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The proficiency of the Flying Thunder God Technique was improving, as was the control over the Impure World. The animosity between Hiruzen and Danzo was also being stoked. It was uncertain if they would carry the grievances from their dreams into reality.
He also obtained the Nine-Tails chakra, allowing Godzilla to recover and replenish.
"Forgetting to visit Mikoto-san was a bit regrettable," thought Yoichi.
It wasn't because of Mikoto's health. Yoichi wanted to finalize business deals before his departure so that business would continue in his absence.
This would keep Mikoto busy, preventing her from possibly dwelling on negative thoughts during a month of rest.
However, there was no need to rush. There was still another day tomorrow, and he could use the powers of the dream world in advance.
Yoichi reflected that his only current weakness might be his lesser amount of chakra compared to the true monsters of the ninja world; however, compared to others, his chakra was exceptionally abundant.
The Lightning Release Chakra Mode that hardened his body and increased his speed, his sword techniques that carried the piercing nature of lightning, the insight and genjutsu of the three tomoe Sharingan, the life-saving Flying Thunder God Technique, and the lethal radiation heat blasts of the Godzilla Mode.
Even ninja of the Five Kage level could fall to him if they were careless.
Ordinary ninja were no match for Yoichi, unless, like the assassination of the Third Raikage, tens of thousands of ninja were used to deplete his chakra, and that too, by sealing away the Flying Thunder God Technique.
However, that would be quite difficult. If Yoichi wished to escape, no other ninja village could stop him.
Increasing his own chakra by sealing a Tailed Beast was one method, but not suitable for him; having Godzilla inside was enough, sealing another Tailed Beast would likely lead to mutual destruction.
Then there were the Hashirama cells, which could be considered a miraculous item in the ninja world for decades. If only Hashirama had the habit of cremating bodies, starting with Uchiha, then Zetsu's plans would have been delayed by hundreds of years.
Unfortunately, he was fond of research!
Fusing with Hashirama cells also benefited the Sharingan, not fearing blindness anymore with the Mangekyo Sharingan, in addition to increased chakra and healing abilities.
However, Yoichi had not yet fully studied Hashirama cells. Although he could manifest Hashirama cells in the dream space, integrating them perfectly into a test subject required much more time for fusion.
Especially since Yoichi was not a research-oriented individual, his methods were purely built on the failures of test subjects.
"Can't sleep, might as well practice with the Star Stone," thought Yoichi, deciding to go to the basement to practice with the Star Stone after lying in bed for a while.
Preparing in advance and waking up immediately when the time came ensured safety; he had practiced with the Star Stone a few times, and besides a slight increase in chakra, there were no other changes.
A night's practice slightly enhanced the power of his Sharingan. This time he clearly noticed the change in his Sharingan, confirming his speculation about the Star Stone.
...
In the morning, after breakfast, Yoichi went out to meet his three students to inform them that they would be departing for the battlefield tomorrow.
Upon hearing the news, the father of Kazuhito, a blacksmith, showed obvious concern. It's common for ninja from civilian families to fear war, whereas ninja families are accustomed to life and death.
Kurenai and Rumi's families were prepared, with Yoichi also meeting Kurenai Shinku, a famous jōnin in the village known for manipulating enemies with genjutsu.
If not for the genjutsu fame of the Uchiha and Kurama clans, Shinku's genjutsu might have been considered the best in Konoha.
When Yoichi arrived to inform them, Shinku treated him politely, only mentioning that his daughter was causing trouble for Yoichi before leaving it at that.
As for Rumi, Yoichi didn't even meet her parents, only her older sister.
Tomorrow they would depart for the Eastern Front. Today was spent preparing. As Yoichi passed by a ninja tool shop, he saw many ninja stocking up on tools.
Although the Uchiha clan had also stockpiled many ninja tools, Yoichi had already reduced the amount sold externally, prioritizing supply to his clan's ninja.
---
Just returning to the clan area, Yoichi felt his home was crowded with many people, two of whom he was familiar with in terms of chakra.
Upon reaching his front door, Yoichi greeted, "Mikoto-san, and Kushina, what brings you both here?"
"I came because of what happened last time. I talked to them earlier, then met Mikoto-san at your clan's gate, so she was kind enough to show me the way. That should be fine, right?"
Kushina looked directly at Yoichi, referring to the incident of sealing something within her last night.
She came to inform Yoichi that she hadn't spoken of his actions and to inquire how she might assist in controlling the Tailed Beast's power.
If she could control the Tailed Beast's power sooner, she wouldn't have to be monitored and confined.
