In Konoha, the hottest topic now was the election of the Fifth Hokage. The loudest—indeed, almost the only—voice was in support of Orochimaru.
Originally, the various ninja clans had intended to wait and see what stance the Uchiha would take. After all, the Uchiha's desire for the Hokage seat was well known. Yet to their surprise, the Uchiha publicly expressed support for Orochimaru.
The other clans could not help but sigh inwardly. As expected of Orochimaru—only he could make the proud Uchiha abandon their bid for the Hokage position.
However, an undercurrent targeting Orochimaru had already begun to stir.
Uchiha Police Force, Training Ground No. 6.
Uchiha Eiji's chest rose and fell sharply as he panted, beads of sweat sliding down his face.
Opposite him, Uchiha Yuan stood with arms crossed, calm and unruffled.
"Yuan… even now, I still can't make you move a single step. And you only used one hand against me."
Eiji's voice carried frustration. "I thought I had grown stronger."
"Eiji, pull yourself together. Even though I used only one hand, I fought you seriously. You have indeed improved—enough that I now take you seriously."
Yuan looked at him steadily.
"Yuan, you mean that?!"
Eiji's dimmed eyes brightened instantly.
Yuan nodded lightly.
Eiji wiped the sweat from his brow and asked, "Yuan, when I fight you, it always feels like there's an invisible net over me. No matter how I change my moves, you handle them easily. Why?"
Yuan smiled faintly. "How do you know your changes weren't the ones I wanted you to make?"
Eiji froze, confusion filling his face.
Moments later, his expression shifted abruptly, shock flashing in his eyes. "Yuan… you're joking, right?"
He was beginning to understand.
Every move he made had been anticipated. Worse—Yuan had been guiding his attacks, steering his choices.
Yuan's brows knit slightly. "Eiji, increasing strength isn't just about having more chakra. Yes, your chakra makes your speed and power greater—but your transitions lack flexibility. Your movements appear stiff and predictable to me."
As he spoke, Yuan glanced toward Uchiha Kawa and the others standing nearby. "If it's pure taijutsu, you may not even be their match."
"That's impossible. There's no way Uchiha Kawa and the others could defeat me!"
Eiji protested sharply.
Yuan smiled faintly. "If you don't believe me, try."
Eiji looked toward Kawa, pride flickering across his face. "Then let Uchiha Kawa spar with me."
"Kawa, no chakra. Fight Eiji."
Yuan walked over and spoke calmly.
"Yes, Lord Yuan."
Kawa had heard every word. At Yuan's order, battle intent flared in his eyes. His figure flashed forward, landing before Eiji.
"Uchiha Eiji, please instruct me."
Eiji sized him up with disdain. "Uchiha Kawa, let me see how strong someone of inferior talent—ignored by the clan—has become after following Yuan."
Kawa's expression turned cold. "Then let's begin."
He lunged forward, fist driving toward Eiji.
Eiji raised his palm to block and countered with a kick. The two exchanged blows rapidly, fists and legs colliding with muffled thunder-like impacts.
At first, Eiji handled the assault with ease. Gradually, however, he began to feel his movements growing less smooth.
Seeing Eiji begin to fall under pressure, Yuan spoke up with guidance.
Eiji adjusted immediately. Before long, his movements flowed more naturally, and the application of his techniques suddenly felt clearer.
Then Yuan began offering pointers to Kawa as well.
The match grew increasingly intense. With each exchange, both gained insight, discovering flaws in their own styles.
Swish!
Just as Yuan once again offered advice to Eiji, a figure appeared behind him.
It was a member of the Police Force.
"Squad Leader, a rumor has just begun circulating in the village."
"What rumor?"
"Several ninja in the village have gone missing."
Yuan fell silent, thoughtful. After a moment, he said, "If ninja are missing, it falls under the Police Force's jurisdiction. Report this immediately. Then find out exactly which ninja have disappeared."
"Yes, sir."
After the officer left, Yuan turned his gaze toward the Hokage Monument, his eyes settling on the Third Hokage's stone visage.
So… you've begun.
He was certain the rumor originated from Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzō.
If his guess was correct, the rumor would only intensify. And the Police Force would likely find it nearly impossible to determine exactly which ninja were missing.
Bang!
A powerful shockwave erupted as Eiji and Kawa clashed once more, both springing backward.
Eiji looked at Kawa with complicated eyes. "This time… shall we call it a draw?"
Kawa exhaled heavily. "A draw."
Eiji then turned toward Yuan, noticing the grave look on his face.
"Yuan, what happened?"
Yuan let out a cold laugh. "Nothing. Just some sewer rats starting to stir."
Over the next few days, events unfolded exactly as Yuan predicted. The rumor spread wider and wider. Ninja began claiming that someone they knew had suddenly disappeared.
The Police Force did not treat the rumor as urgent, but Third Squad—under Yuan's orders—began investigating.
They were obstructed.
Soon after, ANBU appeared and warned them that the matter fell under ANBU jurisdiction. The Police Force was not to interfere.
Upon receiving the report, Yuan's suspicions were confirmed.
The Third Hokage and his faction had begun moving against Orochimaru.
Yuan immediately sent word to Orochimaru, informing him of his speculation regarding the rumors.
But Orochimaru gave no reply.
Some people die…
But they don't die completely.
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