On the raised platform, Uchiha Gen stood with his arms crossed, his sharp gaze sweeping over the people below.
"You disappoint me," he said coldly. "Your strength is even weaker than I expected."
Uchiha Daishi rubbed his aching body and replied helplessly, "Big Brother, I don't think we're weak. I think you're just too strong."
The others nodded in agreement, their expressions dispirited.
They trained rigorously every day and could clearly feel their own growth. They had even secretly sparred with other Uchiha clansmen—and won with ease.
Yet none of them had expected that their combined assault—a full twelve-person siege—would be completely ineffective against Uchiha Gen.
Uchiha Gen's gaze hardened. He formed a hand seal, and with two soft puffs, two Shadow Clones appeared behind him.
"Starting today," he said calmly, "my Shadow Clones will remain here. Any of you may challenge them at any time. I want to see who will be the first to defeat one."
Everyone's eyes immediately locked onto the two Shadow Clones, excitement flashing across their faces.
If they couldn't defeat the original, surely a Shadow Clone would be possible.
Uchiha Gen leapt down from the platform and gestured for training to begin. Almost instantly, someone jumped up to challenge one of the clones.
It was Uchiha Feng.
The Shadow Clone smiled faintly. "Feng, your fighting spirit is commendable. Begin."
With a flick of his wrist, Uchiha Feng produced three kunai.
Swish! Swish! Swish!
The kunai shot forward in quick succession.
"Earth Release: Earth Flow Wall!"
An earthen wall surged upward in front of the Shadow Clone, blocking all three weapons.
At the same moment, intense heat erupted from the clone's flank.
"Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique!"
Flames roared forward, engulfing the clone's position.
The Shadow Clone's right hand glowed with chakra as he stepped into the flames. With a sharp, slicing motion, he dispersed the fire and closed the distance in an instant.
Bang!
A single backhand strike slammed into Uchiha Feng's chest, sending him flying off the platform.
Feng crashed to the ground below in a miserable heap.
Uchiha Gen walked over and nodded. "Not bad. You're finally thinking instead of just attacking blindly."
After that, the others took turns challenging the Shadow Clones. None lasted more than a few exchanges.
When training finally ended, Uchiha Gen took a scroll from his pouch.
"There's a technique recorded here that you must master," he said evenly. "From now on, this jutsu will be your only way in and out of the base."
A mischievous, almost malicious smile crept onto his face.
"Anyone who fails to learn it," he added lightly, "will probably end up trapped inside—and starve."
The scroll contained a modified summoning technique.
Though summoning jutsu were common in the ninja world, Uchiha Gen believed their potential was vastly underestimated. In his view, the Second Hokage's Flying Thunder God Technique was likely born from deep research into summoning theory.
He even suspected that summoning techniques might predate ninjutsu itself—part of a more ancient power system.
After learning summoning techniques under Hatake Sakumo, Uchiha Gen had spent years analyzing and deconstructing their formulas. Through countless revisions, he developed a technique he named Directional Anchor.
By placing pre-set anchors within the base, users could reverse-summon themselves inside—or exit it—without leaving a physical trace.
It was far simpler than a full summoning contract.
The group memorized the technique and began practicing.
Moments later, Uchiha Chuan's figure flickered—and vanished.
He had succeeded.
Directional Anchors were scattered throughout secluded areas of the Uchiha district. Anyone who exited the base would randomly appear at one of these locations.
Soon after, another pop echoed.
When the final person disappeared, only Uchiha Gen remained in the underground base.
He turned to his two Shadow Clones. "This place is yours now."
"Don't worry," one clone replied confidently. "With us here, no one will discover the base."
---
A Normal Day
Uchiha Gen returned to the Uchiha district carrying a box of freshly made three-color dango.
As he passed an open training ground, he spotted Izumi.
She was laughing softly, teasing a baby. The child's tiny face scrunched up in annoyance before he nearly cried—only to be soothed as the person holding him gently rocked him.
It was Itachi.
Gen immediately recognized the baby.
Sasuke.
"Izumi," Gen called.
She looked up, her face lighting up instantly. "Big Brother!" She ran over and hugged his arm.
Pointing excitedly, she said, "Look! This is Itachi-kun's little brother, Sasuke. He's so cute!"
Gen smiled at Itachi. "Long time no see. Your brother is adorable. He'll surely be a genius like you."
Itachi returned the smile faintly. "Thank you. I believe Sasuke will surpass me someday."
Gen stepped closer, looking at the pink-cheeked infant. "We're both older brothers," he said quietly. "We'll do everything we can to protect them."
Itachi looked down at Sasuke, his expression gentle. "Yes."
Gen handed the paper bag to Izumi. "Fresh dango. Still warm."
She cheered, immediately offering a skewer to Itachi.
He tried to decline, but Izumi pouted instantly.
"Itachi," Gen said lightly, "just take it."
After a brief hesitation, Itachi accepted. "Thank you."
Izumi beamed. She handed another skewer to Gen, then took one for herself.
At that moment, Sasuke began to fuss, seemingly upset that his brother's attention had shifted.
Itachi gently rocked him and excused himself.
Watching him leave, Gen murmured, "He'll be a good older brother."
Izumi hugged his arm tightly. "In Izumi's eyes, Big Brother is the best big brother in the world."
Gen gently stroked her hair, his gaze steady and resolute as he looked in the direction Itachi had gone.
"Izumi," he said softly, "Big Brother will always protect you. No matter what."
---
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