"All right, you two can take a break," Yoichi said with a smile. The two disciples were exhausted and had no more energy left for another session. After all, they were still just kids with fragile bodies.
"Thanks for today's lesson, Sensei..."
In response, Hashirama got to his feet and bowed deeply, a playful grin on his face. Even though he could be a bit energetic and silly at times, respect and honor were ingrained in his Senju lineage. It wasn't difficult for him to show gratitude for the lessons, whether they were tough or gentle.
"Next time, we will be having our sparring once more. Try to prepare for the bout regardless of the methods. Either be underhanded or honorable, just release your wisdom, experience, and talent in the next meeting. Anyway, it's time to leave!"
The moment he declared, both of them nodded slightly and took a mental note inside their heads.
As soon as he made his announcement, both of them gave a slight nod and mentally registered the information.
They still had enough time to gather themselves and come up with different strategies.
Preparation and planning were essential.
"Get ready, got it?!" Hashirama said, processing the information. He glanced at his friend and broke into an enthusiastic grin.
"I was just about to say that! Don't pretend to be the wise one, okay? It felt off and strange!" Madara shot back, looking annoyed, which made Hashirama look downcast.
"I've got to head out now. Take care!"
As Hashirama watched the sunset, he felt a mix of recovery and reluctance; he wished he could spend more time with his friend. Yet, he knew he needed to come up with some explanations for his tired look and other pressing matters, so he hurriedly took his leave.
Madara, on the other hand, stole one last look at Hashirama's vanishing figure before shifting his gaze to Yoichi, who was observing their interaction with interest.
There would be plenty of opportunities to reconnect in the future, so Madara decided to push his concerns aside. Still, he couldn't shake off the mixed feelings regarding his mentor's intentions and plans for them.
"Don't worry about it; just go. Those eyes of yours don't concern me. I'll handle anything that comes up," Yoichi reassured him when he noticed the frown on Madara's face, understanding the weight on his shoulders.
Trusting someone amid the chaos of the Warring States Period felt risky, especially since Madara had only recently started to know Yoichi.
Clans can be put at great risk by a single misstep, and information about a certain clan leader's oldest son was particularly dangerous, especially given how the Uchiha Clan's fame and infamy were escalating in the Shinobi World.
The loss of friends and family within the clan weighed heavily on his mind, desensitizing him to the relentless cycle of hatred.
Yet, a good part of his soul wanted to turn away and fight the raging current, like a determined fish against the river of hatred, fear, grief, and bloodshed.
"Thanks... Sensei..." Madara felt a wave of relief wash over him as he listened to those words. He fully entrusted Yoichi, not just as a shinobi, but as his new mentor.
Once he expressed his quiet gratitude, Madara departed feeling at ease. As the inevitable darkness settled in, it signaled the end of the day's training for everyone involved.
...
"Hey, you're back! We have some missions here that could really use your help, so take a look."
When Yoichi returned, he felt a sense of curiosity about the significance of these assignments for their clan. The more challenging tasks were usually given to the major clans, especially to standout individuals like him.
One mission involved the Chinoike Clan's banishment, commissioned by the First Wife of the Lightning Daimyo, while another aimed to uncover the whereabouts of Sanada Yukimura, authorized through a collaboration between the Fire and Water Daimyos.
As he unrolled the scrolls, Yoichi's interest was piqued by the two intriguing missions. With the bloodline examinations of Hashirama and Madara complete, his attention shifted to exploring other unique bloodlines, particularly the Ketsuryūgan of the Chinoike Clan and the origins of Ranmaru's Red Eyes.
While the abilities of the Ketsuryūgan were certainly fascinating, Yoichi was particularly drawn to understanding Ranmaru's Red Eyes and how they differed from the Ketsuryūgan.
He planned to venture into the Land of Water to search for clues about the Red Eyes Clan, which tied in perfectly with gathering information about the elusive Yukimura's hiding place.
"I'll handle these two missions on my own. Let's focus on those escort tasks we have, and everything will run smoothly," Yoichi said as he began his preparations.
"But—" Machi tried to intervene, appearing to be worried for his son until Yoichi said:
"Look, there are other pressing matters at hand. Some people are clearly jealous of our outstanding performance. We must push on with hunger in our eyes if we want to be in the top spot or else these clans will trample and overtake us!"
In the Warring States Period, reputation and a large number of the elite held a significant role in taking such urgent missions.
A hyper-competitive scene wasn't merciful with other ravenous clans and families wanting to prove themselves to the spotlight.
With great clans like Uchiha and Senju, good luck trying to get a better seat and reap benefits from the Daimyo.
In response, Machi unwillingly nodded while Miruko consoled his husband. A mix of pride and helplessness baffled his mentality. Proud of Yoichi's capability nonetheless weak and unable to be assertive or competent as a clan leader.
Sure, he could deliver infinite money to the clan. However, it is necessary to prove their rights and capabilities in front of him.
"Tell the Fire and Water Daimyo that I'm going to finish Lightning Daimyo's affairs first. I won't take too long so don't worry. See ya!"
After the matter, Yoichi left with confidence and thrill in his eyes. In his traveling days, he strolled quite a bit in the Land of Hot Springs and the Land of Frost. The scenery was just the same as before with the classic relaxing hot springs and the seemingly white canvas lands of chilling frost.
Ultimately, he arrived in the Land of Lightning for a week of travel. Vast mountain ranges, crooked paths with rivers flowing down, and rugged coastlines unfolded in his eyes. Just like the Land of Earth, the Land of Lightning was riddled with unadulterated rocks.
~~~
Sorry guys for the late uploads, I don't have any excuses now.
I admit it. I am farming for Astrites for Phoebe in Wuthering Waves. Luckily, I got Zani and her weapon along with Phoebe and her signature weapon.
I used my phone's battery lifespan just to 100% of the exploration for Rinascita.
Now, I don't have anything to do so I'll focus now for a bit. Still struggling to make up my mind: Lupa or Cartethyia?