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As the saying goes, 'a half-grown boy can eat his father out of house and home.' Teenagers around twelve or thirteen years old might have varying academic performance and athletic abilities, but when it comes to eating, they are remarkably consistent at this age.
"Clang, clatter, bang—"
Ever since they entered the Akimichi Barbecue Restaurant, the sound of plates clashing in their private room hadn't stopped.
Not only Uchiha Obito and Kakashi (after taking off his mask), but even Nohara Rin, who usually presented herself as a cheerful and ladylike girl in front of others, displayed an unusually large appetite. Plates of grilled meat disappeared one after another from the hot plate. Sawara Kiri, across from them, kept grilling meat with a wry smile, watching his small savings quickly vanish.
However, he wasn't under much pressure.
The title of Second God of Shinobi was not just for show; it was earned through countless missions. His sufficient number of S-rank missions alone could place him among the top one hundred wealthiest individuals in Konoha, not to mention his investments in various emerging technology industries.
Therefore, Sawara Kiri simply watched these youngsters eat to their heart's content with a smile.
"It seems the Ninja Academy cafeteria is under a lot of pressure, huh? Do you usually get enough to eat at school?"
"Clang."
Obito put down his plate, looking so fierce he seemed ready to lick every last bit of grease.
Hearing Sawara-sensei's question, he replied with a matter-of-fact expression: "I can eat my fill, but it doesn't taste good! Ever since I started taking cell growth agents in third grade, my appetite has gotten bigger and bigger. My mom has praised me several times."
Obito in this timeline was quite fortunate. Since the reform of Ninja Clans was completed, all clan Ninja were incorporated into the Konoha military system, and mission assignments were naturally reasonable. He didn't end up an orphan with only a grandmother, as in the original timeline. This was probably one reason his personality hadn't become so extreme.
As for the 'cell growth agent' in the Ninja Academy, it was a new medical product developed by Orochimaru some years ago to narrow the gap between Ninja Clans and ordinary people, used by Ninja Academy students to build a foundation.
This product had no special properties other than enhancing cell vitality and growth potential.
Naruto in the original timeline didn't look particularly burly, yet he could use the forbidden Ninjutsu, Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu. Tsunade's figure was also curvaceous and petite, yet she could be cut in half and not die instantly. The difference between ordinary people and them lay in the seemingly insignificant cellular level.
Although this product itself couldn't turn ordinary people into monsters, it could safely allow most ordinary people to reach the original Jonin level.
This was also one of the foundations for the continuous emergence of talents in Konoha in recent years.
"Being able to eat a lot is a good thing, but eating well is difficult; it costs too much money."
Sawara Kiri's tone was quite emotional—no wonder, he had watched Tsunade approve all those expenses.
Even though Konoha's various industries had spread throughout the Ninja World in recent years, no matter how much they developed, money was always in short supply.
"Konoha's GDP is so high, and it's still not enough?"
Kakashi, at a young age, was already quite knowledgeable about various political and economic news: "Isn't the tax law going to be changed soon? If the Ninja Clans pay property tax, will the situation improve?"
Sawara Kiri smiled, bent his finger, and tapped him on the forehead: "That's an adult matter; children don't need to worry about it!"
"You should still consider how to get into Ninja High School later."
"What's so hard about that?"
Uchiha Obito was very confident: "I've figured out the process. Isn't it just completing the required number of Genin missions within six months, then completing a B-rank or higher mission under a Sensei's guidance, and finally passing the Ninja High School entrance exam?"
"We are the chief squad, Sawara-sensei! You underestimate us too much!"
"Really?" Sawara Kiri looked at him with a smile, "Then do you know that thousands of people apply to Ninja High School every year, including many veteran squads who graduated three years ago but couldn't get in?"
"In terms of strength, they can all rival Chunin, it's just that some of them haven't passed the ideological and political assessment."
"Eh!?"
The three couldn't help but widen their eyes.
For them, who hadn't yet entered the Ninja World, Chunin was still a quite formidable term.
However, from Sawara Kiri's perspective, at least Kakashi among the three already possessed all the abilities equivalent to a Chunin, perhaps only lacking a bit in command. If it were a special wartime advancement, he might even touch upon the rank of Third-Class Jonin.
However, Sawara Kiri had no intention of reassuring them; instead, he emphasized, "What's more, do you think the passing requirement for a squad led by me would still be dealing with a few rogue Ninja B-rank missions?"
"At that time, even facing a Jonin from the Renegade Union in an A-rank mission wouldn't be impossible."
At this, even young Kakashi couldn't help but look solemn.
Born into the Hatake Clan, and with his father as a benchmark, he naturally knew what kind of monster a Jonin was.
