Chapter 207: The Gap in Strength
"Yeah, let's work hard together." Sasuke nodded slightly, but then shifted the topic: "But Byakuya, the reason things go so smoothly for you is mainly because your dad is the Fourth Hokage, right? For a commoner like me, gaining recognition is much harder than it is for you."
Sasuke's tone was somewhat gloomy, clearly harboring some resentment regarding his own background compared to Byakuya's status.
Hearing this, Byakuya stopped smiling and looked at Sasuke seriously: "Sasuke, I admit my identity might have given me some conveniences, but the effort is all my own. I've never thought about relying on anyone. Besides, I've never felt there's anything wrong with your background; I think we are the same."
Sasuke didn't speak. He was silent for a long time before slowly saying, "Byakuya, you and I are different. Since I was a child, I've been overshadowed by the light of my father and brother. No matter how hard I try, I can't get their recognition."
Byakuya also fell into silence upon hearing this.
He knew that Sasuke's life story was different from his own, and the pressure and troubles he bore far exceeded his own.
However, he believed that as long as one worked hard, they would surely gain recognition. Regardless of background, one could become a true Ninja.
"Sasuke, I can understand how you feel, but you can't give up because of that."
Byakuya looked at Sasuke and spoke firmly: "We have to work hard together to become true Ninja and show those who look down on us what we're made of!"
Sasuke raised his head and looked at Byakuya, a trace of determination appearing in his eyes.
"You're right, Byakuya. We can't give up."
Sasuke took a deep breath and then stood up: "We will work hard together and become true Ninja!"
Byakuya also stood up and patted Sasuke's shoulder: "Exactly! Let's work hard together!"
From that day on, both Sasuke and Byakuya began even more arduous cultivation.
To gain his father's recognition, Sasuke constantly challenged himself, striving to improve his strength.
Byakuya was not to be outdone either, constantly learning new Ninjutsu and enhancing his combat abilities.
The strength of both was constantly rising, but their mindsets underwent a subtle change.
Sasuke increasingly found that no matter how hard he worked, Byakuya's strength was always above his.
This made him feel anxious and uneasy, and he began to feel a hint of hostility toward Byakuya.
Finally, one day during their cultivation, the two had an argument over a small matter.
In a fit of anger, Sasuke used a newly learned Ninjutsu to attack Byakuya.
Byakuya was not one to show weakness either, and he used his own new Ninjutsu to counterattack.
The two engaged in a fierce battle on the Hokage Rock, their Ninjutsu and Taijutsu intertwining to form brilliant displays of light.
"Stop!"
Just as the two were locked in a stalemate, a shout suddenly rang out.
Minato appeared before them, a trace of displeasure showing in his eyes.
"What are you two doing?"
Minato asked in a low voice, his tone carrying a hint of reproach.
Both Byakuya and Sasuke stopped their actions, knowing they had done something wrong.
"Sorry, Teacher Minato, we shouldn't have been fighting on the Hokage Rock."
Byakuya lowered his head, his tone somewhat guilty.
Sasuke also lowered his head and said nothing.
Minato looked at them, took a deep breath, and then said slowly: "You are both Ninja of Konoha Village. You should be united and help each other, not fighting here."
Byakuya and Sasuke both nodded, knowing they were in the wrong.
Minato looked at them and sighed inwardly.
He knew that both these children had their own dreams and pursuits, but this had also given rise to competition and hostility.
He hoped they could set aside their grievances and truly become good friends and comrades.
After this fighting incident, Sasuke realized the gap in strength between himself and Byakuya.
He understood that if he wanted to surpass Byakuya, he had to put in even more effort.
Thus, he decided to join the Konoha Military Police Force to learn more Ninjutsu and combat techniques.
At the same time, he also planned to seek out a certain great figure as a teacher to boost his strength.
Three years passed in the blink of an eye. With his outstanding talent and hard work, Sasuke became the Vice Captain of the Konoha Military Police Force.
His strength had improved tremendously; he was no longer the Sasuke who had been surpassed by Byakuya.
However, as the power of the Police Force expanded, some reckless behaviors began to appear.
The villagers' impression of the Police Force and the Uchiha Clan gradually worsened, viewing them as a bunch of arrogant and lawless individuals.
Sasuke was deeply concerned about this. He understood that if this continued, the reputation of the Uchiha Clan would eventually be ruined.
After Byakuya finished his training and returned to Konoha Village, he happened to run into Sasuke on the street.
Three years was enough to change many things, but their competition and hostility had not diminished in the slightest.