Sorry for the late update, I was making WhatsApp stickers. You guys can download it if you want, on ko-fi. And It's free. It's not ready yet I need to add few more. If you guys interested I'll let you know.
Anyway here's 2 chapters in 1. Ciao.
#####
A few days ago—
After Fumori Masaki sent the prisoners to the front line, the meeting place was tentatively decided, and preparations were being made in the Konoha camp. Originally, Fumori Masaki had other things to do, but at this time, Tobirama called him over.
"Masaki, it seems your clan's ninja tools won't be recovered. Since you haven't found a satisfactory replacement from my brother's ninja tool, I will have a new ninja tool made for you, as we discussed before," Tobirama said.
"A new ninja tool?" Fumori Masaki was overjoyed at the news. High-quality ninja tools are hard to come by and losing one in battle is a significant blow. Replacing it with a new one would be fantastic.
Tobirama continued, "According to my sister-in-law, we should seek help from the Taketori clan to forge it. After the situation here settles down, I asked the Hyūga clan for assistance. They informed me that the Taketori clan is currently residing in the Land of Hot Water."
"The Land of Hot Water? In such a war-torn place?" Fumori Masaki asked in surprise.
"Probably because the war came too suddenly, they had no chance to relocate and had to hide. Fortunately, no one has discovered them. They were once a prominent ninja clan. If not deliberately sought out, they won't be easily found," Tobirama said, placing a piece of metal on the table.
"This is?"
"Chakra metal. It's the best we could find. It should be able to create a high-quality ninja tool for you," Tobirama explained. "But I have no experience in this area, and I can't say what kind of weapon the Taketori will make. I've heard they can craft weapons as long as they are paid well, so make sure to bring enough money."
Seeing the materials and money prepared, Fumori Masaki said gratefully, "Thank you, Sensei."
"This should be compensation for your loss. There's no need to thank me."
"Where exactly does the Taketori clan live now? I'll visit them right away," Fumori Masaki asked.
"I don't know exactly. The Taketori clan doesn't like to reveal their location. Their members forge weapons incognito to make a living. Only the Hyūga clan, who have been allied with them for generations, know their location. The Hyūga will send someone to guide you," Tobirama said. "I've spoken with the Hyūga Patriarch. His son will accompany you. Just wait a moment, he will be here soon."
"I understand," Fumori Masaki nodded.
A few days later, the son of the Hyūga clan head, Hyūga Hideaki, arrived at the camp. This young man, likely the father of the Hyūga brothers Hizashi and Hiashi, he had an elegant demeanor and was dressed in traditional clothing, resembling the nobles from the capital.
"Fumori-sama, I am honored to meet you," Hyūga Hideaki greeted with impeccable manners. Despite this, Fumori Masaki felt slightly uncomfortable. He preferred a more casual and straightforward approach.
"Good to meet you," Fumori Masaki replied. "I will be relying on you for the journey, Hideaki-kun."
"By Hokage-sama's request, I will do my best. Just remember that the Taketori clan has their own rules," Hideaki cautioned.
"I understand. I won't touch anything that shouldn't be touched," Fumori Masaki assured him.
"That's good," Hyūga Hideaki smiled slightly.
Hyūga Hideaki also brought along a familiar face, Hyūga Kei, to ensure his safety. Despite the surrounding areas being secured by Konoha ninjas, Hyūga Hideaki, as the heir of the clan, required a guard to accompany him, ready to protect him if necessary.
The rules of the Hyūga clan dictated that the branch family sacrificed their lives to protect the main family. This tradition had persisted for thousands of years, tracing back to a time before the lineage of Senju and Uchiha. The saying "Sharingan originated from Byakugan" reflected the long history of the Hyūga family.
Upon entering the territory of the Land of Hot Water, Hyūga Hideaki guided Fumori Masaki to a specific location. The war had left the region unstable, but order was slowly being restored.
On the way, they encountered villagers listening to the teachings of a strangely dressed person. The fragments of the sermon seemed to focus on immortality and some deity, quite different from the traditional teachings of the Ninja Temple.
Hyūga Hideaki shook his head, saying, "It's surprising to see such a doctrine. Villagers should be listening to the teachings of the Ninja Temple, don't you think, Masaki-sama?"
Fumori Masaki frowned, lost in thought. Hideaki called out, "Masaki-sama, what are you thinking?"
"Ah, nothing. I was just concerned about that sect. Their doctrine seems similar to Hidan's Jashinism. I wonder if they are related," Fumori Masaki said.
"Masaki-sama also believes villagers should follow the teachings of the Ninja Temple," Hyūga Hideaki noted. "It's incredible that such distorted beliefs can spread here."
"In war-torn places, twisted ideologies can take root easily. It's not that the villagers don't know the true teachings, but the Ninja Temple hasn't been diligent in this regard," Fumori Masaki replied. "In ancient times, the Sage of Six Paths saved people while preaching ninshu's righteousness. If today's Ninja Temple followed the Sage's example, such sects wouldn't find fertile ground."
"Indeed, but there is no one to inherit ninshu's name, and many of its teachings are no longer believed. The Ninja Temple inherited the surface, but its essence is another matter. Reviving ninshu won't be easy," Hyūga Hideaki sighed.