To this day, he had never even touched the hem of his father's clothes in a fight.
Other Jonin might be weaker than his father, but the gap shouldn't be too large, right?
That would be troublesome.
The children immediately lost their appetite for eating. They even suddenly worried whether following Lord Sawara was truly the right choice.
Just as they were feeling heavy-hearted, they heard someone beside them greet with surprise:
"Lord Sawara? You've come to eat too."
Everyone looked up and saw a tall, long-haired man entering the restaurant with several children, just like them.
Upon hearing the name called out by the Sensei in front of them, their eyes lit up in unison.
Is that Lord Sawara?
As their gaze swept over, a boy with a bowl cut at the back even waved his hand excitedly, greeting:
"Kakashi!!"
"Eh?!"
Kakashi's face immediately showed an expression of disgust.
Nohara Rin, however, waved back: "Might Guy, Genma, and Ebisu! You've come to eat too!"
While the children chatted, the tall man had already approached Sawara Kiri.
That man had pure white eyes, his Ninja headband tied on his arm, openly revealing a smooth forehead. He always wore a smile on his face, and a box was strapped horizontally across his back. As soon as he reached Sawara Kiri, he bowed slightly and said gently:
"It is truly an honor to see you again after several months."
"Please allow me to treat you to this meal."
Sawara Kiri waved his hand: "Eh, Hizashi! I've told you many times, there's no need to be so polite."
"Anyway, since we're both eating, why don't you join our table?"
"That would be my honor!"
Hyuga Hizashi nodded vigorously, raising his smooth forehead with a hint of excitement on his face, then turned to signal his students to sit down as well.
Sawara Kiri looked at him and couldn't help but feel a bit emotional.
Reforming Konoha's Ninja Clans' various malpractices was something Konoha had been continuously pushing for in recent years, including the forced abolition of the Caged Bird Seal within the Hyuga Clan.
The Hyuga Clan's master-servant system had been a clan policy for centuries, and imprinting the Caged Bird Seal on branch family members was the inherent right of the Hyuga Clan Head.
However, for the entire Konoha, forcibly requiring these excellent Ninja scouts to bear a control Ninjutsu that necessitated a missing corner, and allowing the Hyuga to become a state within Konoha, was the worst of malpractices. Even the Uchiha, with their deep clan prestige, often showed disdain for their enslavement policy, showing how evil it was.
It was just that the Hyuga had always been the biggest fence-sitters among Konoha's various factions, the kind of family that would follow whoever was Hokage. For various reasons, successive Hokage had been unable to move them, and so it had been delayed for a long time.
It wasn't until three years ago when Sawara Kiri led troops to the Hyuga Clan's territory for negotiations that the Caged Bird Seal was abolished, freeing the Hyuga branch family from this leash and allowing them to fully become Konoha Ninja—there were even a few small-scale rebellions that arose from this, but they were quickly suppressed.
In the Ninja World, power is everything.
The Hyuga Clan was not as powerful as Sawara Kiri.
As the former head of the Hyuga Branch Family, Hyuga Hizashi's gratitude towards Sawara Kiri could not be overstated.
What made him even more fortunate was that his son, born this year, would never have to bear that accursed mark again in his life.
From then on, Hyuga Hizashi became a devoted supporter of Sawara Kiri, and also helped him complete important reforms in Hyuga Ninja tactics, always regarding him as a savior.
He was just too polite, which made it a bit uncomfortable.
"I heard you went to the Land of Rain recently, Hizashi. Is there some trouble over there?"
After Hyuga Hizashi voluntarily took on the task of grilling meat, Sawara Kiri casually asked about work.
"Yes."
Hyuga Hizashi put down the tongs in front of him and sat respectfully to the side: "Last month, Hanzō, the leader of Amegakure, seemed to have clashed with the Moon Organization again. He also sustained considerable injuries after the battle. I heard it was done by Yahiko, the Jewel Ninja of the Moon Organization. They also seem to have colluded with the Immortal Cult in the Land of Hot Water, likely having obtained related techniques."
"The Village sent me there to investigate the truth of this matter."
"However, after we arrived in the Land of Rain, we found no relevant clues and didn't capture anyone from the Moon Organization. Instead, Hanzō—" he paused, "—in my personal judgment, should be nearing his end. There are also slight changes at the grassroots level, which may lead to chaos."
"Lord, you should prepare early."
Sawara Kiri stopped his chopsticks and pondered for a moment.
Jewel Ninja are Ninja who have implanted the Shikon no Tama.
Because these individuals possess extraordinary power, they have been classified as a special category in the Ninja World in recent years.
