Ninja Way

"Regarding the methods of refining chakra, whether it be from your respective clans, the Ninja Academy of the past, or even Senju Heye, I trust you have all been instructed in great detail. Therefore, I shall not waste words repeating such basic knowledge here."

"However, one point must be emphasized: you must not only persist in refining chakra daily, but you must also constantly strive to perceive its flow and fluctuations with your heart. Only by doing so can you truly achieve precise control and flexible application of your own chakra." Senju Tobirama crossed his arms over his chest, his expression exceptionally stern and serious as he explained this key point.

No sooner had his voice fallen than the members of the small group originally known as the F4—or rather, it would be more accurate to call them the F5 now, as Torifu Akimichi had officially joined their ranks—nodded in succession, signaling that they had taken his words to heart.

"Of course, there are exceptions to every rule. For those clans possessing a Kekkei Genkai, there is no need to expend excessive effort on the refinement of chakra; one need only let it develop naturally." Senju Tobirama continued his explanation in a measured, unhurried tone.

His gaze fell upon the faces of the F5, which revealed a hint of envy, and he continued, "It must be admitted that a Kekkei Genkai is indeed a special favor from the heavens. It allows those with such unique abilities to gradually increase their internal chakra reserves while simultaneously delving deeper into the development of their bloodline."

"However, compared to chakra refined through one's own efforts, chakra born from the development of a Kekkei Genkai often presents in an unstable state. Even worse, this instability can sometimes cause the individual's temperament and disposition to undergo drastic changes."

Just yesterday evening, upon learning that Tobirama would be lecturing here, Qile, eager to learn, had tossed and turned all night! By the time dawn finally broke, he had even cast aside his daily seal-training routine and rushed straight to the Hokage Rock.

Upon reaching the Hokage Rock, he quickly found a thick, sturdy tree and, using every ounce of his strength, hollowed it out.

At this moment, Qile was hiding his form within the tree hollow he had carved that morning, his ears pricked high, intently eavesdropping on the conversation ahead.

His brow, previously relaxed, gradually furrowed, and he muttered softly to himself, "Tch~ Just as I thought! No matter what they are doing, they never forget to take a jab at the Uchiha."

In the entire Ninja World, only the Uchiha clan suffered such significant shifts in temperament as their Kekkei Genkai developed.

Still, one had to admit that while Senju Tobirama could be unpleasant at times, he was undeniably capable. Take this point about the chakra generated by Kekkei Genkai development—the need to continuously sense and comprehend it.

Regarding this specific point, no one had ever mentioned it to Qile before.

Just as Qile was lost in thought, he heard Tobirama's resonant voice ring out once more: "Beyond that, I would like to ask you all: for a ninja, what is the most important thing of all?"

Hearing Tobirama's question, the F5 could not help but look at one another, momentarily at a loss for how to answer.

Seeing their reaction, Tobirama did not deliberately make things difficult for them.

He nodded slightly and explained slowly: "It is the Ninja Way!"

"The so-called Ninja Way is the belief and the path that every ninja must seek out and uphold. Only when you have found your own Ninja Way can you break through your limits on the path of cultivation and become ever stronger! Therefore, I hope you will calm your minds and seriously consider where your own Ninja Way lies!"

With these words, the F5 lowered their heads, falling into deep contemplation as they began to earnestly ponder what their own Ninja Way might be.

Meanwhile, hiding in the tree and secretly observing, Qile could not help but frown upon hearing this, thinking to himself, "What should my own Ninja Way be..."

For Qile, a so-called Ninja Way might just be setting a clear goal and spending one's entire life striving for it.

However, in truth, Qile knew very well that his greatest wish was simply to survive.

After all, he knew he lacked the ability to change the stubborn ideas of Madara, nor could he stop Madara from implementing the plans he had already calculated in his heart.

Since he could not change Madara's actions, danger and threats would follow him like a shadow.

Of course, Qile had considered another possibility—simply disguising himself as a useless waste. Perhaps that would make Madara or others lose interest in him, and in turn, give up on using or harming him.

Once Madara left Konoha, he could find a place he deemed relatively safe and live out his days in obscurity, merely scraping by.

Yet, every time this thought crossed his mind, Qile could not help but ask himself: "Is this really the life I want? Is this life of no ambition and mediocrity truly my choice?"

He seemed completely immersed in his own thoughts, turning a deaf ear to what Tobirama said next. Various visions and possibilities for his future path surfaced in his mind, and time slipped away quietly.

He did not know how much time had passed, but the surroundings finally returned to silence. Tobirama had long since departed with the F5, leaving no trace behind.

By now, the sun had shifted to the far west of the sky, as if ready to fall behind the mountains and end its daily mission at any moment.

He slowly crawled out of the tree where he had been hiding and stood upon the Hokage Rock, standing quietly as he gazed at the sunset glow fading in the distance.

The golden sunlight draped the entire Konoha in a magnificent golden veil, making the village look exceptionally beautiful.

"Konoha is indeed breathtaking, it is just a pity that there is no path here for me," Qile shook his head gently, his face revealing a trace of regret and helplessness.

He turned his head, cast his gaze toward Yeling, who had been silently following him all along, and asked softly, "Yeling, what is your Ninja Way?"

Hearing this sudden question, Yeling was slightly startled, appearing somewhat confused as to why Qile would ask such a thing. After a brief silence, a gentle smile gradually spread across her lips as she replied, "Hmm... if I must give an answer, I think it would be to protect..."

"To protect, huh?" Qile nodded thoughtfully, though he offered no clear evaluation or response. After a moment, he suddenly chuckled, his tone light as he said, "Heh~ since I'm already here! I will be the number one in this Ninja World..."