Naruto: Legend of the Skylark

In Konoha, within the Senju clan's compound, three figures sat together in a small pavilion in the courtyard, seemingly enjoying each other's company.

"No sooner said than done, just as Hiruzen was about to be killed by the mighty Chomei, I, who was providing support, couldn't sit still any longer. I immediately formed a hand seal and roared, 'Adamantine Chains!' Then, with four powerful chakra chains, I bound and restrained Chomei." Hibari was currently sitting in front of Tsunade and Mito, boasting about his experiences with an expression of unspeakable cockiness.

Listening to Hibari, Tsunade's large, bright eyes widened as she asked curiously, "Then, Hibari-nii, what did you do to Chomei afterward?"

Mito also stared at Hibari with a curious expression. Although she knew Hibari was likely exaggerating his experiences, the boy was a good storyteller, and it sounded very interesting, so she didn't expose him, simply listening as if it were a story.

"Is that even a question? Tsunade, don't you know who I am? I am Senju Hibari, with power unmatched! Listen well: the moment I unleashed my Adamantine Chains, Chomei was immediately bound. Then, Hiruzen, having escaped peril, breathed a sigh of relief and quickly cooperated with me. Under my leadership, we instantly subdued Chomei. And just then, Hashirama-jiisan arrived, but there was nothing left for him to do. He and Sasuke-jiisan then took the immobilized Chomei to Takigakure to 'turn in the mission.' If we calculate the time, they should be back by now..." Hibari told Tsunade, displaying his prowess.

Perhaps Hibari was getting a bit carried away with his boasting, for after saying this, he continued with a sense of deep emotion, "Ah, it's a good thing I insisted on participating in this mission. Otherwise, what would Hiruzen have done? I was truly worried for him. He probably can't do without me now..."

As Hibari spoke, Mito smiled, looking behind Hibari. This left Hibari a bit bewildered. Before he could think further, he heard Tsunade look behind him and exclaim, "Hiruzen-jisan, did you come to hear Hibari-nii's story too?"

Hearing Tsunade's words, Hibari's cocky expression suddenly changed. He quickly turned his head to look behind him, only to see Hiruzen standing there with a dark expression, glaring at him with a very unfriendly gaze.

"Oh? Hiruzen-jisan, you're here? What a coincidence! I was just telling them about your glorious deeds. I learned so much from you along the way; it was truly enlightening..." Hibari immediately changed his tune upon seeing Hiruzen.

"Hmph, you brat. I heard everything quite clearly just now. It seems I won't be able to go on missions without you, you scoundrel, from now on?" Hiruzen said, annoyed.

Hibari had thick skin. He laughed upon hearing this, saying, "If you want to form a squad with me or something, I'm perfectly fine with that. How about it? Isn't that a good suggestion?"

Although Hiruzen had caught Hibari badmouthing him behind his back, he wasn't genuinely angry; he even found it a bit amusing.

"Alright, no more idle talk with you, you rascal. How's your body? Feeling better?" Hiruzen smiled helplessly, asking with concern.

Hearing the question, Hibari chuckled and said, "There's nothing serious. My physique is as strong as an ox."

Previously, during the mission, to trap Chomei, Hibari had used the A-rank sealing jutsu, Adamantine Chains. And to maintain the jutsu's power and buy time for Sasuke, he even consumed a large amount of his life force.

Coupled with Kakuzu's sneak attack, if his Hashirama-ojii hadn't arrived in time, the villagers would probably be at their Senju compound holding a memorial service by now, not listening to Hibari's cool stories.

Later, Hashirama, the great power in Mushiking Valley, directly used True Several Thousand Hands, combined with the Summits Transformed Into a Buddha, almost beating the previously arrogant Chomei to death on the spot, forcing it to reincarnate.

The entire Mushiking Valley had been flattened into a 'plain' by Hashirama. One can imagine how miserable Chomei was.

Due to the massive loss of life force, Hibari had fallen into an extremely weak state. Therefore, he didn't participate in the subsequent events. Hiruzen quickly brought him back to Konohagakure, where Tobirama personally treated his injuries.

As for Hashirama, he and Sasuke dragged Chomei to Takigakure to 'turn in the mission.'

This might sound like Konohagakure's leader, the Hokage, went to 'work' for the small village of Takigakure. But imagine waking up to suddenly find someone outside your village dragging a severely injured Tailed Beast, claiming to be turning in a mission. What would you think then?

Anyway, Hibari felt that his Hashirama-ojii might not have intended to 'show off,' but his actions alone were enough to inspire awe.

