Chapter 80 - 10

Chapter 10: Many Wives, Much Fortune! A Perfect Finale!Just then, an aged but gentle voice came from the entrance of the training ground: "It seems the little flowers and blades of grass have all experienced a fierce storm today."Everyone looked towards the source of the sound and saw Uzumaki Ashina leaning on his rustic cane, walking over with a smile. Behind him followed two administrative Ninja from the "Ivy" department carrying large boxes."Grandpa Ashina!" Kushina's eyes lit up, and she went to greet him."Little Kushina, you've worked hard." Ashinanodded at Kushina, then his gaze swept kindly over the children. "I heard there was an amazing match today, and this old bag of bones wanted to join in the fun, and by the way... bring some comfort items for the heroes."He gestured to the boxes behind him.The administrative Ninja opened the lids, revealing neatly arranged exquisite snacks, candies, and bottles and jars emitting a faint medicinal fragrance."First, let's treat your wounds." Ashina walked over to Naruto, who was closest, and his withered but steady hand gently lifted Naruto's sprained arm. "Let Grandpa take a look... Hmm, a slight muscle strain, the joints are fine. Little Naruto, when you burst with Chakra, remember to use Chakra to protect your muscle fibers, just like this..."Ashina's fingers glowed with a soft green light—not the sharp radiance of a Medical NinjutsuChakra scalpel, but a life energy as gentle as spring water.The light seeped into Naruto's arm, and the pain rapidly subsided, replaced by a warm, comfortable sensation."Wow! It doesn't hurt anymore!" Naruto moved his arm in surprise. "Grandpa Ashina is amazing! Even better than the uncles and aunts in the medical squad!""Just a trivial trick." Ashina chuckled and turned to Temari. "Little girl from the Kazekage's family, you overused your wrists, didn't you? Wind Releaseisn't driven by brute force alone."He held Temari's wrist, and the same green light flashed. Temari felt her previously sore and swollen wrist instantly relax, and her Chakra flow became much smoother. She opened her eyes wide in surprise: "Is this... the secret medical technique of the Uzumaki Clan?""You could say that; it combines some insights into life energy." Ashina didn't elaborate and continued to the next person.He checked Izumi for the mental fatigue brought on by overusing her Sharingan, using a calming technique to gently massage her temples; he relieved the soreness in Hinata's eyes from having her Byakugan activated for too long; he even treated the minor bruises from Sakura's taijutsu practice, the burning sensation from Kurotsuchi's Lava Release recoil, the hidden injuries accumulated by Hebiichigo, Mabui, and Samuiduring their high-speed combat, and the headache caused by Saya's mental tension... The old man patiently treated them one by one, his technique gentle and precise, while constantly muttering medical advice:"The Sharingan is a reflection of the heart. Overusing your eyes hurts your spirit and your heart even more. You must rest more and eat more walnuts and red dates...""It's good that the Byakugan has such keen insight, but don't forget to 'close' it as well, letting both your eyes and heart rest...""Taijutsu foundations are important, but incorrect force application will hurt your body. Come, Grandpa will teach you a little trick...""Lava Release is scorching; you need to use Water and Earth Chakra to neutralize and nourish your meridians..."Every child, regardless of age or background, became a little one in need of care in front of Grandpa Ashina.His kindness wasn't just a superficial pleasantry, but truly seeing each child's condition, keeping it in his heart, and using his profound knowledge and deep cultivation to resolve it.After treating the wounds, Ashina clapped his hands: "Alright, the wounds are treated, it's time to replenish some sugar. Children, come and pick what you like!"The administrative Ninja distributed the snacks and candies. There were Konoha's signature three-colored dango and red bean cakes, Sunagakure-style nut candies, Hidden Mist-style seaweed gummies, Iwagakure's rock salt caramel, and even Kumogakure's specialty thundercloud cotton candy... Clearly, they were carefully prepared to include flavors from all nations."Grandpa Ashina, how did you know what we liked?" Sakura asked, holding a bag of red bean cakes, her eyes sparkling."Hehe, Grandpa has lived for so long, and if I have no other skills, at least my eyes are sharp and my heart is careful." Ashina sat among the children, watching them share candies and chatter about the day's match, the wrinkles on his face smoothing out like an old farmer watching his own grandchildren.He picked up a piece of rock salt caramel and handed it to Kurotsuchi: "Little girl from the Tsuchikage's family, the way you protected your teammates today has the style of your grandfather when he was young. But next time before charging, remember to take another look at your feet."Kurotsuchi blushed, took the candy, and whispered: "Th-thank you, Grandpa Ashina."He picked up another piece of thundercloud cotton candy for Mabui and Samui: "Little girls from Kumogakure, the tactics were beautiful. But remember, the strongest tactic is to count the strength of all your companions, not just yourself and the enemy."Mabui and Samui nodded thoughtfully.Mei Terumī and Kurenai Yuhi also received refreshments. They sat a little further away, watching the old man surrounded by the children."Ashina-senpai is always like this," Kurenai Yuhisaid softly, "Even though he is advanced in years, he loves being with the children the most."Mei Terumī nodded: "I heard that after the Land of Whirlpools was destroyed, it was Ashina-senpai who protected the last batch of Uzumaki survivors and brought them to Konoha. He looks at these children perhaps as he looked at his clansmen back then, wanting to give them the best of everything."In the center of the field, Ashina was smiling and listening to Naruto excitedly recount how he used Shadow Clones to confuse Sakura."And then? And then?" Hinata pressed."And then, I went 'pop', and my real body popped out of the water!..." Naruto gestured.Kushina walked over and handed Ashina a cup of hot tea: "Grandpa, I've troubled you again.""Looking at these children is no trouble at all." Ashina took the teacup, his gaze distant. "Little Kushina, I have lived too long and have seen too many partings and sacrifices. Sometimes I wonder, what is it that we old folks are fighting so hard to protect?"His gaze fell on the laughing children, and his voice became soft and firm:"It is smiles like these, growth like this, and possibilities like this. Watching them, I feel that no matter the price, it is all worth it."He gently patted the back of Kushina's hand: "Your 'Ivy' is doing very well. These children will be the most solid foundation for the future."Night fell quietly, and the starlight began to twinkle.Grandpa Ashina rose amidst the children's reluctant gazes, leaned on his cane, and slowly left the training ground. Before leaving, he looked back at everyone and said:"Children, today's match was wonderful. But remember, the true battle isn't about winning or losing, but about protection. Protect yourselves, protect your companions, and protect the things most important in your hearts. As long as this intention remains, you will never truly be defeated."His figure disappeared into the night, but his gentle voice and kind smile were deeply imprinted in every child's heart.Kushina looked in the direction where Ashina had left, was silent for a moment, and then turned to the children:"Alright, that's all for today. Everyone, go back and get some good rest. Starting tomorrow, we will have new training topics based on the review and improvement of today's match."The children replied in unison: "Yes!"Watching Naruto walk away, Kurenai Yuhi said softly: "He... will change this world, won't he?"Mei Terumī nodded: "He definitely will."Kushina looked at this group of children, her eyes full of pride and expectation.