On the ship.
As Byakuren finished speaking, Hozuki Gengetsu understood as well.
Still, he remained unwilling to accept it. Clenching his fists and furrowing his brow, he asked, "Teacher, then what evidence do you think we would need before we can kill him?"
"Gengetsu, you are too narrow-minded. As the village's next-generation Mizukage, you must learn to broaden your mind.
"Besides, this world is not simply black and white. Takenaka Kaguya's combat power is currently an important pillar of the village.
"And don't forget, Genji and the others behind him are firmly supporting him. If you make a move against him now, becoming the village's next-generation Mizukage will become very difficult for you."
At that, Byakuren sighed. He turned to look at Half-Moon Island, which was nearly out of sight, and said leisurely, "Wait a little longer. Takenaka Kaguya is still useful for now. At the very least, under certain circumstances, he can become a blade in your hand.
"As long as he has not completely betrayed the village, there are some things he must do even if he does not want to."
Hearing this, how could Hozuki Gengetsu fail to understand Byakuren's intentions? He immediately bowed respectfully and said, "Teacher, you have considered everything thoroughly. This disciple was too hasty."
"It is good that you understand. That is all. Once we return, I will leave the matter of the Tailed Beasts to you." Byakuren waved a hand and smiled faintly.
"Yes, Teacher!"
Time flew by, and more than half a year passed in the blink of an eye.
On Half-Moon Island, a sword aura slashed across the sea, cleaving the ocean ahead in two. After a long while, the seawater finally rushed back together and returned to calm.
At that moment, a youth around five foot seven cast a sharp gaze over the tranquil sea. The corner of his mouth lifted slightly as he muttered, "By the system's standards, my swordsmanship has finally reached the Great Swordsman level. Unfortunately, even though I have trained the Six Powers to the advanced level, my overall evaluation remains at Peak Kage-level. I still have not entered the Half-Step Six Paths Level."
"Takenaka, take a break. Come eat something."
Suddenly, a gentle voice rang out nearby.
Hearing it, Takenaka Kaguya turned his head. He then laughed heartily and said, "Aunt, didn't I say that I would go back on my own after I finished training?"
As he spoke, he put away the famous blade Shusui and quickly walked over.
Over the past half year, Yuko Kaguya's entire demeanor had changed considerably. Her eyes had become gentler, and she was no longer as cold as before.
During these days of living together day and night, Takenaka Kaguya had seen Yuko Kaguya's changes and felt delighted by them.
A moment later, Yuko Kaguya gently handed him a clean towel to wipe his face and hands. Then she smiled and asked, "Hurry and taste it. How is the sushi I just made?"
"Alright. You should eat too, Aunt."
Takenaka Kaguya took the sushi and ate a bite. He did not spare his praise, making Yuko Kaguya's face bloom with a few more smiles.
"Alright."
The two ate while looking at the distant scenery. It had to be said that living on an island during one's leisure time was quite pleasant.
A moment later, after finishing all the sushi, Yuko Kaguya tidied up as she asked softly, "Takenaka, hasn't the village assigned you any missions lately? Over the past half year, aside from delivering supplies to us on schedule, it feels as if the village has forgotten us."
Hearing this, Takenaka Kaguya understood what Yuko Kaguya meant. Smiling, he explained, "It is not that they have not assigned me missions. I simply refused them all on the grounds that I needed to train and improve my strength.
"As for contact, Elder Genji and I have remained in touch. It is only because he did not want to disturb my training that Elder Genji did not come bother us.
"What is it, Aunt? Do you want to go back to the village and take a look? If you do, then when the next supply ship arrives, we can go back together.
"Elder Genji said in his letter that Kirigakure has been developing quite well. Not only have several new docks been built, but the Daimyo has also ordered that all missions requiring commissions within the country must be sent to the village. As a result, the village now has ample funds to sustain itself. Overall, it has truly become much better."
However, contrary to Takenaka Kaguya's expectations, Yuko Kaguya shook her head and said, "I do not care what the village has become. From the moment we left the village and came to live on Half-Moon Island, everything about the village ceased to have anything to do with me.
"Aunt simply feels that you are so strong, Takenaka. You should not remain trapped on this small island forever. That is all."
"Hehe, Aunt, it is not that I am trapped on Half-Moon Island. It is that my current strength is still insufficient to accomplish my goal.
"Otherwise, why would I train so diligently?" Takenaka Kaguya chuckled, a glint flashing in his eyes.
Yuko Kaguya became interested upon hearing that and immediately asked, "Your goal? You have never told me about that. I thought you simply enjoyed training!"
"Mm-hm, I did not tell you because I did not want you to worry.
"After all, my goal is to challenge the legendary Ninja of the Shinobi World, Hashirama Senju and Madara Uchiha. Although my strength is growing now, I should still be some distance away from them.
"Oh, right, Aunt. A few days ago, Sister Mito from Konoha sent me a message saying that the Land of Whirlpools next to us is preparing for a grand event. If you are interested, I can accompany you to take a look." Takenaka Kaguya nodded and spoke gently.
"Sister Mito? Hashirama Senju's wife?"
Yuko Kaguya neither said she would go nor said she would not. Instead, she was rather interested in the Sister Mito Takenaka Kaguya had mentioned.
"Mm-hm, she is the wife of Konoha's First Hokage, Hashirama Senju. Half a year ago, when Konoha held the Five Kage Summit, I was fortunate enough to meet her. She even invited me to her home as a guest.
"We got along very well, and I resemble her late younger brother, so she has taken rather good care of me.
"Since returning, she has had several letters delivered to me, so we have remained in contact.
"A few days ago, she mentioned a ninjutsu called the Yin Seal in her letter. I am very interested in it.
"And this grand event in the Land of Whirlpools will also be attended by her as Konoha's representative. If you would like to take a look, Aunt, you can come with me." Takenaka Kaguya did not hide anything and explained everything one by one.
After hearing him out, Yuko Kaguya smiled and shook her head. "I will not go. I have never liked lively places like that.
"Still, I am quite interested in her. Besides, in a few years, you will have to marry as well, Takenaka. I think that if possible, you should continue keeping in touch with Mito Uzumaki. If you can form a marriage alliance with the Uzumaki Clan someday, then Aunt will no longer need to worry about the important matter of your marriage!"
Before you continue