章節 30: Uchiha

Chen followed Kuri to his office, maintaining a cool composure despite the tension emanating from his teacher.

Once inside, Kuri shut the door and turned to face his student. To his surprise, Chen was smiling nonchalantly.

"Why did you want to see me, Master Kuri?" asked Chen, his tone light in contrast to the gravity of the moment.

Kuri let out an exasperated sigh. "Chen, this isn't about who's right in this argument. The fact is, you've seriously injured Fugaku from the Uchiha clan. Do you understand how serious this is?"

Chen's smile didn't waver. Kuri continued, his voice laden with concern:

"The Uchiha clan wields significant influence in Konoha. They control the village's police force and have connections everywhere. I can't protect you beyond giving you this warning. You need to be very careful from now on."

Chen nodded, his expression turning more solemn. "I understand, Master. Thanks for the heads-up."

"Don't thank me," Kuri responded, rubbing his temples. "I'm just doing my duty as your teacher. I care about all my students, even those who seem to attract trouble like a magnet."

Chen couldn't help but smile at the comment. "If there's nothing else, Master, I'll take my leave."

Kuri, visibly drained from the conversation, nodded. "Yes, you can go. And please, try to keep out of trouble, at least for the rest of the day."

Chen left the office, gently closing the door behind him.

As he walked back to the classroom, he mulled over Kuri's words. He knew his master was right to be concerned, but Chen feared nothing.

Upon entering the classroom, he was immediately surrounded by his classmates. Nawaki, Inoichi, and others swarmed him, their faces full of curiosity.

"Chen! What happened? Did they punish you?" Nawaki asked, practically bouncing with anxiety.

Chen smiled, shaking his head. "No, I wasn't punished. He just warned me about the Uchiha clan and their connections in the village."

"Is that all?" Inoichi asked incredulously. "Aren't you worried?"

Shikaku, who had been listening quietly, chimed in with his usual serious tone. "You should be, Chen. The Uchiha clan controls Konoha's Military Police. They're known for their arrogance and power. They could frame you for a crime you didn't commit if they wanted revenge."

A murmur of concern rippled through the group, but before it could escalate, Hiashi stepped forward. His face displayed a determination that surprised many.

"Chen is part of the Hyuga clan now," Hiashi declared firmly. "If the Uchiha try anything, they'll have to deal with us as well."

Chen looked at Hiashi with a mix of surprise and gratitude. The incident with Fugaku seemed to have shifted Hiashi's perception of him, turning his animosity into respect.

"I appreciate your support, Hiashi," said Chen. Then, addressing the group at large, he added with a carefree smile, "Besides, I'll be fine. I still have to look out for Mikoto, right?"

At the mention of her name, Mikoto, who had been watching the scene silently, blushed deeply and hid her face in her hands.

The crowd observed Mikoto's reaction and Chen's confident smile, speechless for a moment before some displayed expressions of disdain and ultimately decided to ignore him.

Despite the mixed reactions, Chen couldn't help but feel happy. He could see the genuine concern in their eyes, even in those who tried to hide it behind expressions of scorn.

As Chen quietly sat down in his seat and calmly opened his lunchbox...

Around him, other students chatted animatedly or threw covert glances in his direction, but Chen seemed oblivious to it all, focused on his meal and his thoughts.

Chewing slowly on an onigiri, Chen appreciated his teacher's concern but deemed it unlikely that the Uchiha would seek direct revenge against him. 'After all,' he thought, 'I'm just an adopted kid from the Hyuga clan. Attacking me directly would be too risky for them.'

The animosity toward the Uchiha was palpable throughout the village. 'If the Uchihas did attack,' he reasoned, 'it wouldn't just be an assault on me or the Hyuga clan. It would be seen as an attack on all Konoha clans. Even they aren't foolish enough to risk that.'

Finishing his lunch, Chen stood up and stretched, preparing for the afternoon class...

The afternoon class turned out to be a kunai throwing practice session.

After lunch, they began the afternoon class, which continued with kunai throwing practice—a dull and monotonous task for Chen.

The Ninja Academy's existence was more about providing opportunities for civilians and fresh blood for Konoha, so naturally, they started teaching from the basics.

When the bell finally rang marking the end of classes, Chen found himself following Mikoto to the Uchiha residence.

