Two years had passed, during which Kawakaze had provided Orochimaru with countless blood samples.
After repeated confirmations, Orochimaru finally gave up.
The Madara cell transplant had brought Kawakaze almost no noticeable power increase.
At most, his physical capabilities and chakra reserves had been growing at a slow and steady rate.
Given his current strength, it wasn't even significant enough to be considered an enhancent.
After all, his body and chakra were already powerful beyond asure.
Though he was slightly disappointed at first, Kawakaze quickly let it go.
Overall, the transplant had done little for him—better than nothing, but not the ga-changer he had hoped for.
Perhaps, only when all the right conditions aligned would he obtain the power he truly desired.
...
Putting that aside, the rapid developnt of Konoha was more than enough to bring him satisfaction.
Minato had been Hokage for over three years now, and the five-year plan had been completed ahead of schedule.
A total of fifteen major initiatives had all yielded impressive results.
Konoha had firmly established control over the ninja forces across the entire world, and the Daimyōs remained as generous as ever in their support.
Now, one could take an electric train to reach any corner of the ninja world.
Of course, this was made possible thanks to the application of ninjutsu in Konoha's infrastructure.
With the right use of chakra-based technology, even shinobi could beco master builders.
Innovative products designed to make everyday life more convenient had entered countless households, giving Konoha a gradually modernized appearance.
Mobile phones and computers had begun pilot programs within the Land of Fire, slowly making their way into public use.
The entertainnt industry, in particular, was thriving at an unprecedented rate.
Konoha Group had beco a colossal presence in the ninja world, generating staggering annual profits.
The Konoha Ninja Academy was now, without a doubt, the most prestigious institution in the entire shinobi world.
With life flourishing everywhere, the world was brimming with energy and prosperity.
...
On this day, the long-awaited family trip was finally happening.
The family of eight set out early in the morning, carrying their suitcases like ordinary travelers as they made their way toward Konoha Station.
"I feel old every ti I go out now."
"I can barely recognize Konoha anymore."
Sakumo gazed at the transford village before him, filled with nostalgia.
Towering buildings stretched across the skyline, and cars occasionally whizzed by on the roads.
Compared to just a few years ago, Konoha had beco an entirely different world.
"That's just the beginning, big brother."
"In the future, there will be flying vehicles."
"You have to learn to accept the changes in the world—don't get left behind."
Kawakaze held Ritsuki's hand as he teased Sakumo.
"A summoned beast?"
Having never seen an airplane, Sakumo couldn't imagine such a thing and instinctively assud Kawakaze was working on so new summoning technique.
After all, the Hatake Clan was the largest shareholder of Konoha Group and was unimaginably wealthy.
"What summoned beast?"
"You wouldn't get it even if I explained. You'll understand once it's built."
Kawakaze chuckled. Even he had never considered using flying summoned beasts for transportation.
Would they be useful? In so ways, sure. But would they be practical for mass use? Not really.
"If you haven't built it yet, don't talk nonsense."
Sakumo shot Kawakaze an annoyed look. The brat just loved keeping people in suspense.
"Hey, let's talk things out."
Nayuki quickly handed Seina to Sakumo, making sure to prevent any unexpected incidents.
Over the past two years, the kids had grown, and unfortunately, so had the signs of Kawakaze and Sakumo's old habits resurfacing.
"I'm warning you."
"It's bad enough when you're in Konoha."
"But if you two embarrass us outside, you'll regret it."
Tsunade pointed at the brothers, not caring about sparing their dignity.
"Don't worry."
"I won't stoop to his level."
Despite their reassurances, Tsunade remained skeptical.
She exchanged a glance with Nayuki—if things got out of hand, the two of them would take the kids and leave.
It was fine if those two made fools of themselves, but there was no need for the whole family to be dragged into it.
...
Kakashi and Ginji showed no interest in their parents' conversation. The two brothers huddled together, whispering about sothing.
Perhaps they regretted not being able to bring Kurenai and Satsuki along on this family trip.
When they arrived at the train station, the place was bustling with people.
Rejecting any special treatnt, Kawakaze and his family queued up like normal passengers to buy tickets and board the train.
Their destination this ti—the Land of Snow, a kingdom of ice and frost.
It was their first trip together as a family, and everyone was in high spirits as they boarded.
Once the train started moving, they couldn't stop talking—admiring the scenery outside and discussing the remarkable changes in the shinobi world.
As the landscape gradually turned white, they finally reached their stop—Land of Snow Station.
...
Due to its harsh climate, the Land of Snow was unsuitable for agriculture.
After the unification of the shinobi world, it had invested heavily in tourism, quickly becoming one of the most famous scenic destinations.
Kawakaze's family found a hotel with the best view and checked in.
Outside the window, snow blanketed the landscape, mountains stretched endlessly, and the ice sculptures in the snow park were breathtakingly lifelike.
Having never seen such a sight before, Ritsuki and Seina pressed against the glass, utterly fascinated.
...
After a restful night, the family dressed in thick winter coats and set off into the vast snowy mountains.
Ordinary people might worry about the dangers of such a journey, but for Kawakaze and his family, there was nothing to fear.
All that mattered was making sure the children had fun.
"I've been to the Land of Snow before."
"Back then, I thought, 'Who the hell would want to live in a place like this?'"
"But now, with you, Ginji, and Ritsuki here..."
"I can finally see the beauty in it."
Tsunade linked her arm around Kawakaze's and leaned her head lightly on his shoulder.
Not far away, Kakashi and Ginji were building snown and having a snowball fight with their little sisters, laughing without a care in the world.
"eting you was my greatest fortune."
"We've spent more than a decade together already."
"No matter how many years we have left, we'll always be together."
Kawakaze and Tsunade gazed at each other, the love in their eyes unchanged through the years.
...
"Summoning Technique!"
On the other side, Nayuki wasn't the sentintal type—she suddenly rembered she hadn't summoned Onimaru yet.
If she forgot, she'd never hear the end of it when they got back.
Seeing Onimaru appear, Kakashi suddenly rembered his own summon, Shiromaru.
With the father-son duo joining in, the kids played even more excitedly.
Ritsuki and Seina each rode on a summon, racing wildly through the snow, while their two older brothers ran alongside to protect them.
"Why don't we just stay here for the night?"
Kawakaze, always a man of action, imdiately ford hand seals.
In an instant, he channeled a massive amount of chakra into the ground, and two luxurious wooden villas rose from the snow.
"Are you actually asking for my opinion?"
Tsunade's eyes held a teasing smile, but she had no complaints.
"Haha, the kids are going to love this."
With Kakashi and Ginji watching over them, Kawakaze and the others had nothing to worry about.
Inside the villa, they raised the temperature, brought out snacks and fruit, and sat together, chatting as they ate.
Before long, the little ones grew tired from all the excitent. Kakashi and Ginji carried them back inside, where they quickly drifted off to sleep.
In the freezing snow, the warmth of their family bond stood out even more.
...
After spending a few days in the Land of Snow, Kawakaze and his family continued their journey.
They traveled through the Land of Lightning, then made their way to the Land of Water, circling the entire shinobi world before eventually returning to Konoha.
The trip lasted a full two months.
And along the way, they created countless cherished mories that would last a lifeti.
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