"You seem surprised," Hashirama said, tilting his head at Hoshino Kaede's dumbfounded expression.
Kaede stood frozen, still staring at the massive scroll in his hands—the Sealed Book, the legendary tome of forbidden techniques known only to Konoha's highest echelon.
"To be honest, it's just a sealed book," Hashirama added casually. "There's nothing inside that's better than my Wood Style anyway."
He waved dismissively, as if giving a child a toy.
Kaede chuckled awkwardly. Of course only the God of Shinobi could treat something so monumental like it was nothing more than an instruction manual.
To most shinobi, the Book of Seals was a dangerous, sacred archive. To Hashirama, it was Tuesday.
"You're free to learn anything from it," Hashirama said, his tone light but encouraging. "Even though your bloodline limit is powerful, understanding various types of ninjutsu will give you flexibility. A shinobi must never rely on just one tool."
Kaede's mouth twitched. Teacher, you're calling forbidden jutsu just "ninjutsu"? And you say I can learn 'as much as I want'? Is that what they call a big heart or just plain insanity?
His inner thoughts screamed, but all he could do was nod obediently.
Then, Kaede noticed Hashirama's expression change. The older man looked him up and down, his gaze lingering with a sense of inspection. It made Kaede's skin prickle.
"Something wrong, Sensei?"
Hashirama didn't answer immediately. After a moment, he gave Kaede's shoulder a firm pat. "You're pushing yourself too hard."
He was referring to the weighted gear Kaede had hidden beneath his clothes. Hashirama had seen it right away.
"For someone your age, the strain is excessive. Don't injure yourself trying to prove a point."
Kaede grinned and puffed out his chest. "No worries, Sensei! I had some trouble adjusting at first, but I've gotten used to it. Doesn't bother me anymore."
Hashirama raised a brow but didn't press further. "As long as you know your limits."
Then his tone brightened again. "Well, you've had enough rest. Let's resume training!"
Kaede's smile vanished.
"Teacher, my stomach still hurts. Can I have a little more time?"
"Nope!" Hashirama sang. "Pain is temporary! Now, go run around the village ten times."
Kaede nearly fell over. "W-What?! Ten times?!"
"Twenty, if you keep whining."
Kaede deflated like a punctured balloon and trudged off with heavy steps.
Hashirama chuckled as he watched his student disappear into the distance.
From behind him, another voice spoke, one colder and more precise.
"You're too soft."
Hashirama didn't need to turn around to recognize his brother.
"Tobirama," he said.
Tobirama stepped up beside him, arms crossed. His white hair shimmered in the sunlight, his red eyes watching Kaede's slow jog. "That child… he carries something unnatural. He should be monitored closely."
Hashirama shook his head. "Kaede knows what he's doing. I won't interfere unless he strays."
Tobirama didn't argue. He respected his brother, even when he disagreed.
The two brothers stood there, watching the boy suffer through his training.
Kaede's breath grew ragged by the seventh lap. His weighted clothes felt heavier by the second. Every step sent pain shooting through his legs. His vision blurred. His lungs burned. Sweat poured from his body like rain, soaking through his clothes and forming dark spots on the dirt path.
Still, he pushed on. One lap. Then another.
By the tenth lap, his steps were more stumbles than strides. His feet dragged, and his head lolled forward.
He didn't even make it to the eleventh.
With a dull thud, Kaede collapsed face-first into the ground.
Hashirama's body flickered and appeared beside him in an instant. He knelt down, green chakra already blooming in his palm. He placed his hand over Kaede's chest, flooding his body with soothing medical chakra.
The boy groaned in unconsciousness, his face pale and red at the same time. His body trembled involuntarily as his muscles screamed for relief.
Tobirama arrived moments later.
"Training like this can cripple a child," he said flatly.
Hashirama looked up, frowning. "Discipline is necessary. But it mustn't come at the cost of health."
He gently picked Kaede up in his arms.
"He's persistent, I'll give him that," Tobirama admitted. "Stronger than most of my own students. He's promising."
Hashirama nodded, disappearing in a blur of motion.
---
Kaede didn't know how he got back.
When he awoke, the scent of herbs hit him first.
"Ugh…" he groaned, blinking. The light overhead was dim, and the ceiling was made of aged wood. He sat up slowly—only to wince and immediately regret it.
His body was sore. His arms, legs, and especially his core felt like they'd been crushed. Even his fingers ached.
He looked around.
Wooden walls. Steam. A large barrel full of warm water. And the strong, bitter scent of medicinal herbs.
"A… bath?" he muttered.
Then realization dawned.
Hashirama had carried him home and prepared a recovery bath. The warmth was laced with chakra-reactive herbs. The Senju clan had access to the rarest ingredients—things most civilian doctors would never even see.
Kaede smiled weakly. "Teacher… you really went all out."
Even as he relaxed, a shiver ran down his spine as he recalled the training. This is only the beginning, isn't it? These next few days are going to be brutal.
He sighed and sank lower into the water.
Just then, the door creaked open.
Hashirama stepped in, wiping his hands on a towel.
"Oh, you're awake!" he grinned. "How are you feeling?"
Kaede rubbed his temple. "Sore. Like I got flattened by a boulder."
"That means the training worked."
Kaede gave him a dirty look.
Hashirama chuckled and walked over. "The bath's doing its job. Good. When you're done, food's waiting for you on the table."
Then Hashirama's gaze drifted downward. Not subtly.
Kaede immediately submerged himself deeper, face reddening. "Teacher! What are you looking at?!"
"Nothing, nothing!" Hashirama said quickly, scratching his nose. "Just checking if the herbs were absorbed evenly!"
Kaede glared.
Pervert.
"I'll leave you to it then. Don't forget—starting tomorrow, you run laps daily. No slacking off!"
Kaede's eyes widened. "Again?! I just survived today!"
"No pain, no gain," Hashirama replied, already halfway out the door.
He paused at the frame. "And Kaede… you're growing fast. But don't rush it. Let your strength come naturally. Rely on your instincts—and your heart."
"…Understood, Sensei," Kaede said, voice softer now.
Hashirama smiled and gently closed the door behind him.
---
Outside, the stars had begun to shine. The village of Konoha rested peacefully under the night sky, unaware that within one home, a young boy was beginning his journey to reshape its future.
The days ahead would be painful. The road would be steep and unforgiving.
But Kaede was ready.
No matter how bitter the days became, he would face them all—head on.
---------------------
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