The Akatsuki and Amegakure ninjas had a difficult time at the end of the year, mainly due to the decrease in commissions and the shortage of food.
When Shu Furukawa returned to the camp, Orochimaru began his daily routine of "teaching" again:
"Those two children are really innocent. They are indeed the disciples taught by Jiraiya."
"Hanzo agreed to bear part of our material supply. Most of the Amegakure ninjas don't know about this."
"The "demigod" has turned into a power-hungry Old Man, and time has finally eroded Hanzo."
Orochimaru said with a complicated expression at the end. The enemy they failed to defeat at the beginning turned out to be begging for mercy from the powerful ninjas. It was very ugly no matter how you looked at it.
"Teacher Orochimaru, what is the ninjutsu that this leader Amegakure is best at?"
Shu Furukawa had a look of curiosity on his face, Orochimaru chuckled, and responded with a friendly smile on his pale face:
"The swordsmanship, Fire Release, and Water Release are all very good. Back then, his Water Body Flicker could even dodge my attacks."
"If we fight now, I am confident that I will kill this old guy. Rather than live an ugly life, I would rather see him die as a strong man."
"Remember, Shu! A ninja must adhere to his own way of ninja!"
"Yes, Teacher Orochimaru."
Shu Furukawa bowed slightly in response, Orochimaru smiled with satisfaction, then said with a playful expression:
"If one day I turn into that ugly look, you can kill me too!"
"I'm just trying to survive in this world by abandoning eternity. You don't want to see me in such a miserable state."
"Teachers always like to make weird assumptions like this."
Shu Furukawa looked "shocked", but in his heart he was secretly thinking about what [Collection] Hanzo could gain in the future.
More killings in the war also allowed him to conclude the law of [Collection]: targets killed with one's own hands can gain more.
--
At the end of December, the New Year is getting closer and closer, and the tense atmosphere of Konoha has also eased.
Snow covered the entire village, and the children smiled one after another and began to enjoy the first snow of the year.
Obito Uchiha, who is already 10 years old, is no longer as naive as he used to be. Although he insists on helping his grandmother, he spends more time practicing.
A person hangs upside down on a thick branch, Obito keeps curling up.
For next year's Chunin Ninja Exams, he has worked harder during this period.
"Huh..."
Panting heavily Obito felt that he could no longer hold on, but when he thought that Kakashi had thrown him away, his body regained some strength.
"Obito, so you are here!"
"Lin!"
Rin Nohara raised his umbrella and looked up at Obito. After saying hello loudly, he suddenly saw the other person falling from the tree and hurriedly ran over to check:
"It's okay, Obito! You have to concentrate on your practice!"
Obito fell into a daze, but when he saw the girl's concerned eyes, he immediately stood up and said coolly:
"There is nothing wrong with my health, Lin. I will definitely pass Chunin Ninja Exams next year!"
"Well, I believe you! Let's work together, Obito!"
Rin Nohara responded energetically, and at the same time carefully patted the snowflakes off Obito's scarf.
Obito froze in place, watching the girl's face turn red. Only Lin always cared about him.
"Xiu will return to the village tomorrow. Kakashi wants to celebrate. We can also go there. We haven't seen each other for a long time!"
"Obito, I can also ask for some battlefield experience at that time. It is said that the frontal battlefield is very scary."
Rin Nohara held an umbrella and talked about tomorrow's party with anticipation. Obito's neck was a little stiff. Seeing the girl's happy look, she secretly complained in her heart:
"Damn it! The gap is getting bigger and bigger!"
When Shu Furukawa and his party returned to the village, there were only four days left before the New Year. Inuzuka Ago and others were relieved when they saw the gate, and the big dog barked excitedly.
"I'm really sorry to trouble you, Xiu. I was almost attacked by the enemy when I left Land of Rain. I'm really old."
Inuzuka Ago took off his headscarf and thanked him with a tired expression. Shu Furukawa, who looked pale, leaned forward slightly and responded with a smile:
"Senior is still in his prime. This time Sunagakure used special means to cover up the smell."
"No matter who encounters those puppets, they will be in trouble. Thanks to the care of my seniors and everyone along the way."
When the young people at the Inuzuka Clan heard these words, they immediately felt bright. They took over most of the inspection tasks. Obviously Shu Furukawa recognized their strength.
"Xiu, you must come and sit in the clan when you have time."
"Yes, everyone welcomes you very much. Kuromaru even wants to abandon his master Claw and join you."
"Haha, Xiu should see how crazy she looks. Life in the village is better..."
Everyone warmly invited them, and Shu Furukawa nodded in agreement. When the group said goodbye, Kakashi waved and said hello loudly.
"I have been worried for a long time, but fortunately I returned successfully!"
Might Guy almost shed tears again. The camp was far away before, and he could only see the news about Shu Furukawa from the battle report.
Kakashi, who was wearing a scarf, glanced at Kai and said calmly:
"Xiu is an existence that is free from the three principles of medical ninja. The last such ninja was Lady Tsunade."
Asuma and others took over and kept arguing. Kakashi described the battlefield as hell to persuade everyone to retreat. Genma Shiranui didn't believe it, and Ebisu also complained.
Obito looks lonely. He has little experience in high-level tasks and it is difficult to participate in discussions.
The atmosphere in the meatball shop was joyful, and no one was talking about the front line anymore. The girls gathered together and chatted quietly after receiving the gifts.
Shizune pointed at the red scarf on his body and pushed Rin Nohara. Kurenai Yuhi on the side also laughed a few times and cheered together.
With the encouragement of the two of them, Rin Nohara finally came to Kakashi with a blushing face and presented the gift with both hands:
"Kakashi, I missed your birthday, consider this New Year's gift as compensation!"
"It's not useless! This is my perfect medical kit, which is more practical than the previous one."
"Thank you, Lin!"
Kakashi was a little surprised and solemnly accepted the gift. Obito felt sour when he saw the amulet embroidered on the medical bag.
"The New Year is coming, I hope you can use these ninjutsu tips!"
Shu Furukawa distributed the scrolls to the teenagers, and the ambiguous atmosphere just now was swept away. Obito subconsciously let out a sigh of relief, secretly grateful to Shu Furukawa for his "rescue".
Asuma shared the news about Chunin Ninja Exams next year. Obito, who has been practicing hard, can finally express himself and said with confidence:
"I will definitely pass this time. The 11-year-old Chunin is also very powerful among the Uchiha clan!"
"Obito, you don't have that talent and are not suitable for the battlefield."
Kakashi made a routine to persuade him to leave. Obito was so angry that he shouted loudly. For a while, everyone could only give advice.
Shu Furukawa ate the meatballs with a smile on his face and secretly counted the time in his heart:
"Less than 2 years left? Madara Uchiha, I need your "help"."
--