The Land of Hot Water was beautiful, with diverse landscapes. As they entered a forest, Hyūga Hideaki quickly formed a series of seals, so fast they were almost invisible. The subtle changes in the atmosphere indicated a barrier set by the Taketori family to prevent outsiders from entering. Only those like Hyūga Hideaki, who knew the seal, could pass through without hindrance.
As they continued, a faint fragrance surrounded them. Emerging from the woods, they saw a small village. Three people approached, and the leader saluted Hyūga Hideaki, saying, "Greetings, Hideaki-sama. We've been waiting for you. Please come to see the Patriarch."
####
The Taketori clan has never actively participated in ninja conflicts, so their survival rate is higher than that of other ninja clans. The current leader of the Taketori family was already alive before Senju Hashirama and others were born. At around sixty years old, he is one of the few in the ninja world with such longevity, second only to those in the Uzumaki family.
Masaki Fumori and Hideaki Hyuga paid their respects to Patriarch Taketori. The patriarch, already aware of their intentions from the Hyuga clan, The Patriarch smiled at Masaki and said, "The old man knows of your reputation. The Golden and Silver Horn brothers were repeatedly frustrated by you."
"It's just a fluke," Masaki replied humbly. He truly felt that luck played a significant role in his success against the Golden and Silver Horn brothers.
"You did it yourself," said the patriarch. "Kinkaku and Ginkaku brothers have always been ruthless, often terrorizing people. Some of our Taketori members were also affected. Fumori-kun, the old man is grateful to you for defeating them, causing the Land of Lightning to withdraw from the war."
"You are too kind. Many others contributed as well, and I was just one of them," Masaki said.
"Haha, even so, your contribution was significant," Patriarch Taketori smiled. "Even if it wasn't for the Hyuga clan's request, the old man would have personally forged a ninja tool for you. Did you bring the materials?"
"Yes," Masaki quickly took out the chakra metal Tobirama had given him.
Patriarch Taketori gently stroked the metal and said, "Konoha has prepared well. This should make a very fine ninja tool."
"Thank you," Masaki said. "My sensei also prepared the necessary funds. Do you think it is sufficient?"
"The money is more than enough," the patriarch replied after a glance. "Can you tell the old man your innate chakra attribute? It will help in crafting your ninja tool."
"It's the wind attribute," Masaki said without hesitation. Chakra attributes are not secretive; for instance, everyone knows the Uchiha clan predominantly has the fire attribute.
Hideaki Hyuga added, "Masaki-sama is a fast and agile ninja who uses wind attribute chakra for close combat."
"Understood," the patriarch nodded. "I have some ideas. While I work on the ninja tool, you and Hideaki-kun will stay here."
"How long will it take to complete? I need to return on time to help my sensei," Masaki asked, concerned about the time.
"Young man, don't worry. My craftsmanship is the best in the family. It won't take long, so just rest well!" the patriarch assured him.
"I understand." Though still worried, Masaki had to trust in the patriarch's skill. A few days should suffice for a skilled craftsman.
Patriarch Taketori arranged guest rooms for Masaki, Hideaki, and Kei, while he immediately began working with the chakra metal. Despite the exquisite craftsmanship, time was needed, but he aimed to finish in a few days without wasting a moment.
The Taketori family, despite being separated from the combative Kaguya clan, lived elegantly. The room Masaki stayed in was tastefully furnished, akin to those of nobles. Though unaccustomed to such leisure, Masaki tried to adjust.
Masaki's ideals were different from those of the warlike Kaguya clan and the Golden and Silver Horn. He did not enjoy fighting; his dream was to live a peaceful life with his family. Seeing the peaceful life of the Taketori clan members, he envied them but knew his own path in Konoha was filled with challenges.
Masaki often reflected on whether he could live like this in his old age. He doubted it, given the responsibilities and future challenges he envisioned. Even so, his resolve did not waver. He couldn't ignore the tragedies he foresaw, knowing the future trajectory of people like Jiraiya, Minato, and Kushina. Knowing the future, he felt compelled to act to prevent those tragedies, like what he's doing now. Trying to change Tobirama's fate.
Over the next few days, the patriarch remained in the forge, working tirelessly on Masaki's ninja tool. On the day before Masaki needed to return, the patriarch emerged with a stick-shaped object, calling Masaki over.
"Try it," the patriarch said, handing over the object.
Masaki initially hesitated, seeing the unusual appearance, but soon realized it was merely a sheath. As he unsheathed the weapon, a brilliant cold light temporarily blinded him. The ninja tool was revealed to be a sword, slender and longer than his family's ninja sword. It was perfect for swift strikes aimed at vital points.
"Since it is your ninja tool, why not give it a name?" the patriarch suggested.
"Name it?" Masaki pondered. "Alright, let's call it 'Wind Cutter.'"
The patriarch smiled approvingly. "A fitting name for a fine weapon. May it serve you well."
After thanking the patriarch, Masaki quickly returned to the Konoha camp, eager to test his new weapon against the enemies who once destroyed his family's ninja tool.