It was holiday time.
Certainly, this break had Shiraishi's personal approval.
Despite being occupied with work throughout the year, he occasionally contemplated leading a more relaxed life with his family.
Shiraishi consistently advocated a work ethic that balanced labor and rest, not just for himself but also for his subordinates. He believed that maintaining prolonged nervous tension would be detrimental to long-term development.
Although it was summer, the weather today was exceptionally refreshing, with the warm sun casting a genial glow, colorfully sprinkling the green park grass.
The park bustled with children running and playing, closely followed by attentive adults.
Asuka, too, joined in the fun. Unlike the lively children, he joined with a few new playmates to construct a sandcastle on the sandy ground. His stacking skills were superb, earning the admiration of many playmates his age.
This was, of course, due to Asuka's early fondness for various toys like building blocks. Even with plain sand, he could construct buildings with different styles.
As for Cai, he lay by a fountain's edge, gazing at various beautiful stones in the pool, seemingly ready to grab a few to play with.
Due to Ayane's corrective measures, Cai no longer wore women's clothes but had reverted to men's clothes.
Shiraishi finally saw hope in correcting Cai's bad habits. As long as progress continued, there shouldn't be a significant issue in completely correcting these habits.
Cai's problem was resolved, and Asuka, as the elder brother, naturally faced no major issues. The only problem was perhaps, concerns regarding his talent.
Certainly, this was from the perspective of a ninja. Asuka's talent wasn't exceptionally outstanding, but with abundant resources, achieving the standard strength of a ninja before the age of thirty wasn't a problem.
However, compared to Kazuhime and Liuli, the concerns about inheriting the position of the Uchiha clan's patriarch in the future were genuine.
This was from a ninja's viewpoint.
Asuka's perceived potential upper limit seemed apparent. But, whether there was indeed an upper limit to Asuka's potential was unknown. Or was there genuinely a limit to human capabilities?
So, Asuka's future potential, when viewed from a ninja's perspective, seemed speculative. At least in Asuka, he saw some kind of possibility.
There would inevitably be a day when he would abdicate. Until then, letting his children grow up and become independent was his true responsibility.
Kazuhime had found her own path, and she had the ability and potential to pursue it. As long as there were no principled mistakes, he could smoothly abdicate.
Shiraishi waved at Asuka building his sandcastle.
"Asuka!."
Asuka, focused on playing with his friends in the sand, noticed someone calling him. He immediately burst into a smile and quickly ran towards Shiraishi.
"Father, is something wrong?"
"How's it going? Are you having a good time today?" Shiraishi smiled and stroked Asuka's head.
"Well, I'm having fun."
Asuka nodded heavily. There was sand on his clothes and face, showcasing his carefree mood, unconcerned about appearances.
"I notice whenever you find interesting toys or games, you get completely absorbed."
It had imdeed happened before. Like when he had meticulously built a castle using building blocks, it was toppled by Kazuhime, leaving him sad for quite some time. When it came to toys and games, Asuka consistently maintained the highest enthusiasm.
"Because it's fun."
"It'd be wonderful if you could channel this enthusiasm into learning as well." Shiraishi smiled.
"But I'm already studying very hard,"
"It's just a joke. No matter what you do, maintaining enthusiasm is the best response." Shiraishi chuckled.
"Um."
"Okay! You can go play, but remember, keep an eye on the time and don't wander too far."
"Okay. I'm going "
With a beaming smile, Asuka swiftly returned to the sandy ground, resuming the construction of the unfinished castle with his playmates.
However, Shiraishi pondered, perhaps the most precious quality wasn't raw talent, but the simple joy of pursuing fun. This was something, he suspected, that even Kazuhime lacked.
Unlike Kazuhime's relentless pursuit of power, Asuka found joy in the discoveries made during his playful explorations, while simultaneously honing his skills and strength. Well, isn't that a special talent as well?
"It's just that the talent in this area still needs nurturing," Shiraishi mused. Even if Asuka were trained to become a brilliant scientist, it would require more effort than for most. And even then, success wouldn't be guaranteed.
Shiraishi thought the nature of Asuka's talent was as elusive as ever. But his curious and playful spirit gave him hope. If they could find a path that resonated with Asuka's nature, his future potential would be limitless.
The burden of leadership, particularly the Uchiha clan's clan head role, wasn't something that concerned Shiraishi. He believed Ruri felt the same way, choosing not to pressure Asuka with such expectations. After all, the Uchiha clan, with Ruri at the helm, didn't lack for powerful ninjas. And with Ruri's current age, there was no immediate urgency to find a successor. The next twenty years would provide enough time to nurture the next generation of leaders.
