Hearing this, four pairs of interested eyes couldn't help but look in a certain direction.
Step by step, the white coat fluttered while the newcomer's small frame became clear with traits of a messy outlook yet a confident smile, striding unhurriedly bathing under the rays of sunshine.
"Yoichi!" X3
Tsunade drove forward and embraced him. Her uneasiness had undoubtedly gone over once Yoichi arrived as if it were a reunion after a separation.
"I'm glad that you are fine..." She muttered inaudibly.
"I appreciate the kind gestures so much." Yoichi patted her back.
I'm so jealous! Why can't I find just like that who will coax me to death?!
Good thing he's back...
Uchiha Yoichi... These children sure has a close affinity to each other.
Jiraiya, Orochimaru, and Hiruzen had different thoughts churning in their minds. For a long time, the two were still in a very ambiguous position and chatted with each other.
"Ahem."
Until Hiruzen coughed awkwardly.
Tsunade blinked, looking at the three behind her before she blushed deeply.
"I—it is great that you're back." She then pushed away Yoichi and casually flicked her ponytail to disguise her embarrassment.
"Yoichi, welcome back! How does the outside world feel?" Jiraiya exclaimed, dismissing his envious thoughts not long ago.
"We'll talk about this later on." Yoichi smiled as his gaze shifted to Hiruzen.
"Continue your training. I'll be having a personal conversation with your best friend in the meantime. Let's go."
Noticing the child's stare, Hiruzen nodded in agreement and sped up into the Hokage's office alongside Yoichi, who immediately followed suit.
This completed mission demanded private space and further deliberation after all. The Kumo delegations would be coming up with unspecified goals so any information following the task could be a timely context for Hiruzen and the officials.
"What a bummer!" Jiraiya chided.
Soon enough, the three sat down in the shade of a luscious tree and began to refine the Chakra.
...
...
...
"Come on, Yoichi. Sit down." Kohaku insisted, looking at Yoichi.
"Did something happen afterwards?" Yoichi sat down, asking a question right off the bat.
After reporting the mission, Yoichi visited Kohaku for his great help against those who ambushed him.
To briefly summarize what happened earlier, Yoichi provided Kaedehara Yumiko's deceased corpse right in front of Hiruzen and the officials.
Of course, he hadn't revealed the space pouch's ability in their faces.
However, what surprised him was Danzo's calmness amidst Koharu and Homura's inquisitiveness.
This indisputably vexed Yoichi's mind.
In the end, he accepted the monetary reward of 210,000 Ryō and instantly went to the Uchiha Compound with a pondering expression on his face.
"You do not need to worry about it. We're just waiting for the right moment to strike back and pile up other proof with tremendous weight on it." Kohaku sipped a tea, hydrating his parched throat.
The identification of the Chūnin along with the remains of the 2 Jōnin in the previous ambush was identified by their comprehensive investigation.
These troops were a part of the ANBU division under the direct control of the Hokage.
Unauthorized departure and trapping a fellow Konoha Citizen must be a capital offense against Danzo and his colleagues.
Regardless, this matter wouldn't work out.
Those treacherous officials could wash themselves out of the involvement by disregarding these deceased shinobi as traitors defiling their reputation or other underhanded agendas behind the scenes.
If Kohaku's gonna move, it must be cutthroat; not a back-and-forth brawl.
"I understand, Kohaku-sama. I'll take my leave now." Yoichi soon left the room without any more questions.
"I hope that clears your vexation..."
All alone, Kohaku whispered while glancing at the ripples within his tea.
...
...
...
Right before the radiant sun began to settle down, four children were in the barbecue restaurant grilling juicy meat, permeating the atmosphere.
"Is there something wrong?" Tsunade asked, peeking at Yoichi.
"Come on, eat up! You can't be thinking with food in front of you!" Jiraiya handed over his cooked food with a smile on his cheeky face.
"Hmmm... Pretty good. Nice job!"
Seeing this, Yoichi shook his head and ate food, subconsciously nodding.
The thoughts of Danzo's befuddling behavior led Yoichi to ponder for quite some time until he broke off his views and focused on the current occasion.
Calm down. There's gotta be time for that. I'll take my lively time here first.
Soon enough, the talks between the rest of the group were resounding with discussions surrounding daily life, training progress, and other miscellaneous topics.
"How about it? Do you think it's cool? I named it Transparent Escape Jutsu! Even Hiruzen-sensei wanted to have a piece of my technique!" Jiraiya felt proud, beaming with anticipation.
"Bending the light and using water vapor as a refraction medium... Not bad. But what is its purpose? To spy?" Yoichi raised an eyebrow.
"Exactly! To spy on the bath— I mean disguising myself against the enemy!" Jiraiya stuttered as the ambiance felt colder when Tsunade glared at him.
He then shivered, glancing at Yoichi's smile as if it were a teasing remark.
"Do not slander me like that!"
"Hahaha!" Yoichi laughed.
The jovial chuckles and remarks rang inside the barbecue restaurant. Even though it was quite short, the group enjoyed their time together in unison.
...
"Finally, I'm back! Nothing has truly changed ever since I left."
After the get-together, Yoichi went into his house and savored his alone time, sitting on the same couch with clarity.
All of the recollections of the events struck him in a moment. The previous ambush, the thunderous mountains, and the Kumo Shinobi's aggression.
I'm still unable to fend for myself.
Involuntarily, he stood up and went to the backyard in heavy steps. The training must commence regardless without any further breaks.
Therefore, he adjusted the weighted bangles to 15 KG and threw a series of punches amidst the cold breeze of the evening.
His figure became taut, his fists swung faster, and his mind acknowledged that strength is a must-have.
Any schemes and treacherous plans will fold in the face of absolute power.
「Mountain Crushing Fist EXP +1」
「Mountain Crushing Fist EXP +1」
「Mountain Crushing Fist EXP +1」
__________
Short chapter for the next arc. I deeply apologize for the lukewarm Kumogakure Arc. But I'll cook even harder than this, I promise.
Thanks to anyone who supported me! Thank you so much!