The next three months brought the Nakayama family nothing but routine. In that time each of Kenshin's wives gave birth three times—giving him three levels. First free skill point he invested in "Formation Creation"—raising it to level seven; second and third in "Talented Offspring"—raising to level eleven. Upon reaching level ten "Talented Offspring" Kenshin received an interesting notification.
[Congratulations—you fulfilled hidden condition and received active ability "Gift of Father"]
He immediately read the description and was quite surprised.
Gift of Father: Allows the Patriarch once every thirty days to reward promising descendants—renewing "Talented Offspring" effect.
"And what could this mean?!" Kenshin thought irritatedly and spent the next fifteen minutes meticulously analyzing additional information—concluding the ability would let sons born with low "Talented Offspring" modifier renew the effect as if reborn.
Unable to hide excitement he immediately called Ichiro and activated the ability on him. His whole body glowed for a second then he passed out—waking only five minutes later in worried father's arms.
Ichiro immediately said something changed inside him but couldn't understand what. Kenshin instantly checked his "status" and couldn't hold back a joyful smile.
Name: Nakayama Ichiro
Age: 20 years
Talent Level: 24
Chakra Quality: 5
Chakra Amount: 4840
Chakra Control: 63%
Space Authority Lv. 3
Sharingan Lv. 2
*****
After this Ichiro—who had been losing positions—soared with new strength and solidified his leader position. Kenshin tried not interfering extra in their training—only encouraging and arranging spars while improving the exo-suit.
In three months he barely managed but equipped all four teams with strong blades. It took monstrous time but he succeeded; now the "Nakayama Family" began gaining slight fame. Ichiro was formal head of the mercenary group and gradually learned interacting with people.
Kenshin also undertook a grand project to extend telepathic communication range. He finally created a formation working as telepathy relay—and installation gradually began. Kenshin sometimes left the refuge with several sons to apply formations to various heights—centuries-old trees or mountain cliffs.
Work progressed extremely slowly but in that time Kenshin covered a forty-kilometer radius around the refuge—very pleased.
He couldn't stop rejoicing at sons' successes—many becoming Chunin. Most elder sons from Aya developed Sharingan to second tomoe—becoming even more effective in battle.
All team commanders were Chunin rank—including recently promoted Fifteenth. Kenshin was very surprised when Fifteenth suddenly reached Chunin and immediately asked Kasumi. She was slightly surprised too but after thinking said nothing unusual—considering Fifteenth received all knowledge instantly and with his talent reaching Chunin was simple.
*****
That evening Kenshin gathered the whole family at one table and signaled silence—then stood.
"Exactly one year ago today I arrived in this world. At first I was shocked and scared—knowing this world's history," Kenshin said calmly—eliciting many shocked gasps. All girls stared wanting continuation; he spoke again.
"My first thought was that I was destined to die in an endless cycle of wars. But I gained a very unusual ability thanks to which we all now sit at this table. I don't know where it came from or why given to me—but I'm very glad everything turned out this way," he said and after a short silent pause continued.
"Today I want to celebrate the anniversary of my arrival in this world and solemnly declare the Nakayama Family has gained some strength and can no longer fear for existence," he declared—pausing briefly. All gazes on him were filled with boundless pride and love.
"However—even protected from hunger and bandits our family remains vulnerable to future threats. We have five years to gain enough strength to withstand the coming storm. If we fail—we'll be destroyed and forgotten. Train hard for the family's sake—to become pillars holding our home."
After finishing his speech all joy vanished from family members' faces. Sons fell deep in thought—each about their own. Girls sank into sadness. Calmest were team captains Ichiro, Third, Seventh, and Fifteenth—as well as Kasumi and Hitomi.
*****
"What danger awaits us?" Kasumi asked—entering his room with Hitomi after dinner.
"Possibly none—but we must be ready to repel any threat. In four years we need to raise ten Kage-level shinobi—then possibly in alliance with Konoha and maybe other great villages we can prevent the worst and destroy the threat in the bud."
"WHAT?! Ten Kage-level shinobi? Impossible! Even Konoha doesn't have ten Kage," Kasumi exclaimed shocked.
"She's right—it seems impossible to me. Even with your knowledge transfer ability at current rates we can barely raise one Elite Jonin in that time…" Hitomi whispered. In that time she had fully adjusted to the home and regained professionalism.
"With current rates—yes but rates will accelerate with my ability development—so even in worst case we should raise several Kage-level shinobi. But that's not enough. Great chances of success require at least five Elite Kage-level shinobi; victory is guaranteed by two Six Paths Sage-level shinobi."