The Uchiha Clan was unquestionably the largest and most influential in Konoha, with its own territory where clan members conducted daily life. Yet their inherent pride, disdain for ordinary villagers, and historical grievances had created a deep rift between the Clan and the Village. Uchiha rarely dined among the common folk.
That was why Kurenai Yuhi was somewhat surprised to see Ryūjin.
Ryūjin, drawing from the memories of his predecessor, recalled that Kurenai had been his predecessor's classmate. However, the Uchiha were always haughty, and his predecessor's mediocre talent had not diminished their arrogance. In class, they looked down on others, and relationships with classmates had been minimal. Ryūjin and Kurenai were no more than nodding acquaintances.
When they met at Ichiraku Ramen, Ryūjin greeted her politely and left it at that, focusing on his noodles as though no one else existed.
After leaving the ramen shop, Ryūjin wandered the streets of Konoha before reporting to the Konoha Military Police Force. By afternoon, he patrolled the village with the others, completing his duties for the day.
Yet today, Ryūjin did not return to the Uchiha Clan compound. Instead, he made his way directly to the Konoha training ground. From this moment onward, he intended to train his taijutsu diligently.
While patrolling, he had already planned his future in four words: train taijutsu relentlessly. For now, it was the only way to increase his Chakra reserves.
"According to the ninja academy, Chakra is formed from the perfect fusion of physical and mental energy, but that's not entirely correct," Ryūjin mused. "Chakra is actually a special energy bestowed by the Sage of Six Paths. It's inherited through generations, much of it lying dormant. Through rigorous taijutsu and mental training, this Chakra can be awakened. That is the true principle of Chakra."
Few in the Naruto world understood Chakra as deeply as Ryūjin. Fortunately, even the flawed teachings of the academy aligned with his insight: taijutsu training increased Chakra efficiently.
When Ryūjin arrived at the training ground, most students had left; only a few remained, pushing themselves in drills. Among them, a young man in green attire, with thick eyebrows and a mushroom-like haircut, immediately caught Ryūjin's eye.
"Might Guy! Another cheat in Konoha," he thought, inwardly impressed.
In the world of Naruto, true strength was often defined by bloodline. Most people could reach the level of Kage, but only a few outliers broke these limits. Minato Namikaze, with his Flying Thunder God, was one. Might Guy, when opening all Eight Gates, could even severely wound Six Paths Madara. These were miracles by any standard.
Yet now, Guy was far from his legendary prime—a shadow of the powerful ninja he would become, enduring ridicule and underestimation.
Ryūjin's gaze shifted as he noticed Kurenai Yuhi training on the grounds. Genjutsu specialists typically did not focus on physical combat. Could she be improving her Chakra control, or perhaps her reserves were insufficient? Ryūjin pondered but dismissed the thought; her training had nothing to do with him.
Both Guy and Kurenai glanced at him with surprise; Uchiha rarely came to the training grounds. Ryūjin acknowledged them with a nod before beginning his own practice.
The rhythmic "Bang, bang, bang!" of strikes and "Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!" of rapid movements filled the air. For a time, the sounds of battle and training were the only things that mattered.
Far away, in Iwagakure, the Tsuchikage's office buzzed with tension. Onoki, known as "Onoki of Both Scales," floated above the ground using the Super Lightweight Rock Technique. His small stature made sitting at the desk impractical.
In front of him stood high-ranking officials: Kitsuchi, Akatsuchi, Bunta, and the Five-Tails Jinchuriki, Han. Everyone's expressions were grave.
"The Kannabi Bridge has been destroyed. Supply lines are cut off. Our forces in the Land of Grass can only hold for three days at most," Bunta reported.
"Without supplies, a direct assault on Konoha is impossible. Even delaying tactics from them will exhaust our troops," Kitsuchi added.
"And if we retreat…" Akatsuchi hesitated, fear in his voice, "we risk losing the war entirely."
Onoki remained silent, arms crossed, contemplating the situation. After a long pause, his gaze hardened.
"All units, advance fully! Cross the Land of Grass swiftly and strike Konoha with full force!"
The officials were taken aback. A head-on attack without logistical support would be devastating. Many lives would be lost. Yet Onoki's resolve was absolute; the outcome of this war would be determined by bold action, not caution.
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