From Kushina's observations over the past few days, she could conclude one thing: 'These two brats... in terms of raw power, are already at the level of young Jonin. Similar to Kakashi who became a Jonin at the age of 12.'
Or, more precisely— 'Should I say Kakashi is like them? Hahaha... ah, it doesn't matter.'
However, for Kushina, being as strong as a Jonin didn't mean possessing the qualities of a Jonin.
Those qualities weren't just about strength. But also observation, situational assessment, emotional control, mental fortitude, foundational... and dozens of other small factors that make a true shinobi.
If Kushina were Hokage now and had to assess them, she wouldn't immediately grant them Jonin status. Instead, she would appoint them as Tokubetsu Jonin, directly assigned to a frontline combat unit.
'Yes... before they deserve to be called true Jonin, their foundations must be strengthened.' Kushina decided inwardly.
Two days passed.
Currently, the three of them were resting by the riverside, enjoying a simple lunch: fish soup and dry bread.
Suddenly, Hashirama put down his bowl and looked at Kushina with serious eyes. "Kushina-sensei..."
"Hm?" Kushina raised an eyebrow.
"May I ask something?"
"Sure. Just ask," Kushina said casually, blowing on the soup in her bowl.
Hashirama looked at the river, his expression full of contemplation. "Kushina-sensei, why is this world so... chaotic?"
The boy's voice was soft, but it carried a deep weight.
Kushina paused her movement for a moment.
Madara, who was leaning against a tree, also straightened up. His serious face indicated he also wanted to know the answer.
Hashirama continued, his voice slightly hoarse, "Ever since I could understand this world... death has been a common thing. My brothers... my friends... they died on the battlefield. Some weren't even eight years old yet..."
His hands clenched, holding back a bitter feeling.
Madara looked down, tightly gripping the bread in his hand. Silently, he too had experienced the same thing. The loss of his beloved younger brothers. War had stolen their childhood.
Both of them now looked straight at Kushina, full of hope. Searching for an answer.
Kushina slowly put down her bowl, then took a long, deep breath. "Good question," she muttered. She looked up at the blue sky above, as if searching for the right words.
"This world... is indeed chaotic," Kushina finally spoke, her tone calm yet heavy. "Humans are complex creatures. We are filled with many emotions: love, anger, sadness, envy, fear..."
The two boys listened in silence.
"When someone cannot understand another's emotions, conflict is born. Small conflicts can lead to arguments... large conflicts turn into battles. And when one party hurts another... hatred is born."
Kushina looked at them both with a sharp gaze. "Once hatred is born, it is very difficult to erase. Because... forgiving is hard, understanding is even harder. Especially when the wounds are too deep."
Hashirama and Madara were pensive.
"Thus, as long as humans live... war will continue to exist," Kushina continued softly. "If you want to stop hatred... at least one side must dare to take the first step. Try to understand, try to forgive."
Kushina smiled faintly. "But in this era, just talking about 'making peace' is enough to get you killed foolishly."
Hashirama gritted his teeth. "Why does it have to be like this... Why doesn't anyone try to understand?"
Kushina patted his head gently. "Because this world is harsh, Hashirama. Because people believe more in power... than in words." She glanced at Madara. "You want to make a change? Then you must become strong enough to protect your desires. Physically strong, mentally strong."
Madara clenched his fists unconsciously.
Hashirama took a deep breath and said seriously, "Kushina-sensei... I think I'm starting to understand a little."
Kushina smiled and ruffled both their hair. "Good. But... understanding alone is not enough. Someday, if you can stand at the top of this world, and still remember this Onee-chan's words... then I will be proud."
Hashirama smiled brightly.
Madara just snorted lightly, but in his eyes, a flame of determination was visible.
"Alright!" Hashirama clenched his fist. "I will be the first to change this world!"
Madara narrowed his eyes and snorted, "Hmph, if you're slow, I'll be first."
Seeing the two of them bickering, Kushina could only chuckle while lifting her soup bowl. 'It seems... the future of the ninja world will indeed be lively because of these brats.'
—---------------------------------------
A few days later…
From behind the bushes, dozens of large logs, heavy stones, and coils of rope appeared.
"First," Kushina said, pointing at a large stone, "Carry that stone from the river to here... one by one. And no using chakra!"
"What?!" Hashirama almost fell over in shock. "N-no using chakra?"
Madara snorted. "Hmph, it's just a stone. I can do it."
Confidently, Madara approached the stone that was as big as himself... then tried to lift it.
Madara's face immediately turned red, veins obstáculos on his neck, but the stone remained unmoved. "Urghhh!!"
Kushina just observed with a peaceful smile. "Well?" she asked cheerfully.
Madara, who finally gave up, sat down cross-legged, panting. "S-save... save chakra, she said..."
Hashirama also tried, with the same result.
"The purpose of this training is simple," Kushina said casually. "To build pure physical strength. If you keep relying on chakra, your bodies won't develop optimally."
"But, Onee-chan Kushina... this is so heavy..." Hashirama whined.
"If you want to be strong, face it." Kushina replied firmly.
Madara clicked his tongue, but started moving a stone.
Hashirama sighed then joined in.
Four hours later.
The two boys lay on the ground, their breaths ragged. Their clothes were soaked with sweat, their hands trembled.
Kushina clapped her hands. "Good, good! This is just the beginning."
"W...what?! This... is the beginning?!" Hashirama almost cried.
Madara just rolled onto his side, staring blankly at the sky. 'This Auntie... er, I mean, Onee-chan... is too terrifying.'
"No need to worry," Kushina said with a mischievous smile. "There's still a second session. Chakra endurance training!"
"Ahem! Ahem!" Hashirama faked a cough. "Kushina-neechan... I think I... suddenly have a stomach ache!"
"Me too! I also feel... a sudden need for a long rest!" Madara added quickly.
Kushina approached, crouching in front of them, and with a smile like an angel said, "Don't worry... this training will make you stronger... or make you want to commit suicide."
The two boys glanced at each other with panicked looks.
'This Auntie... is not human!'Madara and Hashirama thought simultaneously.
However, seeing the determination in Kushina's eyes, both of them could only accept their fate.
A few hours later, as the sun began to set in the west, Madara and Hashirama were completely immobile, lying on the grass like two wet rags.
Kushina stood on a large rock, observing them while munching on an apple. "Good, your spirit is decent. But you're still 10 years too young to defeat Onee-chan," she said, satisfied.
With a hoarse voice, Hashirama raised his hand. "Onee-chan... when... do we start learning new ninjutsu?"
Kushina blinked innocently. "Ninjutsu? Hm... maybe tomorrow. After your bodies can endure this session without fainting!"
Madara almost screamed. "IS THIS PHYSICAL TRAINING OR TORTURE?!"
Kushina just laughed cheerfully and jumped down.