Chapter 5 Planting Trees During the Ninja Clan Era (5) Don't be greedy with too many tangerines...

After Ashura mastered the Wood Release technique, Hagoromo Otsutsuki naturally paid more and more attention to Ashura's training. Hagoromo Otsutsuki, who already valued and favored Ashura, devoted all his time and energy to Ashura.

At the same time, Indra encountered a bottleneck—a bottleneck stemming from his emotions and inner conflicts.

No one in the Ninja Clan could enlighten Indra, and the still young Indra searched through countless books but still could not find his way or dispel the confusion in his heart.

What exactly does he want to do? In this world of endless wars and human infighting, within the Ninja Sect, which relies on the power of its father for stability and constantly promotes the idea of ​​peace to the outside world.

Indra, who was filled with self-doubt because of his father's words, tossed and turned for many days. He knew that he still had doubts in his heart, but he could not express even a little bit of these doubts.

—And so he came.

Once again, Indra stood at the foot of the mountain, drenched in fine, cold rain. Looking up, his crimson Sharingan told him that the forest, nurtured by natural chakra, had expanded.

Indra turned his gaze slightly to the side and was taken aback.

When were those stone steps laid?

Now that there were stone steps, Indra stepped onto them and walked up the mountain. The stone steps were very solid and stable, and a higher stone embankment was embedded on both sides to prevent the soil from eroding them. Each step was a complete piece of stone rather than pieced together from broken stones, and the surface had a slight natural texture and undulation, so it would not be slippery when walking on it in the rain.

However, Indra soon discovered that the stone steps were not yet completed and were still under construction.

Beside the half-built stone steps was a piece of dark blue-green rock that had already been partially chopped. Senju Takeya was holding a rectangular blue stone slab that he had chopped with his hand knife, and he was stunned when he saw Indra.

After Indra left, Senjutake returned to a life where his five senses were suppressed, just like an ordinary person. There was no need to worry about the child accidentally falling or bumping into something. After all, Indra's physical functions were much stronger than those of ordinary children. He could jump higher and was stronger, and he could do more things. But if something happened, he would be more seriously injured, and he would need adults to take good care of him.

Thousand Hand Bamboo also thought that Indra would come over after he finished repairing the stone steps.

"Why did you build stone steps, elder brother?" Indra couldn't understand. With Senju Takeya's skills, there was no need to build such good steps. Apart from hunters, the villagers at the foot of the mountain rarely dared to come up and disturb Senju Takeya. The villagers all assumed that this mountain belonged to Senju Takeya.

“This is safer… although Shinobu can walk on trees.” Senju Takeya paused after saying that, then asked, “Did Indra feel his feet slip when he stepped on them?”

He was actually considering whether to wait until the entire stone staircase was completed before carving some more slip-resistant textures on the bluestone slabs. Slow and steady wins the race, and Qian Shouzhu had the time and patience for that. Having some work to do would prevent him from being too idle.

Thousand Hand Bamboo was also waiting for Indra's answer, but he saw the child's eyes redden, which made his usually expressionless face visibly panic.

"Brother! What should I do?" The boy rushed forward, his voice trembling with suppressed sobs.

Qian Shouzhu instinctively raised the stone slab in his hand high, afraid that the child would bump into it.

Seeing his sworn brother burying his head in his arms, Senju Take put down the bluestone slab, hugged the child, and looked at his assistant, Rabbit White Gold, who was helping him dig the stone steps with a shovel. The little rabbit understood and ran up the mountain with the shovel on its back. Senju Take picked up the child in one go.

Indra is developing very well. At the age of 9, he has already surpassed the average height of healthy children of the same age in Senju Takeya's memory, standing at 143cm. Senju Takeya also weighed the child and found that his height and weight were somewhat underweight.

I don't know if she's been eating properly. Logically speaking, she shouldn't be losing weight. After all, during the time we spent together, Senju-take could tell that Indra is a person who isn't picky about food.

Judging from the child's behavior, he must have been mistreated at home.

The only person who could make the hardworking and resilient Indra so sad was his father, whom he spoke of; his eyes reddened before he even spoke.

