Mission Complete, Return to the Village

It's unclear how much time has passed. Yamei slowly opened his eyes, and a special Yin-Yang Fish-like seal appeared on his chest, at the Danzhong acupoint, also known as the middle Dantian.

"Hoo..."

He exhaled a breath of stale air, clenched his fist, and felt the power within his body. Yamei smiled in satisfaction.

"The already dense Life Force has now increased by an unknown number of times! My Chakra reserves have also increased severalfold!"

"Even Senju Hashirama's Sage Body probably can't match my vitality! Once I obtain the Senju bloodline and the Wood Release Kekkei Genkai, tsk tsk tsk! I'll be invincible!"

Yamei's joy grew more intense. The Myriad Gods Seal hadn't completely sealed him; instead, it was like a faucet, allowing him to draw as much as he needed.

At the same time, he discovered that the energy from the Source of Life was continuously nourishing and transforming his physical body.

Perhaps in a few more years, once he fully accepted this power, it would become a part of his own Bloodline Power!

With that thought, Yamei took out his Ninja Sword and cut his own skin...

Looking at the white mark on his arm, Yamei was slightly surprised. "Huh!? My skin's toughness has already improved?"

He applied a bit more force, and only then did a wound appear. However, before the blood could even seep out, the wound healed directly.

Grinning, Yamei was very satisfied with his current state.

"They must be getting impatient. It's time to go out."

Outside, the moment the deep, dark space dissipated, it immediately caught everyone's attention.

Yūhi Kurenai and the others gathered and leaped to the edge of the cliff, looking down with tense yet expectant expressions.

Swish...

A sound of breaking air rang out, and a figure leaped up, then landed in front of everyone.

"Ahem, uh... good morning, everyone!"

Yamei looked at the rising sun, then at the tense gazes of everyone watching him, and couldn't help but scratch his head.

"Yamei!"

The moment Yamei spoke, Hinata and Ino could no longer hold back and threw themselves into his arms.

Yamei froze, then understood what was happening. He hugged the two girls, a gentle smile on his face as he stroked their hair. "I'm sorry, I made you worry."

"Waaah, Yamei-kun, I'm just glad you're okay." The two girls' eyes were teary, and their faces were slightly flushed.

The worry in their hearts was completely gone, replaced by a hint of shyness.

Releasing their hold on Yamei, the two girls stood to the side somewhat awkwardly, facing the gazes of everyone else.

After comforting the two girls, Yamei couldn't help but look up at Yūhi Kurenai.

He had clearly seen Yūhi Kurenai wanting to hug him just now, but she had stopped because of Hinata and Ino.

"Hmph!"

Seeing Yamei looking at her, Yūhi Kurenai let out a soft huff.

Yamei chuckled and, under Yūhi Kurenai's slightly flustered gaze, walked up to her and pulled her slightly stiff body into an embrace.

"And Kurenai, I'm sorry for making you worry."

Listening to Yamei's gentle whisper, Yūhi Kurenai's body gradually relaxed, and she shook her head. "As long as you're okay..."

Watching this strangely atmospheric scene, Kakashi, Shikamaru, and the others felt as if the sugar content in the air was excessively high. They couldn't help but turn their heads away, not wanting to watch!

It was too infuriating! There were so many of us watching!

Did you have the heart to make so many people act as your love-rivals?

Ino and Hinata exchanged glances, a subtle light flickering in their eyes.

Because of Yamei, Hinata and Ino had become good friends, and they also felt that Yamei's attitude towards Yūhi Kurenai was different from that of a typical older brother!

Now, it seemed, it was true!

"This scoundrel!"

The two girls cursed him in their hearts simultaneously. He was someone they loved and hated...

As if having made a decision, the two girls stepped forward and took Yūhi Kurenai's hands. "Kurenai-sensei, let's go. This guy just keeps making us worry! Don't pay attention to him!"

"!!??"

Yamei stared blankly at the backs of the three women as they left.

What was going on!?

Ino, Hinata! Your expressions changed too quickly! And when did you guys learn to be so mischievous! You're actually badmouthing me now!

"Heh heh, Yamei, how does it feel to have beauties on both sides?" Kiba provocatively nudged Yamei with his elbow.

"You bastard!"

Yamei gritted his teeth and punched him away.

"Ahem, since everyone's here, let's head back too," Kakashi said with a dry cough, drawing everyone's attention back.

Timsi and the old man followed the group. Their ideals had become mere bubbles, and Timsi's mental state was dejected.

After returning to the caravan and having a meal, everyone bid farewell and prepared to head back to the village.

As for Timsi, he had completely joined the caravan, returning to his own kin.

Four days later, everyone arrived back at Konohagakure. At the entrance stood the ever-present guardians, Kotetsu Hagane and Izumo Kamizuki.

It was said these two were strong enough that even Pain wouldn't dare enter through the front gate…

Upon arriving at the Hokage's office, Kakashi and Yūhi Kurenai detailed the mission's progress to Hiruzen Sarutobi before submitting the mission scroll.

Hiruzen Sarutobi calmly reviewed the scroll. Then, to everyone's surprise, he changed the mission's rank from C+ to A-rank and distributed the mission rewards. Only then did everyone depart.

Watching them from the window of the Hokage's office, Hiruzen Sarutobi's gaze was fixed on Yamei.

"His strength is unfathomable, and he currently seals a power not inferior to the Nine-Tails! Perhaps even greater?"

"Yamei, Yamei, are you an opportunity for my Konoha… or a disaster?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi frowned slightly, then let out a soft sigh.

"To celebrate everyone completing an A-rank mission for the first time, we're having a get-together at my place tonight! Bring your own ingredients!" Yamei shouted enthusiastically.

"Roger that!!" Everyone smiled. Compared to eating yakiniku, Yamei's barbecue was even more delicious, wasn't it!?

After making plans with everyone, they all said their goodbyes. After all, they had been away for over a week, and it was the first time they had been gone for such a long period. They naturally missed home.

Yamei also returned home with Yūhi Kurenai. After a quick wash, Yamei lay on his bed and opened the Sea of Derivations.

[Materials Acquired: Lightning Style: Raikiri, Water Style: Great Waterfall Technique, Evil Sealing Method. Shadow Imitation Technique, Secret Technique: Shadow Stitching, Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms.]

These were all obtained from everyone over the past few days. The first three contributors were Kakashi; the rest go without saying.

As for others, Yamei either didn't like them, or like Ino, hadn't yet learned any better techniques.

"Analyzing: Evil Sealing Method integrated into Myriad Gods Seal."

"Analyzing: Shadow Imitation Technique, Secret Technique: Shadow Stitching integrated into Secret Technique: Shadow."

"Analyzing: Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms integrated into Art of a Hundred Refinements."

[Analysis Successful, Estimated Duration: 6 hours.]

"Perfect. Now, time to rest. If I'm not mistaken, the Chunin Exams should be happening not too long from now."

Yamei's eyes flickered. This was an important turning point in Konoha's history. He wondered if anything would change?