After parting ways with Hatake Haru, Uchiha Yuan walked toward the outskirts of the Hatake Clan's compound.
As he passed by the grand residence of Kakashi's family, he once again caught sight of Hatake Sakumo's soul.
The man was standing before the main gate, staring straight at him.
It had been two months since their last encounter—this was the second time Uchiha Yuan had seen Hatake Sakumo's spirit. And judging from Sakumo's gaze, En was certain that this time, the White Fang's eyes were fixed directly upon him.
Uchiha Yuan maintained a calm, composed stride, pretending not to see the spirit at all as he approached the gate of the Hatake estate.
But just as he drew near, a short blade suddenly appeared in Sakumo's hand, flashing with a cold, lightning-like gleam as it slashed toward him.
Caught off guard by the sudden strike, Uchiha Yuan leapt aside in haste, a wry smile forming on his lips mid-air.
He had been tricked.
For in the instant he dodged, the cold gleam vanished completely—it was an illusion, without any real force behind it.
Landing lightly on his feet, En looked toward the gate again, half helpless, half puzzled.
Hatake Sakumo's eyes swept over him as he said, "So, Uchiha boy—you really can see me."
Uchiha Yuan sighed softly, then smiled. "Uchiha Yuan greets the esteemed White Fang. I wonder, senior, how did you notice? I thought I'd hidden my reaction well enough—both just now and the last time we met."
Sakumo's expression softened with a hint of appreciation. "Perhaps others wouldn't have noticed—but Uchiha boy, never underestimate a jōnin who's survived years of bloodshed. The moment you saw me, your emotions flickered for a breath, and my eyes caught it."
"As expected of the White Fang of Konoha—your perception truly deserves its fame. I'm impressed. But may I ask why you stopped me, senior?"
At that, Sakumo's gaze deepened, a sharp light flashing within. In the next instant, an overwhelming killing intent surged forth, enveloping Uchiha Yuan.
The air around him turned frigid.
It was the chilling aura of a veteran warrior—tempered through countless battles, crushing the spirit and freezing the soul. It felt like a mountain pressing down upon one's shoulders, like an icy gale seeping into one's bones.
An ordinary person would have collapsed from sheer terror long ago.
But Uchiha Yuan's eyes showed no fear. He met Sakumo's stare squarely and asked, "What is the meaning of this, senior?"
Sakumo's voice was cold. "Uchiha boy—I heard your conversation with Haru. You're trying to corrupt him."
En frowned. "That's something I cannot agree with, senior. I spoke only the truth."
Their eyes locked in silence for a long moment before Sakumo asked, "What exactly is it that you want to do?"
"As I told Haru," En replied, "I want to break the darkness festering within the village."
"You intend to betray the village!"
The killing intent intensified, blades of invisible pressure surrounding him from all directions.
Yet Uchiha Yuan merely smiled.
"Senior," he said calmly, "I cannot acknowledge such an accusation. Since you overheard my talk with Haru, then you should understand my point of view.
The village belongs to everyone. The so-called 'village elders,' led by the Third, do not represent Konoha itself."
Sakumo's tone turned colder. "Your Uchiha Clan has always been discontent with the village. Your words can't convince me."
"Why not?" En countered. "Is the Uchiha Clan not part of the village? Or do you mean to say we do not love Konoha?"
"The Uchiha are a clan of ambition—a clan of darkness."
A trace of disappointment crossed Uchiha Yuan's eyes. "I didn't expect even you, senior, to be blinded by prejudice."
"That line sounds familiar—didn't it come from Senju Tobirama's mouth? What right does he have to pass judgment?
To me, he was merely a petty man who rose to power on his brother's prestige. What gives such a man the right to define my clan?"
"In fact," En continued, "I would say that Tobirama was the very origin of the village's darkness. The Third and the rest merely inherited his teachings—you can see Tobirama's shadow in every one of them."
Sakumo frowned. "How can a child like you harbor such extreme views? Lord Second was never the despicable man you claim."
"It's because I think for myself," En said quietly. "I do not let admiration or reputation cloud my vision."
"In my eyes, Tobirama didn't target the Uchiha because we were 'evil'—but because we were strong. The only clan in the Shinobi World capable of matching the Senju… was the Uchiha."
He paused, then added with a faint smile, "White Fang, tell me—if, back then, it had been Senju Hashirama who defected from the village instead of Uchiha Madara, do you think the Senju Clan would have followed him?"
Sakumo froze, caught off guard by the question. He had never considered such a possibility—and found himself unable to answer immediately.
The oppressive aura around En slowly dissipated. After a long silence, Sakumo sighed. "The Senju probably would have followed him."
En smiled.
"And yet, the Uchiha abandoned their own leader, Uchiha Madara, for the sake of peace. If that isn't love for the village, what is? Remember—what we cast aside was Madara himself."
By now, Sakumo's killing intent had vanished completely. "Your ambition is dangerous," he said, "but your ideals… are beautiful.
You're right about one thing—the village does belong to everyone. You've convinced me of that much. Perhaps the village really does need to change."
Uchiha Yuan bowed his head slightly. "Thank you for understanding, senior."
"I simply don't wish to see tragedies like yours repeat themselves," En added. "You should know better than anyone what the village leadership thinks of the Uchiha.
In my view, our clan's position now is even worse than yours was back then. The only reason the elders haven't acted openly is because our strength still deters them—so they strike from the shadows instead.
That hidden hostility… is a ticking bomb. One day, the conflict between clan and village will explode. I only hope to prevent that day from coming."
Sakumo looked at the boy, a flicker of admiration in his eyes. "I understand. But promise me this—don't drag Haru into danger."
With that, he turned to leave.
But Uchiha Yuan's voice stopped him. "Senior, I have a request."
"I am but a lingering soul," Sakumo replied. "I can't interfere in the living world. Whatever it is you ask, I likely cannot grant it."
"No, senior. You can—so long as you agree."
Then Uchiha Yuan bowed deeply and said with solemn respect, "White Fang, I wish to ask you to become my teacher—to guide my training."
For a moment, Sakumo was stunned. He hadn't expected such a request.
He frowned slightly, studying the boy in silence for several minutes.
Finally, his voice came. "Rise. I accept your request."
Uchiha Yuan's face lit up with joy. "Thank you, teacher."
Sakumo looked at him, thoughts stirring in his heart.
Perhaps… this is my chance to truly observe this child.
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