The next few days passed at the home of the toads in a flurry. Kyojiro had understood just how much of a difference ninja combat made in a truly difficult battle.
Jiraiya had been a far stronger opponent than anyone Kyojiro had faced before. Even the Jonin he had fought were more or less defeated by his current skill set—yet every spar with Jiraiya sharpened his battle intellect.
At first, it was simple—using clones as distractions and canceling them at the last moment. Then Kyojiro started using the substitution jutsu in clever ways, replacing himself with wood, stones, and even scraps of terrain mid-fight.
The real difference came when true ninjutsu entered the field. Jiraiya was a fearsome shinobi—his fire's heat was unmatched. Kyojiro could only meet it halfway using his breathing techniques. So, he did what he could—he improvised.
Using Body Flicker to roam around the open area, he forced Jiraiya to switch to large-range jutsus.
And through it all, Kyojiro felt that he had changed.
The surrounding scenery changed in an instant. The quiet murmur of Mount Myoboku was replaced by the hustle and bustle of Konoha's streets.
A loud booming voice erupted beside him."Brat, go meet the Hokage. I bet that old man has something for you."
Jiraiya's hand rested calmly on Kyojiro's forehead.
Kyojiro nodded. He knew, of course. 'This is war… even Jiraiya isn't free enough to teach me for months.' He clenched his fist, determination rising within him.
'I realized a lot on this trip—my breathing technique and how it works.' His fiery hair swung in the wind, a soft smile tugging at his lips. 'The only thing I need right now is chakra… and that'll only come from two things.'
His hands subconsciously rose. 'My Sharingan through Yin Chakra,' he thought, clenching his hands, his biceps tightening. 'And my body through Yang Chakra.'
He looked up at the carved faces of the Hokage. A soft feeling welled in his chest. 'All questions answered. Now, the only way I can go—is up.'
Jiraiya lightly tightened his hold over the Uchiha."Now, now, brat. Don't go losing yourself in your thoughts."
With that, the Sannin waved and left for his own path.
Meanwhile, Kyojiro began moving. His figure weaved through the crowd, fabrics brushing against his skin. The smell of food, smoke, and people filled the air.
Yet his destination was clear—a tall tower near the mountains, grand and heavily guarded even in broad daylight.
Kyojiro entered without fuss, nodding at the accountant behind the desk before heading upstairs. He knocked on the wooden door that separated him from the Hokage.
"Come in," a voice called from the other side. Old, yet strong—its authority unmistakable.
TING.JINGLE.JINGLE.
Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled at the pleasant surprise—the Uchiha who'd been lingering in his mind.
Kyojiro Uchiha.
The boy with the potential to be a sage. It wasn't that Hiruzen was biased against the clan, but he had long since learned the nature of these red-eyed men. Impulsive. Emotional. Unpredictable.
That was why—even as Hokage—he kept his distance from the Uchiha.
He shook his head. 'However… there are times when I can trust them. Times when someone can become a bridge.'
He looked up, meeting the determined eyes of his grand-disciple.
"Kyojiro," Hiruzen called out. "It was smart of you to come here yourself." A soft smile touched his lips. "You see, I have a question for you."
Seeing the young Uchiha nod seriously, Hiruzen continued,"What do you think of the Uchiha clan?"
The ball was dropped—and Hiruzen was far too interested in where it would roll.
While the Uchiha boy might not have known, Setsuna had been calling for him ever since his return. The old Hokage couldn't help but laugh inwardly, imagining the elder's frustrated face.
Kyojiro, however, remained stumped. 'I thought he'd ask me about my training. Why the hell is the Uchiha clan involved again? Did they do something?'
He shook his head and replied, "It's my clan, Lord Hokage. I love it—for all its flaws and all its strengths."
Hiruzen perked up. "Flaws?"
It was unheard of for an Uchiha to openly criticize their clan. It took not only courage but keen observation.
Most clan members lived their entire lives trapped in their own propaganda—blindly believing in their superiority.
Seeing the wise, measured look in the seventeen-year-old's eyes, Hiruzen leaned forward.
"The Uchiha clan is too rigid, too proud, and they never think of the long picture, sir. At least… that's what I've noticed." Kyojiro's voice was calm, just above a whisper.
Hiruzen nodded. 'I see… so this brat can see it too, huh.'
The more he looked at Kyojiro, the more he saw Kagami in him. His eyes softened. 'Truly, my friend—even in death, your nature still reflects.'
"Good, good… Now don't worry. It wasn't a trick question," Hiruzen said, his voice booming with warmth. "The real matter is this—it's a choice. For you."
Kyojiro's eyes widened. "Choice?"
Hiruzen continued,"You see, the Kiri have begun their assault, and I'm planning to send your clan to stop them." His eyes twinkled.
"However, my dear disciple has asked for you in his camp. It isn't long—perhaps ten days or so—and then you can join the Uchiha."
He leaned forward, his tone softening. "So… what will it be?"
Kyojiro paused. 'A camp with Jiraiya… sure. Ten days with him already taught me a lot. Ten more will only make me stronger.'
"Thank you, Hokage-sama. I'll go to the camp, then."
Hiruzen nodded, smiling. He picked up a scroll and tossed it to the young Uchiha."Good, good."
He continued, his lips curling into a faint grin."Orochimaru has specifically asked for you, after all.
......
Sorry for the no update yesterday guys, To make up for it, imma add an extra chap at the end of the week,
90 power stones = 1 bonus chapter