It seemed to be thanks again to that 'Human-Human Fruit' that had caused Hibari so much trouble. In short, if an ordinary person were to lose a large amount of life force like Hibari, they would surely be weak for a long time, and if it wasn't replenished, it would shorten their lifespan and even affect their personal strength, potentially turning them into a cripple.

But oddly enough, after a few days of rest, Hibari's lost life force slowly replenished itself. Not only was Hiruzen surprised, but even Tobirama found it incredible.

However, this phenomenon was ultimately attributed to Hibari's 'extraordinary talent,' with no great need for further investigation. It was a good thing, wasn't it?

Hibari himself, of course, knew that this was likely related to his Devil Fruit ability. Although this damned ability made him 'unable to swim,' it was still a Zoan-type ability, which was always known for its vitality.

This was just the beginning; if his ability could awaken one day, perhaps his life force and regenerative abilities would become even stronger, and his chakra reserves would gradually become 'abnormal.'

But then, how could this damned 'Human-Human Fruit' awaken? He hadn't even developed any useful applications for it yet. He was already a human; could he awaken into a 'superhuman'?

Just thinking about this frustrating ability made him angry. Even if it were the most ordinary Dog-Dog Fruit, Model: Wild Dog, Hibari would feel it was better than his current state!

Hiruzen had been visiting Hibari every day for the past two days, so he was aware of Hibari's condition. His question just now was merely a casual one. After hearing Hibari's reply, he nodded and said, "It's good that there's nothing serious. Come on, let's go to the Hokage Residence."

"What for?" Hibari asked curiously at first, then his eyes lit up. He said, "Did Hashirama-jiisan return?"

Hiruzen smiled and nodded, "That's right, Hokage-sama and my father have returned. Our mission is completely finished, and it's time to report in. Also, although this mission was difficult, it was completed, and the proper merits will be awarded."

Hibari didn't care much for merits. As a member of the Senju clan, as long as he performed normally, he wouldn't lack such things in the future. But this was his first completed mission, after all, so he was still a bit excited. Upon hearing Hiruzen's words, he immediately nodded and said, "Then what are we waiting for? Let's go now!"

With that, Hibari stood up, gulped down the cup of tea on the table, and then said to Tsunade and Mito, "Mito-baasan, Tsunade, I'm off to handle some important business. When I return, if there's time, I'll tell you more about my glorious deeds..."

Tsunade nodded understandingly, and Mito smiled, saying, "Go on, important matters come first."

At the same time, Hiruzen also said respectfully, "Then, Mito-sama, we'll be taking our leave."

After exchanging farewells, Hibari and Hiruzen quickly left the Senju clan's compound and headed towards the Hokage Residence.

Meanwhile, inside the Hokage Residence, Hashirama, Tobirama, and Sasuke were also there, seemingly still discussing something.

"How is that boy Hibari's body, Tobirama?" Sasuke asked with some concern.

He was the true 'leader' of this mission, and for things to escalate to the point where Hibari, that young brat, had to 'risk his life,' he naturally felt very guilty. Therefore, upon his return, he immediately inquired about this matter.

Not only him, but Hashirama, who had just sat down, also quickly said, "Is that boy alright? I remember we have some medicinal herbs that can replenish life force at home. Although those things are precious, don't be stingy with them; give them to Hibari..."

Before Hashirama could finish, Tobirama interjected, "If necessary, would I ever mistreat Hibari? Don't worry, that boy is exceptionally talented. His lost life force is slowly replenishing itself. There's nothing serious. He just needs more time to rest. This is good, it allows him to learn some things from me and also cure his bad habits."

After Tobirama finished speaking, he didn't continue the topic about Hibari. Instead, he looked at Sasuke and asked, "Was Kirigakure of the Land of Water involved in this incident?"

"Undoubtedly. Hozuki Reigetsu of the Hozuki clan participated in this, hidden, and was eventually beheaded by the combined efforts of Hibari and Hiruzen. If not for his Hydrification Technique, he would have died on the spot. But this also exposed his identity," Sasuke nodded and said.

"These ambitious people truly refuse to stay quiet..." Tobirama sighed and said.

After a slight pause, Tobirama continued, "In any case, we didn't suffer any losses; instead, they lost some people. The current peace is hard-won, so let's put this matter aside for now. When the time is right, we'll settle this score with them properly!"

At this point, Tobirama suddenly chuckled and said, "I suppose that boy Hibari is probably thinking the same thing, right?"

Sasuke heard this and chuckled, "That's right. He was shouting that if he gets the chance later, he's going to personally settle the score with that Hozuki Reigetsu, and he also said not to let any of us interfere..."

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