They only deployed minimal forces, engaging in sporadic skirmishes with Konoha. At the same time, Shiyu Uchiha himself had recently gained many profound and unique insights into various ninjutsu techniques, so he currently had no intention of launching a full-scale offensive.
Since neither side desired a major conflict, this delicate balance naturally formed. Thus, Iwa and Konoha once again fell into a stalemate. Although large-scale battles hadn't erupted, smaller skirmishes still frequently occurred, making the entire situation volatile and ever-shifting.
After unraveling the secrets of the Tailed Beast Ball, Shiyu felt as if he had flung open the gates to an entirely new world. He refined his profound and unique insights into his meticulously developed Fire Release technique—the Blazing Meteor. Therefore, without hesitation, he threw himself into another round of research, comprehensively optimizing and improving the Blazing Meteor.
After days of relentless focus and dedication, Shiyu finally attained satisfying results. The current Blazing Meteor had significantly improved in every aspect—power, speed, and control accuracy. However, Shiyu wasn't satisfied by this progress alone. He clearly understood that there was still a long way to go before pushing this fire-based jutsu to an even higher level.
Although at this stage further enhancement of the Blazing Meteor was hindered by insufficient accumulated experience and knowledge, preventing any major breakthroughs in the short term, Shiyu remained undeterred. He firmly believed that persistent exploration would eventually overcome these challenges.
Meanwhile, Shiyu made unexpected tremendous gains in another area—he successfully refined his Kujaku (Peacock) techniques to a remarkable degree. As his mastery of Kujaku deepened, his understanding of Yang Release also catalyzed a quantum leap from quantitative accumulation to qualitative transformation.
This fundamental change directly enabled him to achieve preliminary success merging Yang Release with Fire Release, marking a landmark achievement in his fusion research.
Though there were still several key difficulties yet to be resolved before ultimate success, Shiyu could already clearly see the glimmer of victory shining not far ahead. With just a little more time and effort, he believed he was certain he could overcome these present barriers and completely master this powerful fused ninjutsu.
Confronted with such a formidable predicament, after that intense battle previously, Shiyu wasn't entirely satisfied with his own performance. Despite his superb sword techniques repeatedly striking the Five-Tails Jinchuriki, those fierce attacks regretfully failed to pierce through the unbreakable Tailed Beast Chakra Cloak, making it difficult for him to defeat his opponent decisively.
Faced with such a dire predicament, Shiyu began seriously considering how to further enhance his swordsmanship, unleashing stronger power—ideally capable of defeating formidable Jinchuriki-level opponents using sword techniques alone.
With clear goals emerging in his mind, Shiyu quickly set a definite objective for the second ultimate move within his sword techniques—he resolved to craft an attack completely distinct from the first.
This technique abandoned the previous emphasis on skillful precision in favor of pure power, pursuing ultimate destructive capability. It aimed to deliver [Ultimate Kill], capable of effortlessly slicing through even the most durable Tailed Beast Chakra Cloak, instantly slaying the enemy with a single strike.
To achieve this, Shiyu Uchiha immersed himself in relentless sword training in the following days. Notably, his rapid progress was largely thanks to the solid foundation and deep cultivation instilled in him by his mother, Uchiha Shizhi.
Standing on the shoulders of those before him, Shiyu Uchiha continuously explored and experimented, gradually forming a clear concept of his new ultimate sword move. More than that, he had already decided on its name—it needed just a few final touches before being officially unveiled.
His extraordinary performance in the previous battle drew widespread attention from across the battlefield. His fearless maneuvering and ruthless slaughter among the Iwa-nin left a deep impression on the ninja who had witnessed it, and many began to etch this young prodigy into their memories, spreading word of him far and wide.
As such, whenever ninja spoke of Shiyu Uchiha, they recalled his unparalleled Fire Release techniques, his blindingly fast swordplay, and his near-mystical Shifting Body Technique—all leaving a powerful and unforgettable mark on those who heard of him.
Over time, a bold nickname, "The Crimson Phantom," began to circulate widely, quickly taking root among both Konoha and Iwa-nin shinobi. As days passed, it only grew stronger, expanding beyond the Grass Country frontlines and eventually circulating throughout the entire ninja world.
However, Shiyu Uchiha himself was rather pleased with this title. Not only did it signify recognition of his strength, but it also significantly boosted his reputation, so he did not attempt to interfere or stop its spread.
In the ninja world, possessing a famous title often meant that a shinobi possessed extraordinary strength.
Meanwhile, when Hiruzen Sarutobi witnessed Shiyu Uchiha's growing power, he found himself in an internal struggle. On one hand, the boy's strength was a blessing for the current dire situation. Konoha's condition was deteriorating rapidly, and the village desperately needed heroes to turn the tide and reverse its misfortunes.
On the other hand, driven by lingering suspicions toward the Uchiha Clan, Hiruzen did not wish for Shiyu Uchiha's power to grow too strong—beyond his control. He secretly hoped the Uchiha Clan would fend off the Iwa assault but still suffer heavy losses.
Yet the reality at the front lines gave no hope to such a fantasy. In fact, he could only watch helplessly as the Uchiha Clan grew ever stronger, with no solution in sight.
He did attempt some minor manipulations, subtly hinting to Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado, deliberately leaking non-critical frontline intelligence through the Iwa spies embedded in the village, hoping to increase the Uchiha Clan's losses.
However, the well-prepared Shiyu Uchiha had anticipated such tactics, foiling Hiruzen's plans and even setting up countermeasures that dealt painful blows to the Iwa forces, making them hesitant to try any underhanded tricks again.
This has caused Hiruzen Sarutobi, who was already somewhat worn out from his heavy duties and the weight of time, to become even more burdened by the pressure from Shiyu Uchiha.
Even his once thick, black hair was starting to go gray, though thankfully it hadn't begun to fall out yet; and on that face which had once been relatively smooth, many noticeable age spots had quietly appeared—like speckled blemishes marking the passing years and the unforgiving touch of time—making everyone realize that The Third Hokage was truly growing old.
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