A waterfall several dozen feet high cascaded down Blue Rock Cliff like a clamorous silver chain, crashing into the crystal-clear pool below with an unending roar.
The spray soaked the pebbles and lush clumps of ferns along the bank, filling the air with moisture and the fresh scent of greenery.
Hinata Hyuga sat beside the pool with her younger sister, Hanabi, who had curled up like a kitten with her head in her sister's lap.
The drifting mist had dampened the tips of Hinata's hair.
Sensing the tension in her sister's small body, she reached out and gently stroked Hanabi's head.
"It's all right, Hanabi."
Hinata's voice was soft, like a breeze brushing across the water.
"Dad is very strong. He'll definitely come home safe and sound from his business in Kirigakure."
Her fingertips were warm as she gently soothed her sister.
"Mm."
Hanabi nestled her little face into the crook of her sister's arm and murmured an answer, but her small hand unconsciously tightened around Hinata's sleeve.
Dad has been so mysterious lately. It feels like he's hiding lots of things from me and my sister.
With that thought, Hanabi lifted her face, her clear Byakugan eyes turning toward the foot of the waterfall.
Where the falling water struck hardest, a golden figure stood firmly in the waist-deep pool, enduring the pounding current.
A pitch-black ball of energy gathered in his hand, radiating a formidable aura.
Naruto had learned the Rasengan recently and was now developing the Spiraling Ring and the Great Spiraling Ring.
Apart from teaching Hanabi and Hinata the Divine Vacuum Attack, Naruto now spent every day training.
He had an idea: since he was so talented at developing bloodline abilities, perhaps he could develop a kekkei mōra himself.
Being at the Six Paths level did not