Within Konoha, streams of intelligence continued to converge upon the Hokage Tower.
Sarutobi Hiruzen frowned deeply, his gaze fixed on the crystal ball resting atop his desk.
Within its surface played a clear scene—
Uchiha Yashiro, Uchiha Hazuki, and Uchiha Fugaku leading the clan's children forward together.
From the subtle movements of their lips, Hiruzen—well-versed in lip reading—gleaned more than enough information.
One thing was certain—
The Uchiha were showing signs of an unprecedented internal convergence.
"A pity… the Uchiha compound is protected by barriers. Its true situation remains hidden."
The Third Hokage's eyes flickered.
His feelings toward the Uchiha had always been complicated.
Beneath his deep caution—
There lingered a faint, genuine hope.
That they might truly integrate into Konoha.
That they might follow his command and help him achieve what even his teacher, Senju Tobirama, had failed to accomplish—
To build an unprecedentedly powerful Hidden Leaf.
And yet—
The Uchiha's constant unrest had steadily worn down his patience.
Since the loss of Uchiha Kagami—the bridge between both sides—
And with the daily counsel of his three advisors—
His perception of the clan had long since changed.
"I only hope… the Uchiha will fulfill their duty in this war."
The quiet sigh settled within his heart.
Then suddenly—
His gaze sharpened, snapping toward the door.
A crisp knock followed immediately, accompanied by the low voice of an ANBU operative.
"Hokage-sama, the Uchiha clan head requests an audience."
Hiruzen's eyes narrowed slightly.
"What is he here for…?"
In an instant, all traces of emotion vanished from his face.
"Let him in."
—
Uchiha District. Naka Training Grounds.
Morning mist draped lightly over the Naka River, the water reflecting a cold shimmer beneath the first light of dawn.
The air carried the scent of damp earth and greenery.
Peaceful—
Until it was shattered.
Two figures clashed like hunting beasts.
Their movements tore through the mist, gusts of force scattering dew from the grass along the riverbank.
A sweeping kick cut through the air.
The opposing figure lowered, blocking—arm and leg colliding with a dull, heavy impact.
Uchiha Mikoto moved with fluid grace.
Her toes tapped lightly against the damp stones as she retreated, hands already forming seals in a blur.
"Fire Release: Phoenix Flower Claw Crimson!"
Dozens of crimson fireballs burst forth from her lips—
Interwoven with shuriken hurled in the same instant, shrieking through the air like a reverse-falling storm of burning petals.
They pierced the mist, racing toward Uchiha Ren.
Ren's gaze remained calm.
He did not counter with ninjutsu.
Instead—
His right hand moved instantly to the hilt at his waist.
"Uchiha Style: Gale Blade."
A sharp metallic ring split the morning.
The blade flashed like a crescent moon, carving a perfect arc.
Chakra flowed along its edge, forming a cutting current comparable to a B-rank Wind Release.
Where the blade passed—
Fireballs shattered.
Hidden shuriken were deflected or cleaved apart.
Sparks scattered like fleeting fireworks along the riverbank, competing with the rising dawn.
"Mikoto thought quietly."
His swordsmanship has improved again…
Her Sharingan spun to life—three tomoe blooming within her eyes.
She caught the faintest opening as he sheathed his blade.
Her body lowered.
In the next instant—
She vanished.
A fading afterimage remained where she had stood.
Her real body cut in like a gust of wind, closing the distance—
A kunai flashing coldly toward his sword hand.
But Ren had already anticipated it.
His wrist turned.
The guard of his blade struck the kunai aside with a clear metallic clang.
At the same time—
His left hand shot forward, aiming for her wrist.
Mikoto reacted instantly.
Knowing she could not match him in taijutsu, she twisted away, retreating with dance-like fluidity.
Her hands completed their seals mid-motion.
"Fire Release: Great Dragon Fire Technique!"
A massive dragon of flame roared into existence—
Steam hissing as it burned through the mist, surging toward Ren with overwhelming heat.
Ren's eyes sharpened.
His Sharingan spun.
Chakra surged.
His figure blurred—
As though merging with the light of dawn itself.
He charged straight toward the oncoming dragon.
At the moment of impact—
His body seemed to turn intangible.
He slipped past the roaring flames, leaving behind only a distorted afterimage.
In the next instant—
He was already at Mikoto's side.
His blade returned to its sheath.
One hand rested lightly on her wrist, halting her weapon.
The other hovered near her waist, steadying her shifting balance.
"You've lost, Mikoto."
His low voice brushed against her ear.
But her response came immediately—
"It's not over, Ren."
She turned her head slightly.
Their eyes met—
Two pairs of three-tomoe Sharingan locking together.
The world froze.
The training ground—
The river—
The dawn—
All shattered like broken glass.
In their place rose a world of mirrors.
Endless reflections surrounded him—
Each mirror showing a rigid, hollow version of himself stepping forward with killing intent.
Sharingan Genjutsu: Mirror World.
A beautiful counterattack.
In reality, Ren's lips curved slightly.
His Sharingan spun faster—
Powerful ocular force surged outward like a tide.
Cracks spread across every mirror.
Then—
They shattered.
The illusion collapsed instantly.
Reality snapped back into place.
The two stood close—too close.
Mikoto let out a muffled gasp.
The backlash from the broken genjutsu made her vision darken, her body swaying.
If not for the hand at her waist, steadying her—
She would have stumbled.
Her breathing quickened.
The Sharingan faded from her eyes, revealing their natural clarity.
A faint flush colored her cheeks—brighter than the morning sky.
She exhaled softly, lips pursed in mild frustration.
"You never give me a chance," she complained.
"At least let me win once."
There was genuine annoyance in her voice—
But also pride.
And quiet reliance.
"Still…"
Her tone shifted, curiosity overtaking everything else.
"That last move… wasn't ordinary Body Flicker, was it?"
"Mm. A new application of the Sharingan."
Ren released his hand from her waist.
Then leaned closer, his voice lowering near her ear—
"Want to learn?"
A pause.
A faint smile.
"My dear… Lady Mikoto?"
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