The Uchiha clan, with their mastery of natural energy and senjutsu, along with their Sharingan, were sure to birth talented individuals who could carry the clan's legacy forward.
As for Obito, who already possessed the Mangekyo Sharingan, Shiraishi had decided to rule him out. It wasn't just him, Ruri, he knew, harbored concerns about entrusting the clan to Obito. His strength was undeniable, and his Sharingan awakening talent might even surpass Ruri's. However, his character and ability to lead left much to be desired.
The most important factor, though, was Rin. She wouldn't want to be a burden, a "chain around his neck."
Therefore, ideological education remained crucial, especially for Uchiha ninjas who could awaken the Mangekyo Sharingan. The powerful doujutsu came with a risk of instability and unpredictable rampaging.
Obito, once susceptible to this darkness, had managed to suppress it after saving Rin. But the potential for chaos remained. The harsh training methods of the past, Shiraishi believed, were the root of this darkness within the Sharingan.
War... Shiraishi smiled lightly.
The history of the ninja world, a thousand years of wae fueled by chakra and ninjutsu, filled Shiraishi with a deep sadness. He understood the Akatsuki's desperate desire to break the cycle of endless war.
"However, there's one thing very strange. Even though the emergence of chakra and ninjutsu has prompted the frequent wars, the thousand-year-old wars were too frequent and excessive, I keep feeling there's something wrong..."
He sighed, the weight of history heavy on him. The world was changing, and with it, the course of history. He could only hope that the future would be brighter.
As dusk settled.
Cai's body lay in Baishi's arms, fast asleep; only the faint sound of breathing could be heard.
"Father, are we going back?"
Asuka, having finished the castle-building game, ran towards Shiraishi. His body was even dirtier, with a lot of sand on his clothes and in his shoes, resembling a mischievous kid.
"Yeah, it's time for dinner; let's go back."
"Okay." Asuka took steps, following Shiraishi back home.
Shiraishi smiled. The future, he knew, was in good hands.
During their walk home, Shiraishi turned to Asuka and asked, "Speaking of which, Asuka, have you thought about what to do in the future?"
"Future? Hmm..." Asuka tilted his head, then smiled happily, responding to Shiraishi, "I want to open the world's largest toy factory."
"But, Asuka, you're not very good at managing money, are you? Maybe you'll go bankrupt," Shiraishi asked amusingly.
The smile on Asuka's face faded, likely recalling some painful memories.
"Haha, I was just joking. However, to create those interesting toys, you need not only hard work but also a lot of professional knowledge. That's the only way to create more and more interesting toys."
"Does Father know this?"
"If you want, I can find a teacher to instruct you."
"Really?" Asuka looked elated.
"Of course, but for now, you need to establish a solid foundation, and the knowledge of ninjas cannot be neglected."
Many scientific applications in the ninja world were based on chakra, closely related to everything about ninjas. Only by learning more about chakra will the future path be more convenient. Chakra is the foundation and root of the science of the ninja world.
""But I'm not very good at ninjutsu."
Asuka wasn't particularly adept in using ninjutsu, compared to true geniuses, but his aptitude as a ninja was still above average.
""It doesn't matter, the application of ninjutsu is almost irrelevant if you want to focus on your path. What matters is the knowledge," Shiraishi reassured with a smile.
"I see."
"Then it's an agreement. In the next two years, you study ninja knowledge seriously. If there's anything you don't understand, you can come and ask me."
Asuka tilted his head, struggling to fully comprehend Shiraishi's words. Nonetheless, he vowed not to disappoint his father and committed to working harder to understand ninja knowledge.
Observing Asuka lost in thought, Shiraishi shifted his gaze towards the sky. Kazuhime... that child shouldn't pose a problem in Konoha.
EKonoha will inevitably become the enemy of the Land of Demons. If Kazuhime could learn more about Konoha, delve into its layers, analyze its culture, history, and the will of fire, it will be a boon for them.
Unbeknownst to him, Shiraishi was already looking forward to the future of his children.
---
Konoha 53, July.
Time swiftly passed, marking almost precisely two years since she had enrolled in Konoha's academy.
As per the terms of the contract, Kazuhime knew she would be leaving Konoha this year, returning to the Land of Demons.
After two years as a foreign transfer student, Kazuhime had obtained sufficient materials and information, crafting a flawless answer sheet..Kazuhime had preemptively made arrangements regarding this.
Speaking of nostalgia for Konoha, there's a bit of sentiment. The ramen in this village was too delicious.
Moreover, it must be said that this village wasn't particularly friendly towards the police force overseen by the Uchiha. Despite being an important force managing the village's security, it should garner trust and support akin to the security team in Oni City. However, this sentiment wasn't reciprocated in Konoha.
