"Not bad. I feel like you've really changed a lot. You're more mature and steady than before. It seems you've gained plenty of experience during your time in the Land of Whirlpools."
Ran shook his head helplessly. "It's not that much, really. I just took things one step at a time. I was undoubtedly lucky—I started out with 1.5 billion in funds to build a nation."
"Compared to other countries, I had a greater advantage. But the problem now is that the population base is too small. If we want rapid development, there simply aren't enough hands, so we can only take things slowly like this."
"To be honest, it has dampened some of my ambitions and made me more easygoing as well."
Obito snorted with laughter, unable to hold it back. "Then, Senior Ashina, you should find a way to change that. If everyone stops being so ignorant, wouldn't the clan population increase?"
After glancing at Obito, Rin stopped his joke. "Senior Ran, don't listen to Obito's nonsense. I'll teach him a lesson later."
"Hahaha, it's fine, it's fine. We've known each other for so long, so there's no need to mind little jokes like that."
Obito smiled as well. "Exactly. Senior Ran is still the same Senior Ran. He hasn't changed. His status may have changed somewhat, but the friendship between us is still there."
Ran very much agreed with Obito's words. "That's right, Obito said it well. Don't fuss over little things, or everyone will gradually become distant."
"We spent half a year together at the Cloud Clan Grounds, after all. We've known each other for so long, so naturally our relationship is good."
"Besides, you're Hokage Minato's disciples. I can be considered somewhat related to Minato, so by that logic, you're practically my nephews."
Seeing that