17 Winter is here

Ever since Kirito successfully cultivated the Thunder Attribute Chakra, he had been diligently studying this magnetic escape ninjutsu.

His primary focus was on learning how to manipulate electricity.

Unfortunately, he hadn't succeeded yet because controlling the magnetic field formed by electromagnetism proved to be exceedingly challenging.

Normal magnetic release ninjutsu involved creating a unique type of chakra with magnetic properties within the human body, allowing for easy manipulation of iron sand by attaching this chakra to it.

However, Kirito's approach relied on manipulating the magnetic force generated by electromagnetism, which was significantly more complicated. It demanded not only exceptional chakra manipulation but also a strong mental arithmetic ability.

For the first time, Kirito was able to manipulate the electromagnetic magnetic force without strain.

He proceeded to experiment by shaping some iron sand into simple forms, such as kunai, shuriken, and walls. However, after forming a few basic shapes, he started feeling weak and dizzy.

The high-voltage current on the iron rod also dissipated, indicating that his chakra reserves were nearly depleted.

"While greatly improved mental arithmetic ability allowed me to manipulate the electromagnetic magnetic field successfully, my current chakra levels are far from sufficient to complete this ninjutsu," Kirito lamented, pushing through the discomfort caused by the excessive chakra consumption.

Despite the difficulties, he was excited because he had taken the crucial first step. His next objective was to continuously improve the application of this new technique.

While Kirito was testing the changes in his strength resulting from the improvement in his intelligence, Uzumaki Mito was at home giving Nawaki a severe scolding.

With a scream, Nawaki was sent flying, crashing through a wooden wall before finally hitting the yard's wall.

"Ouch, that hurts."

Nawaki struggled to get up from the ground, nursing his head.

After returning home, he had asked Mito about the bounty on him and what Kirito had warned him about earlier. Instead of Mito offering him comfort, he was met with scolding and a physical reprimand.

Nawaki was now thoroughly miserable.

However, despite the pain, he refused to cry and just glared unhappily at the gracious grandmother in the room who was now smiling warmly at him.

After sticking his tongue out and making a face, he turned and fled to go complain to his little friend.

"Ah, what a foolish child. He's just started crawling and he already wants to run away," Mito sighed as she watched Shengshu's retreating figure.

Nawaki and Kirito had been training on the Senju Clan's territory, so their conversation had naturally reached Mito's ears.

So when Nawaki came to inquire about the bounty, she didn't mince words and instead administered a scolding.

"Master Nawaki is still very young. As he grows older, he will surely become more sensible," Senju Momoka, who had brought in a coffee table with tea for Mito, commented respectfully.

"Momoka, do you think I've spoiled Nawaki too much, making him so willful? If I continue to pamper him like this, what will he do if he graduates early and heads to the battlefield, unable to make his own decisions anymore?" Mito took a sip of tea, her expression troubled.

Momoka was at a loss for words and ultimately chose to remain silent, a worried expression on his face.

The truth was, Mito did indeed shower Nawaki with excessive affection.

In fact, the entire Senju Clan doted on Nakoki.

As Hashirama's grandson, Nawaki carried high expectations from the Senju Clan and received deep love from them. This love went beyond mere pampering.

To ensure his healthy growth and everyday happiness, the entire Senju Clan shielded him from life's hardships, protecting him from external malice.

However, the current situation indicated that while they had done all of this to help Nawaki grow into a fine young man with a bright future, it also left him mentally immature.

If Nawaki were an ordinary child, there would be no issue. Children should indeed be innocent and endearing, and premature maturity can be undesirable.

However, Nawaki wasn't just any child; he was Hashirama's grandson, destined to lead the Senju Clan and continue Konoha Village's legacy.

Nawaki's childish nature was clearly inadequate for the role of leading the Senju clan. It had been fine when there was no immediate point of comparison, and Mito could justify spoiling Nawakiki by reasoning that children were ignorant. But now, with Uchiha Chizuru, who had activated her Sharingan at the age of six, standing as a stark comparison, it was becoming increasingly apparent that there was a significant gap.

