Land of Whirlpools, Dragon Release Village.
Three years of development had allowed this emerging ninja village to establish itself firmly.
Its ninja population had surpassed three thousand. Although it still lagged behind the Five Great Shinobi Villages, it had already surpassed most small and medium-sized ninja villages.
More importantly, there was quality.
"Haku, Kimimaro, that's enough sparring for today."
On the training ground, Lin Ze (the Suzaku clone), who had taken on his original body's appearance, called a halt to their fight.
Ten-year-old Haku and Kimimaro stopped and stood still. Both had minor injuries, but their eyes were bright and their breathing steady.
After three years of systematic training, both had reached Special Jōnin level, their strength advancing rapidly under Lin Ze's instruction.
"Go to the Medical Team to have your wounds treated, then practice chakra control," Lin Ze instructed.
"Yes!"
The two bowed, then turned and left.
Lin Ze watched them go, satisfaction flashing in his eyes.
Haku had inherited his mother's Ice Release Kekkei Genkai and developed more variations on that foundation.
Unfortunately, even after repeated experiments, Kimimaro's Shikotsumyaku-related bloodline disease remained uncontrollable, so Lin Ze decided to clone a new body for him.
Besides them, Karin had also begun training her chakra.
Almost five, Karin had inherited the Uzumaki Clan's vast chakra reserves and powerful life force. Although she did not know any ninjutsu yet, she had already completed basic chakra extraction.
"Big Brother Lin Ze!"
Karin ran over, her little face flushed. "When I extracted chakra today, I felt like there was a little more than yesterday!"
Lin Ze ruffled her hair.
"Very good. Keep working hard."
Karin nodded vigorously, then asked:
"Mom said she's going to help at Big Sister Nonō's hospital today. Can I go watch?"
"Go ahead, but don't disturb their work."
"Okay!"