"...Can we honestly know... What's the point of this nearly impossible 'training'?
At this point, Hashirama grumbled in exasperation. His body was filled with bruises and cuts from the supposedly valuable exercise, glaring at Yoichi with tons of questions in mind.
On the other hand, Madara also had the same treatment, yet he only looked at the sky. As if feeling like he didn't deserve such a torturous method, he was almost giving up due to the extreme mental and physical toll he had received.
At first, the two of them were determined and excited about the prospects of training until they got slapped in the face by reality.
The training was to dodge the wooden shurikens inside a cramped space above the water of the river.
Apparently, the problem didn't end there.
With harsh conditions such as putting on weird sashes called Gravity Straps on their limbs and torso, limited movement space, stepping out of bounds meaning electrocution, and requiring perfect precision of Chakra in their soles to support themselves above the water, they realized they were dealing with a seemingly innocent yet demon-like entity right in front of them.
This treatment is worse than torture itself!
The thought came into their minds as both of them slumped to the ground, extremely exhausted compared to their initial healthy status.
"Hahaha, training must be this hard!" Yoichi merely smiled. "If you two want to change the world, diplomatic talks are just empty words without overwhelming might in your hands!"
Of course, Yoichi wanted to let them be stronger than their main show's counterparts. Furthermore, he was preparing them for the various types of problems in the unforeseeable future.
Upon hearing his words, Hashirama and Madara exchanged glances and nodded, affirming their standpoint with the same competitive spirit and ideals in mind.
Undoubtedly, they had a bright future ahead with various resources such as an elite force, great disposition, and absurd potential, coupled with the famous teacher right beside them.
However, the huge question was how.
How could they execute the plan without facing a huge setback against the multitude of odds?
Both of them were lost in thought while Yoichi crossed his arms and added:
"What I am doing right now for both of you is helping you adapt to drastic changes. Arrogance breeds overconfidence in oneself. Remember, small details like these little tools can kill somebody exceptional and elite in everyone's eyes, so don't take it too lightly."
Yoichi was definitely talking nonsense here.
These two supergiant stars couldn't be taken down by ordinary methods. What he really wanted was to assess their overall abilities, which were clearly evident in both of them. Considering Indra's and Ashura's potential, Hashirama and Madara matched the requirements, as the evidence was right there in front of him.
"For now, it's important to take a break and give you two some time to adjust. It's essential to balance rest and training so you can recover and soak up knowledge for future use. Here, take this; it's a great supplement for your recovery."
With a satisfied look, Yoichi tossed two candy-sized pills into their hands, a strange feeling gleamed in his eyes.
Receiving the pills, the two exchanged glances at the pills, and Yoichi's crazed look as the suspicion crept up into their minds.
What if it's a poison or a test for them?
"What are you two waiting for? Eat it. It's not poison, I swear!" Suppressing his excitement, Yoichi took a deep breath and sighed in disbelief.
Well, their worries weren't unfounded.
What Yoichi gave them was low-quality pills with a big catch. Its ingredients mainly consist of 90% medicinal pills for recovery and 10% Bloodline of an Otsutsuki. In clear terms, Isshiki Otsutsuki's remains which Yoichi stored for other uses.
In his mind, it's definitely a bad part to try and test some unknown substance in his students yet he was in his curious mode, seeking answers with a bunch of questions in his subconscious self.
What if Hashirama grew a pair of Sharingan?
What if Madara gained the Sage Body?
What if it doesn't work?
If it doesn't work out, Yoichi can bring them back using his deep understanding of Yin-Yang Release, or in the worst-case scenario, he can rely on Space-Time Release.
In that case, I'll gladly take it!" Without hesitation, Hashirama swallowed the pill.
For a moment, he experienced a rush of energy as his healing accelerated, leaving Madara both shocked and curious enough to try the pill himself after witnessing the remarkable recovery unfold in front of him.
Madara felt incredible as if he were soaking in a hot spring. As his bruises and cuts began to heal, something unusual occurred. His eyes suddenly began to sting, and his vision expanded dramatically, akin to an eagle soaring in the sky.
He watched the leaves drifting down around him in a surreal slow motion that was entirely new to him.
'I've awakened it! The Uchiha power, Sharingan!'
Madara glanced at the clear water nearby, seeing the image of his red eyes with one tomoe forming in his mind.
While it was exciting to unlock this power, an unsettling feeling crept into his instincts.
"Haha, I was feeling really great! What's the matter? Are you still dealing with that pain?" A hand rested on Madara's shoulder from behind, but he didn't look back, seeming troubled by the current situation.
Eventually, he was forcefully turned back with Hashirama facing him. Appearing to be baffled by his friend's weird behavior, Hashirama scrutinized him from up and down like an investigator.
What's the matter with you? Are you..." Hashirama inquired, raising his eyebrows and folding his arms in curiosity.
"Aha! You're still grappling with your neurosis! Hehehe, I can't believe you actually have this!"
Madara felt a wave of unease wash over him, clenching his fist until Hashirama finished his remark.
'Is he really joking right now? What is happening?!'
As Madara observed Hashirama's goofy grin, he took stock of his own state. Though his Sharingan glowed fiercely with remarkable clarity, it seemed his friend was blissfully unaware of the bold, shining eyes that screamed, "I am an Uchiha!"
All of it didn't make sense until he looked at his sensei's winking eyes. As soon as he saw it, Madara felt a sense of relief washed over him.
'Thank you... Sensei...'
By that time, he finally accepted his teacher.