Yin Seal, Marriage Pressure

On the ship.

As Byakuren's words fell, Hozuki Gengetsu understood as well.

Still, he remained unwilling to accept it. Clenching his fists and frowning, he asked, "Teacher, then what evidence would we need before we can kill him?"

"Gengetsu, your mind is too narrow. As the village's next-generation Mizukage, you must learn to broaden your horizons.

"Besides, this world is not simply black and white. Takenaka Kaguya's combat power is currently an important pillar of the village.

"And do not forget that Genji and the others are firmly supporting him. If you move against him now, it will become very difficult for you to become the village's next-generation Mizukage."

At this point, Byakuren sighed. He turned to glance 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 the 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 things more thoroughly. This disciple was too impatient."

"It is good that you understand. That is all. After we return, I will leave the matter of the Tailed Beast to you." Byakuren waved his 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 streak of sword energy swept forth, splitting the sea ahead cleanly in two. It took a long while before the seawater finally closed again and returned to calm.

At that moment, a young man around five feet seven inches tall cast a sharp gaze over the now tranquil sea. The corner of his lips curled upward as he muttered, "By the system's standards, my swordsmanship has finally reached the level of a Great Swordsman. Unfortunately, even though I have trained the Six Powers to an advanced level, my overall evaluation remains at the peak of Kage-level. I still have not stepped into even half a step of the Six Paths level."

"Takenaka, take a break. Come eat something."

Suddenly, a gentle voice sounded from nearby.

Hearing her, Takenaka Kaguya turned around and laughed heartily. "Aunt, did I not say that I would return on my own once I finished training?"

As he spoke, he put away the famed blade Shusui and quickly walked over.

Over the past half year, Yuko Kaguya's entire demeanor had changed considerably. Her gaze had become gentler, and she was no longer as cold as before.

During their days of living together, Takenaka Kaguya had seen Yuko Kaguya's changes with his own eyes, and they delighted him.

A moment later, Yuko Kaguya gently handed him a clean towel to wipe his face and hands. Then she smiled and said, "Hurry and try it. How is the sushi I just made?"

"Okay. You should eat too, Aunt."

Takenaka Kaguya accepted the sushi and took a bite. He spared no praise in complimenting it, making Yuko Kaguya's face brighten with a few more smiles.

"Okay."

The two ate while admiring the distant scenery. It had to be said that living on an island was quite pleasant during one's leisure time.

A moment later, after they had finished all the sushi, Yuko Kaguya packed up while asking softly, "Takenaka, has the village not assigned you any missions lately? Over the past half year, apart from delivering supplies to us on schedule, it feels as though the village has forgotten about 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 all this time. It is just that, in order not to disturb my training, Elder Genji has not come to bother us.

"What is it, Aunt? Do you want to return to the village for a look? If you do, we can go back together when the next supply ship arrives.

"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 how the village has changed. Ever since we left the village and came to live on this Half-Moon Island, everything about the village has had nothing to do with me.

"Aunt simply feels that someone as strong as you should not be 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 through his eyes.

Yuko Kaguya became interested upon hearing that. She immediately asked, "Your goal? You have never told me about that. I thought you simply liked training!"

"Mm, I did not tell you because I did not want you to worry.

"After all, my goal is to challenge the legendary ninjas of the Shinobi World, Hashirama Senju and Madara Uchiha. Although my strength is growing, there is probably still some distance between us.

"Oh, right, Aunt. A few days ago, Sister Mito from Konoha sent me a message. She said that the neighboring Land of Whirlpools 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? Is she Hashirama Senju's wife?"

Yuko Kaguya neither said that she would go nor that she would not. Instead, she was rather interested in the Sister Mito mentioned by Takenaka Kaguya.

"Yes, 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.

"During the time since I returned, she has had several letters delivered to me, so we have kept in touch.

"A few days ago, she mentioned a ninjutsu called the Yin Seal in one of her letters. I am very interested in it.

"And for this grand event in the Land of Whirlpools, she will also attend as Konoha's representative. If you want to take a look, Aunt, you can come with me." Takenaka Kaguya did not hide anything and explained each matter in turn.

After listening, Yuko Kaguya smiled and shook her head. "I will not go. I have never liked lively places like that.

"Still, I am rather interested in her. Besides, in a few years, you will need to marry too, 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 then, Aunt will no longer have to worry about your lifelong affairs!"