Konoha, the Uchiha Clan.
"Truly worthy of being the strongest clan leader in Uchiha history. These ninjutsu scrolls have all been improved; not only do they save a significant amount of chakra, but their power has also increased substantially. Especially the modifications to the hand seals…"
"And these few techniques are the clan's lost ninjutsu. Though they've been mostly abandoned due to their high chakra consumption, few within the clan have practiced them…"
Inside the room, Mikoto couldn't help but praise as she analyzed the information inscribed on the ninjutsu scrolls.
These were treasures taken from the cave—essentially, the culmination of Uchiha Madara's lifetime of ninjutsu.
Beside her, Shirou nodded in agreement, marveling, "As expected of Uchiha Madara. The improvements to these fire-style ninjutsu are almost on par with the water-style improvements made by the Second Hokage. And these ninja tools—each one is a legendary weapon of its time."
While Mikoto held the scrolls, Shirou was carefully polishing the various ninja tools they had retrieved from the cave.
Swords, scythes, giant shuriken, kunai—these weren't ordinary chakra weapons but exquisite, high-quality tools of legend.
Naturally, anything collected by Uchiha Madara wouldn't be ordinary. For example, even the lesser-known great sword of the First Hokage was powerful enough to clash evenly with Madara's famed fan. This alone demonstrated the extraordinary quality of these tools.
"These scrolls don't just contain our Uchiha clan's fire-style techniques; they also include water-style, lightning-style, earth-style, and wind-style techniques…"
As she examined the scrolls more closely, Mikoto couldn't help but feel shocked. It wasn't the mere presence of five-element techniques that stunned her.
What amazed her was that all the techniques recorded on the scrolls were high-level ninjutsu.
"This… many of these are advanced techniques safeguarded by the Five Great Nations, heavily protected by the major villages."
After this discovery, Mikoto's initial shock turned into delight. With these ninjutsu scrolls, Shirou could nurture and recruit a considerable number of skilled ninjas in the future.
While the sealing scrolls in the Hokage's office held significant value, they mostly contained forbidden techniques that were difficult for even elite jonin to master.
However, the advanced ninjutsu scrolls in her hands were different—they held far greater value for chunin and jonin.
The two of them poured themselves tirelessly into studying the ninjutsu scrolls, voraciously absorbing knowledge like sponges.
"Mikoto, secure these scrolls and distribute them within the clan and the Police Force as rewards according to merit. At the same time, there's no need to hide this from the outside world…"
Shirou's calm demeanor concealed the deliberate message he intended to send—this would showcase the profound strength and heritage of the Uchiha clan to the wider world.
However, Uchiha's ninjutsu wasn't something that could be taken lightly. Once someone took it, they would essentially be branded with the Uchiha name.
Especially now, as the Third Hokage had announced his plans to step down and select a new Hokage after the war ended.
Anyone with sharp eyes could see what was happening, and no one would be foolish enough to ignore it.
Claiming Uchiha's ninjutsu meant choosing a side. Yet, refusing it would mean forgoing a high-level technique that could decide the outcome of a battle—and survival.
This was a blatant strategy, much like the situation with Might Duy, who was currently lying in the hospital.
In the hospital room.
"Father, why didn't you take the Mist's ninja swords?"
Might Guy asked in confusion. The last time his father opened the Seventh Gate, it had shocked countless Konoha ninjas.
Although the promotion to Jonin hadn't yet been finalized, everyone knew that Might Duy, a powerful taijutsu user of Konoha, far surpassed the average Jonin in strength.
Lying in the hospital bed, his muscles sore all over, Might Duy shook his head and replied:
"Guy, it's because the ninja swords don't align with our path. We father and son are not geniuses like Kakashi. That's why we must focus solely on taijutsu. Though the Twin Swords, Hiramekarei, were my spoils of war, I exchanged them with Lord Shirou for resources—for your sake!"
"Father!"
Hearing this, Might Guy's eyes welled up with tears, a deep sense of pride gleaming in his gaze.
His father was a hero.
Looking at his innocent son, Might Duy shook his head slightly. Though he had been an ordinary chunin for years and lacked broader experience, there was one thing he understood clearly.
Back when no one valued him, it was Uchiha Shirou who stood firm against opposition and brought him into the Police Force, giving him a stable income.
