A Moving Reunion

Regarding the children's education, Shuichi discussed it with Kurenai and Yūhi's family.

He personally taught students all matters of life, including those concerning fundamental principles of right and wrong.

Cases like Konohamaru and the Second Hokage and Third Hokage Kage in the original story are something Shuichi should pay close attention to.

If a parent's achievements and prestige are too high, their children may live in their shadow for the rest of their lives.

An ancient idea that has been passed down in the Shinobi World for many years is to inherit and pass on the family business; if the father is strong, the son will not be weak either.

Saying things like "As expected of someone's son" is perfectly natural.

In fact, most people agree with this, and few people bother to discover the strengths of others.

Shuichi can't change the "simple" thinking of the general public, but he doesn't want Takuma to become "Little Shuichi" or "Shuichi Second" in the future.

Everyone deserves to have their own wonderful life.

"So, what are your dreams, Takuma?"

The next morning, in the Garden Training Ground, Shuichi and his son stood facing each other.

Takuma thought his father would directly teach him how to use chakra, but to his surprise, the first thing they talked about was his dream.

It seemed he didn't care at all about the strength or weakness of his ninja talent, which made Takuma feel that his father was very unusual.

"I... I want to become an excellent ninja..." Takuma said somewhat blankly, his words filled with uncertainty.

His friends were always talking about ninjas, so he was inevitably influenced.

But every time I hear this word, I feel no excitement or longing; it's as if it's something completely foreign to me.

"It doesn't look like it to me!" Shuichi said with a grin, trying to put him at ease.

Your reluctance is written all over your face!

"If we talk about dreams now, it might sound rather abstract to you."

Let's try a different approach. Tell us what you most want to do and what interests you most.

For example: I don't want to be a ninja!

"This works too?" Takuma asked in astonishment.

With his father leading the way, his mind quickly calmed down.

After thinking it over carefully, Takuma said, "I hope... to see all the sights in the world, and then make movies about what I've recorded and share them with everyone!"

Shuichi raised an eyebrow, somewhat amused. "You actually want to be a director? You've got quite an artistic talent. That's a wonderful dream, and I'm really looking forward to your work!"

"You don't object?" Takuma was slightly bewildered. "Then about training and becoming a ninja..."

"You need to be more flexible with your thinking in the future!" Shuichi pointed to his brain. "Strengthening your abilities and making movies are not mutually exclusive."

On the contrary, only by mastering the use of chakra can you safely go out alone without worrying me and your mother.

"Furthermore, with chakra, you can soar through the sky, enjoying better views and even using your abilities to create explosion effects."

"..." Takuma felt that it made a lot of sense.

"I've never made you any serious promises since we were little, but this time I promise you..." Shuichi said earnestly, "When you grow up, I will specifically plan out the profession of Movie Ninja."

However, there is a family motto of the Takeda Family that you must always remember: whatever you do, you must do it to the best of your ability and never give up halfway!

Do you understand now?

Takuma's eyes lit up, and he grinned, revealing a row of pearly white baby teeth. He smiled at Shuichi and said, "Okay, Dad!"

As time went by, the aftermath of the Chunin Ninja Exams gradually faded.

Konoha has maintained normal operations.

The ninjas simply need to accept missions, complete them diligently, return to the village to report and collect their payment.

Whenever he has free time, he cultivates alone or with friends, living a low-key and peaceful life without having to worry about anything messy.

Shuichi's work Hokage became busier, involving visits and exchanges with small countries and villages, improving village management and construction, tracking the progress of scientific research and medical achievements, arranging the schedules of the ninjas, and guiding his son and disciples, among other things...

Unlike the Third Hokage, he began to actively dedicate more time to carrying out secret missions, most of which were related to the activities of Root.

After all, he was capable enough to significantly reduce casualties among elite ninjas while also gaining greater control over important intelligence.

In Shuichi's words, "Those who bask in the sunlight are shadows, and those who bear the shadows are also shadows. When it comes to serving the village, I am no different from any other ninja."

This approach impressed even the most knowledgeable ninjas; it was equivalent to one person doing the work of the Third Hokage, Danzo, and two advisors.

Therefore, many people in the Anbu and Root have become die-hard fans of the Fifth Hokage, and his power is unstoppable.

His frequent trips outside the village were also in preparation for eliminating the Akatsuki Organization —he didn't intend to pay any Jiraiya to Jiraiya's activities outside.

Once the right opportunity arises, I will strike swiftly with my trusted followers, eliminating all possible threats and leaving no loose ends. I will not heed the empty rhetoric of those who advocate peace.

Now he not only has to protect Konoha, but also take care of his family and children. How could he possibly be so foolish as to let the Infinite Tsukuyomi succeed?

As for the changes in the Ninja World, once Shuichi controls the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path and continues to grow stronger, there are plenty of ways to gradually resolve them.

The Anbu Base, a room located in a dark corner.

The ground was covered with complex spells, and dark, twisted runes spread to the surrounding walls.

In the center of the room were six neatly arranged ice crystal "coffins," each containing a blue-faced Shuichi who appeared to be resting with his eyes closed.

"Alright, the setup is complete. The unsealing technique is now in your hands." Shuichi released the hand seal, stretched, and then spoke to the three people behind him.

Kakashi took the Scroll and said, "Last time, we struggled a bit when we teamed up against Shukaku. Now that we have your clone, I'm sure we can handle any number of enemies without any problem."