She had had paid attention to people, including ninjas, the prevalent impressions of the police force lean towards being brusque, rude, violent.
As for if there might be any personal agenda at play or if higher-ups had purposely influenced this, such details elude Kazuhime's grasp. Given its involvement with high-level Konoha affairs, as a student, she lacked the means to unravel the intricacies.
Moreover, the situation of the Jinchuriki appears to be quite concerning.
Despite being the son of the late Fourth Hokage, yet he has been living alone until now, with very few friends or, more accurately, without any friends at alll.
Occasionally, when passing by a river, Kazuhime often observed the figure of the boy sitting alone on the swing.
Considering the acquired information, various countries' perceptions of Jinchuriki seem to remain at the level of weapons of war and danger.
In Konoha, it seemed like something unsual occurred, depicting the Jinchuriki as the incarnation of the demon fox. This strange public opinion left Kazuhime uncertain about how to evaluate the situation. Perhaps another deliberate laissez-faire from the upper echelons?
Later on, such occurrences were meticulously documented and analyzed.
For Kazuhime, the history of Konoha since its establishment, familial constraints, sharing regulations, societal well-being, the educational standards of the masses, the psychological development of ninjas, alliances with various countries, and the treaties inked in each war... all constitute vital subjects worthy of thorough study.
"Indeed, it is very different from the land of demons..."
In Kazuhime's study room, there were books covering a wide range of topics..In addition to the common subjects, there are also books on chakra basics, ninjutsu systems, ninja combat techniques, summoned beasts, kekkei genkao, code breaking, and ninja memoirs.
Kazuhime has delved into every book within Konoha's entire education system, carefully studying from the first edition to the newest release.
This extensive reading has cultivated her interest in various subjects. After all, with her immense chakra reserves rivaling a tailed beast's and her Sharingan's photographic memory, she didn't need to undergo intense training. She only needed to work on chakra control and physical conditioning for her strengths to naturally improve.
From her current progress, she estimated it would take about three or four years to completely release the seal in her body. Her strength, excluding combat experience, could probably rival that of the Five Kage.
However, as the future overlord of the Land of Demons, strength and wisdom were indispensable. Pure violence seemed a bit too inelegant.
"I've already gained a lot from this observational study, there's no value in staying here much longer..."
Kazuhime thought to herself. She had already squeezed all the worthwhile information she could out of this village. Even information that couldn't be extracted, such as the Nine Tails Jinchuriki, she had only been observed from a distance without direct contact.
As an outsider, carelessly contacting such a sensitive existence like the Jinchuriki would only arouse Konoha leadership's wariness, which could cause problems for her. She came to Konoha for research, not to make problems.
At times, she maintained interpersonal communication, avoided causing conflict with anyone, behaved as an exemplary model student, and does what was expected to prevent any issues.
Just as Kazuhime was in her thought, the doorbell rang.
"Come in."
Kazuhime called out
The door gently opened, revealing a young woman in a red and white Miko wear.
"Kazuhime-sama, there's a letter from home. They hope you can return as soon as possible."
After all, the two year contract period was ending with Kazuhime having completed all her tasks. Staying longer serves no purpose.
Upon hearing the Miko's words, Kazuhime refrained from replying immediately..
Indeed, the two-year contract date has arrived, and it was logical to consider leaving Konoha and returning to the Land of Demons now. However, there was one more thing she had to attend to. Once that was settled, she could conclude this perfect journey.
Therefore, instead of answering the question directly, she remarked, Konoha's Chunin exam will be taking place in a few days this year right?."
The Miko paused for a moment, responding respectfully, "Yes, Kazuhime-sama, there are five days remaining until Konoha's Chunin exam commences this year. During that time, Konoha will extend invitations to ninjas from all corners of the world."
"Did the ninjas from our side receive invitations?"
The Miko contemplated for a while, then shook her head, indicating that no ninjas from the Land of Demons were involved. Although Konoha had extended invitations, the military politely declined and had no intention of participating in the their chunin exam.
Konoha invited ninjas from various countries, likely to assess the specific strength of their own ninjas and those from other countries.
Alternatively, it might be a demonstration to assert that Konoha hasn't yet declined and remained the number one village in the world.
"The old man is really cautious. Though, I've heard that a member of the Uchiha clan will participate in this joint exam," Kazuhime mused.
"Yes, his name is Uchiha Itachi, the eldest son of current Uchiha clan head Fugaku. Many call him a once in a generation genius the Uchihas rarely seen,"
"What an impressive publicity stunt. Making a ninjas from the Uchiha a focus, is Konoha leadership trying to ease tensions with the Uchiha by making them the focus?" Kazuhime chuckled in amusement.