Despite the day's events, Mikoto walked with her head held high, though Chen could see the tension in her shoulders.

"Are you sure you want me to come with you?" Chen asked softly.

Mikoto nodded without turning around. "I need to pick up my things," she said with a trembling voice. "And... I don't want to face them alone."

Chen understood. The news of Mikoto's expulsion by Fugaku had spread like wildfire through dry grass. Despite being only nine years old, Fugaku had considerable prestige within the clan as the foremost genius of his generation.

As they approached the Uchiha residence, Chen noticed how the looks from passersby became increasingly hostile.

Some Uchihas watched them with barely concealed disdain, while others whispered among themselves as they passed.

Chen maintained a neutral expression, unconcerned by those looks.

Mikoto's house turned out to be a very large structure, reflecting the status she once held.

Chen waited patiently as Mikoto gathered her most important belongings, watching her move through the rooms.

Finally, with a small suitcase in hand and a backpack on her shoulder, Mikoto paused at the entrance to what had been her room. She cast one last nostalgic glance, her eyes sweeping over the walls that had witnessed her childhood.

"I'm ready," she said softly, turning towards Chen.

Together, they headed for the exit of the residence.

However, just as they were about to cross the threshold, a tall, burly figure blocked their way. Chen tensed instinctively, positioning himself slightly in front of Mikoto in a protective gesture.

The man before them had a face reminiscent of the adult Fugaku but more mature and marked by the years.

The imposing figure blocking their exit was none other than Yi, the patriarch of the Uchiha clan. Chen felt Mikoto tense even more behind him, and he heard her trembling voice whisper:

"It's Yi-sama, the patriarch of the clan..."

Yi's dark, penetrating eyes fixed on Chen with an intensity that would have made most adults tremble, let alone a child.

"You are the one who injured my son Fugaku," declared Yi, his voice laden with cold fury. In that moment, a wave of murderous intent emanated from him, filling the air with a nearly tangible pressure.

However, to the surprise of everyone present, Chen remained unfazed.

Yi's eyes widened slightly, a look of surprise and then cold calculation crossing his face.

Chen, with a smile that didn't reach his eyes, responded: "Well, well. It seems an old dog has gotten in our way, Mikoto. What a nuisance."

Chen's provocation elicited an immediate reaction. The other Uchihas present reacted with barely contained anger, their eyes dangerously glowing.

If not for Yi's presence, they probably would have attacked Chen on the spot.

Yi, for his part, seemed to be struggling to maintain his composure. Chen's insult had touched a sore spot, but the Uchiha patriarch was astute enough not to be swayed by the provocation.

He knew the clan's situation was delicate, and a misstep could have disastrous consequences.

Mikoto, visibly trembling now, seemed on the verge of fainting. Chen, without taking his eyes off Yi, gently took Mikoto's hand. The effect was immediate; Mikoto's fear seemed to dissipate, replaced by a surprising calm.

After a tense silence, Yi finally spoke: "I hope to see you again soon, brat. We have scores to settle."

Chen, without losing his provocative smile, replied: "Oh, really? Well, if you manage to survive until then, old man, I'll be happy to settle those scores."

The anger flashed in Yi's eyes, but the Uchiha patriarch restrained himself. With a brusque gesture, he stepped aside, allowing Chen and Mikoto to pass.

Chen, without letting go of Mikoto's hand, moved forward confidently. Just before stepping out, he turned his head and cast one last look of disdain towards Yi and the other Uchihas present.

Once outside the Uchiha residence, Chen and Mikoto walked in silence for a while. Mikoto seemed to be processing what had just happened, while Chen maintained a serene expression.

Internally, Chen reflected on the situation. His provocation of Yi had not been an act of foolishness but a calculated decision.

He knew the precarious situation of the Uchiha clan in Konoha and was aware that Yi would not dare to attack him openly, not without risking worsening his clan's position further.

Moreover, Chen was confident in his abilities. His mastery of the Tenseigan and his ability to manipulate time and space had significantly progressed. As long as he could see and perceive his surroundings, he could move instantaneously, taking Mikoto with him if necessary.

'Even if the Uchihas decided to attack us now,' Chen thought, 'they wouldn't stand a chance.'

________

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