Wood Release: Linked Pillar House Technique!
Whoosh!
In an instant, tens of thousands of saplings burst from the ground. As they grew into towering trees, they intertwined in clusters of dozens or hundreds, transforming into fully constructed houses standing upright.
Though not a combat-oriented Wood Release technique, the Linked Pillar House Technique was a true test of chakra control and mental fortitude. Constructing a house wasn't as simple as growing trees—it required the caster to design the structure, account for every detail, and ensure stability.
This was why Captain Yamato would be utterly exhausted after creating just a single house.
But as he watched a sprawling array of magnificent buildings rise one after another, stretching to the horizon, Yamato was utterly dumbfounded.
"Building an entire complex in one go? Are you kidding me? Sure, I know his chakra reserves surpass mine, and his Wood Release scale is larger, but this is construction we're talking about—not just mindlessly growing trees! It requires architectural knowledge and immense mental focus! How does a sixteen-year-old kid manage this?"
Yamato recalled his own struggles—he had undergone a full month of architectural training just to improve his proficiency with the Linked Pillar House Technique.
Boom!
After completing the technique, Naruto lowered his hands from the seal and let out a sigh. "Phew... Wood Release really is mentally taxing!"
Fortunately for him, in his previous life as Hokage, he had read extensively. He had always thought his home was too small and had dreamed of building a grand mansion after retiring, managing every detail from design to decoration himself. To prepare for that, he had studied countless architectural books in his spare time.
Yamato, of course, was unaware of these details. Swallowing hard, he asked, "Can I inspect your houses?"
Naruto beamed. "Of course! Having Captain Yamato, the most experienced builder in the shinobi world, as my quality inspector is a blessing! This is my first time building houses, so I'd appreciate your feedback."
Though Naruto's words were complimentary, Yamato couldn't bring himself to feel flattered.
Donning his black gloves, Yamato replied seriously, "Then I won't hold back. When it comes to the safety of the residents, I'll be thorough. A luxurious exterior doesn't mean much if it's not up to code!"
Naruto nodded generously, "Please, go ahead!"
And so, Yamato began inspecting the houses one by one. To his astonishment, every single structure exceeded his expectations in both safety and functionality.
He began to doubt his own abilities as a shinobi.
"Is this real? Is he truly omnipotent? Was his goofy, clueless demeanor all an act? No, that's impossible. No one could fake that. So what made him so capable? Could becoming a rogue ninja really make someone this much stronger?"
With these nonsensical thoughts swirling in his mind, Yamato reached the largest mansion at the end of the row.
"A... a castle keep?"
Unable to contain his curiosity, Yamato hurried inside. From the entryway to the top floor, the interior was a blend of traditional Japanese castle architecture and modern functionality.
The exterior resembled an ancient castle keep, yet the interior was a multi-functional space designed for both comfortable living and shinobi training.
"My god... what craftsmanship! Even the homes of the daimyo in various nations pale in comparison!"
Ascending to the top floor, Yamato peered out of an unfinished window to take in the breathtaking view of the ocean beyond Amegakure.
Clatter, clatter!
Rainwater flowed through carefully constructed channels, turning a millwheel.
"So that's it... a clever design to make efficient use of rainwater," Yamato murmured in admiration. "Naruto could live a fulfilling life even without being a ninja."
After completing his inspection, Yamato exited the mansion and addressed the waiting Naruto. "All the houses pass inspection!"
"Hmm?" Yamato's attention was drawn to a plaque nearby, on which the words "Yamato Residence" had been inscribed. "What's this?"
Naruto smiled earnestly. "Captain Yamato, you've worked so hard these past few days. I've decided to gift this mansion to you as your home!"
Yamato's heart swelled with emotion. "Though many things about him have changed, his genuine nature remains the same. Truly admirable, truly admirable."
Despite his joy, Yamato maintained a serious tone. "Naruto, your kind gesture is more than enough for me. I helped you and Amegakure on the orders of the Hokage. Now that my mission is complete, I must return to Konoha to report. As for this house, you should offer it to the displaced people of Amegakure."
Naruto sighed in disappointment. "I see... what a shame. How about this, Captain Yamato: I'll keep the house for you. Whenever you visit Amegakure on a mission, you can stay here. How does that sound?"
"I doubt I'll ever return to Amegakure," Yamato thought to himself. "There's already too much to handle in Konoha."
But he couldn't bring himself to reject Naruto's sincerity. "If that's the case, then I humbly accept."
Naruto nodded solemnly. "Let me use the Flying Thunder God to take you back to the village, Captain Yamato."