Don't let him see the child's father, otherwise he really might punch the child's father for Indra's sake.

Senju Take, who never hid the fact that he was biased, secretly made a decision in his heart.

“Go home.” Senju Takeya’s voice was calm and steady.

After being picked up, Indra buried his face in Senju Takeya's shoulder and nodded sullenly. He gripped the fabric on Senju Takeya's shoulder tightly, refusing to look up at him or make a sound.

After carrying the child up to the treehouse, Little Platinum had already lit the fire pit and set up the pot. It was preparing the ingredients for simmering a warming soup. With one of its front paws firmly gripping the cleaver with chakra, a series of rapid, continuous tapping sounds were heard as it sliced ​​the ginger.

There are still some new clothes made for Indra at home, so we don't have to force the child to wear his clothes like before.

The newly made cotton coat was exceptionally warm. Because it was made according to the style and requirements of winter clothing, it not only had warm fur sewn inside, but also had a circle of exceptionally soft and warm rabbit fur around the collar and cuffs. The style of the coat was tailored based on the Ninja Sect robe worn by Indra. Indra looked exceptionally noble in it. He was the type with an exceptionally handsome appearance, so he was suitable for wearing such exquisite and luxurious clothes.

After taking a hot bath and drying his hair, Indra sat on a futon by the fire pit in his new clothes. He watched as Thousand Hand Bamboo handed him a warm orange. Looking at the small orange, Indra remembered his elder brother telling him that it was a sugar orange.

Indra's mood naturally became peaceful and serene as he watched the quiet and composed people around him. He peeled the skin of a mandarin orange, broke off a segment of the flesh, and put it in his mouth. It lived up to its name as a mandarin orange, its sweetness reaching deep into his heart.

When Indra came to his senses, the bamboo fruit plate beside him was piled high with orange peels that had been completely peeled off and looked like flowers. He blushed a little embarrassedly. Thousand-Hand Bamboo also handed him the ginger soup that had been cooked. Indra took it as an excuse and drank it all in one gulp. Then he noticed the little rabbit wearing a triangular headscarf and was taken aback.

"It's my assistant, Little Platinum." Thousand Hand Bamboo noticed Indra's gaze and introduced Little Platinum, who couldn't speak.

The little white gold cat with a triangular scarf on its head lowered its long ears slightly and looked at Indra. Its forelimbs hung naturally in front of its body, giving Indra a strange feeling of 'expressionlessness' that was extremely similar to that of the Thousand-Hand Bamboo - along with its steady and mountain-like aura.

Rabbits are naturally expressionless.

The moment their eyes met, Indra realized that this was how it was greeting him.

How so? No wonder he's his elder brother's assistant. Even a rabbit has a charm that ordinary rabbits don't possess, no wonder he couldn't catch it.

That's it. The story of how he chased it up the mountain and finally met his elder brother is over.

The man and the rabbit silently looked away.

Seeing that his sworn brother and assistant were getting along well, Senju Takeshi nodded happily and began to prepare dinner. The village at the foot of the mountain had slaughtered a pig today and sent him the best piece of meat. Coincidentally, Indra had arrived, so Senju Takeshi decided to make a stew.

In those days, resources were limited, and many spices were unavailable and very expensive. Qian Shou Zhu used some of the seasonings he found in the mountains, while others were obtained by villagers from passing merchants. He managed to gather all the seasonings he needed for his daily cooking.

A dozen or so cardamom pods, two or three star anise, half a spoonful of fennel powder, a piece of cinnamon stick... the cabin was soon filled with a rich and gentle aroma of cooking.

At the same time, an indescribable feeling of home also permeated the air.

"Brother." Indra couldn't help but call out as he watched Senju Takeya's busy figure.

The boy remained silent, only turning to look at him, waiting for Indra to continue.

"Do you believe that people can trust and understand each other?" Indra's voice trailed off. "My father firmly believed in this, but I..."

Thousand Hand Bamboo also said calmly, "If everyone could understand and trust each other, then war would have disappeared long ago."

What Qian Shouzhu said was very realistic, and it is indeed the case.

