"Haaahh... Another good day to be alive." Yoichi yawned, with stark dark circles beneath his eyes.
Streaking sunlight pleasantly washed over his disheveled appearance as he caught the chilly draft of the dawn's breeze. Collecting his thoughts, Yoichi unhurriedly initiated the day with the same customary routine.
[Heavenly Demon Posture: (Perfection) 127/1000] (+4)
[Mountain Crushing Fist: (Great Success) 79/500] (+34)
[Lightning Spear Thrust: (Great Success) 48/500] (+20)
[Phantom Steps: (Great Success) 98/500] (+12)
[Secret Technique: Face Changing (Small Success) 129/300] (+45)
Pulling up an all-nighter with focus on his practice wasn't truly a significant deal for Yoichi. With the demanded training and resources, he believed that it was the start of his extreme regime towards huge improvement.
So in those 8 hours, from 8 PM to 4 AM, he gained a substantial amount of proficiency points after a week of action-packed events and stagnation.
Nevertheless, all of these things were exponentially piling up towards the huge progression since Martial Arts techniques seldom provide boosts during the burdensome training.
"AAARRRRGGGHHH!"
Yoichi screamed out in frustration, his entire physique was submerged in the hot tub's bubbling crimson mixture.
His sporadic screams echoed across the enclosed bathroom, gritting his teeth in irritation. The gurgling tonic actively gets rid of the impurities in the densely packed muscle fibers, effectively transforming excess fat into another source of fuel.
Like a well-oiled machine, the hidden joints and overlooked ligaments were in a constant cycle of rebirth. Yoichi's constitution was unlocking the very molecular structure and bringing the bonds between significant particles fortified in consecutive healing.
Not long ago, he made a mental note to refine his muscles each day. That's why he is in the process of refinement immediately in the morning.
Not only that, it has certain benefits for him such as a permanent increase in resilience and energy capacity.
"Hoooh!"
In an exclamation, thick steam vapors spewed out of his mouth. The reddish compounds became transparent and Yoichi's scarred body was displayed in plain sight.
"What an incredible feeling!"
Clenching his fist, the faint outline of the forearm muscles was shown. He then began to dress and stretched up.
"30 jins of punch force! Pretty decent."
After a consecutive string of punches, Yoichi nodded in acknowledgment. In his initial 850 jins, the 30 jins were a marginal progress. The added force couldn't be refuted in their own way.
This is something that could erase someone into existence, after all.
What did I even think of? It's Naruto, every shinobi will evade an attack no matter how much force is being put in.
With that being said, he took his time to cook and ate a whole lot of food.
"Yoichi! Are you there?! There's some latest news circulating in the village!"
Listening to this familiar voice, Yoichi then opened the door to see Jiraiya along with Tsunade, and Orochimaru behind him.
"Come on now! The delegations from Kumogakure are here! I wanted to see what made them tougher!" Tsunade remarked.
Orochimaru's eyes flickered, thinking about how durable a Kumo Shinobi is.
"Oh well, let's head out then."
As his white coat flapped, the 4 children vanished in an instant.
Though the deliberate protest from the representatives' goals remained obscure, he understood that their intent was solely to obtain his identity.
The only thing that matters is the Hokage's persistence against these baseless accusations.
Will Hiruzen fold like the Hyūga affair or will he fight back relentlessly?
...
"We are nearing Konoha, sir. Do you have any orders that you want to achieve?"
Seeing the huge establishment beyond the horizon, one of the Kumo delegations asked their superior.
"Pay attention to the information regarding Uchiha Yoichi. We couldn't let rumors be unfounded. Any tale, hearsay, or even a buzz should be collected in our detailed records."
"As for the remuneration process, I'll handle the talking. Interrupt me during the meeting and I'll have it be discussed in Raikage-sama's presence, do you understand?"
Upon hearing this, the two assistants nodded continuously, slightly shaking from imagining Ay's wrathful unrest.
The leading one shut the exchange down, sprinting ahead of time.
...
The two gigantic gates soon opened.
Then, three dark-skinned shinobi dressed in white flak vests and cloud forehead protectors appeared from the eyes of the public.
Most of these stares were laced with loathing and hatred ever since the Kumogakure peace treaty, deeming the Kumo as the main component for the Second Hokage's death.
Kinkaku Force was responsible for the death of the Second Hokage were hailed from Kumo. Another factor was that the peace treaty event took place near the Land of Lightning.
If these conclusive proofs weren't enough for the public to spite these Kumo Shinobi, who else to blame? Themselves? Hell no.
"Look! Here they are! Wait a minute... Why do they look like you?" Jiraiya ignorantly asked, glancing at Yoichi.
On the other hand, Yoichi opened his mouth, wanting to speak, yet in the end, he didn't. He has the blood of a Kumogakure Shinobi in his veins no matter how much he renounces it.
Jiraiya's remark was biologically true.
*Bang!*
"Shut your mouth!" Tsunade's fist smacked Jiraiya's head. "Are you actually that insensitive huh?"
This matter remained taboo since Yoichi has been fond of hearsay. It's not that prohibited to say, it's simply a little bit inconsiderate to tell a friend's personal dilemma and mental trauma right in front of the masses.
Orochimaru intuitively backed away for a little bit. He's silent, chill, and even weird sometimes; but he's not that unsympathetic in terms of emotional quotient.
"I'm so sorry, Yoichi! I swear I just blurted out instinctively." Jiraiya bowed slightly, truly apologizing.
"It's fine. No need to worry about it." Yoichi casually waved his hand. He has the wisdom of two lifetimes and the experience to handle it all.
If he's gonna be butthurt about it, then he'll become one of the most shameful reincarnators in the entire world.
"Sir, that's Uchiha Yoichi. Right there."
Due to their commotion, the Kumo representatives peeked in their direction with inquisitiveness.
I must report it back to Raikage-sama urgently! This brat might truly be our kin. An Uchiha with Kumogakure blood!
The leading shinobi's eyes shone with indiscernible opinions in his mind.
Soon enough, after the meticulous inspection, the Kumo Shinobi walked towards the Hokage's building.
That intent... Did he really think that I'm going to be a Kumo Shinobi?
"Let's go and fish for some food! I thought they would be that strong. Hah!" Tsunade then yanked Yoichi's hand, breaking away from the pack.
"Hey! Wait for us!"
Jiraiya and Orochimaru followed suit, going to the forest to hunt for food.
In free time available, who would want to miss being able to hang out with friends?
___________
Thanks for reading guys!