The forest was alive with quiet energy. Birds and insects seemed to avoid the clearing, as if instinctively aware of the power concentrated within. Our camp was modest but efficient: tents reinforced with Fūinjutsu barriers, chakra-infused fire pits, and White Zetsu units quietly spreading out, blending into the roots and trees, monitoring the perimeter.
I stood atop a slight rise, watching the team move through coordinated drills. The air shimmered with latent energy, each member pushing their limits, each displaying their mastery—or their potential.
Tsunade moved first, practicing chakra control exercises, using her strength and slug summoning in tandem. Her fists struck trees, sending shockwaves through the bark, while her chakra flowed in precise pulses. Healing techniques flowed seamlessly between combat drills, a blend of efficiency and raw power. Every strike, every motion was honed perfection.
Orochimaru glided through the forest, summoning serpents to act as moving targets. He weaved wind-style techniques into his attacks, testing both precision and adaptability. Each serpent was a small calculation: how fast, how far, how lethal. He was meticulous, dangerous, and brilliant.
Kakashi moved in a controlled flurry across the clearing, the lightning I had given him crackling along his arm. He concentrated, eyes narrowed, forming seals with precision as the Purple Lightning Technique danced around his fists. Bolts of energy arced from his hands, splitting trees and illuminating the twilight with faint purple sparks. I could see him mentally mapping each movement, comparing it to known lightning techniques, enhancing, refining, and learning at a speed that even I had to respect.
I observed them all, my own chakra flowing freely, Kurama's presence lending raw power to my own drills. I allowed myself to guide subtly, adjusting minor details with a glance or a thought, letting the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan subtly influence the flow of energy in the clearing.
Good, I thought, eyes narrowing. They're strong, and they're learning fast. Tsunade's raw power, Orochimaru's adaptability, Kakashi's precision… combined, they are nearly unstoppable. But they will get stronger. They must.
I descended into the clearing, the ground vibrating faintly beneath my feet.
"Kakashi," I called, voice calm but authoritative. "Focus the lightning into tighter streams. Precision is more important than brute power. I want control over raw energy first, then destructive potential second."
He nodded, eyes flashing with concentration. Purple lightning arced along his arms, striking smaller trees with pinpoint accuracy. Sparks danced along the bark without destroying the surrounding forest. I smiled faintly. Exactly.
Tsunade's head turned, noticing my direction. "What about us?" she asked, eyebrows raised.
"Focus on enhancing your chakra flow and reinforcing your own limits," I said. "Tsunade, control over strength and finesse. Orochimaru, adaptability with destructive capability. Kakashi, your focus is precision lightning. These exercises will accelerate your mastery before we move."
Orochimaru's serpentine eyes flicked toward me, curiosity always dancing there. "And you? What of yourself?"
I allowed a small smile. "I supervise. I maintain the network. I ensure every action, every drill, every ounce of chakra flows perfectly. That, and I train in secret."
The White Zetsu network hummed beneath the clearing, invisible but pervasive. I could feel every spike of energy, every motion of my team, every shift in their chakra patterns. It was a living simulation of battle potential, and I controlled it effortlessly.
Hours passed, sunlight fading to gold, then orange, then the cool violet of dusk. The forest was alive with sparks of lightning, ghostly trails of chakra, and the subtle hiss of serpents weaving between trees.
Finally, I called a halt. Everyone staggered slightly, breathing heavy but invigorated. Training had pushed limits, expanded reserves, and increased control. Their growth in these few days was already staggering—yet only the beginning.
"Good work," I said, voice carrying through the clearing. "Rest tonight. Tomorrow, we begin the journey to Camp Half-Blood. I want full reserves and maximum control. White Zetsu will scout the path; we move efficiently and undetected. Remember: knowledge, speed, and coordination are our greatest weapons. Not raw power alone."
They all nodded, exhausted but alert. Tsunade smirked faintly. "Not a bad teacher, kid."
I allowed a small smile to myself. The team is shaping up. By the time we reach Camp Half-Blood, they won't just be allies—they'll be extensions of my will. And nothing will be able to stop what we're building.
The camp settled into quiet. White Zetsu returned to the shadows, and I let my mind drift briefly, already mapping the route forward. Camp Half-Blood was ahead, and soon, the next phase of our plan would begin