The boy's answer was so decisive and resolute that Indra was taken aback, yet he could not deny the affirmation he felt deep down for his elder brother's response.

“The strong cannot understand the weak, and a father cannot understand his son—even if the former grew up from the latter.” Senju Take also patiently answered Indra’s question, just as patiently and carefully as the boy had always been when he tried to engage Indra in conversation. “You can never truly understand a person unless you walk in their shoes and see things from their perspective.”

"So true understanding doesn't exist?" Indra asked anxiously, grabbing the hem of Senju Takeya's clothes.

"Understanding is a byproduct of love. Whether it is compassionate love, sincere love, or biased love, they all motivate the lover to strive to understand the object of their love. Therefore, understanding, like love, is a precious luxury." Thousand Hand Bamboo also knelt down and looked directly at Indra. "Don't deny it, because you know who you love and who you will try to understand."

Indra felt the boy's warm hands vigorously rubbing his head a few times.

“Indra, we believe that love and understanding are real, but we must also understand that only self-interest is permanent. It can reduce enemies and increase friends, or it can bring you more enemies and turn relatives and friends into enemies.” Thousand Hands Bamboo’s tone was so calm it was almost indifferent, but the power of his words was not diminished in the slightest. “The human heart is more treacherous than mountains and rivers, harder to fathom than the heavens. People are a labyrinth for each other; do not let yourself easily fall into it.”

It's quite embarrassing for him to try and reason with people with that mouth of his, but my sworn brother seems to need some philosophical and inspirational wisdom. His emotions and thoughts are very sharp and delicate; he's really got the makings of a philosopher.

—Senju Takeya thought this with a blank expression.

"Does my elder brother love me?" Indra rubbed the boy's palm and asked cautiously.

"I don't know." Senju Takeya's dark eyes still held no light, but they no longer evoked the initial fear and apprehension in Indra. Instead, they brought a sense of tranquility, almost like a peaceful night, that soothed the soul. "But I really want to know what you've been through, the grievances and resentments you've suffered. I want to help you, to cheer you on and help you overcome your difficulties."

Just like his best friend did for him... However, Senju Takeshi also felt that he didn't love Indra, because he knew that if he had to choose whether to go home now, he would not hesitate to say goodbye to Indra rather than stay.

Indra smiled and said, "I understand!"

knew?

Qian Shouzhu tilted his head in confusion.

“Because I can understand my elder brother now! So I know!” Indra stared at Senju Takeya and smiled slowly, “The fact that my elder brother likes me now, but doesn’t love me.” But love is only a matter of time, as long as he does his best.

Thousand Hand Bamboo couldn't understand Indra's expression at this moment, but he knew that Indra didn't mind this. However, he also had a feeling that he was being watched by a wild beast, but he didn't feel any danger. So he just followed his heart and rubbed Indra's head again.

My little brother's head is easy to move.

Thousand Hand Bamboo also realized that Indra's reason for coming to him was very simple. Philosophical questions such as whether people can understand and trust each other were just a wedge. Indra just wanted to find an elder who was willing to love and support him. As for those questions, this thoughtful and emotionally sensitive child would surely find his own answers as he grew up, and there was no need to rush.

The child was simply extremely anxious and wanted to find a safe place to cuddle.

So Senju Take decided to give Indra's father another punch.

The broth simmering in the pot began to bubble and boil.

Thousand Hands Bamboo hugged Indra before pulling away, saying, "Alright."

Having shaken off his gloom and confusion, Indra regained his previous energy and stopped bothering Thousand Hand Bamboo who was also busy. "I'll go outside and pick some more tangerines!" He had eaten the whole small basket that his elder brother had picked. Indra remembered where the tangerines grew on the trees in the field.

Qian Shouzhu didn't stop him, but only reminded him, "Don't eat too many tangerines."

Indra asked, puzzled, "Why?"

Senju Takeya: "It can turn into a Minion." He and his best friend had both turned into Minions, and because he almost made his best friend laugh to death on New Year's Eve, Senju Takeya remembered it especially well.

Indra: "Huh?"

A note from the author:

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