The gates of Konoha came into view as the sun rose behind them.
Raizen, Might Fist and Kagami walked through silently. Mud covered their boots, scratches marked their arms which were due to training during mission. But their posture was tall mission complete.
At the Hokage Tower Tobirama was already waiting, joined by Sarutobi Hiruzen and Shimura Danzo.
The room quieted when the trio entered.
Tobirama: "Report."
Kagami stepped forward first.
Kagami: "Mission successful. No casualties. Target group neutralized. Thirty enemy combatants subdued."
He stepped back without emotion.
Might Fist: "We flattened the entire camp. One sided beatdown. Raizen's new moves broke the ground!"
Danzo: "Is that so?"
Danzo narrowed his eyes, observing Raizen silently.
Hiruzen: "The bandits were considered high risk. For Genin aged shinobi to complete this..."
Tobirama: "Age doesn't matter when power speaks."
He turned to Raizen.
Tobirama: "You hid something during the mission."
Raizen: "Yes. But I deemed it unnecessary."
Tobirama: "Good judgment."
A faint smile tugged at the corner of Tobirama's lips.
Might Fist: "Hey, don't forget me. I'll catch up. Next time, I'll beat Raizen for sure."
Everyone turned to look at him.
Danzo: "Fools with fists. What do you plan to do when real war begins?"
Tobirama: "Danzo."
Danzo fell silent, but not before locking eyes with Raizen for a moment longer.
As the meeting ended, Tobirama stepped close to Raizen alone.
Tobirama: "Be careful, don't reveal all trump cards. They fear what they cannot control."
Raizen gave a slight bow.
Raizen: "I understand."
Later that afternoon, while walking near the Senju compound, Raizen spotted a familiar figure sitting beneath a tree, looking out over the village.
Hashirama Senju.
His skin was pale, movements slower. Beside him stood a small, energetic Tsunade who immediately rushed over.
Tsunade: "Raizen! Teach me that ground shattering punch again I almost got it!"
Raizen: "Again? You just broke your last practice log."
Tsunade: "I want to break the wall this time."
Hashirama: "She's determined. Just like you."
Raizen knelt before the First Hokage.
Raizen: "You should be resting, Lord First."
Hashirama: "Rest is a luxury. These days, I prefer to watch the next generation."
He coughed, faintly, and Raizen caught a glimmer of chakra disruption in his body with his Observation Haki.
It wasn't good.
As he walked back later, Raizen opened his interface quietly:
[Almighty System - Online]
Daily Task Progress: Next task unlock after 1000 days
Push ups: 500/500 Squats: 500/500 Run: 5/5km
Time Remaining: 8 hours
Progress: Day 563/1000
Kaido Template Progress: 47%
Beast Body (Enhanced) Armament Haki (Mid) Observation Haki (Mid)
Conqueror's Haki (Initial)
Raizen stared at the Conqueror's Haki line for a moment.
War was coming.
And he would need more than power he would need allies.