章 4: chapter-4SURVIVAL TRAINING

When the three boys emerged from the forest, it felt like they had stepped into another world. Never before in their lives had they experienced such a harrowing existence, filled with traps and constant danger.

They had learned that they could be attacked at any moment, with no one to cook for them or offer help. Their only sources of support were each other and the shurikens in their hands. This training made them realize that being a ninja was no longer as simple as it seemed. A ninja is someone who walks the edge of life and death.

"Take three days to rest and go home. Meet at the usual spot after that." With that, Uchiha Ming vanished.

"Let's go home, brother."

"I can't believe we're finally going home. It feels surreal."

"I need to get home quickly, or my mom will go crazy. Just look at me! The gate guards probably won't even recognize me in this state."

The three of them chatted as they headed back to the Uchiha clan's village.

Special training like this could bond a team far more effectively than any bell test or sermon about the Will of Fire, or even a grand feast.

---

After the boys left, Uchiha Ming reappeared from the shadows, accompanied by seven other Uchiha ninjas, each marked with the clan's emblem.

"There were three waves, nine enemies in total—three jonin, six genin. Six of them were from the Root division, and the rest were from the ANBU. We killed all the Root members, and the ANBU retreated after observing us from a distance," one of the Uchiha ninjas reported.

"The village is taking this seriously. Elder Danzo's attention toward the Uchiha clan remains as sharp as ever," another ninja remarked with a smirk.

"I don't think the Third Hokage has ever treated me coldly. He's even graced me with his presence twice!" They exchanged sarcastic comments, with an occasional murderous aura radiating from them.

A handsome, middle-aged man sighed. "I'm exhausted. I need to get home; the boy will be disappointed if I'm not there when he arrives." He quickly disappeared into the distance.

"Ieyasu still holds out hope for those higher-ups. Don't be fooled by his carefree attitude; he sees things clearly," said one of the Uchiha, who had two swords strapped to his back.

"Nobunaga ordered Ieyasu to act personally this time so that he would understand the village's true attitude towards the Uchiha clan's geniuses—and give up," Uchiha Ming said, watching as Ieyasu left.

"Alright, let's head back too. Feel like grabbing a drink?"

"Are you buying? If so, count me in!" someone replied with a laugh.

"When did I say that? I'm just feeling homesick, so I think I'll head back."

They dispersed in groups, vanishing at the forest's edge.

---

"You're back. You look exhausted. Did you accept the 'coming-of-age' gift the Hokage sent to his son?" Uchi Bolan asked her husband calmly.

"It's not what you think. This seems like one of Danzo's schemes. The ANBU were just keeping an eye on us," Ieyasu explained.

"Oh, right. Danzo really cares for us—he even sent bodyguards! His men weren't here for a picnic at the Uchiha training grounds, were they?" she said, rising from her seat and heading for the door.

"Where are you going?" Ieyasu asked, confused. Their son was about to return home—why was she leaving now?

With her back to her husband, Uchibolan activated her Sharingan and said, "I'm meeting a few sisters to buy ingredients for dinner. The boy has grown up, so I'll make an exception and let him have a drink tonight." She left swiftly.

"I just realized I've been at home all day and haven't prepared anything..." Ieyasu muttered to himself.

Ignoring her husband's complaints, Uchibolan closed the door behind her, cursing him in her mind, *What an idiot!*

"Sister, what took you so long?" a beautiful woman in battle gear asked impatiently.

"Are my clothes ready? Did you lock everything up?"

"It's done. Chunshu and Kong already noted everything," replied another woman, her face dark with worry.

"Alright, I'm counting on you to buy the ingredients. Leave them at Keiko's house in ten minutes, and I'll pick them up on my way home." Uchibolan changed into her military uniform, looking imposing and ready for action.

---

Ten minutes later, Uchiha Yang returned home. His mother rushed to him. "You're back! I've missed you so much. Look how thin you've gotten. I bought so much food for you. It'll be ready in no time. Just wait for me!" She bustled into the house, muttering complaints about the market lady not giving her a discount.

Uchiha Yang watched his mother disappear inside, deep in thought. The scent of blood hung in the air—not the smell from the market, but the unmistakable scent of human blood.