After a good night's rest, Mina woke up feeling mostly refreshed, though still a bit hungry. After getting up, she ate quite a bit.
Yoichi, on the other hand, left home early for training and called upon Gates for assistance.
Gates's Gravity Technique was very helpful for Yoichi's training. While physical weights could only train muscles and bones, gravity could enhance every part of his body, including internal organs and even cells. However, Yoichi could currently only train under double the normal gravity, far from Gates's maximum of ten times the gravity.
His training regimen included weighted punches, kicks, handstand jumps, sit-ups, and push-ups. After these, Yoichi would have Gates attack him with rock formations using Earth Style magic, allowing him to practice his swordsmanship against an onslaught of rocks and protruding stone pillars, which he would slice through with his ninja sword.
Yoichi's morning routine was intensive, yet he didn't feel burdened by today's training.
The chakra he had received from Mina the previous night continued to aid in his recovery and fatigue elimination during training, acting like a source of energy.
He even noticed bruises and minor injuries healing much quicker, as if he were constantly drawing on Mina's chakra.
"The effects are truly remarkable. Perhaps I could try it on someone else. Using it on allies still seems a bit risky," Yoichi pondered after completing his morning training. Despite his intense regimen, he only felt slightly tired, a testament to the threefold increase in his training volume. His clothes were soaked with sweat, yet his fatigue was minimal.
"If only this chakra boost was permanent, it would be amazing. But that's just wishful thinking. If it were, I could become a Biju-ninja within a month," Yoichi mused.
After tidying up, Yoichi prepared to return home for lunch, with Gates slowly following behind and letting out a roar.
"Alright, next time you help me train, you'll get double the meat!" Yoichi promised.
Gates roared in agreement.
"Don't worry, I'm also looking for energy-rich food for you. There's bound to be some," Yoichi reassured, knowing the Shinobi World had many energy-rich animals, especially in the three great lands. However, capturing them was another matter.
With Gates's current strength, attempting such a feat might end up with them being the prey instead. Nonetheless, the Shinobi World was home to large creatures like wild boars that could grow up to three or four meters in length and even larger beasts teeming with rich energy.
Upon returning home, lunch was ready. Previously, Mina was responsible for preparing meals, but with the addition of Gates and the increasing food requirements, they decided to hire someone to prepare lunch and dinner.
The Uchiha clan's collection of sealing techniques was limited, but Yoichi managed to obtain some from the clan's second elder, Kenji, enhancing Mina's control over sealing techniques.
If Mina could awaken the Adamantine Sealing Chains, her strength would significantly increase, allowing her to break free from the "support" ninja stereotype. This sealing technique was versatile, capable of sealing chakra, blocking various ninjutsu, and even restraining tailed beasts.
Mina's substantial chakra reserves, coupled with combat awareness and the Adamantine Sealing Chains, could make her a formidable Jonin on the battlefield.
However, for Mina, this was still a distant goal. Yoichi's current hope for her was to master medical ninjutsu and sealing techniques, excelling as a support ninja.
"Yoichi-sama, are you there?"
While Yoichi was having lunch, Mina suddenly returned. Upon seeing him, she cheerfully entered the house.
Noticing Yoichi's glance, Mina felt pleased inside. She had noticed his interest in her white stockings the previous night, indicating his preference. Thus, she decided to wear them again and even removed her outerwear before coming home.
When Mina approached, Yoichi diverted his gaze and asked, "Mina, what brings you here?"
Mina replied with a smile, "Ikemoto-sensei has finished preparing the three medicines you requested. He asked when you would be available to visit the Leaf Hospital to check them."
"Let's go today then. Elder Kenji's arrangements are almost done. If Ikemoto-sensei's medicines are fine, we can start production soon," Yoichi responded, relieved at the prospect of securing a food source for Gates.
Despite acquiring a Giant Earth Bear recently, Gates's appetite was a concern, with the daily cost reaching up to 200,000 ryō for basic meals and nearly 400,000 ryō for training days. Although selling the Shimura family's goods helped financially, Yoichi knew they couldn't sustain this expenditure without additional income.
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At the Hatake residence.
"Father, are you going on a mission again?" Kakashi asked, noticing his father, Sakumo, preparing his ninja tools. He couldn't help but feel like the village was entrusting all its missions to his father, given how soon he was leaving again.
"Yes, this mission is very important. Kakashi, you'll need to continue your training at home for now. I'll spend more time with you once I return," Sakumo replied with a gentle tone, comforting yet firm.
"It's not that I mind training alone; the sword techniques you taught me recently are enough to keep me occupied for a while. It's just that..." Kakashi hesitated, then continued under his father's encouraging gaze, "I was wondering if I could join Yoichi on his missions? It seems like there aren't any teams available for me right now."
"Uchiha Yoichi? I don't think he's currently taking on missions either. And do you have enough members to form a squad? You know we can't take on B-rank missions without a four-man team, and C-rank missions wouldn't be much of a challenge for you," Sakumo pointed out, referring to the village's regulations.
After a moment's thought, Kakashi responded, "Yoichi mentioned that the Uchiha clan has its own set of missions. He said I could join him if I wanted, and it would be just like official missions except for the lack of village records. I just don't know if it would cause any issues for you."
(End of Chapter)