CH - 12 Outdated?

Akihiko's statement may seem blunt and simplistic, but it actually holds a certain amount of truth. The development of a nation encompasses more than just economic growth or military strength, it also involves the sustainable growth of its population. In fact, population growth is a crucial factor in a nation's long-term development and prosperity.

It is worth noting that the issue of population has become a pressing concern for the Grass Country. The recent destruction of their nation, coupled with internal conflicts and corruption, has resulted in a relatively small population. The current situation of the Uzumaki clan, with a population of only around 20 people, including just four shinobi, is embarrassing. If the Uzumaki clan can expand its numbers to over a hundred, perhaps the Grass Country can establish another legitimate bloodline clan.

Uzumaki Yoshinori approached Akihiko with a request, "If you have the time, I suggest sending someone to visit the Uzumaki Clan's Nōmendō. It is rumored to hold treasures hidden before the downfall of the Whirlpool Country. Additionally, regarding the Nōmendō, could you please assist the Uzumaki clan with its relocation?"

Akihiko assured him, "Don't worry, I will take care of these matters." With those words, he and Kana departed.

Observing Akihiko's retreating figure, Uzumaki Yoshinori couldn't help but smile with relief.He could sense that their leader genuinely accepted the Uzumaki clan and had an open mind.It was no surprise that Akihiko had successfully led the Grass Country to restoration amid chaos, earning support and recognition from many. If it were the Warring States period, Akihiko Kusano would undoubtedly be hailed as an extraordinary figure, much like the First Hokage, the God of Shinobi - Hashirama Senju.

Recalling the illustrious history of Hashirama Senju, who was followed by various clans and founded Konohagakure, the strongest shinobi village, Yoshinori couldn't help but wonder what could have been. "It's a pity that Kushina has already been sent to Konoha. She had immense potential, and it would have been wonderful if she could have stayed here. I wonder how she is faring now." Sighing with regret and shaking his head, the third elder straightened his posture and made his way home. "And what about the others? I have no idea how they're doing."

Before arriving in the Grass Country, He could not have imagined that the Uzumaki clan would be accepted by other nations as well. The fact that they were embraced, outside their homeland was truly remarkable.

As Uzumaki Yoshinori headed home, his mind was filled with a range of emotions. He felt grateful for the acceptance and support the Uzumaki clan had received in the Grass Country. It was a far cry from the days of wandering and being rejected by other nations. The Uzumaki clan had finally found a place to call home, a place where they truly belonged.

...…

On the other side,

Akihiko strolled along the path, accompanied by Kana. He couldn't help but reflect on the unexpected gain they had experienced.

In the face of imminent destruction, it was only natural for a nation to make preparations. The Uzumaki clan, aware of their nation's impending annihilation, had gathered valuable belongings. Whether they could restore their country in the future or not, these possessions would ensure a good life for the Uzumaki clan, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the chaos.

Yet, they had underestimated the ruthlessness of shinobi from other villages. Even after the devastating obliteration of the Whirlpool Country, their relentless pursuit persisted. Like the tragic fate that befell the Uchiha clan, almost no one was spared during the annihilation, except for one foolish little kid.

The Whirlpool Country, a nation of comparable size to the Grass Country, possessed great strength. The wealth left behind in the wake of its destruction could potentially sustain the Grass Country for a considerable time.

Akihiko couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief, knowing that he wouldn't have to exhaust himself night after night anymore.

Lost in his thoughts, Akihiko's attention was suddenly drawn to something ahead. His eyes blinked in surprise. "What are those two little ones doing?"

Startled by Akihiko's words, Kana snapped back to the present, following his gaze. Together, they caught sight of two mischievous figures—Nagato and Yahiko. The pair was sneaking into a small grove, their actions veiled in secrecy.

Intrigued, Akihiko found himself driven to quietly trail behind them. Without uttering a word, he silently tagged along, his curiosity piqued by the mysterious actions of the young rascals.

.....

Nagato and Yahiko exchanged curious glances as they stood in a secluded spot. Nagato's mind was preoccupied with his impending task of helping his mother with the move.

"Yahiko, why did you call me here? I still have to assist my mom," Nagato remarked, a tinge of worry in his voice.

Yahiko shrugged dismissively, "Don't worry about it. It's just next door, and we have Konan and Aunt Fuso to help. Besides, isn't it great living at Akihiko-sensei's house?"

Nagato hesitated, contemplating the situation. "Well, it is Akihiko-sensei's house, after all. It doesn't feel right to impose for too long."

Yahiko leaned in closer, a mischievous grin on his face. "What's wrong with that? I bet you've noticed it too. Maybe you'll even get a little sister out of it. Why else would Akihiko-sensei allow Aunt Fuso to live with you in his house?"

Nagato remained expressionless, his gaze fixed on Yahiko. He didn't offer a response to his friend's inquiry.

Undeterred, Yahiko pressed on. "Why don't you like the idea of Akihiko-sensei being your dad?" he prodded.

Nagato let out a sigh, raising an eyebrow and rolling his eyes. "Alright, enough with that. Why did you call me out here?"

Yahiko's eyes sparkled with excitement. "I have something amazing. I managed to secretly take it from Dad, Nagato!" he exclaimed, blinking rapidly. "I'm sharing it with you because we're close!"

Confusion etched across Nagato's face. "What is it? But remember, stealing is not a good thing."

Yahiko's face lit up as he reached into his clothes and pulled out a colorful book. "Ta-da! Look at this! I borrowed it from Dad. He said he would show it to me when I grew up, but I couldn't resist taking a peek beforehand."

