

"Might what?" Hashirama asked.

"They might gradually lose the ability to become shinobi and eventually turn into ordinary civilians. In this war-torn world..." Akio trailed off.

"Their descendants becoming civilians?" Hashirama muttered, then said resolutely, "Then we need to end this era of war before they lose their ability to protect themselves."

Akio didn't catch Hashirama's inner resolve and assumed he was simply worried about the Tenbin Clan's future.

"Hashirama, don't tell anyone about my ability to seal bloodlines. This power is too dangerous," Akio warned.

"I understand, Granduncle." Hashirama nodded, and the two fell into silence.

After traveling for a day and a half, they finally arrived at the Senju Clan's territory.

"Big Brother, you're finally back!" Senju Tobirama greeted them at the entrance, having heard in advance of Hashirama's return.

"Why does he sound like an abandoned wife..." Akio muttered under his breath, barely holding back a chuckle.

Tobirama mechanically turned his head toward Akio, having clearly heard him.

"G-Granduncle, you must be exhausted from your journey," Tobirama said, his tone carrying a trace of gritted teeth.

"Why do I feel like you're emphasizing the 'Grand' part every time you call me that?" Akio smirked. "If you're uncomfortable calling me Granduncle, you can call me Uncle Akio, or even Brother Akio..."

"No need, Granduncle!" Tobirama cut him off immediately.

"Good, good..." Akio chuckled.

The group chatted and laughed as they made their way toward the clan leader's hall.

Upon entering, Hashirama's expression darkened.

"Tobirama! Why are there still so many documents left unfinished?!" he bellowed, looking utterly drained.

"Big Brother, I'm not the clan leader. Some matters were beyond my authority. What's left here is just a small fraction," Tobirama responded, his expression slightly resentful.

Akio watched the scene unfold, feeling a shiver run down his spine.

He had always thought the Naruto world was full of elder-brother-complexes, but after spending time with Hashirama and Tobirama...

"Tobirama... you might secretly be a hidden little brother-con..."

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