However, according to the current intelligence of Konoha, the fragments of the Shikon no Tama have not yet been fully charged, so it is not yet time for him to make his move and harvest them—when it comes to such matters, if he doesn't act, then so be it, but once he acts, it must be with the force of thunder, ending everything completely, leaving no time for other Villages to react.
Otherwise, if the war drags on, it would be a loss.
Since Konoha itself also retains a batch of Jewel Ninja combatants created through cloning technology, Tsunade and Sawara Kiri both know their limits.
On the other hand, what about the Moon Organization?
"Have they connected with the Undying Cult?" Sawara Kiri frowned slightly. "Undying physique, can it be mass-produced now?"
"That's naturally impossible," Hyuga Hizashi shook his head.
If such a thing really happened, the first to act would be the various Ninja Villages—who wouldn't want to live forever?
"However, according to our investigation and Hanzo's verbal account, Yahiko did indeed maintain his combat effectiveness for a considerable period after suffering severe injuries to his torso, and he even managed to retreat successfully."
"If I were to judge, it's highly likely to be an immature experimental subject."
"Additionally, according to the Village's intelligence, Nagato and Yahiko, who are under the Moon Organization's command, have been entrenched in the border regions of the Land of Rain for many years, and their desire for independence is quite evident. Their actions may not necessarily represent 'That Person's' opinion."
'That Person' naturally refers to Uchiha Hikari.
Ever since she clashed with Sawara Kiri and retreated unscathed, this woman's name has spread far and wide, subtly even rivaling the Kage of various Villages, making Ōnoki and Ay extremely wary.
The leader of Kusagakure, which is adjacent to Taki Country, is rumored to have secretly pledged allegiance—but this has no impact.
The reputation of Kusagakure as a fence-sitter has long been a consensus in the Ninja World.
It's embarrassing, but at least they can survive, right?
Kakashi and the others at the opposite table chatted idly with their companions while pricking up their ears, listening to the lords' conversation. Their interest in the various changes in the Ninja World was naturally self-evident.
They had known since their Ninja Academy days that if not for the invincible presence of Sawara Kiri in Konoha, who surpassed all Ninja and was even called the 'Second God of Shinobi' after Senju Hashirama, the war would probably have broken out long ago, and they would have had to fight on the battlefield early, just like the students during Lord Third's era.
And this man, who suppressed the entire Ninja World and was regarded as an idol by countless Konoha Ninja, was now sitting across from them, hissing as he ate barbecue.
This peculiar feeling was truly indescribable.
Although Sawara-sensei was unpretentious when he was with them, just by looking at the respectful and cautious demeanor of the Jonin Hyuga Ninja opposite them, and recalling the various tips and sentiments from their fathers and family at home, they could roughly sense their teacher's standing in the hearts of Konoha Village Ninja.
'After I defeat Father in the future, I should be able to spar with 'That Person,' right?'
Kakashi thought this, secretly pricking up his ears.
Just as he was eavesdropping, he heard Might Guy beside him loudly declare with a bold expression, "Kakashi, let's have a duel! Let's see who can eat more barbecue!"
"No, I've been eating for so long."
"Then let's have another duel in a month! I will definitely win!"
"No again. When did you ever win at the Ninja Academy?" Kakashi was truly annoyed.
This guy always, like Obito, would just rush over, shouting about passion, struggle, and the certainty of victory through hard work, then he'd beat him soundly.
It was completely pointless and even interfered with his quest to surpass the peak of the Ninja World!
"Hehe, it's different now!"
However, no sooner had he spoken than he heard Might Guy chuckle mysteriously, "You don't know, do you? Hizashi Sensei said that after we complete twenty D-rank missions, he's going to teach us a taijutsu secret technique called 'Eight Gates Released Formation'! I heard my dad became a Jonin because he learned that move!"
"Hmm?!"
Kakashi suddenly turned his head: "The Hyuga Clan can do that too?"
"Of course!" Ebisu, who was quite knowledgeable in miscellaneous subjects, added, "After the military reforms two years ago, the Hyuga Clan's Eight Gates Released Formation, combined with long-range sniping, is now standard battlefield equipment!"
"You still think it's the old ways?"
For children, two or three years is already a long time ago.
"Eh—!"
Obito and Rin had never heard of these things either, and looked at him in surprise.
Ebisu smiled proudly.
Indeed, reading more miscellaneous books has some use!
Sawara Kiri, on the opposite side, also glanced at Might Guy with some surprise. He hadn't said anything yet, but Hizashi already explained somewhat awkwardly, "I saw that the child has excellent physical talent and abundant Yang Release Chakra, so I taught him early..."