Both boys examined the book in awe, its pages adorned with peculiar drawings of frogs, snakes, slugs, and winged creatures. It exuded an air of mystery.

Nagato blinked, his curiosity piqued. "What is this?"

Yahiko leaned closer, a mysterious smile on his face. "According to Dad, it's a book written by someone named Master Ekinu. It contains incredibly powerful training methods."

Nagato remained skeptical. "Really? I find it hard to believe."

Yahiko nodded confidently. "Of course! I witnessed Dad practicing those techniques—struggling with heavy eyelids, trembling feet, and a hunched back. It can't be easy if it's not powerful, right? Want to take a look?"

Nagato hesitated for a moment before finally nodding. "Alright, let's open it."

As they were about to unveil the secrets within the book, a sudden hand snatched it away from their grasp.

Both boys froze, bewildered by the unexpected interruption. Akihiko stood before them, his expression dark and serious.

"Why are you two sneaking around instead of focusing on your training?" Akihiko's voice carried a stern tone. "Have you finished moving?"

In Akihiko's mind, he cursed Mubuki for not properly hiding the book, allowing the little rascals to discover it. He vowed to scold Mubuki properly and perhaps discuss the matter with his wife.

"Ah, Akihiko-sensei is here?" Nagato and Yahiko greeted him in surprise, their voices filled with a mix of astonishment and mild apprehension.

Although Yahiko was taken aback by Akihiko's sudden appearance and reached out his hand with a smile, saying, "Aunt Fuso is at home, Akihiko-sensei. You can go in. About that training manual..."

Before he could finish his sentence, Kana interjected with her own curiosity. She approached the group and inquired, "What manual? Akihiko-sama, what do you have in your hands?"

Caught red-handed, Akihiko became flustered and attempted to conceal the manual. However, Yahiko's accidental fumble caused it to fall to the ground. Kana, picking it up, curiously examined the cover before flipping through the pages.

As she perused the contents, her cheeks flushed, and she cast a strange look at Akihiko. After a brief moment of hesitation, she addressed him, "Akihiko, you..."

Quickly realizing the potential misunderstanding, Akihiko and Yahiko simultaneously defended themselves, claiming, "It's not mine!", "I took it from Dad."

Blushing slightly, Kana suppressed her earlier expression, conveying her disapproval. "How could Mubuki allow children to see these things? It's really inappropriate!"

Akihiko chose to remain silent while Yahiko and Nagato stood pale-faced, their fear evident. Akihiko cleared his throat and spoke with a serious tone, raising his voice, "This is indeed a training manual, but... it's not suitable for children to practice. Excessive training can weaken their bodies, causing weakness in their limbs, cold and weak hands and feet, and even hair loss. They'll become very unattractive!"

Both Yahiko and Nagato stared at him in disbelief, their expressions begging for further explanation.

"It contains forbidden techniques, so from now on, you can't look at it," Akihiko said, patting their heads with a smile that carried a hint of mischief. "Now, it's time to go home and help out. Since you have so much free time, we'll double the training tomorrow!"

Yahiko quickly retreated, saying, "I'm going back! The book... never mind, Dad is waiting for me!"

Nagato added, "I'm going back too! It's all Yahiko's fault. I was supposed to help my mom!"

After seeing them leave, Akihiko shook his head with a sigh, then looked at Kana, who was still secretly flipping through the book, her cheeks flushed. He hesitated for a moment and said, "Kana..."

Before he could finish his sentence, Kana smiled and looked at Akihiko with tenderness. "What's the matter?"

"It's nothing!" Akihiko decided it was best not to question or say anything further. He wiped an imaginary sweat from his brow in relief.

"I'll destroy the book!" Kana blinked her eyes and blushed slightly. "Akihiko-sama, you shouldn't look at it either. This... what's-his-name, Ekinu..." She glanced at the cover. "He doesn't seem like a good person"

Akihiko nodded in agreement, playing along. "You're right, Ekinu is definitely not a good person!" He chuckled awkwardly. "Let's go, We should head back now."

....

Meanwhile, Jiraiya, the renowned author and traveler, found himself in a bookstore, engaged in a serious conversation with the manager.

"What? Is my book outdated? How can that be?" Jiraiya questioned, his eyes fixed on the manager. "I have complete confidence in my masterpiece. How can it be considered outdated?"

The manager apologized, "I'm sorry, Mr. Jiraiya, but while we can still sell your book, we have to lower the profit margin due to the perceived risk."

Jiraiya regarded the manager skeptically, "Are you trying to trick me into accepting a lower price?"

"No, I assure you, it's not a trick," the manager insisted.

"Then show me this so-called hottest book that has surpassed mine. I need to see it for myself," Jiraiya challenged, determined to assess the competition.

"Please wait a moment," the manager responded.

After a brief pause, the manager returned with a book and handed it to Jiraiya.

Jiraiya sneered as he observed the book's cover. "Doesn't look that impressive, does it? Just a colorful cover," he remarked, attempting to diminish its value. "If only my book had a cover like this..."

But before he could finish his sentence, Jiraiya's eyes widened in astonishment.

What did he see? Toads? Snakes... and slugs?!

He took a deep breath and exclaimed, his voice filled with disbelief, "You can even draw like this? I'm impressed! I concede defeat!"

"Mr. Ekinu is a truly talented artist and writer," the manager explained. "His other works are also highly popular."

"Bring them to me!" Jiraiya exclaimed without hesitation, his excitement evident. Glancing at the author's name, he muttered with a sense of reverence, "Mr. Ekinu..."