The saying "I'm not afraid of not knowing the goods, but I'm afraid of comparing goods" rang true.

Adding to that, Nawaki had a formidable reference in Kirito, a constant reminder of the vast disparity between Nawaki and a true genius.

Deep down, Mito understood that Nawaki's ninja talent was already quite commendable. The evidence was clear as he possessed more chakra than generale chuunin at the age of six.

For someone with such a talent, it was perfectly reasonable to believe that he would become a powerful ninja with some hard work.

However, when compared to Hashirama, Tobirama, Tsunade, and even Kirito, Nawaki appeared rather ordinary. His current training situation revealed a distinct lack of talent in practicing ninjutsu, and his chakra control skills were merely average. As for the sealing technique, he displayed no notable aptitude.

In essence, Nawaki was a relatively average member of the Senju Clan, lacking the brilliance found in others. This realization filled Mito with concerns about Nawaki's future, especially after he had mentioned his intention to graduate early and join the battlefield.

Kirito's words to Nawaki were not without merit. Nawaki's identity as Hashirama's grandson was undeniable, and upon graduation, he would be representing the Senju Clan on the battlefield, serving as a rallying symbol to boost Konoha's morale. Nawaki would undoubtedly become a thorn in the enemy's side. Those who feared the power of the senju would never allow him the opportunity to grow if he lacked the necessary strength.

In such a hostile environment, without adequate strength, Nawaki would have no chance of survival. On the battlefield, relying on others was unreliable. To endure and protect himself, he would need to rely on his own abilities.

"Momoka, prepare yourself. It's time for Nawaki to grow up quickly," Mito declared after making her decision, noting Taohua's hesitance.

"Do you think it's too soon?" Momoka asked, unable to hide her concern as someone who also cherished Nawaki. She didn't want the adorable young angel to be exposed to the harsh realities of the world so soon.

"We can't afford to delay any longer. Nawaki is different from Tsunade in the past, and the village won't grant him much time to mature. As for my situation, you know that as long as I'm here, I can bear the pressure. But the sooner we act, the better. I don't want to see this foolish child face the harsh reality too soon," Mito replied with a sad smile.

Birth, aging, sickness, and death were inevitable aspects of human life. As a formidable powerhouse, she keenly sensed that her time was drawing near. The fact that it had become increasingly challenging to restrain the Nine-Tails sealed within her body was a clear indicator. She might still appear youthful, but she was only holding on to conceal her vulnerability from those who cared about her.

In a few years, she might not even possess the ability to maintain her youthful appearance. Initially, she had hoped to watch her grandson grow up happily and enjoy family bliss during the twilight of her life. However, Nawaki's early graduation and Kirito's words had shattered that dream.

Momoka glanced at the silver strand that had appeared in Mito's meticulously combed hair, a tinge of sadness in her eyes. She spoke respectfully, "Understood."

"Furthermore, starting from tomorrow, Kirito will receive the same resource allocation as Nawaki. Everyone else should be prepared," Mito added before Taohua departed.

Momoka replied, "Understood," and then utilized a teleportation technique to vanish from the room.

After Momoka left, Mito got up and walked outside, gazing at a large tree in the courtyard. Her eyes were filled with memories.

This tree had been planted by her husband Hashirama when they first arrived in Konoha. Over the course of thirty years, the once-small sapling had grown into a towering tree. It was now late autumn, and most of the tree's leaves had withered and turned yellow. The wind rustled through the branches, carrying away the fallen leaves.

"Hashirama, you big fool. You said you wanted to protect the village, but you left not long after, leaving me behind..." Mito murmured softly as she watched the leaves carried away by the wind.

Meanwhile, Kirito was walking through the streets of the Senju Clan, deep in thought. He halted, raising his gaze to the somber sky above, where white snowflakes drifted down.

Winter is here.