At that time, Might Guy was at a crucial stage of growth, yet they couldn't find any teammates for missions, forcing him to take on exhausting and poorly paid C-rank missions.
From the Police Force to the Reserve Unit, his entire journey had been under Uchiha Shirou's guidance.
Although others mocked him for being foolish, he believed in one thing—Uchiha Shirou wanted to become Hokage.
At this thought, Duy's expression became resolute. Turning to his son, he said firmly:
"Guy, Captain Shirou has been kind to us. Even setting that aside, I don't think anyone else is more deserving. When it comes to the next Hokage, I will steadfastly stand behind Captain Shirou!"
"Repay kindness with loyalty; repay support with sacrifice."
Might Duy didn't fully understand these words, but he did know one thing—never forget kindness.
Might Guy nodded resolutely and replied, "Father, don't worry. Lord Shirou has always been my teacher."
To outsiders, the Might father and son were already considered staunch supporters of Uchiha Shirou.
Meanwhile, news of Might Duy's ability to open the Seventh Gate had caused a stir in the Hokage's office.
"A chunin with the ability to open the Seventh Gate… On the battlefield, he nearly overwhelmed Jinin Akebino, the wielder of the Mist Swords."
Reading through the report, the phrase "Police Force member, Reserve Unit member, and his son a subordinate of Uchiha Shirou in Kakashi's squad" stood out prominently, causing the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, to frown deeply.
"To think someone could elevate taijutsu to such a level!"
The Eight Gates had existed since the Warring States period, but the technique was incredibly demanding, requiring immense perseverance and dedication. Until now, no one in Konoha had ever opened more than the Fifth Gate.
Now, unexpectedly, someone had appeared who could open the Seventh Gate—potentially even the Eighth.
"Uchiha Shirou, along with over a dozen jonin, has co-signed the recommendation."
Looking at the list of names, Hiruzen Sarutobi frowned even more. A nearby ANBU member respectfully reported:
"Third Hokage, when we, as representatives of your office, approached Might Duy, he kept talking about 'youth'…"
The ANBU were at a loss. The Might father and son were famous for their eccentricity in Konoha, often seen as comical.
When they tried to recruit him, Duy avoided the topic entirely, making it difficult to proceed.
"Jonin, then!"
Finally, Hiruzen took a deep breath and stamped the Hokage seal, officially promoting Might Duy to Jonin.
"What has Uchiha Shirou been doing recently?"
After signing several documents, Hiruzen took a drag of his pipe, crossing his arms on the desk. His raspy voice echoed through the empty Hokage office.
"Lord Hokage!"
A masked figure appeared suddenly. Unlike the previous ANBU, this individual spoke without emotion, clearly a member of the Root.
"Uchiha Shirou has claimed to be training since returning to his clan. However, according to our observations, a portion of rare medical supplies from the hospital has gone missing…"
The Root agent presented a report that caused Hiruzen's tightly furrowed brows to ease slightly.
"As expected, the Mangekyō Sharingan is having issues. He's already resorting to heavy medication!"
Since the start of the Third Shinobi World War, a piece of good news had finally arrived, giving Hiruzen Sarutobi a sense of relief, as though a cloud had lifted.
With the Mangekyo Sharingan facing issues, the threat posed by Uchiha Shirou had significantly diminished, allowing Hiruzen's cautious heart to relax somewhat.
"Minato should be nearing the Land of Bears by now."
Thinking of Namikaze Minato, a faint smile finally appeared on Hiruzen Sarutobi's face.
A Mangekyo Sharingan close to blindness was no longer much of a threat. In his mind, the greatest concern was Tsunade.
"Tsunade!"
Recalling the drastic changes Tsunade had gone through over the years, Hiruzen Sarutobi's brows furrowed slightly. His first thought was that Tsunade had fallen under the influence of the Uchiha, which explained her transformation over the years.
"Fortunately, Jiraiya should be able to stabilize her for now..."
Hiruzen silently pondered his plans for a smooth transfer of power. It would be a long process, but for the sake of the village, he believed Tsunade would ultimately remain silent.
If necessary, he could offer her some benefits. Stabilizing the village took precedence.
"Still, the Mangekyo Sharingan is technically still active, so it's best to have the reserve units rest briefly and then head to the frontlines as soon as possible."
