Morning.
In a quiet courtyard, a young figure practiced taijutsu with sharp focus, each movement crisp and disciplined.
Unbeknownst to her, Uchiha Yuan appeared silently along the corridor beside the yard, watching.
After a moment—
He suddenly leapt forward and attacked.
Uchiha Izumi reacted instantly, dodging the ambush before pivoting into a counterpunch. Fists and kicks clashed in rapid succession. Their exchange grew fierce, sharp impacts echoing through the courtyard.
More than a hundred moves later—
Yuan caught Izumi's fist in one hand. His wrist flicked, and a finger tapped a specific acupoint along her arm.
Her arm instantly went numb and limp.
"Not bad," Yuan said with a fond smile. "Your improvement is obvious."
Izumi rubbed her tingling arm.
"When can I learn that Meridian-Severing Acupoint Technique?"
Yuan pinched her nose lightly.
"When you can recite the entire meridian chart in my bedroom from memory."
Izumi groaned.
"There are so many meridians and acupoints…"
Then her expression darkened.
"Brother, there are a lot of bad rumors about you in the village. They say you bully people using the clan's power. Even at the Ninja Academy, some students mock me for having a 'vicious' brother. So I beat them up."
Her eyes flashed with anger.
"You're the best brother in the world."
Yuan's lips curved in a cold smile.
Petty, low tactics.
Was this your doing, you rat hiding underground—Danzo Shimura?
But outwardly, he gently smoothed Izumi's furrowed brows.
"Pay them no mind. They're insignificant insects."
She pouted.
"But I'm angry."
Yuan ruffled her hair, then said casually:
"Your forms just now carried quite a bit of Senju-style taijutsu."
Izumi stiffened slightly.
"I learned from Yuki…"
She peeked up nervously.
"You're not mad, are you?"
Yuan laughed.
"Why would I be?"
She brightened immediately.
"Yuki is amazing! I've seen her spar with Senju Gen at their dojo."
Yuan asked quietly, "You spend a lot of time with Senju Yuki?"
Izumi nodded.
"She's kind. Oh! She really likes the accessories you make. I gave her some. You're not angry, right?"
"They're yours to give."
Then he smirked.
"So Gen's sister has good taste."
Izumi rolled her eyes inwardly.
If she told Yuki that, she'd probably explode.
"Open your mouth."
Izumi obeyed instinctively.
A pill dropped into her mouth and slid down her throat.
"Brother—what did you—"
Heat surged in her abdomen.
"Don't panic. Sit. Circulate your chakra as I taught you."
Yuan placed a palm against her back. Golden chakra enveloped her.
Her skin flushed red. Sweat poured. Pain twisted her expression.
But under Yuan's guidance, the discomfort gradually faded.
He occasionally tapped key acupoints along her body, helping open blocked meridians.
An hour later, he withdrew his hand.
Izumi opened her eyes.
She immediately noticed her clothes drenched in sweat—and a layer of dark residue coating her skin.
She shrieked and ran to the bath.
Later, freshly bathed and changed, she sat beside Yuan on the veranda.
"What was that? I feel stronger. My chakra feels denser."
Yuan placed two small white porcelain bottles before her.
"Azure Dragon Pills. They'll strengthen your body and accelerate your growth."
He nudged the bottles forward.
"Give one to Senju Yuki and one to Gen. But make sure they keep this confidential."
Izumi nodded seriously.
Time passed quietly.
By day, Yuan handled Police Force affairs.
By night, he visited Orochimaru's laboratory or trained the young Uchiha underground.
Meanwhile—
Voices within Konoha grew louder.
It was time to select the Fifth Hokage.
And among all candidates, Orochimaru's name carried the strongest momentum.
At the same time, Yuan began openly visiting Orochimaru's residence, presenting himself as the latter's favored junior.
Provocation followed.
In recent days, Yuan's patrol sector experienced repeated disturbances—verbal provocations against the Uchiha Police Force.
Yuan gazed at the night sky.
Is this a warning? Because I stand beside Orochimaru?
Just then—
A figure appeared in the courtyard.
"Lord Yuan, please proceed immediately to Naka Shrine. A clan meeting is underway."
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