Chapter 6: Kaori: Fugaku Is Not Fit To Be The Clan Leader
_____
"Yes!"
Kaori nodded firmly after hearing this. "Even if you didn't mention it, I planned to do it later. This kind of opportunity to strengthen the body is too good to pass up." She paused for a moment, then added, "In the future, we could even consider providing some Sea King meat to the loyal and obedient members of the clan to enhance their strength."
Her expression turned thoughtful. "After all, the Uchiha clan will eventually be handed over to you. If they become stronger, it will greatly benefit you in the future."
A hint of regret flashed across her face as she continued, "Unfortunately, not everyone can meet the requirements of the contract. Otherwise, we could send people to establish a stable base specifically for hunting Sea Kings and fierce beasts. That way, I wouldn't have to handle it personally."
At this point, Kaori paused before addressing Katsumi directly. "Given this situation, once your body recovers and your strength improves, I'll help you gradually establish prestige within the clan."
Her tone grew serious as she laid out her plan. "I'll also arrange for some of the younger clan members to interact with you and begin learning under your guidance. This will make it easier for you to influence and win them over. Work on improving their favorability as quickly as possible, so that when the time comes, it will be easier for you to secure contracts with them. What do you think?"
It was clear that ever since learning of Katsumi's unique abilities, Kaori had been carefully planning for his future. Her arrangements left little room for concern, ensuring Katsumi could focus on other priorities.
Originally, with her own deteriorating health and Katsumi's fragile state, Kaori had intended to groom Fugaku, the third elder's son, as the next leader of the clan. But now, she had changed her mind.
"It's better to let my son lead," she thought. "Fugaku lacks decisiveness and toughness—traits essential for a leader."
Katsumi saw no reason to object. "Alright! I'll leave it to you, Mom."
Having such a capable and supportive mother was a blessing, sparing him countless worries. Katsumi silently thanked his luck for contracting with his mother early on.
"By the way," Kaori interjected, her expression curious. "Katsumi, do you think it's possible for me to leave a Shadow Clone in one world while my original body is in another? If I could leave a Shadow Clone here or in the ninja world, it would make things much more convenient for the next trip."
She frowned slightly. "Otherwise, the time spent traveling between worlds will impact the ninja world, and I won't be able to divide my time effectively."
Her frustration was evident. "This time, I only came to scout the area and didn't plan to stay long. I didn't expect to land on a pirate ship in the middle of the sea, and saving the Nine Snakes Pirates forced me to adjust my plans."
Katsumi considered the possibility. "Hmm… it's worth a try. Maybe… it should be possible?"
"Then let's try it!" Kaori pdecided without hesitation.
The two quickly set to work testing the idea, and the result was undeniably successful.
By leaving a Shadow Clone in either the ninja world or the pirate world, Kaori discovered that the clone remained stable even when her original body was in another dimension.
Katsumi discovered that he could set coordinates at any location he had visited and then teleport back to that location.
This included people, ships, and even other objects.
It was truly incredible.
The ability to freely teleport to places he had previously been offered unimaginable convenience.
Moreover, this was not limited to the pirate world; the same principle seemed to apply to the ninja world.
If not for his current lack of strength and the timing being unsuitable, Katsumi would have already considered exploring this ability on a broader scale.
"In that case, we could go home and rest for a few days, then personally head to the Sabaody Archipelago when the time comes. What do you think, Mom?" Katsumi asked, looking at Kaori.
"Hmm…" Kaori pondered for a moment before responding, "We should try leaving someone there to avoid unnecessary risks or being exposed."
She paused thoughtfully. "After all, we don't know if Observation Haki can detect or see through a Shadow Clone."
Then, with a playful smile, she reached out to pinch Katsumi's cheek. "And don't forget, you've only extracted a small trace of Chakra and haven't mastered the Shadow Clone Technique at all."
Her tone grew more serious. "With your current physical condition, extracting more Chakra or even practicing the Shadow Clone Technique isn't suitable for you right now."
"Uh…" Katsumi's face stiffened at her words, and he responded helplessly, "I forgot. I really need to recover my body as soon as possible."
The numerous inconveniences were starting to pile up.
"Haha! Don't worry, don't rush," Kaori said, amused by his dejected expression. She gently patted his head, offering reassurance. "Take it slow. You'll get better in time."
Shifting the conversation, Katsumi stood up and said, "No more talking! Let's get back to practicing the health-preserving exercises. I don't think I've reached today's limit yet."
With that, he began practicing again, intent on pushing himself further and testing the maximum number of times he could train each day.
"Alright," Kaori agreed with a smile, standing up to join him. "I'll practice with you. Let's recover our bodies as quickly as possible."
[You practiced health-preserving exercises once. Proficiency +1, lifespan +1 day.]
[You practiced health-preserving exercises once. Proficiency +1, lifespan +1 day.]
...
After two rounds, Katsumi slumped to the floor, panting heavily.
"Hoo… I can't… do it anymore," he gasped, wiping the sweat from his face.
He was utterly exhausted, his entire body aching. At the same time, hunger gnawed at him, a clear indication that his body couldn't continue any further for the moment. Even health-preserving exercises demanded energy and adequate nutrition.
On the other hand, Kaori showed no signs of stopping. She seemed far from reaching her limit.
Seeing Katsumi's state, she smiled warmly while continuing her training. "If you've reached your limit, then rest for now. Mom will keep practicing. I want to regain my peak strength as soon as possible."
Years of physical decline had significantly weakened her.
This world was far too dangerous, so Kaori resolved to recover her peak strength as quickly as possible.
"Alright! I'll start by thinking of a prescription for recuperation," Katsumi said, already formulating a plan.
"Also, I'll copy some medical books to use as rewards for Dr. Kureha. Without proper incentives, she might refuse to cooperate."
He smirked slightly. "After all, the name 'witch' isn't for nothing."
"You're very thoughtful. Let's do as you say," Kaori agreed readily, feeling a sense of relief.
Her son had truly grown up overnight.
"The inheritance must be incredibly powerful to have given Katsumi so much knowledge and insight."
As she continued her training, her thoughts drifted. "Does this inheritance include information about both the ninja world and the pirate world?"
She frowned slightly. "Could it even encompass knowledge of the future, not just the past and present?"
Resolving to delve deeper into her son's newfound wisdom, she thought, "When I have the time, I'll need to question Katsumi carefully to prepare for whatever may come."
She could sense the urgency in her son since his awakening and the inheritance of the immortal. His intense desire to grow stronger and the deep sense of crisis he carried were undeniable.
"It's not just about our lifespans," she mused. "There must be more to it—something looming over our family, or perhaps the entire Uchiha clan."
The weight of the unknown troubled her. "The future of the clan must be dire if Katsumi is this anxious."
Meanwhile, Katsumi remained oblivious to how much his mother had discerned from his subtle emotional shifts.
He swiftly teleported back to the ninja world, gathered blank paper from their home, and began copying medical texts. At the same time, he carefully drafted prescriptions tailored to his and Kaori's unique physical conditions to aid in their recovery.
More than an hour passed in the blink of an eye.
After completing dozens of repetitions of the health-preserving exercises, Kaori finally paused her practice, deciding to rest temporarily.
...