"Perhaps that factors into their considerations,"
As an outsider, the high-level politics of Konoha weren't information readily shared.
"The old man had once mentioned that ever since the Second Hokage died, that among Konoha leadership that Shimura Danzo fellow has been antagonistic towards the Uchiha... I feel the chunim exam won't be that easy," Kazuhime pondered.
"What does Kazuhime-sama mean?"
"I want to observe Konoha's joint Chunin Exam before leaving the village, then return home. You can go ahead and make arrangements."
"But…"
"No buts. An Uchiha genius that rarely seem, isn't that quite interesting?"
"Yes, I understand. I'll arrange it right away."
Recalling Kazuhime's true identity, it was only natural to be interested in the genius of the Uchiha clan. Moreover, this Chunin exam was indeed somewhat different.
After the Miko left, Kazuhime found herself alone in the room once again, contemplating the bustling street outside the window.
"Uchiha Itachi... Ever since mother, he has been hailed as the most talented new star in the Uchiha clan. Let me see just how well you'll perform..."
.....
"Chunin exam... I understand, Father."
Itachi acknowledged upon hearing the news. He felt excited too. He couldn't understand why,l Minazuki-sensei hadn't recommended him for the Chunin exam. Despite tirelessly working under his command as a ninja, he expected this situation to persist. To his surprise, the higher-ups conveyed the order directly, instructing him to participate in the Chunin exam.
Itachi knew there were Uchiha clan-related reasons behind this decision. His father, Fugaku, supported him. Without Fugaku's intervention, escaping the status of a mere genin would have been challenging.
He even sensed that his Minazuki-sensei didn't particularly want him to become a Chunin. However, with the' direct intervention this time meant that Minazuki-sensei couldn't prevent him from joining the Chunin Exam.
As long had he becomes a Chunin he would be granted more freedom.
"Although Hokage-sama approves your participation in the Chunin exam, there is one condition." Fugaku looked at Itachi seriously.
"A condition?"
"You must take the chunin exam alone,."
"Alone?"
Itachi was taken aback. Wasn't demonstrating teamwork skills a requirement to become a Chunin? How could he showcase such abilities alone?
"Don't be nervous; this is a proof of your excellence. It proves that Hokage-sama has acknowledged your abilities. Moreover, as my son, you're more than capable of handling this." Fugaku said seriously.
Although puzzled, Itachi understood that this was his only chance to be promoted to Chunin.
"As long as you pass all the exams, defeating every candidate in the exam, you'll be chosen to become a Chunin. This is also an agreement between me and Hokage-sama. After the Chunin exam, you'll be selected by Hokage-sama as a member of the Anbu."
Having said that, Fugaku's eyes lit up when he looked at Itachi.
Anbu... If Itachi can join Anbu, it would undoubtedly strengthen the Uchiha clan.
The Third Hokage offering Itachi a place in Anbu was clearly strategic, but might it not present an opportunity for the Uchihas?
The Third was getting old, while that schemer Danzo could only plot from the shadows. The Legendary Sannin had all left too, but the Uchiha still had pillars like himself and Shisui. Soon Itachi would emerge as a third pillar in a few years.
By Fugaku's reckoning, the next Hokage seat was within reach. As long as Itachi joined Anbu, the Uchihas could gradually gain authority and access high-level intel. There was only benefit for them, and no downside he could see.
Permitting Itachi to join Anbu signified, to some extent, that the Hokage had softened his stance toward the Uchiha clan.
Itachi was even more surprised. Another solo exam and joining Anbu... This information left him frowning, contemplating the implications.
"So, there's only one path before you. To defeat all examinees, become the best ninja in this joint chunin exam, and bring glory to the Uchiha clan."
"Yes, I understand."
Unable to fully understand, Itachi could only comply with the arrangement.
"Don't feel too pressured. With your strength, you have nothing to worry about. A ten-year-old Anbu, even Namikaze Minato and Hatake Kakashi can't compare to you. The Uchiha's future rests on you, Itachi."
Namikaze Minato and Hatake Kakashi, both genius ninjas with renowned reputations in Konoha, especially the former, who became the Fourth Hokage of Konoha at the age of 24, almost single-handedly turning the tide on the battlefield.
As a fan of these genius ninjas, Itachi felt the weight on his shoulders intensify upon hearing his father's affirmation. However, the village and clan mustn't be disappointed. He needed become stronger to rectify the injustices and killings in the world.
With determination in his eyes, Itachi realized that he must endure and strengthen himself.
Seeing this determination, Fugaku left Itachi's room with a satisfied smile. Indeed, his son's determination and perseverance would eventually lead Uchiha back to it glory.
The Fifth Hokage position was within reach.