Uchiha Yuan lifted his head, his calm gaze sweeping toward the massive red-black serpent lunging at him.
In the next instant, his figure was swallowed whole by the serpent's gaping jaws.
But right after the strike, the serpent flicked its tongue in confusion, searching for its prey's scent.
Its mouth was empty, and its belly showed no bulge—it had swallowed nothing at all. Uchiha Yuan had vanished.
Outside the Forest of Death.
Near the towering walls of Konoha Village, a shadow suddenly rose from underground.
It was Uchiha Yuan.
At the very moment the serpent lunged, he had used Earth Flow Technique to dive beneath the ground, swiftly tunneling away from the Forest of Death.
After all, the forest was rich with resources—various ninja clans maintained industries within its bounds.
For instance, the Nara Clan's deer farms lay on its outskirts, and the Sarutobi Clan's herbal gardens were nestled deep inside.
By traveling underground, he avoided being noticed by any of those clans' members.
When he emerged beyond the village wall, golden light flickered in Yuan's eyes.
Before him shimmered an invisible barrier—Konoha's protective village barrier.
It was constantly monitored by the Barrier Unit; anything that crossed it would be immediately detected.
Uchiha Yuan spread his spiritual sense, attuning to the barrier's fluctuating frequency, then adjusted his own chakra signature to match it perfectly.
With a silent leap, he slipped across the wall.
The Barrier Unit sensed nothing.
Within the village, the streets remained lively as ever.
Merchants along the bustling commercial avenue called out cheerfully to passing customers.
As he passed a confectionery shop, Uchiha Yuan casually bought a box of three-colored dango.
When he arrived home, he sensed only one familiar chakra signature inside—it was his younger sister, Izumi.
Their mother must have gone out to prepare ingredients for dinner.
Up in the attic, Uchiha Izumi sat cross-legged, eyes closed, her small face set in earnest concentration.
Her breathing was deep and steady, carrying a faint rhythmic resonance.
Sensing her brother's presence, she opened her eyes, her expression turning troubled.
"Big brother, the cultivation method you taught me is so hard."
Yuan smiled gently. "Izumi, don't rush it. Take your time—just focus on the rhythm of each breath."
Izumi turned her head away in frustration. "I don't want to train anymore. It's boring."
At her words, Yuan frowned slightly, but soon relaxed. He knew she was only venting—if she truly didn't want to train, she'd be out playing instead of sitting here.
He reached out to rub her hair, smiling softly. "Izumi, one day your brother will need you to protect him. You really don't want to train anymore?"
She puffed her cheeks, glaring at him. "Big brother, you always say that to trick me! I know you're already super strong—you don't need me to protect you."
Yuan chuckled. "But Izumi, you and Mother are the most important people to me. You're my weakness. If you become stronger, then I'll be stronger too."
Izumi's eyes went a little unfocused at that—she didn't quite understand.
After all, in her young mind, Konoha was the safest place in the world, and their Uchiha Clan the mightiest. What danger could possibly come to them?
Just then, Yuan pulled a paper box from behind his back. "Izumi, look what I brought."
Her eyes lit up. "It's Yumokudo's three-colored dango!"
With a delighted cheer, she grabbed the box, tore it open, and started eating.
The sweet, chewy flavor quickly brought a smile to her face, washing away her earlier frustration.
Watching his sister's happiness, Yuan placed a hand gently on her back.
A brilliant light began to glow from his palm, and a stream of pure chakra slowly flowed into her through an acupoint near her spine.
Through his mastery of natural energy and his understanding of the breathing and meditation techniques recorded in Sage · Ultimate Evolution, Uchiha Yuan had developed a new breathing method—one he had shared only with Izumi.
Now, he was using his chakra to nourish and refine her body, strengthening her blood and clearing her meridians.
Among all the great ninja clans, each possessed secret formulas or medicines to enhance the physique of their children.
The Uchiha were no exception—but such medicines were both costly and reserved for the main family branches.
Yuan's family belonged to a lesser side branch, unworthy of such privilege.
Unless one displayed extraordinary talent from childhood and drew the clan's attention—which was precisely what Yuan sought to avoid.
Thus, he chose instead to personally nurture his sister's body with his own chakra.
Nightfall.
After dinner, Uchiha Yuan made his way to a secluded storage house within the clan's compound.
The surroundings were dark and utterly silent.
A figure suddenly dropped before him, kneeling on one knee—it was Uchiha Daishi.
"Big brother."
Yuan nodded slightly. "You left your mark to summon me. Has something happened?"
Daishi bowed his head. "Yes, big brother. Three clan members wish to join us."
Yuan was silent for a moment before asking, "Are they here now?"
"Yes. They're waiting at the hideout for your audience."
Their figures blurred and vanished, reappearing moments later inside a warehouse.
The interior was brightly lit. Around thirty Uchiha children were gathered there.
When Yuan and Daishi entered, they all bowed in unison.
"Big brother!"
Their synchronized voices shook the air, filled with youthful power.
Standing apart were three boys, each about ten years old, watching the scene in astonishment and a touch of fear.
Curiosity flickered in their eyes as they looked toward Uchiha Yuan.
But when their gazes met his, they froze—his eyes were sharp, commanding, filled with quiet authority.
"What are your names?" Yuan asked calmly.
"Uchiha Kawa."
"Uchiha Ryosuke."
"Uchiha Isamu."
They answered hesitantly, exchanging uneasy looks.
The man before them didn't match the image of the typical proud, domineering Uchiha elite. His aura was calm, lacking arrogance—yet somehow more formidable.
Yuan's voice was steady. "Why do you three want to join us?"
They glanced at each other, silent for several moments, until one finally spoke.
"We want power, but…"
He paused, frowning slightly as he met Yuan's gaze. "But now, I think I might be disappointed. I don't see the power we were hoping for here."
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