Yamato hesitated briefly before agreeing. "Alright. I'm exhausted from all the travel and would appreciate getting back to the village quickly. But given your current... sensitive status, just drop me off outside the village. I'll handle the rest."
"Understood."
Naruto placed a hand on Yamato's shoulder and teleported them to the forest outside Konoha.
Yamato bid him farewell. "This is far enough. You can go now, Naruto."
"Alright, I'm off." Swish! Naruto vanished with the Flying Thunder God.
"Finally, I'm back. The experiences of these past few days... I'll never forget them," Yamato muttered as he made his way toward Konoha.
At the village gate, Izumo and Kotetsu, the guards, stopped him. "Halt! Identify yourself!"
"It's me, Yamato. I'm here to report back."
Izumo frowned. "I know who you are, Yamato-senpai. But you've betrayed the village!"
"What? I've done no such thing!" Yamato exclaimed.
Kotetsu pointed to Yamato's forehead protector. "Your headband says otherwise! I saw you through the telescope earlier and already reported it to the village. I suggest you surrender quietly!"
Only then did Yamato remember: before heading to Paradise Island, he had scratched his forehead protector to avoid tarnishing Konoha's reputation.
"This is a misunderstanding! Let me explain!" Yamato pleaded.
Izumo and Kotetsu drew their weapons. "Save it for Ibiki in the interrogation room!"
"Stop." A low voice interrupted.
Yamato turned to see Kakashi approaching. "Kakashi-senpai!"
"Tenzō," Kakashi said, using Yamato's original name. "The Hokage wants to see you."
Kakashi escorted Yamato to the Hokage's office, where he explained the situation to Tsunade.
After hearing the full story, Tsunade rested her chin on her hands. "I see... I understand now."
Yamato sighed in relief. "So, can I go home and rest now?"
Tsunade shook her head and pulled out a booklet. "This is the latest bingo book of rogue ninjas. Take a look."
Confused, Yamato flipped through the pages until he found his own picture.
"What... what is this?!" he stammered.
Tsunade explained, "A Cloud ninja on Paradise Island recognized you from a past mission. Seeing your scratched headband, they reported you immediately. Without consulting us, they added you to the bingo book. You're now a wanted man in every nation."
Thud! Yamato collapsed onto the floor, devastated. "Does this mean... I can't stay in Konoha anymore?"
Tsunade sighed. "I'll assign you a long-term mission to keep you out of sight for now."
"A long-term mission?" Yamato asked.
Tsunade nodded. "Naruto has inherited my grandfather Hashirama's Wood Release. While powerful, it's also extremely taxing on chakra. More importantly, the healing properties of Hashirama's cells pose a hidden danger. Unchecked regeneration can shorten one's lifespan. Even my grandfather, as mighty as he was, succumbed to these side effects and died young."
She continued, "Tenzō, I want you to stay by Naruto's side, monitor his usage of Wood Release, and ensure he doesn't repeat my grandfather's mistakes. Naruto has already agreed. This is a mission of great honor and responsibility. What do you say?"
Yamato hesitated. "You mean... I'm to return to Amegakure?"
Tsunade nodded. "Yes. I take full responsibility for the misunderstanding that led to you being labeled a rogue ninja. During your mission, you'll retain the benefits of a Konoha jōnin. When the time is right, I'll personally clear your name. Do you accept?"
Kakashi placed a reassuring hand on Yamato's shoulder. "Tenzō, this is a golden opportunity."
Clenching his fists, Yamato declared, "I'll do it!"
Still in a daze, Yamato packed his belongings and left the village once more.
Sigh. "If I'd known this would happen, I would've asked Naruto to delay his return. Now I have to travel again... oh well. If this is my fate..."
With that, Yamato set off for Amegakure.
Swish!
Moments after he left, Naruto reappeared at the same spot. He hadn't returned to Amegakure earlier; instead, he had negotiated with Konoha to retrieve two items: the corpse of the Animal Path from Pain's invasion and the three prisoners—Jūgo, Suigetsu, and Karin—captured during Sasuke's attack.
Konoha had agreed to release the prisoners on the condition that Naruto would take responsibility for their future actions.
Looking around, Naruto muttered, "Huh? Captain Yamato's already left? Oh well, I'll wait for him back in Amegakure."
Swish! With the Flying Thunder God, Naruto and his companions returned to Amegakure.
Now that everything was in place and his strength had grown significantly, Naruto began making new plans.
"The time has come to recruit a few talents from Kabuto. Kakuzu, Sasori, Uchiha Itachi... especially Itachi. His foresight and wisdom are invaluable to the future of the ninja world. And through him, Shisui's left eye can also see the light of day once more!"
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