Kazuyama's breakdown of Shisui's technique had Chōmei's bug brain practically crashing.
"I don't get it. Not at all."
He couldn't see it clearly either. Forget it—no need to stress. Chōmei just logged off and went to sleep.
While Kazuyama was caught off guard, Shisui was just as surprised.
His short blade, while not a famed weapon, was still a solid ninja tool—but no matter how he slashed, stabbed, or struck, he couldn't make a dent in the crystal clone.
So this was Crystal Release? What a terrifying ability.
"Shisui, your Body Flicker is impressive, but it lacks killing power."
"If you run into someone with overwhelming defense, that alone won't cut it."
Kazuyama waved a hand, dismissing all but one clone. The others shattered into sparkling crystal shards and vanished.
The lone remaining clone's forearms began to morph. With a twist and shift, they combined to form a gleaming crystal shield.
Hearing Kazuyama's voice and seeing the clone's transformation, Shisui instantly reacted.
He sheathed his blade and rapidly formed hand seals.
"Fire Release! Great Fireball Technique!"
A massive fireball erupted from his mouth, roaring forward and slamming into the shield.
The impact was so strong it pushed the clone back several steps.
"Nice power."
"That's enough. Stand down."
"Shisui, be at the village gate early tomorrow morning. Bring your gear—we're heading to the Daimyō's Manor."
As the clone shattered and the flames died down, Kazuyama chuckled softly, then vanished with the Body Flicker Technique—reappearing right behind Shisui a heartbeat later.
In the next moment, both of them were standing in front of the Ninja Academy.
Before Shisui could even register what had happened, Kazuyama vanished again.
He could only sigh.
"So fast… I couldn't even react…"
...
After leaving, Kazuyama found himself thinking about Shisui nonstop.
"Kazuyama, you look deep in thought."
"What's up? Because of that little punk?"
"Come on, he's just a kid from the Uchiha clan. Is it really worth that much thought?"
Chōmei, crunching on a tasty bug, voiced his confusion. In his view, no matter how talented the kid was, it wasn't worth Kazuyama's attention.
Kazuyama shook his head.
It wasn't about Shisui's strength—it was about where he stood.
As a descendant of Kagami Uchiha, Shisui was bound to align with the Hokage.
And the Uchiha were proud. They didn't take orders from anyone—not easily.
A Uchiha like Shisui was a walking contradiction to that pride, and that made him dangerous—to his own clan.
The real problem? The kid wasn't just a rebel himself—he was pulling Itachi into it too. If someone didn't step in, things would spiral out of control.
"It's nothing. I'm just overthinking things."
...
He had just muttered those words when he spotted a familiar face waiting at his door.
"Hey! Kazuyama-sensei, you're finally back!"
"Can I come with you on the mission this time?"
"I know the Clan Head sent Shisui, but I'm strong too!"
"I've got a three-tomoe Sharingan!"
Obito Uchiha looked up at his teacher, eyes full of hope. He'd been stuck in the village for way too long.
He was itching to get out and into the field.
"Oh, Obito."
"This mission was personally assigned by Lord Hokage—you understand, right? It's not up to me."
Kazuyama smiled at his student. Obito Uchiha, once the biggest final boss, was now his disciple. At this point, was there anything left that could surprise him?
Even if Shisui ended up opposing the Uchiha clan, so what?
"C'mon, sensei, let me come along on this one."
"Kakashi's off who-knows-where, and Rin's joined the hospital's medical unit."
"I'm the only one left in the squad. It's boring as hell."
Things really hadn't been going smoothly for Obito lately. Ever since the war ended, the mission board had been full—but his teammates were either missing or tied up with other things. He was completely alone.
"I see..."
Kazuyama suddenly felt a bit awkward.
Kakashi was "missing" because he had personally sent him off to the Land of Frost to build a connection with Terumi.
Rin was in the hospital because he'd recommended her to Tsunade for medical training.
Poor Obito... completely overlooked by his own teacher.
Seeing Obito's dejected look, Kazuyama couldn't help but feel a little guilty. He nodded.
"Alright. You can come along tomorrow. I'll speak with Lord Hokage and clear it for you."
"Come on, since you're here, join me for dinner."
Obito lit up immediately, thrilled at the chance to go on a mission. Kazuyama could only shake his head helplessly.
...
Early the next morning.
At the gates of the village.
"Yo, Shisui—Obito, you two know each other."
"I've already cleared it with Lord Hokage. He'll be coming with us."
Kazuyama glanced between the two Uchiha, who were silently sizing each other up, then stepped in to explain.
Then he turned to Obito.
"You didn't help an old lady cross the street today?"
Obito rolled his eyes.
Seriously? Still stuck on the old lady joke?
"Since Captain Kazuyama already got approval from the top, I have no objections."
"Obito, I look forward to working with you."
Shisui was familiar with Obito's name. Though his reputation wasn't stellar, he was still Kazuyama's student.
Obito, however, didn't appreciate the tone.
"Hey, what's that supposed to mean? Let me tell you something."
"Don't think you're a real genius just because people call you one."
"I've seen plenty of so-called geniuses—Kakashi, ring a bell? I beat him!"
"If you don't believe me, how about a little spar later?"
Hearing Obito's cocky declaration, Kazuyama nearly tripped.
Good grief, Obito... When did you get so bold?
Kakashi was your defeated rival? And your teacher never heard about it?
"Hehehe..."
Shisui gave a strange chuckle—completely out of character for a kid—then turned his head away, not even sparing Obito a glance.
That ticked Obito off. He was about to blow up when Kazuyama stepped in.
"Alright, that's enough from both of you."
"We're about to head out—try to remember the word teamwork."
"Let's move!"
With that, Kazuyama led the two young Uchiha out of the village gates.
The three-man team dashed toward the heart of the Land of Fire.
This trip to the Daimyō's Manor wasn't like the last. The situation was much more serious now.
After all... the current state of the Daimyō's Manor was... well...
...
(100 Chapters Ahead)
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