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The gentle spring breeze swept the sky clean, and the warm sun cast its light, illuminating the bustling streets.
It was a clear and pleasant day.
At the entrance of the Uchiha compound, the red Torii Gate, emblazoned with the clan emblem, stood tall and proud. The long, rectangular stone-paved street was bustling with Konoha Military Police Force ninjas in their uniforms, passing through to enter the village.
Many clan members were either out shopping or leisurely strolling, entering and exiting various shops. Some carried full bags, returning home with their purchases, while others were empty-handed, still searching for their next target. A faint sense of daily life permeated the air.
A group of Uchiha children, in clusters of three or five, walked over from a distance, their expressions relaxed, each carrying a bulging backpack, chattering all the way.
Uchiha Tōshirō was dressed in a black high-collar long-sleeved shirt, with the prominent red and white fan on his back. He wore matching long pants, a shinobi tool pouch tied around his waist, white leg guards on his calves, and a two-foot-long wakizashi in his hand.
At six years old, Uchiha Tōshirō could already be considered a young lad. Regular physical exercise and a balanced diet had made him over 120 centimeters tall and nearly 30 kilograms in weight. He looked quite robust, like a young bull, standing out among his peers.
After bidding farewell to the enthusiastic elders and the two Uchiha ninjas guarding the Torii Gate, he walked out of the gate and continued on. The trees lining the road were evergreens, remaining green even in winter.
The half-grown children chatted and laughed all the way, passing through the bustling main street of Konoha, heading southwest. After about half an hour, they reached their destination.
This was a picturesque river valley, with the slopes on both sides covered in large patches of wildflowers in three colors, their stamens just beginning to show. Higher up, there were also pink mountain tea flowers, creating a vibrant and colorful landscape.
A white rapids burst forth between the two mountains, carrying melted ice, rushing and roaring through the valley. The flat valley by the river was the destination for their outing.
This was the Naka River, a major source of Konoha's drinking water. To ensure the safety of the water and prevent enemy ninjas from poisoning it, although it was gradually being replaced by tap water, its importance remained significant.
In the near future, the area nearby would become the new Uchiha compound. Uchiha Shisui, who possessed the strongest genjutsu, Izanagi, would commit suicide here. Following his death, the "filial son" Uchiha Itachi would raise his sword against his beloved "Sasuke Uchiha" for the sake of his ideal Konoha, sounding the dirge for this thousand-year-old clan.
Upon arriving at the destination, they chose a lush green meadow for their camping spot. Nearly twenty children gathered in groups. Some carried fishing rods and traps to the river, while others, mostly girls, ran to the fields of wildflowers to pick their favorites. Some played various card games, making for a lively scene.
Uchiha Tōshirō found a flat patch of grass, sat down, and enjoyed the warm spring sun.
He glanced briefly at the card games nearby. The children were no longer limited to Werewolf Game. They played Tractor, Upgrade, Texas Hold'em, and other games, all of which he had taught them to pass the time.
He had also earned a second nickname, "Little Prince of Poker," after "Tōshirō (nickname)."
"Such warm and happy times always pass by quickly; I hope everyone can cherish them..." he silently mused.
After a while, Uchiha Tōshirō, feeling drowsy from the sun, slowly stood up and brushed the dust off his pants.
"Is anyone planning to go into the forest with me?" He looked at his playing companions, holding his wakizashi in one hand.
"I am!"
"Me too!"
"Count me in!"
For a moment, many children volunteered. Compared to playing by the river, the forest offered a sense of adventure and exploration of the unknown.
"Kazuo can't come; Kazuo's chakra control is too poor to even climb a tree to avoid danger!"
"Ryuka can come; I saw Ryuka practicing the Tree Climbing Technique very diligently last time."
Uchiha Tōshirō led four or five children into the forest by the Naka River.
The forests around Konoha were vast and deep, rich in resources, including rare herbs, valuable timber, and various venomous snakes and wild beasts.
Of course, he did not plan to go too deep into the forest. With his and his companions' current abilities, they were not yet ready to handle the dangers within.
This area was close to the edge of Konoha, so there were no large wild animals or venomous insects. However, there were occasional appearances of wild chickens, rabbits, and even wild boars.
Uchiha Tōshirō led the group into the forest for about ten minutes, found an open area, and stopped. He then directed his companions to set up traps.
Another figure, panting, ran up to them.
"Did anyone follow?"
"No! Two of them tried to follow, but En stopped them~" The person was Uchiha En, a year older than him. Because it was spring break at the ninja academy, he had joined their group.
Such outings and hunting activities had been organized several times. During the hunting segment, there were always some uninvited children who tried to follow them. If not for Uchiha Tōshirō's adult-level thinking and preparation, they might have sneaked in unnoticed.
That would have been too dangerous. Although there were no fierce wild animals around Konoha, a five or six-year-old child venturing in unprepared was clearly risky.
Therefore, Uchiha Tōshirō set a simple standard: at least proficient in the Tree Climbing Technique, a chakra control skill, before he would allow them to join.
This way, they could quickly climb a tree to avoid danger. He also asked Uchiha En to keep an eye out to prevent any disobedient children from sneaking in.
Uchiha En, the daughter of the head of the first squad of the Uchiha clan, had been trained as a ninja alongside Uchiha Tōshirō and was the first to successfully extract chakra on the first night, a "prodigy" who excelled among her peers...
(End of Chapter)