Kaede nodded and stepped in front of the Wood Clone.
Tenpūton was still new territory.
He had only managed to shape a few basic techniques so far.
Whether they could actually threaten a Wood Clone… even he wasn't sure.
He took a breath.
"Tenpūton: Cloud Blade."
White mist poured from his mouth like unraveling silk.
In an instant, fog swallowed his figure.
Three condensed blades formed from compressed cloud vapor and shot forward with piercing shrieks.
They struck the clone's chest.
The blades dispersed into mist.
The Wood Clone remained standing.
No visible wounds.
Hashirama closed his eyes slightly.
Then opened them.
"There's no surface damage," he said slowly. "But the cold has already invaded the interior."
"The internal organs are frozen."
"If this were a living person, they'd be dead within minutes."
Tobirama nodded.
"Even if treated quickly, they'd suffer severe internal damage."
"Tenpūton is terrifying."
The two brothers exchanged glances.
What Kaede had used was clearly not a high-level technique.
Just a basic application.
Which meant…
The true depth of Tenpūton was far greater.
Hashirama dispelled the clone and placed a hand on Kaede's shoulder.
"With you here, I feel much more at ease about Konoha's future."
Kaede didn't reply.
He simply nodded.
Mito smiled softly.
"It's late. You should stay here tonight, Kaede."
Hashirama agreed immediately.
"Stay over."
Kaede bowed.
"Thank you, Master."
That night passed quietly.
No training.
No discussions.
Just rest.
Simple.
Peaceful.
Morning arrived.
The Peaceful Life System chimed.
[Live peacefully in Konohagakure for one day. Reward: 100 Peace Points.]
Kaede opened his eyes.
Total Peace Points: 4,700.
Still nowhere near enough for the item he needed before Madara's future rebellion.
He frowned slightly.
Waiting passively isn't going to cut it.
I need new ways to earn points.
He got up, folded his blanket, and stepped outside.
Mito was already awake, preparing breakfast.
"Good morning," Kaede said.
"You're up early," she replied gently. "You could sleep more."
"I'm used to it."
(If not for the system acting like an alarm clock, I'd still be asleep.)
After washing up, Kaede sat at the table.
Hashirama stumbled out soon after, hair messy, eyes half-open.
He looked less like the First Hokage and more like a tired office worker.
"Morning… Kaede… why are you awake already…"
"I'm used to it, Master."
Hashirama patted his head.
"Don't push yourself too hard. This isn't the Warring States Era anymore."
Kaede felt awkward.
"Yes, Master."
Tobirama arrived soon after, fully dressed and alert.
The contrast was sharp.
After breakfast, Hashirama created a Wood Clone and sent it to handle paperwork.
Missing his first day of teaching his disciple was unacceptable.
Tobirama spoke.
"I've summoned my students to gather at Hokage Rock."
"Let's go."
Hashirama placed a hand on Kaede's shoulder.
Tobirama placed one on Hashirama's.
The world twisted.
In an instant, they stood atop Hokage Rock.
Kaede's eyes widened.
Flying Thunder God…
No sensation.
No distortion.
Just displacement.
Unbelievable.
Tobirama noticed his expression.
"Interested?"
Kaede shook his head.
"I'm more curious about the theory behind space-time techniques."
Tobirama smiled faintly.
"I'll explain it to you another day."
Kaede's eyes lit up.
"Thank you, Tobirama-sama."
Watching the boy, Tobirama felt an uncomfortable truth.
He liked this kid far too much.
And the urge to steal him from his brother was growing stronger by the second.