However, she was stopped by the Anbu in the morning because of the incident at the Uchiha clan area, causing concern among the Anbu.
After multiple explanations from Kushina, and her showing some improvement last night, the Anbu reported to Hiruzen, allowing Kushina permission to visit.
Yoichi then turned to Mikoto-san, who, feeling his gaze, remembered the dream, blushing slightly and looking away, "I came to report on previous matters. There have been quite a few tasks accumulating that I need to report to Yoichi-kun."
"Then let's go inside. I also have some arrangements to make before leaving, so let's discuss everything at once."
After Yoichi spoke, he headed inside.
Kushina followed, but upon taking a few steps, she realized someone was missing and turned back to see.
"Mikoto, what's wrong?"
"Nothing."
Mikoto regained her composure and then followed inside.
It was Kushina's first visit to Yoichi's home, and she noticed the nice décor. The house's only distinctive feature was its size, capable of accommodating ten people easily, though currently only Yoichi and Mina resided there.
After seating them in the living room, Yoichi served them tea and asked, "Both of you have matters to discuss. Kushina, would you like to start?"
"Let Mikoto speak first. I'm not in a hurry, and what I have to say is a bit..."
Kushina hesitated, limited by regulations regarding the Nine-Tails and her status as its jinchuriki, which was highly confidential in the village.
"Then, Mikoto-san, please go ahead. What you have to report about clan finances and upcoming plans might take a while."
Yoichi reminded them, preferring to listen to Mikoto-san's report last when undisturbed.
However, Kushina seemed not to understand the implication and shook her head, "No issue. I have plenty of time every day, usually with little to do."
"Then let me start."
Mikoto began, her thoughts inevitably drifting to the dream and her embarrassment at being in Yoichi's presence.
"Let's move to another room. I have some new tasks for you. Kushina, feel free to help yourself to anything in the fridge if you're hungry."
Yoichi stood and headed upstairs, with Mikoto hesitating before following.
After their departure, Kushina muttered, "I'm not hungry," but eventually got up to check the fridge, driven by curiosity more than hunger.
Yoichi and Mikoto entered a sparsely furnished room on the second floor. After sitting down, Yoichi immediately inquired about the accumulated tasks.
Mikoto presented organized files for Yoichi's review, allowing him to prioritize.
The assistant's work was commendable.
As Yoichi reviewed the documents, he found the pharmaceutical factory's profits and expansion plans required no immediate action, unless threats from ninjas or imitation arose.
The ninja game strategy was successful, with growing weekly profits.
Military weaponry faced challenges due to monopolization by the five great nations, but a new business involving magical goats showed promise.
After a year, the breeding of magical goats had expanded significantly. Yoichi had tried them at Kenji the elder's house, finding no change in taste or effect, making them ready for sale within the clan or externally.
Mikoto summarized the clan members' needs well.
"Mikoto-san, you've done an excellent job. It was a waste to have you as just a housewife before," praised Yoichi, then addressed the tasks Mikoto had presented.
Trusting clan members with their business ideas, Yoichi planned to let Mikoto purchase land near the clan area for a market and entertainment venues, anticipating population growth in Konoha.
After Yoichi finished, Mikoto had noted everything, asking if there was anything else.
"Nothing for now. These tasks will keep you busy. We'll discuss more when I return from the battlefield."
"Then," Mikoto began, recalling a specific part of the dream, her face reddening as she glanced at Yoichi, worried about the consequences of her actions in the dream and whether Yoichi had sought medical advice.
"Mikoto-san, something else?"
Yoichi noted Mikoto's demeanor, her casual attire highlighting her gentle nature.
"About last time, I accidentally squeezed too hard. Has it gotten better?"
Mikoto asked, deeply embarrassed.
Yoichi, amused by her concern, adopted a pained expression, misleadingly suggesting he was unsure of his condition due to impending battlefield duty and his unmarried status.
Mikoto, feeling guilty, wondered how to help, suggesting Yoichi try a method herself, which Yoichi feigned offense at.
Clarifying her intention, Mikoto was taken aback when Yoichi suggested she assist him, a proposal she initially refused due to her marital status.
Yoichi's words amplified Mikoto's guilt and sense of responsibility, leading her to reluctantly agree to help...
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"Why is this taking so long? I should have spoken up earlier. Why did I let the second person speak first? If I had, I might be home by now," Kushina lamented after finishing her pudding, feeling bored and alone.
Contemplating a visit upstairs to remind them, she quietly approached their room, hearing a suspicious sound that reminded her of eating popsicles as a child.
Annoyed at being made to wait, Kushina considered confronting them about enjoying ice cream without her.
(End of Chapter)