"Ignorance is not the obstacle to a ninja's survival, but arrogance is…"
Yuhi Shinku repeated Uchiha Mirai's words and couldn't help but smile.
Having faced countless life-and-death situations, he knew the weight of those words. Over the years, he had seen many ninjas—both weak and strong—fall because of arrogance. True survivors were always cautious, never taking even the weakest opponents lightly.
"No wonder he lacks the common flaws of the Uchiha… he's already realized this," Shinku thought.
The more he observed Uchiha Mirai, the more he admired him. Talent, strength, calmness—everything about him was nearly perfect. A sudden thought crossed Shinku's mind: perhaps the future of the Uchiha clan… even Konoha itself… might be reshaped by this boy.
"Asuma, Kurenai, you must learn from him and strive to become excellent ninjas. Understand?"
"Yes, sir!"
Yuhi Kurenai nodded repeatedly like a chick pecking at rice, while Asuma Sarutobi's face twisted in frustration. Every day with Mirai felt like being shown up—more humiliating than he could bear. When will I finally turn the tables?
In the dense forest of the Fire Nation, four figures moved quickly. Kurenai and Asuma were thrilled—this was the first time they had left the village since becoming ninjas. The trees looked familiar, yet the experience felt novel.
Uchiha Mirai moved silently, keeping his breathing even, always maintaining peak condition.
By evening, the team arrived at Sunset Red.
"Rest here and set up camp," Yuhi Shinku instructed.
Asuma slumped to the ground, legs trembling from the journey. If not for his fear of being outshone by Mirai in front of Kurenai, he might not have lasted this long.
Meanwhile, Uchiha Mirai immediately set traps around the camp, his superior fitness and skill making it effortless. Yuhi Shinku observed, silently impressed and a bit ashamed that his own abilities were inferior to his student's.
"Mirai, your traps are well laid," Shinku praised.
"Hehe… Father, you don't know yet, right? He even set traps at home," Kurenai chimed in proudly.
Shinku sighed. His daughter was growing increasingly independent. He popped a few unpalatable pills into his mouth, frowning at the taste.
"After the mission, you'll have to try the food I cook in the future—it'll surprise you," Kurenai added.
Shinku patted her head helplessly. Whenever Mirai was involved, she couldn't stop talking.
"In the future, we'll take turns keeping watch tonight. Is that okay?" Shinku asked.
"Sure," Mirai said, resting his long sword across his lap and sitting on a suitable tree trunk.
"I'll guard the first half of the night," Asuma insisted, unwilling to be outdone.
"Your body is near its limit," Shinku cautioned. "Without rest, anything could go wrong tomorrow."
Asuma bristled. "Whatever Mirai can do, I can do too!"
Mirai's voice cut coldly through the forest. "If you don't want to lose to anyone, you must first recognize your own weakness."
Asuma clenched his fists. "What do you mean?"
"This is a mission, not a game. Your stubborn pride will only make you a burden to your team."
"You… want to kill us all?"
Asuma had no reply. His face turned red, but Mirai's words were undeniable.
"If you continue treating missions as a joke, you will voluntarily withdraw from the team after this mission."
As team leader, Mirai had absolute authority when supervising Jonin did not intervene. Disobeying orders was serious business.
Facing Mirai's cold gaze, Asuma lowered his head. As the Hokage's son, he knew the consequences all too well. Continuing to argue would only make him look worse.
"Yes… I'm sorry. It's my fault."
"Rest."
Mirai turned his gaze back to the forest. The camp fell silent.
Kurenai stole a glance at him, her eyes sparkling. A boy who could make Sarutobi Asuma obey so easily… so cool! She liked him very much.
Even Shinku abandoned his plan to secretly keep watch and peacefully fell asleep. Mirai, though young, exuded a reliability that made him feel remarkably safe.
-End Chapter-
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