Erza nodded without hesitation, then placed her hand firmly on the summoning circle drawn across the scroll. She began channelling her chakra into the intricate seal, and the pattern responded immediately, glowing with a soft, pulsing light.
As her chakra flowed into the formation, Shanks suddenly felt a distinct pull—an invisible thread connecting him to the summoning circle. It wasn't just a physical sensation; it was as if the technique itself was calling out to him, extending an invitation. Within that sensation, he instinctively understood there were two choices: reject or accept the call.
Without hesitation, Shanks accepted.
In the blink of an eye, he vanished from his place.
A moment later, a cloud of white smoke erupted above the scroll, enveloping the entire summoning area. As the smoke cleared, the children watched with wide eyes—and then erupted into cheers.
Standing calmly in the centre of the summoning circle was Shanks.
The Human-to-Human Summoning Technique had worked.
The children burst into celebration, their cheers echoing through the forest clearing. After months of effort, setbacks, and relentless trial and error, they had finally succeeded in recreating a sealing technique. The joy on their faces was pure and infectious.
Shanks smiled, pride swelling in his chest as he looked around at his young clanmates. Erza stepped back, her eyes shining with quiet satisfaction.
Their year of dedication and hard work had paid off.
Shanks stood before the group, his presence calm but commanding. "Today," he began, "we accomplished something truly significant. We've successfully replicated the human-to-human summoning technique. This is no small feat—it's a major step forward for all of us."
He let the words settle for a moment, scanning the faces of children in front of him.
"This technique isn't just impressive—it's practical. From now on, if any of us are ever in danger or facing overwhelming odds during a mission, we can call on each other instantly. No one has to face threats alone anymore. That's something to be proud of."
Murmurs of agreement rippled through the group as heads nodded.
"But," Shanks continued, his tone tightening, "this achievement isn't a reason to slow down. You've all worked hard, and I've seen real growth over the past year—physical, mental, and spiritual. I respect that deeply. But strength is a moving target. The moment you think you've done enough, you start falling behind."
He paused, his voice sharp with intent. "You need to keep pushing forward. Keep training. Keep sharpening your skills. Don't let this progress become a resting place."
"Am I clear?"
"Clear, Onii-san!" the group replied in unison, their voices strong and steady.
Shanks nodded with approval. "Good. Now let's not forget—we also have a clan meeting scheduled for today. It's important. It marks one full year since we relocated to this valley and chose to live in secrecy. A lot has happened in that time, and it's time we reflect, regroup, and prepare for what comes next."
With that, he turned and began walking toward the path that led deeper into the forest towards the valley. One by one, the children followed, quiet and focused, their footsteps echoing in the forest.
Within an hour, all eighteen members of the Uzumaki Clan had gathered in the heart of the valley. They sat in a loose but familiar arrangement—children on one side, women on the other, and Shanks seated at the centre. There were no formal seats or ceremonial trappings; this wasn't a high-stakes war council, just a general clan meeting. Everyone sat on the grass, the air calm, the atmosphere relaxed but attentive.
Shanks looked around at the faces he had come to rely on over the past year and said plainly, "There's only one real topic for today—our current expenditures."
From the left side, Miki, who handled the clan's finances and was solely responsible for managing resources and supplies, spoke up. Her tone was calm but firm.
"You're right, Clan Head. There's only one major issue on the table, and that's our spending. It's starting to raise concern. Right now, we're living well—perhaps too well given our circumstances. The food we provide is of high quality, carefully selected to ensure proper nutrition for the children. We've also been buying various medicinal herbs to support those engaged in physical training."
She paused, glancing briefly at her notes before continuing.
"Then there's the training gear—equipment, weapons, protective gear. All of it adds up. In this past year alone, we've spent close to five million ryō. That's a substantial sum. If we maintain this pace without making adjustments, our reserves will only last another four years—maybe less, depending on unforeseen needs."
Murmurs stirred among the group. Some looked surprised, others thoughtful. The atmosphere shifted slightly—still calm, but tinged with growing awareness.
Shanks nodded slowly, acknowledging Miki's concern. "I understand," he said. "After all, I'm the one who travels to Tonika Village to purchase our supplies—I see the numbers firsthand. But I want to make one thing clear: there's no need to worry. These expenses, every single one of them, are necessary for our survival and growth."
He paused, letting his words settle before continuing.
"I've been planning for this since the day we arrived in this valley. I knew our costs would eventually reach this level. That's why, from the beginning, I decided to stay here—alongside all of you—until the children are strong enough to protect each other, and until all of you, the women who've cared for and guided them, are no longer vulnerable."
His voice deepened, conviction in every word. "At the same time, I've been working toward my own goal—to become strong enough that I no longer need to hide. Strong enough to take on missions openly, without fearing retaliation from any other village."
He looked toward the children, some of whom sat listening with wide eyes, well aware of how much their growth meant to the clan's future.
"And so far, everything is going according to plan. The children are progressing steadily. After just one year of intense training, they've already reached the level of Genin—and not just the average kind. Their skills are pushing the boundaries of Chūnin-level strength. If they continue on this path, I estimate that within two more years, most of them will reach the level of Special Jōnin."
He allowed himself a brief smile. "And Erza… Erza is eldest among them all. At her current pace, she'll reach full Jōnin level within that time—and not just any Jōnin. She'll be strong enough to stand toe-to-toe with Elite Jōnins."
The pride in his voice was unmistakable.
"So, when that time comes—two years from now—I'll leave the valley with peace of mind. I'll take on missions, travel more openly, and with my current strength, earning money won't be a problem. I'll ensure our clan's survival and stability from the outside, while the next generation protects it from within."
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