Hiruzen Sarutobi's careful planning left nothing to chance. However, due to the uneven flow of intelligence, his understanding of the situation remained incomplete.
...
The Land of Bears.
Before the Konoha shinobi could arrive, the Sand shinobi had already reached their destination.
"Pakura, this time, for the sake of Sunagakure, we must work together."
In the forest, Rasa spoke calmly, facing a tall kunoichi with a barebacked outfit.
Both were accompanied by Sand shinobi, though clear divisions were evident among their followers.
"Tch, Rasa, you underestimate me. Do you think I, Pakura, am so petty? If you want cooperation, you'd better first control your subordinates."
Pakura sneered as she spoke, casting a mocking glance at the supporters behind Rasa.
It was apparent that there were divisions within Sunagakure. From their attire and choice of ninja tools, it was clear that half of Rasa's followers were puppet users.
"Let's wait for now. According to Intel, the Konoha shinobi won't arrive until tomorrow morning."
Under the moonlight, the Sand shinobi hidden in the forest maintained a defensive stance, though their internal discord was evident.
"What's so special about the so-called Kekkei Genkai users? Do they think they're such big names in the shinobi world?"
"Shh... Keep your voice down. Our Kekkei Genkai users in the Sand Village may be few, but each one is incredibly powerful, especially Lady Pakura."
"Don't worry. Sunagakure isn't Kirigakure, nor is it Konoha. We don't have nearly as many Kekkei Genkai users as they do..."
Sunagakure was a unique shinobi village, lacking large clans. However, jealousy and hostility within the village had created a clear divide between the Kekkei Genkai users and the ordinary shinobi.
Sitting on a tree branch, Pakura frowned as she observed these jealous divisions. She ultimately sighed in frustration.
"In the end, we who joined later as Kekkei Genkai or secret technique clans are always seen as outsiders. I hope this mission succeeds. If I become Kazekage, maybe these grudges will finally disappear..."
Pakura shook her head and slowly took out a red book from her ninja pouch.
"My Struggle!"
Her gaze softened as she looked at the book, her expression growing contemplative.
As a Kekkei Genkai user, the book's ideas deeply resonated with her.
"Pakura, the ideas in that book are far too idealistic and extremely dangerous."
At that moment, Rasa's figure materialized from the golden sand. Pakura frowned as her reading was interrupted, unhappily placing the book back into her pouch.
"Dangerous? And what about you, colluding with an elder to seal a tailed beast into your newly pregnant wife's body? Isn't that dangerous too?"
Pakura's mocking words didn't faze Rasa. Instead, he smirked coldly and replied:
"Being able to seal a tailed beast is a one-in-a-million chance. If my unborn child has this talent, then it's their responsibility!"
During the Third Shinobi World War, the disappearance of the Third Kazekage left the position of Fourth Kazekage highly coveted.
Currently, only Pakura and Rasa, both heroes of Sunagakure, were qualified to compete for the title. However, Rasa had more supporters.
Pakura, whose ancestors had joined Sunagakure later, had always faced rejection. Still, her terrifyingly powerful Scorch Release and her popularity were equal to Rasa's.
The two were evenly matched, yet Rasa had a stroke of luck. His wife, recently discovered to be pregnant, was found to possess a constitution suitable for hosting a tailed beast.
"Pakura, Sunagakure is not Konoha! Kekkei Genkai users are scarce here. If you lot would quietly act like proper shinobi, there wouldn't be so much trouble. But instead, you're all dreaming of reviving your clans!"
Rasa retorted coldly. The real issue lay in the ambition of these Kekkei Genkai users to revive their clans.
The elders of Sunagakure had no intention of allowing large, influential clans to emerge within the village. It was one thing if such clans had existed from the start, but for newcomers to try to establish themselves? Who else would they ostracize if not them?
Pakura frowned slightly at his words, fully aware that the elders were determined to prevent the rise of any powerful clans.
"Everyone has their ambitions. The position of Fourth Kazekage is still undecided. Don't think you've already won. Focus on capturing the Three-Tails instead!"
Pakura sneered, her gaze filled with disdain toward Rasa.
To her, a man willing to sacrifice everything, even his own family, for his ambitions was despicable.
Ambition was one thing, but to harm one's wife and unborn child for it? Such a person was capable of anything.
PS: New waifu detected?