"Lord Hokage, if we encounter an unexpected situation, how many seals would be appropriate to unseal?" The leader of the Sealing Squad asked cautiously and dutifully, "May I know their specific combat strength?"

"Hmm..." Shuichi stroked his chin and casually said, "Three Shadow Clone and three Wood Clones, conservatively speaking, one person can take down two Tailed Beasts."

As for which one to choose, that's up to you!

Nara Shikaku: "..."

"???"

The leader of the Sealing Squad nearly choked on his own saliva. When did Tailed Beast become a unit of measurement for the combat power of clones?

If we calculate it that way, wouldn't those six clones combined be equivalent to 12 Tailed Beast?

That's absolutely outrageous!

Shuichi looked completely innocent upon seeing his expression. A glare from the Mangekyo Sharingan and a binding of ice dragons—these were indeed two Tailed Beasts. He clearly lacked experience.

After explaining the details about preparing backup clones, the group left the Anbu Base and returned to their respective posts.

Shuichi walked to the foot of the Hokage Rock, he suddenly felt a heat in his palm.

This was a reaction to the Possession Jutsu he had cast on the Root and Anbu members.

Aside from a previous emergency rescue, this was the second time a signal had been received.

However, the frequency was not high this time, and according to the code rules, it indicates that there has been significant progress in the highest level of intelligence gathering.

A moment later, having read the information through special means, Shuichi's lips curled into a slight smile; he was in a very good mood.

He flashed back to the Hokage Building and immediately sent the Anbu to the Uchiha Compound to deliver Shisui, while he patiently waited for the teleportation summons.

A few hours ago, in the northeast of the Land of Waterfalls.

Akita City is a small town, mostly consisting of single- or double-story wooden houses, with a few high-rise buildings scattered throughout.

The streets were sparsely populated, indicating that the area was not very bustling.

The four-story building in the very center exudes a mysterious and tranquil atmosphere.

When passersby occasionally walk by, they instinctively avoid them.

Because this place is the headquarters of the only underworld force in the city, and also a place that functions somewhat like a pawnshop, with its main means of making money being loan sharking, it is certainly not a good place for ordinary people.

But in another building not far away, figures would occasionally glance up at that area, then quickly look away as if nothing had happened, disappearing into the shadows with nonchalance.

"Captain Wind, there's been no movement yet."

An ordinary-looking young man went into a room and reported to a masked Konoha Ninja.

He admired him greatly; the fact that he could stay in such a boring place for so long without even taking off his mask showed the high quality of the Root elite.

"It's been almost two months, and we still haven't found our target among the people coming and going. Should we keep waiting?"

"Of course!" Yamanaka Fu Kaze said in a deep voice, "The intelligence will absolutely not be wrong. This is a mission that the Lord Hokage is focusing on, and we will not retreat without orders."

The ordinary young man didn't ask any more questions, rested for a while, and then went back to keeping watch.

The surveillance was continuous 24/7, which would be unbearable even for an iron man. Fortunately, several members took turns monitoring each other, but even so, it was still incredibly tedious.

But today will be different. Like rain after a long drought, the ordinary young man, who hadn't been out for long, quickly returned with a happy expression. "Captain Wind, there are some new, unfamiliar people who have just entered the building."

His distinctive feature was that he wore a black robe and a conical hat, making it difficult to see his face.

"Watch out, be careful, check on that person's condition," Yamanaka Fu said to the Anbu beside him.

The ninja codenamed "Target" immediately responded, "Yes, sir!"

Byakugan!

"The newcomer possesses a considerable amount of chakra, and his internal organs are complex and bizarre..." Eyes stated in a low voice, "Based on the intelligence, it's definitely the target—Kakuzu, Kakuzu missing-nin from Waterfall Ninja."

"It's finally here..."

The other team members were secretly delighted; the mission was about to be completed.

Yamanaka Fu remained calm and composed, taking out a specially made Scroll, recording the information, and then summoning a fat, strange snake.

He gave the information, had it swallowed and sent back, and then Hand Seals to perform a secret technique.

Not long after, he and his teammates got up and waited.

Only when they saw Kakuzu emerge with two boxes of money and leisurely leave the town did they take advantage of Byakugan superiority to follow him, running into a desolate wilderness.

Crackling sound...

The forest grew increasingly sparse, Kakuzu walked step by step on the hard, sandy ground. Suddenly, he stopped, turned his head, and sneered, "Come out, you little rats. With such clumsy tracking skills, do you think I'm a fool?"

Swish swish swish --

A group of four people jumped out from behind the rocks. They were all wearing masks and light blue robes, and had no other distinguishing features.

"The Anbu of Takigakure? You're all tired of living!" Kakuzu put down the iron box, a cruel glint in his green eyes. "Since you dared to come looking for us, you'd all die here."

Kakuzu didn't take them seriously at all. He knew the fighting strength of the village's ninjas perfectly well; they had been his heart's supply depot for years. He really didn't know who gave them the audacity...

Whoosh!

Taking three steps at a time, he quickly closed the distance, his arms, controlled by Earth Grudge Fear, preparing to strike.

But the ninja leading the group remained completely calm, immediately took out a Scroll, unfurled it, and BOOM!

A large amount of white smoke burst out, Kakuzu nimbly stopped in his tracks.

If the other party isn't stupid, they'll definitely have prepared something to deal with me. Could this be their trump card!?

As the smoke cleared, a clean-cut, purple-haired youth met his gaze, then flashed a dazzling smile, revealing gleaming White Fang: "A familiar face indeed. Long time no see, Kakuzu!"

Kakuzu: "..."