Due to being exposed to intense ultraviolet radiation all year round, combined with the never-ending transformation tasks, he had been pushed to grow rapidly.
Now eighteen years old, Nawaki was tall and well-built.
The round, babyish chubbiness that once hung on his face had long since disappeared, replaced by sharp, defined features and firm lines.
From certain angles, one could even faintly see traces of Senju Hashirama's bearing in him.
In just a few short years, relying on his own effort and talent, Nawaki had successfully advanced to jonin.
Having always greatly admired Senju Hashirama, Nawaki's current fighting style also relied on using Wood Release in combat.
When Gaara returned riding his sand platform, Nawaki was still at the training ground. However, he wasn't training himself, but teaching students.
Among them, a girl with brownish-yellow hair stood out in particular. Her hair was neatly tied into two large ponytails that hung down on either side of her shoulders.
At this moment, the girl was fully focused, following the method Nawaki had taught, "First, thoroughly mix the chakra within your body, then carefully extract it, and finally concentrate and stimulate growth…"
As she precisely infused the mixed chakra into the small seed before her, the originally ordinary seed sprouted tender green shoots at a speed visible to the naked eye, quickly growing into a small verdant tree.
"Teacher, I did it!"
Kazematsuri Moegi shouted excitedly, her voice echoing across the entire training ground.
She was so thrilled she could barely contain herself, her body springing up like a coiled spring, her face blooming with a radiant smile.
This was the first time in her life she had successfully used Wood Release.
Standing nearby, Nawaki looked at the elated Moegi, and a trace of approval flashed in his eyes.
He smiled and said, "Not bad, Moegi. It seems your talent is indeed high. Keep working hard, and you'll definitely achieve something in the future."
Hearing her teacher's praise, Moegi became even more delighted.
Like a cheerful little bird, she circled around the small tree she had just grown.
At this moment, all her joy was written across her rosy little face.
After quite a while, Moegi finally calmed down a bit and asked curiously, "Teacher, how did you know I could use Wood Release?"
Hearing this, Nawaki let out a hearty laugh, then patiently explained, "Because your grandmother is from our Senju clan. Naturally, you carry the bloodline of the Senju as well."
"And those who have Senju blood have a fairly high chance of possessing Wood Release."
Moegi nodded in sudden understanding.
In truth, she had never known her family background had such a connection.
Moegi was one of the members of the latest elite class. It was precisely because Nawaki had accidentally discovered her Wood Release talent that he decisively took her in as a disciple and personally taught her.
After all, when it comes to transforming and shaping the environment, Wood Release is undoubtedly the fastest and most effective method.
And here, there just happened to be countless opportunities to put Wood Release skills into practical use.
That was why Nawaki had specifically brought Moegi to this place.
Although night had already fallen, this area remained brightly lit.
Looking around, one could see numerous towering wind turbines slowly rotating in the night breeze;
Rows of solar panels arranged neatly like giant mirrors, reflecting faint moonlight;
And the newly developed chakra batteries, continuously providing powerful energy support.
Multiple energy sources worked together in coordination, making the city vibrant and full of life even at night.
Without exaggeration, this place had already completely become the first pilot city of the "Rengoku's Future Plan," carrying everyone's boundless hopes for a better tomorrow.
Within this bustling and lively city, crowds flowed endlessly through the streets.
Among them were a large number of civilians. Some of them had once lived in the mountainous border region between the Land of Rain and the Land of Wind, on the side belonging to the Land of Rain.
However, for various reasons, they chose to leave their homeland and come to this unfamiliar land.
Another portion of civilians had secretly fled from the Land of Wind.
As everyone knew, although the Land of Wind was vast, most of it was covered by endless desert. Such a harsh natural environment was simply not suitable for long-term human habitation.
Even those who remained there lived extremely difficult and harsh lives, as if struggling against brutal living conditions every single day.
When Sandthorn City first began construction, many nearby civilians watched the massive project from afar with curiosity and anticipation.
To them, it didn't matter whether this land belonged to Sunagakure or Konoha. What mattered was which place could offer better living conditions.
As long as they could live stable and comfortable lives, they were willing to join without hesitation.
As time passed, Sandthorn City gradually began to reveal its brilliance, like a shining pearl embedded in the earth.
The city was filled with lush greenery. Towering trees dozens of meters high could be seen everywhere, their dense branches and leaves interwoven into a green canopy that completely blocked out the scorching, blazing sunlight.
Such a pleasant environment attracted more and more villagers to come and settle here.
Now, Sandthorn City had developed into a highly mature and well-established place. Not only did it possess complete infrastructure and thriving commerce, it had also become an ideal place of residence in the eyes of surrounding civilians.
Before anyone realized it, nearly all nearby civilians had been absorbed into it.
At the same time, this city held another crucial strategic significance.
It had become a forward observation post for Konoha to further attack Sunagakure.
Recently, Gaara had infiltrated the area near Sunagakure and remained hidden for quite some time.
His primary mission was to thoroughly investigate and gather detailed intelligence on Sunagakure, in preparation for any future military actions Konoha might launch.
Tonight, with Shukaku's rampage, Gaara had also gained a large amount of information.
All along, Gaara's personality had leaned toward calmness and rationality.
He could always maintain a clear mind amid complex situations and make the most sensible decisions.
But even so, when he personally witnessed Rasa being despised by the people of Sunagakure, a ripple still stirred deep within his heart, and he almost laughed out loud.
Carrying these complicated emotions, Gaara flew back to Sandthorn City like a gust of wind.
And just as he stepped into the city, an even more surprising piece of news was waiting for him.
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