In the forest, thick branches and leaves shimmered in the scattered flickering light. The river murmured gently, wildflowers bloomed across the grassy ground, and fallen leaves danced in the wind.
Hamura was the first to step into this clearing.
Shuushi followed closely behind, accompanied by dozens of soldiers.
Bird songs pierced through the silence from the treetops.
"Hamura, what exactly are you trying to demonstrate? Couldn't this be done back at the camp?"
Shuushi looked at him with puzzlement, unsure of what he was thinking.
The soldiers trailing behind also wore expressions of confusion and uncertainty in their eyes.
"The method I mentioned that can enhance everyone's strength is Chakra and Ninjutsu," Hamura explained.
"Chakra?"
"Ninjutsu?"
"What are those?"
Countless questions surged in everyone's minds.
Even Shuushi furrowed his brows.
He had certainly never heard of Chakra or Ninjutsu before.
Smiling slightly, Hamura began performing the jutsu he knew.
Because Kaguya had never used Ninjutsu, and Hiroki hadn't practiced overly complex Ninjutsu either, Hayato and Hamura hadn't deliberately developed flashy moves. They simply utilized the most basic chakra natures—Wind Release, Water Release, Earth Release, Fire Release, and Lightning Release.
[Flames], [crackling lightning], [bursts of water], [jagged earth spikes], and [spiraling gusts of wind]—all erupted in rapid succession within the small clearing.
The ground was torn apart. Leaves were whipped into the air, swirling like a storm, and much of the river water boiled away in an instant...
These scenes stunned the soldiers, shock clearly visible in their wide eyes.
"Lord Hamura... is he a god?"
One soldier whispered softly.
None of the others spoke.
Such a sight completely surpassed their understanding.
At those words, Shuushi's frown deepened.
After a long silence, someone finally broke the quiet.
"Lord Hamura, is this the kind of thing you're going to teach us?" This man's tone overflowed with excitement; his face couldn't hide his enthusiasm as if he could already envision a future where he possessed similar power.
Hamura nodded. "Exactly. I wish to pass on this strength to everyone, so we may protect peace and safeguard this land!"
"Then please tell us how we can learn Ninjutsu!"
"Lord Hamura..."
Eagerly, the soldiers rushed forward, surrounding Hamura tightly and firing off questions all at once.
Each one felt stirred with anticipation, impatient to learn this newfound power.
What young man wouldn't dream of wielding great power and becoming a mighty warrior?
"I will teach everyone the method to cultivate Chakra—not just limited to you here. Let's return to the village first," Hamura replied.
"Yes, Lord Hamura."
Their attitudes immediately became much more respectful. In unison, they turned and walked outward.
Seeing this scene unfold, Shuushi felt a growing unease inside him.
That Hamura was hogging all the glory again!
In the future, would these men follow him—or still take orders from me?
Chakra... Ninjutsu... If everyone in his village had abilities like his...
A growing unease settled over Shuushi as he trailed behind the group, watching Hamura's back ahead.
But ultimately, Hamura's actions were meant to strengthen everyone and end the war as soon as possible—he had no reason to oppose that.
From then on, besides their daily training, soldiers also had to spend some time learning from Hamura.
It wasn't just the fighters—anyone who wanted to try cultivating chakra could get help from Hamura.
On the fifth day, the first person successfully extracted his own chakra.
After that, more people reported sensing chakra within themselves.
Everyone became greatly encouraged and showed even deeper respect toward him.
Each day, people respectfully called him "Lord Hamura," bowing lower than they ever did before Lord Shuushi.
Seeing all this unfold, Shuushi quietly built up his dissatisfaction.
At this rate, who exactly is the true leader here?
He clearly has the strength to take on hundreds alone, so why won't he go directly into battle?
"How many people have awakened chakra now?" Shuushi asked someone beside him, a shadow flickering across his eyes.
"At least a dozen or so, though none have learned any ninjutsu yet. Still, those who've tried say their strength doubles just by extracting chakra." The man's expression grew more excited as he spoke. "Lord Hamura can heal wounds and teach others—he must be sent from heaven to save us. We're definitely going to win."
Hearing such passionate words, Shuushi rubbed his temples, his face darkening.
Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted a familiar figure approaching. He curled his lips into his usual gentle smile.
Hamura strode over briskly, patted his shoulder, and smiled. "Shuushi, I never see you asking about chakra. Aren't you even curious? If you are, I can teach you too. No need to worry about being laughed at..."
Shuushi twitched his lips slightly and exhaled heavily. "Hamura, will you honestly tell me where you're really from?"
"Eh?" Hamura looked slightly puzzled.
"Chakra, ninjutsu, the Tree Village, that strange giant tree—I've never heard of any of them before. Nobody remembers them, like they appeared out of nowhere."
Hamura opened his mouth but couldn't think of a reply.
Why didn't he ask before, and why suddenly care now?
"Hamura, be honest with me. Is there really anyone living in your village? Did they leave, or are they all dead?"
Shuushi raised his voice.
His words drew curious and confused glances, and people gathered around, looking back and forth between the two men.
"Lord Hamura... Lord Shuushi…"
Hearing his name come after Hamura's, Shuushi felt even more displeased and coldly interrupted, "Silence."
Hamura stayed quiet, carefully watching Shuushi. Something felt off about him today.
"Nothing at all can be revealed!" Shuushi sneered coldly. "Fine then. At least tell everyone, Hamura, just how strong you really are."
"Shuushi, is this really all you wanted to say today?" Hamura calmly countered.
Shuushi didn't reply. He lazily gestured at a soldier. "What about him?"
"Me?" The soldier pointed at himself, visibly nervous. Was he really being asked to spar with Lord Hamura?
"Obviously, I'm stronger," Hamura replied flatly without so much as a glance, his eyes never wavering.
"What if there were ten of him?"
"Still me."
"A hundred then…"
"Me!"
"What about a thousand?" Shuushi continued pressing.
…This comparison is meaningless." Hamura shot him a look filled with disdain.
After locking eyes with him for a moment, Shuushi suddenly smiled—not kindly, but gently at first, then clearly with cold mockery. "Hamura, with all your strength, why not head straight to the battlefield? Didn't you say you wanted to end this war as soon as possible?"
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