"Thump, thump, thump!" A furious pounding slammed against Haotian's door like a battering ram, making the wooden boards creak.
The noise rudely shattered the morning's quiet and dispelled what little sleepiness Haotian had left.
He struggled out of bed, aching all over, as if he hadn't spent the night sleeping but wrestling a raging beast.
"Haotian! Time to get up and train! The flames of youth are burning! Are you really going to miss this precious time?" Guy's unmistakably booming voice rang out from beyond the door, full of vigor and energy—a stark contrast to Haotian's current sluggish state.
Haotian rubbed his bleary eyes. His head felt heavy; his "conversation" with Ghidorah in the mental space last night had nearly exhausted him.
The enormous golden, three-headed dragon had been hostile toward him and refused to release even the slightest bit of power.
The man and the dragon had faced off in the silent space, their mental clash more exhausting than any Taijutsu training.
He trudged to the door and pulled back the curtain.
Blinding sunlight poured in at once, making him squint.
Guy stood outside, his signature green jumpsuit now covered in dust and mud, his hair a disheveled mess, as if he'd just rolled around in a mud pit.
It was a far cry from his usual immaculate appearance.
"Guy, what happened to you...?" Haotian asked in surprise, his gaze sweeping over Guy's disheveled clothes.
Guy didn't seem to mind. He patted the dust off himself and grinned, revealing a row of bright white teeth. "Oh, it's nothing! You know, while you were sleeping, the girls crowded around your house, chattering away so loudly I couldn't train in peace! So I had to use my youthful energy to chase them all off!" He puffed out his chest, looking so proud you'd think he'd accomplished some great feat.
Haotian couldn't help but smile wryly. A sense of helplessness welled up inside him, along with a touch of gratitude.
He'd been so tired last night that he hadn't noticed what was happening outside.
"Thanks, Guy," Haotian said sincerely.
Guy clapped him on the shoulder and laughed heartily. "We're teammates! Helping each other is only right! All right, don't dawdle. Get ready, and let's start today's training!"
But Haotian suddenly stopped, his eyes drifting toward the window as his brow furrowed slightly.
He thought he'd heard a faint sound, like someone whispering...
Haotian leaned toward the window and peered outside. The morning sunlight fell over Konoha's streets, where all was peaceful and quiet. Nothing seemed amiss.
Maybe it was just the wind rustling the leaves, he thought.
"Let's go, Guy. Today, we'll find Meihui and train with her." Haotian looked away and turned to Guy.
At once, Guy perked up, fists clenched and fighting spirit high. "All right! The blood of youth is boiling! Let's greet an even greater challenge with sweat and hard work!"
The two walked out of Haotian's home side by side, basking in the warm sunlight as they headed toward the Uchiha Clan Compound.
The morning air was fresh and cool, carrying the faint fragrance of soil and lifting their spirits.
Birds sang merrily in the branches, adding a lighthearted note to their journey.
Tall trees lined the road leading to the Uchiha Clan Compound. Their thick foliage blotted out the sky and cast dappled shadows across the ground.
A breeze swept through, and the leaves rustled as if whispering to one another.
Haotian and Guy chatted and laughed along the way, their steps light. Before long, they reached the entrance to the Uchiha Clan Compound.
"Whoosh!" Haotian formed Hand Seals, and a Shadow Clone identical to him appeared at his side.
"Go to Obito's house and help look after Grandma Madara," Haotian instructed in a low voice.
The Shadow Clone nodded and vanished on the spot.
Meanwhile, at Obito's house, Obito was dozing beside Grandma Madara's bed when he suddenly sensed a faint ripple of Chakra.
His eyes flew open. A person who looked exactly like Haotian stood before him.
"You're... Haotian's Shadow Clone?" Obito asked in surprise.
The Shadow Clone smiled and nodded. "That's right. Haotian sent me to take over for you. Go get some rest."
Obito froze for a moment, warmth swelling in his chest.
Ever since Grandma Madara had fallen ill, he had been caring for her without a break, barely getting any sleep.
Now Haotian had sent a Shadow Clone to help him. He was deeply touched by the gesture.
"Thank you, Haotian," Obito said sincerely, his eyes growing slightly misty.
The Shadow Clone patted Obito on the shoulder and said earnestly, "We're friends. Helping each other is only right. Go get some rest. I can take care of things here." Obito nodded gratefully and left the room.
Watching Obito walk away, the Shadow Clone's lips curled into a faint, almost imperceptible smile. Then he turned to Grandma Madara's bed and gently took her thin, withered hand...
Before you continue