Kana has been drawing the "Sage of Six Paths" at home. For her, this is the key to determining whether she should pursue this path in the future. Although she has received high praise from her mother and uncle, the focus remains on transition of painting, and later particularly the reactions of the princess and other nobles.
What Fumori Masaki drew with her at that time was a beautiful blueprint. Even without any shadow now, she is willing to be the one who brings forth a new wind. After all, she is the most suitable person in this village for this task. Although her mother holds a higher status, the middle-age Mito lacks the energy to take on such a role.
Members of the Uzumaki clan are known for their long lives, but they do not possess eternal youth. Mito's once bright red hair is now showing deep red and a few strands of silvery white. Although her body doesn't age as rapidly as that of ordinary people, Kana feels she should not burden her mother.
Perhaps, among them, is Kana's own youthful spirit. Since her mother and uncle disapprove of being ninjas, how can she also build a career for herself?
Therefore, Kana devotes all her energy to painting. She has never felt so inspired. The knowledge related to the Ninja sect she has read flashes quickly in her mind, and she combines what she has seen and heard in the Temple of Fire, incorporating everything into her artwork.
Regarding Kana's painting skills, she is still not at the level of a master. Similarly, this "Legacy of Six Paths" cannot be considered unprecedented. However, if you take into account the thoughts and feelings it embodies, it will hold great significance as the new wind begins to blow.
The value of this painting will only increase as that new wind sweeps through. It is likely that Kana cannot even imagine this now. In the Ninja world hundreds of years later, the authenticity of this painting will be preserved, earning respect at that time.
At present, Kana is simply happy with the completion of the "Legacy of Six Paths." She inspects it repeatedly without allowing anyone else to touch it. Before revealing it to the princess, it must be appreciated by her mother and uncle first.
So, Kana calls for her mother, Mito, and her uncle to come over. In front of them, she slowly unfolds the painting, saying, "Kaa-san, Oji-san, look!"
Seeing Kana's eagerness to show off, Mito and Tobirama exchange smiles before looking at the artwork. They already have a clear understanding of the image of the Sage of Six Paths. The degree of completion was quite high at that time, and now Kana's work is merely a modification of that image, the real novelty lies in the details she has added.
The figures surrounding the Sage of Six Paths have specific images and various postures. You can see from their clothing that they are ordinary people, their expressions filled with gratitude and respect. The village they inhabit reflects the shadow of the newly built village. According to rumors, the Sage of Six Paths walked across the land, rescuing the people and promoting a message of tolerance and understanding.
Since Masaki had never rushed the process, Kana didn't add any new thoughts. Of course, she remains ignorant of the so-called new ideas, making it harder to incorporate them into her painting. In this "Legacy of Six Paths," she embodies the classical thoughts of the Ninja sect, which are quite satisfactory yet not groundbreaking.
"Good painting," Tobirama says, unsure whether the princess truly appreciates the Ninja sect. However, even if this painting is not at a master level, it is still of top quality and would certainly be an acceptable gift.
"Yes, it's not bad," Mito agrees, nodding in approval. "It's truly hard work to create such a piece."
"Hehe," Kana replies, a little proud, as she carefully puts the painting away.
"The princess's birthday is coming up soon, and it's almost time to set off. Kana, I will take you this time. Your Okaa-sama will have to stay here," Tobirama informs her.
Normally, Mito would accompany Kana to establish a good relationship with the nobles in the capital, ensuring their support in negotiations with the daimyo. However, due to the Kyuubi being sealed within Mito, it's best that she does not leave the village.
Even during the First Ninja War, Mito was not permitted to fight. It is clear that allowing her to combat would lead to a significant victory, given her ability to control the Nine-Tails' chakra. Yet, for safety reasons, Mito has never been allowed to engage in battles unless there is a genuine crisis.
Although the current situation in the Ninja world tends toward peace, Tobirama is still reluctant to let his sister-in-law take any risks. Contacting the nobles is unnecessary; the daimyo relies more on the Ninja Village now. Since it isn't required, Kana can go alone.
"In the meantime, Kana will rely on you," Mito says, knowing that her actions can no longer be taken lightly. With her knowledge, she understands that the price of sealing the tailed beast is the limitation of her freedom. From the moment she chose to seal it, she accepted this reality.
She solemnly tells Kana, "Don't act recklessly, listen to your uncle's guidance, understand?"
"Understood, Kaa-san," Kana responds earnestly.
For this trip, Tobirama doesn't bring all her disciples like last time. The village is thriving, and its combat power is severely depleted, they are now the mainstay of the village and need to ensure its safety. However, she still brings along two people, Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu, who are suitable for interacting with people.
Among all her disciples, these two have no background with Fumori Masaki, making them more appropriate for contact with capital. However, Masaki has other missions, so it will be up to them to handle future dealings with capital and get acquainted with its environment.
Due to Kana's delay in finishing her painting, when they arrive in the capital, time is already tight, leaving no room for rest. They must immediately begin addressing other matters. After years of experience, Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu appear somewhat hurried. Previously, they learned fighting techniques; now, they must jump straight into action, which is an adjustment for them.
With no time for leisurely adjustments, Kana has already informed them of the busy schedule. They either didn't listen or failed to practice adequately, regardless of the reason, they need to be put through their paces!
Kana maintains her composure. She is still well-educated among the nobility, being the daughter of Hashirama and Mito, the princess of Uzumaki. Even if it is just a small country, she commands respect from the nobles of the capital. In this elite society, the status of aristocracy often surpasses that of ninjas.
Kana follows her mother's guidance and does not engage too deeply with the nobles who approach her. After all, she is still young. If she entangles herself too much, it could lead to trouble. The best approach is to keep a respectful distance, showing kindness while avoiding over-involvement.
Her true purpose remains the princess's birthday, to present the "Legacy of Six Paths" and strengthen her bond with the princess through discussions on the Ninja sect—this topic has already been thoroughly negotiated with Fumori Masaki. Now, it is just a matter of presenting it without any issues.
Taking a deep breath, Kana straightens her expression and enters with the other nobles. This time, it depends on how she presents herself!
Masaki was unaware of the specific details of the birthday banquet. He only knew that after Kana returned, she met him with a confident demeanor, freely conversing with the princess. They exchanged letters and planned future meetings. Under her persuasion, the princess was also somewhat moved, planning to emulate the "Legacy of Six Paths" to express her understanding of the Ninja sect.
In the Ninja world hundreds of years later, scholars will write that the revival of the Ninja sect, which influenced the entire Ninja world, began when Kana presented the "Legacy of Six Paths" to the princess. Both Kana and the princess will be seen as representatives of this revival trend—
In their lifetimes, they contributed immeasurably to the promotion of the Ninja sect's revival, giving birth to numerous works of literature and art that directly or indirectly shaped the Ninja world and laid the ideological foundation for ending feudal rule.
At this moment, Kana cannot foresee any of this. While Masaki has his suspicions, they remain out of sight for him, leading him to sigh. What occupies his thoughts most now is the babies in his wife's womb.
Uchiha Kagami envies that Masaki will soon have two children. His own wife is pregnant with only one, yet he longs for more. Sarutobi Hiruzen is particularly pitiful, he has a wife but, due to the war, has delayed the timing of their family. Just as the other forgotten children were about to be born, he finally help his wife to conceive.
As the delivery date approaches, Masaki grows anxious. These days, he has refrained from going out, delegating tasks to shadow clones or others to ensure Rimi's health until the birth.
When he hears the cry of the child and learns that both mother and babies are safe, Masaki feels a wave of relief and joy at his wife's safety and the birth of his offspring.