Deep within the underground base.
Two blazing pillars of fire burned high overhead, illuminating the cavern like daylight.
It was already late into the night. Most of the young Uchiha who trained here had dispersed, leaving only a handful behind.
On the central sparring platform, wind roared and shockwaves cracked through the air. Two figures leapt and twisted midair, exchanging fierce blows.
Below the platform stood Uchiha Kaede, Uchiha Kawa, and five others, watching intently.
"Shave — Impact Spear!"
"Iron Body — Immovable Mountain!"
The two combatants separated abruptly, shouting in unison.
One figure kicked off the ground and shot forward like a cannonball, launching a flying side kick.
The other crossed his arms and locked his muscles instantly, bracing in a hardened defensive stance.
BOOM!
The kick struck dozens of times in the span of a heartbeat—each impact landing on the exact same point.
Though the defender did not budge, the ground beneath him trembled violently. A fan-shaped web of cracks spread outward behind him.
The clash ceased. The two withdrew.
Uchiha Daishi flipped backward lightly and landed with a grin.
"Takuya, your Iron Body has reached another level. You actually blocked my Impact Spear. Let's call this one a draw."
Uchiha Takuya exhaled slowly and nodded. "Agreed."
Then he turned toward another youth below.
"Keijin, I heard you developed a new variation of Finger Gun. I'd like to see it."
"Gladly."
Keijin leapt onto the platform.
Daishi dropped down among the others and looked at Kawa enviously.
"Kawa, you're lucky to follow the Leader. The entire clan's buzzing about today. Everyone says he restored the Uchiha's prestige."
Kawa's face glowed with excitement.
"I overheard my father and brother at dinner. They think the village backed down because they were intimidated by the Leader's strength."
Kaede's eyes burned with fanatic admiration.
"As long as the Leader stands, the Uchiha will only grow stronger."
Another youth sighed.
"It's a shame we can't yet shoulder his burden."
Kawa replied firmly, "The Leader said the sweat we shed daily won't betray us. One day we'll become subordinates worthy of his trust."
Daishi asked, "I heard he plans to expand the Onmitsu Guard—add two new divisions?"
"That's right," Kawa nodded. "There'll be strength evaluations soon. Those who pass join the new divisions."
On the platform, probing strikes ended. Both fighters' auras flared violently.
"Finger Gun — Fire Serpent Barrage!"
A fierce chakra surge erupted from Keijin.
He unleashed a rapid flurry of punches—each blow releasing compressed chakra that ignited into flame.
In an instant, the temperature soared.
Dozens of fiery serpents lashed outward, coiling toward Takuya.
They detonated upon contact.
Moments later, the flames faded.
Takuya stood smoking, clothing scorched but body intact.
"That's incredible," he admitted. "Each strike carries fire damage. It's at least B-rank in power."
Keijin beamed proudly.
"I refined it with the Leader's guidance."
Daishi leaned forward.
"That's nin-taijutsu, isn't it?"
Keijin nodded.
"I plan to deepen the research. Maybe one day I'll develop a Fire Release equivalent to Kumogakure's Lightning Armor."
"Teach me too," another youth said eagerly.
At that moment—
Swish.
A figure appeared atop the elevated platform behind them.
It was Uchiha Yuan.
"Leader!"
They bowed respectfully.
Yuan carried a basket of medicinal herbs he had obtained from Orochimaru.
His gaze swept over them.
"Daishi. Bring out the prepared materials and the bronze furnace."
"Yes."
Two storage scrolls were unfurled.
With a pulse of chakra, bundles of processed herbs materialized.
Another scroll released a massive eight-sided bronze furnace nearly the height of a man.
The furnace had been forged according to Yuan's design by the Uchiha's weapons supplier—the Cat Granny.
Daishi asked curiously, "Leader, what is this for?"
"I will use it to refine pills."
The youths blinked in confusion.
"Once completed," Yuan continued calmly, "their effects will surpass our clan's medicinal baths and tonics. They will accelerate your physical development."
Excitement rippled through the group.
Yuan formed seals.
A massive stone pillar rose from the earth, climbing over thirty meters high—positioned between the two blazing flame pillars overhead.
He slapped the bronze furnace lightly.
It spun into the air and landed perfectly atop the pillar.
Yuan flashed upward, landing before it.
He glanced toward the two blazing fire masses—each housing a shadow clone maintaining the flames.
"Senjutsu: Azure Dragon Flame."
The flames roared.
Two pale blue fire dragons spiraled outward, circling the furnace before plunging beneath it, transforming into a raging inferno.
The furnace glowed red-hot within moments.
Yuan sat cross-legged before it, completely indifferent to the searing heat.
His eyes sharpened.
The temperature was right.
It was time to add the herbs.
To read advanced Chapters, head over to p@treon:
patreon.com/nani_kaito