Morning Rise, Friends Come to Invite Cultivation

"Knock, knock, knock!" A violent knocking echoed against Haotian's door, like a battering ram shaking the wooden planks.

The sound brutally tore through the morning quiet, shattering Haotian's lingering sleepiness.

He struggled to get out of bed, his body aching as if he hadn't slept but wrestled a ferocious beast all night.

"Haotian! Time to train! The flame of youth is burning, are you going to miss this precious time?" Guy's signature booming voice, full of energy, came from outside the door, a stark contrast to Haotian's current listless state.

Haotian rubbed his sleepy eyes, his head heavy. The "exchange" with Ghidorah in the mental space last night had nearly drained him.

That giant golden three-headed dragon was filled with hostility, unwilling to release even a sliver of its power.

Man and dragon faced off in the silent space, a mental battle more exhausting than any physical training.

He dragged his heavy steps to the door and pulled open the curtain.

Blinding sunlight poured in, making him squint.

Guy stood outside, his signature green bodysuit now covered in dust and dirt, his hair messy, as if he'd just rolled out of a mud pit.

This was a far cry from his usual meticulous appearance.

"Guy, what happened to you..." Haotian asked in surprise, his gaze sweeping over Guy's disheveled state.

Guy, unbothered, brushed the dust off his clothes and grinned, revealing a set of pearly white teeth. "Ah, that's nothing! You know, while you were sleeping, a bunch of girls were gathered outside your house, chattering away, so loud I couldn't even train properly! So I had to unleash my youthful vigor and chase them all away!" He puffed out his chest, looking proud, as if he'd accomplished a great feat.

Haotian couldn't help but give a wry smile, a sense of helplessness washing over him, mixed with a touch of gratitude.

He was too exhausted last night and hadn't noticed the situation outside the door at all.

"Thanks, Guy," Haotian said sincerely.

Guy clapped him on the shoulder and laughed heartily, "We're teammates! Helping each other is what we do! Alright, stop dawdling, get ready, and let's start today's training!"

Haotian suddenly stopped, his gaze drifting to the window, his brow furrowed slightly.

He thought he heard faint sounds, like people whispering...

Haotian leaned out the window. The morning sun cast its light on the streets of Konohagakure. Everything was peaceful and serene, with no apparent abnormalities.

Maybe it's just the wind rustling the leaves, he thought.

"Let's go, Guy. Today we'll train with Meihui," Haotian withdrew his gaze and turned to Guy.

Guy's spirits immediately lifted upon hearing this. He clenched his fists, brimming with fighting spirit. "Alright! The hot blood of youth is boiling! Let's welcome even greater challenges with sweat and effort!"

The two walked out of Haotian's house side-by-side, bathed in the warm sunlight, heading towards the Uchiha compound.

The morning air was fresh and cool, carrying a hint of earthy fragrance, refreshing the mind and spirit.

Birds sang cheerfully on the branches, adding a light and joyful atmosphere to their journey.

The road leading to the Uchiha compound was lined with tall trees, their branches and leaves forming a dense canopy, casting dappled shadows on the ground.

A gentle breeze rustled the leaves, sounding like whispers.

Haotian and Guy chatted and laughed as they walked, their steps light, and soon arrived at the entrance of the Uchiha compound.

With a "shing," Haotian formed hand seals, and a Shadow Clone identical to him appeared beside him.

"Go to Obito's house and look after Madara's Grandma for him," Haotian instructed in a low voice.

The Shadow Clone nodded and quickly vanished from the spot.

Meanwhile, at Obito's home, Obito, who was dozing by Madara's Grandma's bedside, suddenly felt a faint chakra fluctuation.

He snapped his eyes open and saw a person identical to Haotian standing before him.

"Are you... Haotian's Shadow Clone?" Obito asked in surprise.

The Shadow Clone smiled slightly and nodded, "That's right. Haotian sent me to take over for you. You should go get some rest."

Obito was stunned for a moment, a warmth spreading through his heart.

Ever since Madara's Grandma fell ill, he had been caring for her day and night, barely getting any sleep.

Now, Haotian had sent a Shadow Clone to help him. This kindness touched him deeply.

"Thank you, Haotian," Obito said sincerely, his eyes slightly moist.

The Shadow Clone patted Obito on the shoulder and said earnestly, "We're friends, helping each other is natural. Get some rest, I'll handle things here." Obito nodded gratefully, got up, and left the room.

Watching Obito's retreating back, a subtle smile touched the Shadow Clone's lips. It then turned to Madara's Grandma's bedside and gently took her withered hand...