He planned to tell Aokumo and Ryūfū about the Sage Mode training method when they returned tonight. After all, he was still very curious about what unknown effects it truly had.
A few hours later, Aokumo and Ryūfū returned home. Torifū didn't know where they had gone to play; he hadn't seen a trace of the cranes all afternoon. While they were eating, Torifū told them about training in Sage Mode. Aokumo and Ryūfū seemed very happy about it. In truth, they flew out to play every day mainly because they were too idle. With nothing to do at home, they could only sit around, or be lectured by Snowflake. That's why they were always out. Now that they had something to do, it would probably keep them much calmer. At least, he shouldn't go a whole day without seeing a trace of the cranes.
However, the prerequisite for Sage Mode training was to find a place close to nature to better sense natural energy. The backyard of the Kumotsuru clan's compound was a relatively good spot. Because the clan had few members, even a large backyard remained undeveloped. It had always been empty, and the trees there were mostly very dense, existing long before the village was founded. Training there should be suitable.
Aokumo and Ryūfū couldn't sit still. As soon as they finished eating, they eagerly flew to the backyard to try training. Torifū was naturally pleased by this, silently giving them a thumbs-up in his heart. Then he returned to his room to prepare for a bath. He chuckled; he wasn't going to train at all. He only had this one day to rest before setting off again, and he didn't want to waste it. He couldn't possibly master Sage Mode in just one day anyway, so it was better to get some good rest.
As for how to clear the Hell Valley entrance, Torifū thought long and hard and finally decided to ask Hashirama. He wanted to see if Hashirama could come along. For an ordinary ninja, even ten, eight, or a hundred of them wouldn't be able to clear the narrow entrance to Hell Valley. Only large-scale Ninjutsu like the Uchiha clan's Susanoo or Hashirama's Wood Golem could solve it.
However, the Oyashirō clan still harbored some hostility towards the Uchiha. They had been thoroughly beaten into the valley years ago and still couldn't get out. Now, being saved by the Uchiha clan would certainly make them uncomfortable. If they were already at a disadvantage from the start, how could there be fair competition? Therefore, since the Uchiha clan couldn't do it, only this teacher could personally intervene.
Firstly, Hashirama's strength could easily deal with such a small cave. Secondly, it would make the Oyashirō clan feel that Konoha Village valued them. This would allow them to develop a sense of belonging to Konoha more quickly. He figured that even if Hashirama genuinely didn't want to go, he would definitely be persuaded by Torifū's plethora of reasons. After all, matters beneficial to the village were always closest to Hashirama's heart. Perhaps Torifū wouldn't even need any of these reasons.
Early the next morning, Torifū got up and went straight to Hashirama's house, planning to catch him by surprise. Indeed, when Torifū arrived, Hashirama was still in bed. Startled awake by Torifū, he looked at him with sleepy eyes, momentarily forgetting who this person was. It was Mito who wiped his face with a damp towel, which helped Hashirama wake up considerably.
"Torifū, what are you doing so early?" Hashirama was clearly a bit displeased about being woken up, but he had no intention of blaming his most beloved student. His tone was just a bit more serious.
"Sensei, I wanted to ask you to come with us to the Land of Lightning, because I really can't deal with the entrance to Hell Valley." Hashirama heard this and, realizing it was just about that, couldn't help but cover his forehead. He wished he had just explained it clearly to Torifū yesterday. Now he was woken up so early.
"After you told me yesterday, I already decided to go with you. I was planning to tell you this morning, but who would have thought you..." Hashirama's words trailed off, the rest turning into a long sigh.
"You should have told me earlier, Sensei! I specifically got up early, just to catch you off guard right after you woke up." Hashirama heard this and tapped Torifū's head: "Isn't it only right for a teacher to help his student when they encounter difficulties? Do you really need to come so early to catch me off guard?!"
Torifū then chuckled, attempting to get away with it. Hashirama was happy to play along and couldn't bring himself to punish him.
He had intended to send Torifū away and go back to sleep, but found that he was completely awake, with no trace of sleepiness left. So, he decided to get up. He asked Mito to prepare the armor he would wear that afternoon. It had been a long time since he had left Konoha Village, and now he even felt a sense of novelty. Before, he left the village mainly to persuade various clans to join Konoha. Ever since Konoha had completely stabilized, Hashirama hadn't left the village much. Although the purpose this time was not entirely the same as before, it was indeed to help his student. He felt a certain degree of emotion; this was the inheritance of the Will of Fire.
Mito also knew her husband's thoughts. She had already wiped the armor clean early and prepared all the supplies they might need on the road. Having such a virtuous wife was Hashirama's good fortune; if not for Mito, given Hashirama's personality, their home would probably be a mess.
Little Tsunade was still asleep, and Torifū didn't disturb her. Besides, Hashirama wouldn't allow Torifū to disturb Tsunade's sweet dreams. Although he missed Tsunade a bit since it had been some time, seeing Hashirama's murderous gaze, Torifū could only give up. Mito also made breakfast and asked Torifū if he wanted some. How could Torifū pass up an opportunity to freeload? He immediately asked his teacher's wife to add another set of chopsticks and a bowl for him.
"Torifū, I've prepared these things for your Sensei, you, and Naori. Please take good care of them." Mito knew Torifū had a Ninjutsu that could store items, so last night she went on a massive shopping spree. The sheer volume of two baskets full of food, clothes, and other items left Torifū speechless.
His teacher's wife was truly well-prepared; she almost brought their entire house with them. But Torifū only grumbled inwardly; outwardly, he smartly said, "Don't worry, Mito-sama, leave all this to me." Then he waved his hand towards the two baskets of supplies, and everything was stored in Torifū's spatial ring.
Although the ring already held many things, there was still plenty of space; these few items were easily accommodated. Every time Mito saw Torifū's 'Ninjutsu,' she felt a strong desire for it. Unfortunately, Torifū had stumbled upon it by accident and it couldn't be replicated. Otherwise, when she went shopping, she wouldn't have to end it prematurely because she couldn't carry any more. Every time Mito went shopping, she wished she could buy half the street. Perhaps this was just a woman's nature.