Although Mikoto knew full well that Ren's reasoning was more of a clever excuse, she still couldn't help but cover her mouth and nod with a laugh. "You're right!"
"But I haven't mastered the Shadow Clone Technique yet. I'll go home later and ask Grandpa for a copy. I want to learn it as soon as possible."
She paused and looked at Ren seriously. "With your learning speed, I bet it won't take long for you to master everything taught at the academy, right?"
"Then are you planning to send a shadow clone in your place too?"
She felt like she had uncovered the truth.
"I am," Ren admitted openly, nodding. "This is a rare period of peace in the ninja world, and it's the best time to improve our strength. I have no intention of wasting it."
"I have a feeling this peace won't last. Another ninja world war is on the horizon."
With enough strength, he would have the leverage to act freely.
"Huh?" Mikoto blinked in surprise. "Why do you think that? Haven't we had peace for about a decade already?"
Ren shook his head. "Exactly. The villages have been building strength for years. As their ninja populations grow, so do their ambitions. Competing for missions and resources will inevitably lead to conflict again."
"I see..." Mikoto nodded, her eyes filled with awe. "To think you can see through things like this so easily... You really are a genius."
"By the way, your Fireball Jutsu earlier was amazing! Can you teach me your tricks? Mine isn't nearly as strong."
If war really did break out, she wanted to be strong enough to protect herself—and to help protect Ren and her family.
"No problem," Ren smiled. Of course he wouldn't refuse. He first had Mikoto perform her Fireball Jutsu, then began correcting and guiding her technique.
...
The next morning.
Ren woke early to train in martial arts with his father and older brother before breakfast.
That's right—Fugaku had also begun learning Ren's modified martial arts method for the Mingjing (Bright Strength) stage.
"Little brother, today's your first day at the academy, right?" Fugaku asked with a grin over breakfast. "Want your big bro to come with you?"
Ren glanced at him. "No missions today?"
"Haha!" Fugaku laughed proudly. "I arranged leave with my instructor ahead of time. One of my teammates is also escorting his little brother."
"Do as you like," Ren replied indifferently, not bothering to refuse. He could tell Fugaku was genuinely excited, and he didn't want to ruin the mood.
Besides, Ren had noticed Fugaku had grown a lot lately—more composed, more mature. They hardly bickered anymore.
"Looks like Dad's lectures are finally working on him," Ren thought, amused.
Seeing the two brothers getting along so well, Uchiha Nobuhiko and his wife exchanged pleased smiles.
That's how it should be.
Just then, there was a knock at the gate.
Ren sensed Mikoto standing outside with his enhanced perception.
"Coming!" he called, quickly getting up and opening the door. "Mikoto, come in! We're having breakfast. Have you eaten yet?"
"I have," Mikoto replied cheerfully, ruffling Ren's hair.
Ren pulled a mock-annoyed face, which only made her laugh more.
Soon, they returned to the dining room.
"Oh my, Mikoto! You're here to escort Ren to school, aren't you? Come in and sit. Did you eat already?" Uchiha Shinmi asked warmly, shooting Ren a knowing look.
"Yes. Good morning, Lady Shinmi. Good morning, Clan Head," Mikoto greeted politely before sitting beside Shinmi.
Nobuhiko simply nodded in acknowledgment.
He was well aware of how close Mikoto and Ren had become—and that Ren had been the one to foster that bond.
It didn't take a genius to figure out Ren's intentions.
Still, Nobuhiko was quite happy about it.
After all, Mikoto was the granddaughter of the Grand Elder, one of his stronger political supporters. If these two really did end up together, it would be excellent news.
He remembered that Fugaku used to have a crush on Mikoto too.
At that thought, Nobuhiko glanced at Fugaku.
Fugaku met his father's probing gaze and immediately understood what was going through his head. He rolled his eyes inwardly. "Seriously, Dad? I did like her, yeah, but that was when I was a kid. I got over it after she rejected me."
Once Mikoto and Ren started spending more time together, Fugaku had moved on completely.
Now, he was actually hitting it off with Uchiha Reiko, the granddaughter of the Third Elder.
As the eldest son of the clan head, Fugaku was a strong candidate and not short of admirers.
Seeing Fugaku's response, Nobuhiko smirked and looked away, satisfied that there was no drama to worry about.
Soon, the family finished breakfast.
"All right! Let's head out," Nobuhiko said, gathering Ren, Fugaku, and Mikoto for the walk to the academy.
On the way, they passed several clansmen also escorting their children.
Apparently, Ren wasn't the only Uchiha enrolling this year.
The closer they got to the academy, the more families they saw heading in the same direction.
Many civilians and ninja from other clans respectfully nodded at Nobuhiko in greeting.
Despite lingering tensions, none dared ignore the head of Konoha's strongest clan.