Naruto: In the name of time, shock the ninja world!.

"Why, you look genuinely surprised."

"It's just a sealed book. The techniques in it aren't nearly as powerful as my Wood Release."

Hashirama waved his hand dismissively in front of him.

Hoshikawa Haru chuckled. Perhaps only the God of the Ninja World could regard something like this with such nonchalance.

"You should learn whatever you can. Even though you have a kekkei genkai, knowing some ninjutsu gives you more tools to work with."

You call forbidden techniques 'just some ninjutsu'? Learn whatever you can? Sensei, your heart is way too big!

Haru was practically screaming in his mind.

Suddenly, Hashirama stared at him for a long moment. Haru instinctively shivered.

"Is something wrong, Sensei?"

"Hm? No, nothing. I just wanted to say—don't push yourself too far."

Hashirama patted Haru's shoulder and spoke with sincere concern.

He could tell at a glance that the weight Haru was wearing far exceeded what any normal child could endure. But since his student didn't seem to think there was anything unusual about it, all he could do was offer a gentle reminder to avoid irreversible consequences.

Hearing his teacher's worry, Haru chuckled and thumped his chest with confidence.

"Don't worry, Sensei. I was worried about it at first, too..."

"But I've gotten used to it. It doesn't even feel uncomfortable anymore."

Hashirama nodded in approval, saying nothing more. He simply needed to know that Haru understood the risks and benefits.

"Alright then. Once you've had a break, let's continue training." Hashirama waved his hand energetically.

Hoshikawa Haru's expression instantly dropped.

"Sensei, my stomach hurts... Can I rest a bit longer?"

"Nope. I know exactly how much you can handle. Stop pretending and start running—ten laps around the village!"

Hashirama was merciless. Haru tried to protest.

"Sensei~"

"Make that twenty!"

With those heartless words, Hashirama crushed every ounce of Haru's hopeful resistance.

Left with no choice, Haru bowed his head and started running around the village.

Watching him, soaked in sweat and visibly struggling, Hashirama smiled contentedly.

"I still think you're too soft on him."

A man with a stern face emerged from the shadows. He observed the training setup and frowned slightly.

Without even turning around, Hashirama replied, "Tobirama, that kid has his own way of thinking. I don't want to interfere too much."

"He knows what he should do—or rather, what he must do."

Tobirama crossed his arms and looked away. He didn't argue, but he didn't agree either.

The two brothers stood silently side by side, letting time pass.

By midday, Haru's energy was completely spent. Sweat poured from his body, soaking his pants and dripping to the ground in small puddles.

Ten more laps to go.

Each step he took felt like his feet were weighed down by lead, his progress agonizingly slow.

Every movement was a battle, a struggle to stay upright.

"Huff... huff..." The air around him felt thick and precious. Haru's chest heaved as he gulped down air greedily.

His lungs felt like they were burning. Every breath brought pain.

The weight on his body seemed to grow heavier, and his vision began to blur.

Step by step, dragging his exhausted body forward...

Then—with a dull thud—Haru collapsed. His body had reached its limit. A subconscious defense mechanism kicked in. Darkness took over.

The moment Haru fell, Hashirama appeared by his side in a flash.

Seeing Haru's flushed face and the sweat streaming down, Hashirama's heart ached.

He summoned green healing chakra to his hands and gently pressed them against Haru's body.

A warm current flowed through Haru, soothing his body. He let out a faint groan, still unconscious.

"He's got determination, I'll give him that. But not much common sense."

Tobirama arrived a moment later and commented coolly.

Hashirama shot him a glare, then scooped Haru up in his arms and vanished from the training grounds.

After they left, Tobirama stood there, deep in thought.

"But he's far stronger than my own students," he murmured. "He's got potential."

Hoshikawa Haru had no idea that Tobirama held him in such high regard.

Still unconscious, he was carried directly to Hashirama's residence.

Hashirama even took the time to send word to Haru's parents, assuring them there was nothing to worry about.

Then, he ordered his staff to prepare a secret medicinal bath.

The Senju clan was wealthy—beyond reason. They poured handfuls of precious herbs into the tub as though they were free.

Haru was gently placed into the warm, herb-infused water, allowing the potent medicinal properties to seep into his battered body.

The bath lasted until evening.

"Ugh... this hurts," Haru muttered as he slowly opened his eyes. His mind was still foggy.

The moment he moved, a sharp pain jolted through his body, making him wince.

"Hmm...? This smell… herbs? Where's Sensei?"

He sniffed the air. The strong, earthy scent of medicinal herbs filled his nostrils.

Looking down, he saw that he was sitting in a wooden tub. Everything clicked into place.

Must've been Sensei. He probably brought me back after I passed out...

Just remembering the moment before he lost consciousness sent a chill down his spine.

Is ninja training always this insane?

Train until you're dead—as long as you don't actually die. This is no joke.

Haru sighed, equal parts anxious and afraid. He had never imagined training would be this brutal.

He could already see what lay ahead: pain, exhaustion, and more of the same.

As he wallowed in dread, the door creaked open. Hashirama stepped in, looking a little tired but relieved.

"Ah, you're awake. How are you feeling?"

Seeing Haru's eyes open, Hashirama asked gently.

"I feel sore all over… but otherwise, I'm okay."

Haru answered truthfully.

"Looks like the medicinal bath worked." Hashirama stroked his chin thoughtfully, then his gaze shifted downward.

Feeling his teacher's eyes move, Haru immediately hunched over deeper into the tub.

Only his wet hair was visible now. His face turned red with embarrassment.

"S-Sensei! What are you looking at?!"

"Aha—ah, nothing! Nothing at all!" Hashirama rubbed his nose guiltily.

Kids these days really are something else…

"The clean clothes are on the table. I'll leave you to it. If you need anything later, just come find me."

"Also—your taijutsu is still too weak. You'll need to train harder. Starting tomorrow, run laps around the village daily. No slacking."

Before leaving, Hashirama gave his instructions.

Due to Haru's unique kekkei genkai, there wasn't much Hashirama could teach him directly. He had to discover most of it on his own—just like Hashirama had with his Wood Release.

"Okay, Sensei. Got it. You can go now." Haru looked away as he spoke, still beet red, eager for him to leave.

"Hahaha! You're still just a kid and already this shy? Alright, alright, I'm going."

Hashirama laughed, tempted to sneak another glance—but Haru's glare made him think better of it.

Letting out a sheepish chuckle, Hashirama stepped out and gently closed the door behind him