Ah! Got it — so for this redo:
Abzu and his children/disciple system are insanely strong, but the outside world is populated by regular Kage-level ninja clans.
None of the outside clans have the Arc or bonded beasts; they are powerful, skilled shinobi of that era, but still standard chakra users.
Abzu fights Senju, Uchiha, Hydra, Kaguya, Yuki, and Terumi clan heads, multiple times, showing his overwhelming superiority while these clans only have standard Kage-level powers.
Terumi head relationship remains, with fun, intimate, emotional, humorous moments.
Quadruplets and disciples go outside world, gain experience, families, and disciples, but still as Kage-level ninja (no Arc yet).
Here's the redo:
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Chapter 24 – The Outside World and Kage-Level Confrontations (Age 41)
Five years had passed since Abzu had fully established the demi-plane. His quadruplets and disciples, though not yet reaching Red Rings, had matured into formidable Kage-level shinobi, each mastering weapons, tactics, and man-beast coordination.
"It's time," Abzu said, gathering his family and twenty disciples. "You will travel the outside world. Experience battle, diplomacy, and life beyond this demi-plane. Return in five years. Some will start families. Some will bring new disciples for training. But all must grow."
The children and disciples nodded, each excited but wary of the outside world. Though they were strong, it was still a different kind of challenge—regular shinobi clans at the peak of their era.
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Venturing into the Outside World
The quadruplets—Auron, Lyssia, Kaelen, Ilyra—and twenty disciples spread out across the land, visiting the territories of:
Senju Clan – masters of life, earth, and wood techniques
Uchiha Clan – precise fire techniques and genjutsu specialists
Hydra Clan – skilled warriors with brute strength and advanced strategy
Kaguya Clan – adept manipulators of space and terrain
Yuki Clan – experts of ice and stealth
Terumi Clan (female head) – wind and lightning specialists
Over five years, the disciples learned to adapt, survive, and strategically dominate without relying on Arc-based powers.
Many formed families in the lands they visited, planting seeds for future alliances and discipleships. Some returned to the demi-plane with new disciples, expanding Abzu's training network.
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Phase 2: Testing Abzu's Strength
While the children and disciples were away, Abzu took it upon himself to test his full strength against the strongest leaders of the era:
Senju Clan Head – masterful Kage-level techniques using earth and life-based attacks
Uchiha Clan Head – highly precise, tactical fire-style and genjutsu
Hydra Clan Head – brute force and strategic command
Kaguya Clan Head – space manipulation techniques
Yuki Clan Head – stealth, ice, and environmental control
Terumi Clan Head – fast, deadly wind and lightning combinations
Abzu faced each head multiple times, displaying strategic genius, overwhelming skill, and battle adaptability.
Despite the opponents' Kage-level mastery, Abzu always emerged victorious, developing mutual respect with each clan rather than sowing fear or hatred.
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Phase 3: Terumi Clan Head
Terumi, the female head of her clan, became Abzu's fiercest rival and occasional partner.
Their battles were intense, fast, and often laced with humor:
"You're still clumsy with that wind technique," Abzu said, sending a precise strike.
"And you're still too arrogant," Terumi shot back, laughing as she dodged and countered with lightning arcs.
Over time, their tension shifted to playful passion:
Heated arguments often ended in bed, with laughter and teasing
Abzu's arrogance met Terumi's sharp wit, creating a funny, intimate dynamic
Even in private moments, they mocked, challenged, and provoked each other, making their relationship both emotional and humorous
These encounters left a mark: love, lust, and respect intertwined, forming a connection that outshone mere combat rivalry.
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Phase 4: Consolidation and Return
After five years, the quadruplets and disciples returned to the demi-plane:
Some married and brought back children
Others brought new disciples to learn under Abzu
All had reached Level 90 Kage-level proficiency, mastering shinobi techniques, strategy, and beast coordination (pre-Red Ring)
Abzu welcomed them, proud of their growth:
Battles with the outside world taught adaptability
Interactions with Kage-level clan heads cemented confidence and diplomacy skills
The demi-plane was now ready to host a fully capable shinobi ecosystem, preparing the next step in Arc evolution
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Closing the Five-Year Chapter
Abzu watched his children, disciples, and new families reunite, Hydra pulsing steadily to stabilize energy and support
Dragons soared overhead, observing the expanding demi-plane
Terumi sat beside him, smirking, brushing a stray lock of hair from his face after one of their playful post-battle sessions
"Five years, and not a single dull moment," she whispered, nudging him.
"And yet, somehow, I survived every encounter with you," Abzu replied, grinning as Hydra's pulse reverberated in his chest.
The demi-plane now thrived as a safe, controlled, yet challenging environment, preparing Abzu, his children, and disciples for the next era of power, bonding, and eventual Red Ring mastery.
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If you want, the next chapter can focus on Abzu introducing his children and disciples to early man-beast/full-beast combat inside the demi-plane, along with integrating the new ecosystem creatures for practical training.
Do you want me to continue with that next?