"It's fine, it's fine."
"How to teach students is up to the squad leader, you don't need to report to me."
Sawara Kiri said with a matter-of-fact expression, "Besides, I also think this child has a great talent for taijutsu."
"Oh!!!"
Might Guy suddenly turned his head to stare at Sawara Kiri, his eyes filled with tears of gratitude, and he suddenly became passionate: "Twenty more laps around Konoha after dinner!!"
Kakashi had a look of disgust, wishing he could sit farther away immediately.
The meal, however, was full of joy.
For the next period, Sawara Kiri led the Genin of Hatake Squad on their D-rank mission journey.
Unlike the various chores of the past, now, after Konoha's mission reforms, most D-rank missions have been replaced by assisting and helping Konoha's industries, which is equivalent to recruiting a group of Genin with supe productivity at extremely low hourly wages to perform various heavy labor tasks such as farming, reclamation, canal dredging, and freight.
Before starting the missions, Kakashi and the others also needed to learn various newly developed E-rank Ninjutsu, such as Earth Release: Digging Technique, Water Release: Moistening Technique, Fire Release: Charcoal Burning Technique, and so on. They received considerable training in both taijutsu and Ninjutsu—the most troublesome, of course, was Obito, whose wisdom attribute was only 2 points.
However, even he worked very hard in this regard.
As a member of a Ninja clan, Obito still held certain old beliefs—namely, that Ninjutsu was a valuable resource.
Even though Konoha's Ninjutsu education system had undergone some reform, this idea was still deeply ingrained, so he naturally studied quite diligently.
"Earth Release: Ridge Technique!"
Uchiha Obito stood before a patch of barren land, a large amount of Chakra flowing into the ground through his feet.
The next moment, the barren land in front of him suddenly began to shake, the soil on the surface was overturned and rolled, and long, neat ridges quickly appeared before the farmers, making everyone smile with joy.
"Not bad, Obito."
"Now, Hatake Squad has all passed."
Sawara Kiri leaned against a large tree nearby, smiling as he looked at him.
"Whew—"
Obito wiped the sweat from his forehead.
Although it was only an E-rank Ninjutsu, due to its wide range of applications, his Chakra consumption was not small, and the three members of the squad could only use it in turns.
However, seeing the dozens of acres of barren land they had reclaimed throughout the day, just before spring plowing, and the genuine smiles on the faces of the farmers beside them, Obito still felt a sense of accomplishment.
But as soon as he turned his head, he immediately began to complain:
"Sawara-sensei! Might Guy and Genma have already started practicing secret techniques like the Eight Gates Released Formation!"
"You are the strongest in the Ninja World, don't you have any techniques that can make us instantly stronger to teach us?"
"If I don't pass the Ninja High School assessment, I'll just stay at your doorstep and refuse to leave!"
Sawara Kiri's expression involuntarily became serious upon hearing this: "That is indeed a very intimidating statement!"
"Pfft."
Kakashi stood nearby, unable to hold back a laugh.
But he also looked at Sawara Kiri with some anticipation.
Sawara Kiri thought for a moment, then said, "Given your hard work these past few days, I'll teach you one of my secret techniques!"
"Obito, don't cry if you can't learn it, okay?"
"How is that possible? I'm a super genius, alright!"
Uchiha Obito said this, but immediately activated his one-tomoe Sharingan, attempting to copy it.
Sawara Kiri saw through his plan at a glance and chuckled, "Sharingan's copying isn't enough, but you should still watch carefully."
Hearing that he was actually going to teach them something good, Kakashi and Nohara Rin immediately perked up and walked over to him.
Sawara Kiri stood in front of the forest.
The next moment, he suddenly disappeared, then abruptly reappeared dozens of meters away.
Not a single speck of dust was stirred beneath his feet.
The entire process was silent.
"Shave?"
"No, that's not right!" Kakashi frowned, then suddenly realized, "Silent footwork, and faster than Shave?"
"Obito, did you see clearly just now?"
Upon hearing this, Obito didn't even have time to be surprised, instead frowning hard: "Didn't see any shadow at all? Is it a Space Ninjutsu?"
"That's not right! The Flying Thunder God Technique requires a sealing tag for positioning," Nohara Rin also joined the discussion.
Sawara Kiri smugly 'whooshed' back, spread his hands, and smiled at the youngsters:
"How was it? Not bad, right?"
Kakashi looked up at him, puzzled: "Sawara-sensei, is that a Space Ninjutsu?"
"No, it's just a type of taijutsu."
Sawara Kiri wagged his finger and smiled, "I've named it 'Shunpo'."
"This is an advanced application of 'Shave'."
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