Uchiha Gen looked up, his gaze calm and assessing, sweeping over the massive crimson-black python that had lunged at him.
In the next instant, the giant snake's gaping maw engulfed him.
But then, the python paused, flicking its forked tongue in confusion. Its target was nowhere to be found—its mouth empty, its belly unswollen. Uchiha Gen had vanished.
Outside the Death Forest.
Near Konoha Village's massive wall, a figure emerged from the earth. It was Uchiha Gen.
As the python lunged, he had used Earth Release to burrow underground, traveling swiftly beneath the forest floor and leaving the Death Forest unnoticed. After all, the Death Forest was abundant in resources, and many ninja clans had properties there—the Nara Clan's deer farm on the outskirts, the Sarutobi Clan's herb garden inside. Moving underground ensured he wouldn't be discovered by wandering clan members.
Arriving outside the village wall, Uchiha Gen's eyes glowed with golden light.
Before him lay the invisible barrier, constantly monitored by the village's barrier squad. Anyone passing through would be detected.
Gen released his mental energy, sensing the subtle frequency shifts of the barrier. He then adjusted his own chakra signature to match, leaping effortlessly over the wall. The barrier squad remained completely unaware.
The village streets bustled with life. Shopkeepers called customers, and the marketplace was filled with energy. Passing a pastry shop, Uchiha Gen purchased a box of three-color dango before returning home.
Inside, only his younger sister, Izumi, was present. Their mother was out, likely preparing dinner.
In the attic, Izumi sat cross-legged, eyes closed in concentration. Her breathing was long and steady, following a rhythm that subtly marked a special cadence.
As if sensing him, Izumi opened her eyes, a troubled frown on her small face.
"Brother… the cultivation method you taught me is so difficult," she said.
"Don't be impatient, Izumi," Uchiha Gen replied gently. "Take your time. Focus on the rhythm of each breath."
She turned away, pouting. "I don't want to cultivate anymore… it's so boring."
Gen's brows furrowed, then relaxed. He recognized this as a childish tantrum. If she truly refused, then she could go play.
He walked over and ruffled her hair, chuckling. "Izumi… one day, I'll need you to protect me. Do you really not want to cultivate?"
She looked at him skeptically, pouting further. "Brother… you're just saying that to trick me. I know you're strong already. You don't need me at all."
Gen smiled softly. "But you and Mother are my closest people. You're my weakness. Only when you become stronger can I become even stronger."
Izumi blinked, bewildered. Konoha seemed the safest place in the world, and the Uchiha Clan the strongest. Danger felt abstract to her.
Gen then pulled out the paper box of dango. "Look, Izumi. See what I brought?"
"It's Mikido's three-color dango!" she exclaimed, her face lighting up. She eagerly opened the box and bit into a skewer.
The sweet taste washed away her frustration, and her small face glowed with joy. Gen placed a hand on her back, channeling chakra into her acupoints.
Through his understanding of natural energy, Gen had developed the Ultimate Evolution Breathing Technique, a unique method he shared only with Izumi. As he infused chakra into her body, he refined her bones, blood, and meridians—nourishing her in a way no side-branch Uchiha ordinarily received.
---
Night.
After dinner, Uchiha Gen approached a secluded warehouse within the clan compound. The area was quiet, dark.
A figure landed before him, kneeling on one knee: Uchiha Daishi.
"Big Brother," he greeted.
Gen nodded. "You left a mark asking me here. Has something happened?"
Daishi lowered his voice. "Yes… three clansmen want to join us."
"Have they arrived?"
"They're waiting at the stronghold for you to summon them."
With a flicker of movement, the two leapt inside the warehouse. Inside, thirty Uchiha children gathered. At the sight of Gen and Daishi, they bowed in unison.
"Big Brother."
Their voices rang in harmony, their chakra emanating an imposing presence.
Three other boys, about ten, lingered awkwardly to the side, eyes wide with a mix of surprise and curiosity.
Gen's gaze swept over them. "What are your names?"
"Uchiha Chuan," the first said.
"Uchiha Ryosuke," the second followed.
"Uchiha Feng," the third added, hesitant.
Gen's calm aura contrasted with the image they had imagined.
"Why do you want to join us?" he asked.
The three exchanged glances. Finally, one spoke: "We want power… but…" He frowned. "We're disappointed. There's no way we can find the power we seek here."
Gen's eyebrow twitched. Their words clearly challenged him.
A faint smile appeared on his lips as he unleashed a surge of chakra. Instantly, a majestic pressure filled the warehouse, as radiant as the sun and solid as a mountain. The air itself seemed to thicken under the weight of his presence.
The three boys froze, realizing that power could indeed be found here—but not the way they expected.
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