Gamer, fixing the fates of fictional characters

Now that Kaitou was set to join his uncles on their journey back, a bit of extra preparation was needed before they could depart. After breakfast concluded, Kaitou quickly headed to his room to pack his belongings. Thanks to his storage scrolls, he didn't need to carry much physically - everything essential could be neatly sealed away.

It took him about an hour to finish preparing. When he returned to the main hall, he was greeted by a baffling sight: his mother standing amidst a mountain of bags and supplies.

"Mother," Kaitou began, blinking in surprise, "why do you have so many bags with you?"

His mother turned to him with a gentle smile, her demeanor as graceful as ever. "Fufufu, my dear Kaitou, how could I possibly let you embark on your Ninjutsu training without ensuring you've fully mastered our Hōzuki Clan's *Hydrafication Technique*? It's a cornerstone of our lineage, after all."

Kaitou's brow furrowed slightly in confusion. "So… you're coming with us?"

"Of course," she replied matter-of-factly. "But don't worry - I won't be staying for the entire trip. As soon as you've learned the technique to a satisfactory level, I'll make my way back home. Until then, it's a mother's duty to ensure her son is prepared for the path ahead. But shouldn't you as polite and helpful son help your mother with her luggage, Kaitou~"

Kaitou couldn't help but let out a small sigh, though he quickly masked it with a polite nod. His mother's determination was unshakable, and arguing with her would only delay their departure further. 

"Yes Mother," he said, attempting to sound gracious. "I appreciate your support." 

Behind him, Madara stifled a chuckle, clearly amused by the exchange, while Hashirama gave a warm laugh and patted Kaitou's shoulder. 

"It seems your journey just got even more interesting," Hashirama teased. "Better get used to it, nephew!" 

Kaitou could only sigh again as he resolved to focus on the training ahead, knowing that the trip would likely be anything but uneventful with his mother involved. 

With everything cleared up, they, after short goodbyes started their journey. But they soon encountered a small problem. While Kaitou was physically fast, especially for his age, he couldn't keep up with them.

They were using the *body flicker Jutsu* after all, though, he was questioning how they thought he could keep up with them under these circumstances.

With the problem addressed, there were two solutions to his small problem. The first learning the Jutsu or the second being carried all the way to the border of the Land of Whirlpools. Kaitou obviously was strongly for the first option, but for now they didn't have much more free time scheduled. His uncles and aunt were after all the leaders of their clans and were in midst of a lot of planning work.

So, though, very begrudgingly Kaitou had to opt for the second solution. In which he was indeed carried the whole way till the border of the Island country on the back of Hashirama who quickly volunteered for this role, all while having to listen to the teases from the one later known as the 'Ghost of the Uchiha', to say it was humiliating was an understatement. But a slight bonus had the whole ordeal, his relationship to Madara quickly warmed up more and more.

Madara mostly felt alone since his brother's death at the hands of Tobirama, even with Hashirama as a true friend, there was always a slight distance kept. With Kaitou it was easier, even if he wasn't an Uchiha, these red eyes and his remarkable talent in Swordsmanship, they reminded him so much of Izuna. If he were now also able to master just a few of his brother's techniques, then he would probably really acknowledge Kaitou and train him seriously to redeem his prior mistakes in not being able to protect his brother thoroughly.

Once they arrived at the port, Kaitou noticed his Uncle Tobirama had an unusually focused expression. As the group waited for the boat to arrive, Tobirama gestured for Kaitou to step aside. 

"I believe now is as good a time as any to address the Jutsu we just used, the *Body flicker Jutsu*," Tobirama began, his tone sharp and no-nonsense. 

Kaitou's interest was piqued immediately. He hoped Tobirama would teach it to him immediately, another round of this embarrassment would be too much for him, this technique is after all an extremely useful Jutsu, which was made even more famous through Shisui in the distant future. 

"Let me explain how it works," Tobirama continued. "The theory is simple: you utilize your physical speed and enhance it with a concentrated burst of chakra, resulting in a rapid boost in movement. However, there's more to it than that." 

He crossed his arms, his crimson eyes narrowing as he assessed Kaitou. "The reason this technique wasn't taught to you earlier is probably because of the strain it puts on the body. Younger, untrained shinobi often injure themselves or burn out trying to use it. Additionally, it requires exceptional Chakra Control - far more than basic techniques. If you can't regulate the flow precisely, you'll either waste energy or harm yourself." 

Kaitou nodded, his expression serious. "I understand. Does that mean I'm ready to learn it now?" 

Tobirama regarded him for a moment, then smirked faintly. "Your Chakra Control is advanced for your age, which gives you an advantage. But we'll need to test your endurance first. For now, focus on understanding the mechanics and mentally preparing yourself for the strain. If I think you're ready during our journey, I'll allow you to practice under supervision." 

Before Kaitou could respond, a sharp voice cut through the air. 

"So you're already teaching him one of your precious techniques, Senju? How generous of you. One could nearly think you're trying to win him completely over and corrupt him with your nonsense." 

Kaitou turned to see Madara leaning casually against a pillar, his arms crossed, but his eyes held their usual intensity. His words dripped with sarcasm, and his disdain for Tobirama was palpable. 

Tobirama's expression immediately hardened, his posture rigid. "Unlike some, I value proper instruction over reckless improvisation, Uchiha." 

Madara's smirk grew sharper. "Proper instruction? Coming from the man who seems to think discipline is the answer to everything. Let's hope you don't stifle the boy's potential with your rigidity." 

Kaitou stood between them, caught in the crossfire of their tension. He couldn't help but feel like a pebble between two boulders, each refusing to budge. 

Hashirama, sensing the brewing storm, quickly intervened. "Enough, both of you. This isn't the time or place for your conflicts." 

Tobirama scoffed but turned his attention back to Kaitou. "Remember what I said. Discipline and precision. Without those, speed is meaningless." 

Madara, clearly unwilling to let Tobirama have the last word, added, "And don't forget - raw strength and instinct have their place too. You won't survive by following rules alone." 

Kaitou sighed inwardly, realizing that learning from both men was going to be as much about managing their egos as mastering the techniques. His mother and Mito meanwhile just looked at the spectacle in light amusement.

The boat arrived soon enough, and they boarded it together. It was a very simple boat, one that Hashirama with a bit finesse would have been able to make with his wood release. They used water style to accelerate and went on with their journey.

On the shore where they arrived, there was already a small group, though it could've seemed like two groups as they both kept a certain distance from one another. They were a group sent from the Uchiha and the Senju clan respectively.

They then continued as a big group back to the base camp, where the clans were stationed. Kaitou was once again being carried by Hashirama, because while he fully understood the theory and was able to use the Jutsu for short flickers already, he couldn't do so for the whole journey.

After a few hours of travel the group had finally reached the camp and Kaitou was ecstatic inwardly as he was now finally seeing the beautiful scenery of the land of fire.

He knew the days that awaited him would be filled with hard and grueling training under his uncles, but he was still hyped, as he was steadily getting closer to the story where he then could truly start with his plans.