Inoichi smiled reassuringly. "It's a relief that nothing untoward has happened. That's the best outcome we could hope for. You're right to think this way; the Hokage has consistently placed her trust in you, and she has made sure to shield us from any unnecessary difficulties."
Ino chimed in from the side, her voice steady and confident. "And honestly, no one dares to challenge you brother. Just like the legendary ninjas of past, other villages have warned their squads to steer clear of you. If they ever encounter you as an enemy, their first instinct is to flee. This kind of respect is reserved for only a handful of powerful ninjas, many of whom became legends in their own right. Konoha can't afford to lose you. I believe in you, and I know you won't do anything to jeopardize our home. After all, Konoha is where our hearts lie."
Inoiki teased with a grin, "You're laying it on thick, aren't you? What do you want from me? You wouldn't be so complimentary unless you had an agenda."
Ino puffed out her cheeks, feigning indignation. "Do I really look like that kind of person to you?"
From the kitchen doorway, Inoiki's mother chimed in with a playful smirk, "Do you have any doubts? It's something we all know too well."
"MOTHER…" Ino exclaimed, her face flushing with embarrassment.
Inoiki burst into laughter, "HAHAHA!"
Even Inoichi couldn't help but chuckle, while Inoiki's mother smiled warmly at the banter.
"Don't worry," Inoiki said, regaining his composure. "I brought a gift for you—and not just for you, but for all my friends. When Naruto and the others return, I'll make sure to give it to you. Sound good?"
After their light-hearted exchange, the atmosphere in the house brightened with joy. Almost an hour later, the delicious aroma of food filled the air as it was prepared and served on the table. While they waited, the family engaged in lively conversation. Inoiki animatedly recounted his adventure into the Iron Country's General's mansion, detailing his daring adventures through various black market bases to acquire the materials for his weapon. He proudly showcased the giant sword he had forged, which was currently plunged into the ground of their courtyard.
Ino looked at the massive weapon with wide eyes. "Wow. It may not be the most beautiful sword, but its size is impressive!"
Inoiki grinned, "Just watch closely."
As soon as he spoke, the sword was enveloped in a shimmering sky-blue aura. To their astonishment, it began to shatter like a puzzle, breaking apart into hundreds of smaller swords, each about two feet long. The sight was mesmerizing; under the night sky, the hundred blades glimmered with the same enchanting blue hue, creating a breathtaking display that left the family in awe.
Inoichi exclaimed, "This is absolutely perfect! Not only can you strike targets at a great distance, but you can also cut through large objects with this weapon. It would be especially effective against giant creatures, like the toads summoned by Lord Jiraiya."
Inoiki nodded in agreement, appreciating his father's insight.
"Alright, enough admiring the sword for today," Inoiki's mother interjected. "Let's go eat before the food gets cold."
Inoiki complied, skillfully controlling the floating blades to reassemble into the giant sword. Once it was complete, he followed his family inside, where they gathered around the table for dinner.
After a hearty meal, Inoiki felt the weight of exhaustion settling in. He had depleted nearly 80% of his chakra and had been on the move since morning. With a yawn, he headed to bed, knowing he desperately needed the rest.
----
The next morning, Inoiki woke before the sun rose. The air was still cool, the sky painted in faint grays and blues. He didn't waste time—no breakfast, no hesitation. He left his house in silence and made his way to Third Training Ground, a familiar place that had seen more of his blood and sweat than any other corner of the village.
He started with a run, looping the perimeter of the field, then circling again, faster. His feet hit the ground with the practiced rhythm of someone who had been doing this for years. He didn't need to think—his body moved on instinct. After the run, he dropped into push-ups, then sit-ups, then jumps, burpees, and a full routine of strength drills. These were exercises he'd been doing since childhood, fine-tuned and stacked together over the years.
His training had a unique edge: Psychokinesis. While most elite trainees used weighted gear to push their limits, Inoiki used his mind. By applying telekinetic pressure to his own body, he could simulate intense strain without external weights. At his level—equivalent to Kage strength—that kind of pressure was necessary to grow stronger.
He couldn't control gravity yet. If he could, his training would be even more efficient. But for now, this was enough—and it was working.
After completing his daily physical training, Inoiki dropped to the ground and pulled a scroll from his Ninja bag. With practiced ease, he unfurled it, revealing a large, bold character inked at the centre. He formed a quick hand seal, and the character vanished in a flash of light. A burst of white smoke followed—when it cleared, his massive sword stood before him.
Without delay, he activated his psychokinetic control. The sword began to shift and splinter, breaking apart smoothly into hundreds of smaller blades. One by one, they rose into the air, hovering above him in a perfect, unnatural stillness.
Then, with a subtle motion of his hand, the short swords aligned at a uniform altitude and began to spread outward, dotting the sky in a widening formation.
Inoiki narrowed his eyes, focusing. First, I'll channel lightning chakra into each of the short swords, he thought. Once they're all charged, I'll try linking them—create a network of electricity flowing between them, even with space between. If I can synchronize that flow... then I can turn this formation into a storm cloud. A weaponized cloud that can strike the ground with lightning on command.
He exhaled slowly. Let's hope I can pull it off.
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