"Itachi, you're underestimating your grandfather."
Mikoto looked toward the forest where the two had disappeared.
"When I was still in the Uchiha Clan, your great-grandfather often said that your grandfather, Uchiha Tensei, was the clan's ultimate warrior."
"He represented the pinnacle of the Uchiha Clan's power—the very symbol of its strength."
"Over the years, your father's abilities have grown tremendously…"
"But compared to your grandfather, there's still an enormous gap."
"I can feel an unfathomable power sleeping inside his body."
"Really?"
Hearing that, Itachi couldn't help becoming worried.
"Then… Father…"
"It's no use worrying."
Mikoto gently took Itachi's hand.
"Come."
"Let's follow them."
Meanwhile, Senba raced across the rooftops of Konoha, his figure flickering so quickly that afterimages trailed behind him.
"Heh."
Watching from the sky, Isamu smiled slyly.
"Trying to run away?"
"Not happening, brat."
"Let's see where you think you're going."
He had already guessed Senba's intentions.
His son wanted to lure him somewhere far from the village.
Coincidentally…
That was exactly what Isamu wanted.
It would give him the perfect opportunity to judge just how much Senba had improved.
Soon, they left Konoha behind and arrived in the forest beyond the village.
Isamu descended from the sky and landed lightly on the trunk of a giant tree.
"You've run far enough."
"But you're still not stopping?"
Since Senba continued moving deeper into the forest, Isamu finally lost patience.
A gigantic Susanoo arm nearly thirty meters long materialized instantly.
It reached toward Senba like a giant hand.
Boom!
Without hesitation, Senba summoned his own light-blue Susanoo arm and slapped the incoming attack aside.
"Oh?"
A hint of approval flashed across Isamu's face.
"So you've learned to use Susanoo."
He wasn't particularly surprised.
If Senba still couldn't use Susanoo after more than ten years…
That would have been disappointing.
The collision forced both of them to stop in a clearing surrounded by towering trees.
Standing roughly eight meters apart, they silently faced one another.
"Father…"
Senba spoke first.
"Is this really necessary?"
"I'm a shinobi of Konoha."
"Serving the village isn't wrong."
"And you—"
"Hmph."
Isamu cut him off immediately.
"Have you still not understood?"
"Yes."
"I'm dissatisfied that you've become so deeply involved with Konoha."
"But that was your choice."
"So I won't interfere."
"My reason for bringing you here…"
"…is simply to test your strength."
"I want to see whether you're truly capable…"
"…of protecting your own family."
Although he disliked Senba's decision…
It had still been his son's choice.
An eagle had to leave the nest eventually.
Besides—
With Isamu's current strength, he doubted Konoha would dare touch Senba in the first place.
If they truly wished to court death…
That was their own problem.
"Father."
Senba's expression became serious.
"I have the strength to protect my family."
"I swear it."
"I don't care about your promises."
Isamu replied coldly.
"If you have the strength…"
"Prove it."
"Consider this your graduation exam."
"If you earn my approval…"
"I won't say another word."
"But if you fail…"
"You're leaving Konoha with me."
"…"
Senba blinked.
"Leave?"
"Leave Konoha?"
"Where would we even go?"
"What does it matter?"
Isamu frowned.
"The test hasn't even started…"
"And you're already thinking about losing?"
"Is your ambition really that small?"
Watching his son's listless attitude, Isamu began questioning whether leaving him in Konoha all those years ago had been the right decision.
This village…
It was too easy for people to lose their fighting spirit.
"Fine."
Senba slowly raised his head.
His Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan spun into existence.
"I'll earn your approval."
For years…
That had always been his greatest wish.
Now, the opportunity had finally arrived.
"That's more like it."
A smile finally appeared on Isamu's face.
"Come."
"Show me how much you've improved."
He casually raised one finger and curled it toward Senba.
His attitude made it obvious.
He didn't consider Senba much of a threat.
After all…
No matter how powerful the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan became…
It still couldn't compare with the Rinnegan.
"I'm coming!"
"Be careful!"
Lowering his center of gravity, Senba exploded forward.
His fists and legs unleashed a continuous barrage of taijutsu.
Yet—
Isamu blocked every strike effortlessly…
…using only one hand.
The longer the exchange continued…
The deeper Isamu's frown became.
Disappointment was written all over his face.
"Do you really think…"
"I'm some ordinary shinobi from Konoha?"
"Stop testing me."
"Show me your real strength."
Grabbing Senba's ankle mid-kick, Isamu swung him effortlessly.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Senba smashed through dozens of giant trees before finally regaining his balance.
"…"
Holding his aching chest, Senba looked toward his father.
Just as terrifying as ever…
The invincible man who had once single-handedly crushed the Iwagakure forces…
…had returned.
"Senba!"
Mikoto hurried over.
"Father!"
Itachi followed closely behind.
"Are you alright?"
"I'm fine."
Senba waved them away without taking his eyes off Isamu.
"You two should go back."
"Today…"
"I have to earn Father's approval."
Seeing the determination in her husband's eyes, Mikoto knew there was no stopping this fight.
She quietly led Itachi behind a massive boulder.
Since this was only a test between father and son…
There shouldn't be any real danger.
Besides…
She also wanted to witness the strength of the legendary ultimate Uchiha with her own eyes.
"Mother…"
Itachi whispered nervously.
"Will everything really be okay?"
"Don't worry."
Mikoto smiled gently.
"Nothing serious will happen."
"Not everyone gets the chance to witness a battle like this."
"So keep your eyes open."
"What you learn today…"
"…will help you greatly in the future."
"…Alright."
Although Itachi nodded obediently, he still couldn't hide the concern in his eyes.
His father had always been the strongest person he knew.
But today…
His mother had called this mysterious grandfather…
…the ultimate embodiment of the Uchiha Clan's power.
For the first time in his life…
Itachi wasn't sure whether his father would win.
And if Senba really lost…
He knew it would be a tremendous blow to him.
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