It was the last day of Mizuki's first year in the Ninja World. It was a rare sunny day in winter, and the slight breeze was not as biting as it had been some time ago.

The happiest people today are probably the ignorant children. It is a rare day when they can play freely, and the clear laughter of children can be heard everywhere.

Xiao Tsubaki, who had been less active recently, walked side by side with Mizuki on the street. In the festive atmosphere, the traces of the attack a few months ago almost disappeared without a trace.

"Xiaochun, let your clone stay at home and do the work, is that okay?"

After a year, it's only right to take a breath! Even Shuimu's clones came out to get some fresh air. Maybe in a corner that no one paid much attention to, there was a Shuimu clone strolling around.

"What does it matter?" Xiao Chun said disapprovingly, "Isn't it great that I can go out for some fresh air and do some housework? After we exchange memories later, won't my clone also feel my current mood?"

"Ah, that makes sense. That's how clones are used."

Shuimu couldn't help but nod. Xiaochun's words seemed careless, but in fact, if you think about it carefully, they are really very suitable for Xiaochun's correct ideas.

Isn't the ninja's understanding of clones to help the original body do the work that the clones are not capable of doing? How many people would study shadow clones as deeply as Mizuki?

Xiaochun has not yet learned the breath-holding technique, and her clone naturally does not know it either. The clone is not self-sufficient and needs the original body to replenish chakra and exchange memories from time to time. The connection between the two is much closer than that between Mizuki and the clone.

In addition, Xiaochun will not realize that the will of this physical clone can actually betray the original body. Xiaochun's original body is not aware of this problem, and the clone with the same memory and thinking will naturally not realize its true potential. No matter from which aspect, the trouble between Mizuki and the clone does not exist for Xiaochun.

"Is there any problem?" Xiaochun couldn't help but ask when he saw Shuimu was lost in thought.

Shuimu replied, "Nothing. I was just thinking about what to eat today. It's a rare holiday, so I can't be too shabby."

"You talk as if you've ever been shabby!" Xiao Chun said dissatisfiedly.

"No, Xiaochun is the best to me."

Seeing that Xiaochun didn't bother about the clone, Shuimu was relieved. It's better not to know some things. Many times, troubles come from knowing too much useless knowledge. Just like Xiaochun, when she was ignorant, she had fewer troubles and felt safer.

At this moment, Shuimu discovered that there were signs that the crowd ahead was converging.

Since they had nothing to do, Mizuki and Xiaochun walked forward out of curiosity and found that a simple stage-like thing had been built.

"Competition eating contest? I thought it was something new."

Mizuki shook his head in disappointment. The entertainment activities in this world were really poor. The most decent thing was that there were movies in this world. With the scientific level of the ninja world, there were even televisions, VCRs, and videotapes. But there were no TV stations, no transmission towers, no antennas, no TV programs, and only some crappy stage play tapes were occasionally sold. And the quality of those movies and stage plays was so poor that it could not attract the interest of Mizuki, who had watched countless movies.

The only other fun thing was visiting the temple fair, but that was all. The fireworks show was considered the highlight, but the well-informed Mizuki didn't want to join in the fun. The remaining two major adult pleasures - drinking and gambling, were not what Mizuki wanted at all. So after counting and counting, the only thing left was "eating". Just a "big eater" competition? Mizuki couldn't help but sneer. It was useless to tell these ninjas about the principle of "never tire of fine food, never tire of fine shreds". Ramen with a lot of coriander and chopped green onions? How could that kind of unorthodox way compare to the assorted sushi made by Xiaochun?

…

Mizuki and Xiaochun wandered around for a long time. After seeing enough of the scenery during the New Year, they returned home and found that the house had already been tidied up.

"I feel much more comfortable than before. Is it a psychological effect?"

The lunch that had been prepared long ago was also very attractive.

"What are you doing this afternoon?"

After dinner, Xiaochun and Shuimu couldn't think of anything important to do. It was supposed to be a family reunion day, but unfortunately, both of them were orphans and had no relatives. At this time, it seemed particularly deserted.

"It's not good to have a small family. It won't be like this next year."

This entertainment desert without even a TV program naturally had no vulgar singing and dancing parties to entertain people. Even for playing cards, the number of people was a little small, and in the end the two of them collected a set of shogi to pass the time.

What surprised Shuimu was that Xiaochun, who looked weak, was actually so domineering at chess. She defeated Shuimu in just a few moves. Shuimu, with a bitter face, even doubted his own IQ.

Fortunately, not long after, three Genin from Team 8, Sakura and Karin, came to visit one after another and resolved his embarrassment.

"Xiaochun, it seems these flowers are not from our flower shop!" Shuimu asked, looking at the vase that was almost full of flowers.

“We don’t have this variety this season.”

"These little brats talk nice things, but in the end they don't even take care of the business. Don't you see how tight my financial situation is right now?"

Daily life costs money, training assistant clones costs money, and researching the curse seal and Jūgo's cell samples costs money. In addition, Xiaochun's salary has decreased, and the family's financial situation is even more stretched.

Mizuki even unconsciously recalled the bounty list he got at the border of Takinin Village.

"How about growing a clone of yourself, pretending to be a bounty hunter and selling it for money?"

This risk-free method of making money quickly makes it difficult for Shuimu to refuse the huge profits.

…

The next day, the couple got up very early. The night before, they fell asleep before midnight. When they looked out on the first morning of the new year, they saw a heavy snow overnight, turning the whole village into a vast expanse of white.

"It seems to be particularly cold today!"

The room was still warm, but it was obviously not suitable to go out.

"Then you should rest for a while. I need to go out for a while."

I should also visit some close friends, the Hyuga family with whom I have close ties, and the homes of the three students from Class 8. Just treat it as a home visit. As for Karin, I haven't visited her since I moved out. Should I go pay her a visit?

It is also quite necessary to confirm the life and mental state of the candidates who have some potential to become Jinchūriki.