Chapter 11: The Hard Days to Come
"What's wrong? You seem surprised."
Hashirama smiled, waving his hand casually. "It's just a Scroll of Seals. The techniques inside aren't as powerful as my Wood Release."
Kaede couldn't help but chuckle. *Only the God of Shinobi would treat the Scroll of Seals like a casual handout.*
"You should still learn as much as you can," Hashirama said. "Even if you have a Kekkei Genkai, mastering various ninjutsu will only make you stronger."
You call forbidden techniques just ninjutsu? Kaede groaned inwardly. Teacher, your heart is too big for this world.
Suddenly, Hashirama's expression softened as he stared at him for a long while. Kaede felt a chill crawl down his back.
"Teacher… what's wrong?"
"Nothing," Hashirama said finally. "I just wanted to tell you not to push yourself too hard. Train within your limits."
He patted Kaede's shoulder gently. It was clear that even at a glance, Hashirama could tell the weights Kaede wore far exceeded what an ordinary child could endure.
Still, since Kaede himself seemed confident, there was no point in lecturing too much.
Hearing his teacher's concern, Kaede grinned and patted his chest confidently. "Don't worry, teacher. I was worried at first, but I've already adapted. I feel fine now!"
Hashirama nodded, satisfied enough with that answer. "Good. Once you've rested, we'll continue your training."
Kaede's expression immediately collapsed.
"Teacher, my stomach still hurts. Can I rest a bit longer?"
"No! I know that trick. Stop pretending. Run around the village ten times."
Hashirama's tone was firm, leaving no room for protest.
"Teacher~"
"Make that twenty laps!" Hashirama's merciless addition shattered Kaede's will to resist.
With no choice, he lowered his head and began to run.
Watching the boy sprinting in circles, drenched in sweat, Hashirama couldn't help but smile in satisfaction.
"You're still too soft," came a calm voice from behind him.
Tobirama stepped out from the shade, his usual stoic expression fixed on his brother.
Without turning around, Hashirama said, "Tobirama, that child has his own path. I don't want to interfere too much. He already knows what he must do."
Tobirama crossed his arms and turned his head slightly. He didn't argue, but he didn't agree either. The two brothers stood side by side in silence, watching time pass slowly.
By noon, Kaede's strength was nearly gone. Sweat streamed down his body, dripping from his pants and forming small puddles on the ground.
He still had ten laps to go. Every step was agony; his legs felt like they were filled with lead, and his lungs burned like fire.
"Hu… Hu…" Kaede gasped desperately, each breath heavier than the last. The weight on his body felt unbearable, and his vision began to blur.
One step. Two steps.
Dragging his exhausted body, he pushed forward stubbornly.
Then, with a dull thud, he collapsed. His consciousness faded, his body finally reaching its limit.
Before his body even hit the ground, Hashirama was already there, catching him instantly.
Looking down at the boy's flushed face and sweat-soaked forehead, Hashirama's expression softened.
Green chakra gathered in his hands as he pressed them over Kaede's chest. Warmth spread through Kaede's body, easing the pain as his breathing steadied slightly.
"Perseverance is admirable," Tobirama said, arriving a moment later. "But he still doesn't understand moderation."
Hashirama shot him a glare. Then, without a word, he lifted Kaede into his arms and disappeared in a blur.
Left alone, Tobirama looked in the direction they'd gone, his sharp eyes deep in thought.
"Still… he's much stronger than my own students," he murmured. "That boy has a bright future."
---
Kaede had no idea how highly Tobirama thought of him.
After he fainted, Hashirama brought him straight to his own residence and sent word to Kaede's parents to ease their worries.
He then ordered a medicinal bath to be prepared.
The Senju clan's wealth showed in the way servants poured expensive herbs into the wooden tub without hesitation.
Kaede's body was gently lowered into the steaming bath, the herbal aroma filling the air as the medicinal warmth spread through his limbs.
The treatment lasted until sunset.
"Ugh… that hurts!" Kaede groaned, slowly opening his eyes. His mind was foggy, and his body felt like it had been torn apart.
When he tried to move, a sharp pain shot through him, forcing him to wince.
"Hmm? This smell… medicine? Where's the teacher?"
Sniffing the air, he quickly recognized the potent scent of herbs. Looking down, he found himself submerged in a wooden tub filled with steaming water.
*So… the teacher must have brought me here after I fainted.*
Remembering the sensation right before he lost consciousness, he shuddered.
*Is all ninja training this insane? If you don't die from it, you train until you almost do!*
Kaede sighed, both fearful and frustrated. He hadn't expected the path of a shinobi to be this brutal.
He could already foresee the grueling days ahead.
Just then, the door creaked open. Hashirama stepped in, looking tired but smiling.
"Ah, you're awake. How do you feel?"
Kaede straightened slightly, wincing. "Just a little sore, but otherwise fine."
"Good. Seems the medicinal bath worked," Hashirama said, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.
When Kaede noticed his teacher's gaze drifting downward, he immediately sank deeper into the tub, leaving only his head visible. His face turned crimson.
"Teacher! What are you looking at?"
"Aha, nothing! Nothing at all!" Hashirama said quickly, scratching his cheek awkwardly.
*Are kids always this shy nowadays?* he thought to himself, stifling a laugh.
"The clothes are on the table after washing," Hashirama said. "I'll be going now. From now on, if you have questions, come find me anytime."
He turned to leave but paused at the door. "Your taijutsu still needs a lot of work. Train harder, and keep running every day. Don't slack off."
Kaede nodded, though his eyes darted away. "Okay, teacher, I'll remember."
"Hahaha! You're still just a kid, and already so shy," Hashirama chuckled, trying not to laugh as he turned back once more.
But Kaede's glare silenced him instantly.
"Ahem. Right. I'll take my leave now," Hashirama said, forcing a smile as he quietly closed the door behind him.
Outside, he chuckled softly to himself.
"That boy… he's going to make Konoha's future interesting."