Blood splattered across the arena floor. Less than a minute into the brutal showdown between the two genjutsu specialists, both shinobi reeled, coughing up red. They staggered as if their own illusions had torn into their minds, their internal injuries visible in every ragged breath.
The bout escalated as each opponent, clearly unwilling to yield, drew kunai. The exchange that followed was savage—close-quarters combat fueled by desperation and pride. The clash of steel and the raw frenzy of exhausted chakra echoed across the grounds.
In the end, Violet—the more seasoned kunoichi—outmaneuvered her rival. Her strikes landed harsher, her footing more certain. With a final slash, she disarmed her enemy, leaving him sprawled unconscious on the stone.
"The winner," Hatake Sakumo declared, his voice carrying clear authority over the hushed crowd, "is Violet. She advances!"
The spectators cheered, though the hostility of the fight left a sober impression. Sakumo continued without pause:
"Because Uchiha Shigure holds the greatest number of score cards, he will receive a bye. He shall advance directly."
The finalists' names rang out after him:
"Yoshida Kappei. Might Guy. Nara Kazu. Hatake Kusuo. Hyūga Akane. Nohara Rin. Violet. Uchiha Shigure."
A murmur rolled through the crowd, awe and expectation mixing with whispers of rivalry.
"In three months' time," Sakumo said firmly, "you will face a personal battle in the final round, at the Chūnin Selection Venue here in Konoha. The Hokage himself, the village elders, and even the daimyō of the Land of Fire will attend to witness your strength. Prepare yourselves."
With that, he handed authority to the Hokage.
Sarutobi Hiruzen crushed the ember of his pipe beneath his sandal before stepping forward. His presence carried the weight of decades of leadership.
"Congratulations," he said, his voice full of quiet power. "You have endured this grueling test, and now stand before the opportunity to prove yourselves again. Three months from now, the final round awaits you. Dedicate yourselves to growth during this time. Hone your strength, deepen your will—become shinobi who carry forward the flame of Konoha."
The Hokage's words, though gentle, stretched long. They spoke of responsibility, tradition, and sacrifice—the eternal cycle of the Will of Fire. Only after his measured sermon did the atmosphere ease, and the tension of the exams finally dissolved.
For Uchiha Shigure, one realization eclipsed all else: every one of his teammates had advanced to the finals alongside him. Relief and pride coursed through him.
And yet, his personal gains loomed largest of all. His vast chakra pool—already formidable—had surged to a level comparable to the most elite shinobi, rivaling even Kage. In addition, he had awakened mastery over the fearsome Shikotsumyaku, the bone-manipulation kekkei genkai of the Kaguya clan. His progress was nothing short of staggering, but he knew the path ahead would demand even more.
As his thoughts turned inward, Hyūga Akane approached with her usual forthrightness. Her vibrant red hair framed a cheerful expression that dimmed slightly when her question emerged.
"Shigure? Three months can be short or long, depending on how you use them. How are you planning to get stronger?"
Shigure thought for a long while. "My greatest weakness is still taijutsu," he admitted. "The Shikotsumyaku gives me close-range weapons, and I know some elements of the Hyūga clan's Gentle Fist. But unless I use them openly, my hand-to-hand skills are still limited."
He tightened his fist. "So… First, I plan to learn swordsmanship—the Hatake-style kenjutsu passed through generations in Konoha. Second, I'll train with Might Guy and his peers, to build my foundation in taijutsu. And lastly… I want to ask Hizashi-sensei to teach me Gentle Fist. My bond with the Hyūga clan is not something I can ignore."
Akane's eyes lit up. "You want to train under Hizashi-sensei? That's perfect! We can work hard together."
Encouraged by her enthusiasm, Shigure dared to inquire further. "Akane… earlier, I heard you call Hiashi 'Uncle.' What is your connection to him?"
She flushed faintly, and her tone grew modest. "I was adopted into the branch family as the daughter of the head elder of the main house. Technically, Hiashi-sama is my uncle."
Shigure nodded without surprise. Her noble background was only natural.
"Do you have siblings?" he asked, curious.
Akane shook her head. "No. And even within the current clan leader's household, there are no sons. The elders whisper that Uncle Hiashi will succeed as head of the main family, and Hizashi-sensei will take charge of the branch." She fell thoughtful. "But… you know how it is. The branch family's status has always been far below the main."
Shigure frowned. "That imbalance will cause problems for the clan one day."
Their path then took them to Konoha Hospital, where Kusuo rested under strict care. Seeing him breathing steadily, Shigure felt relief. After exchanging farewells, he left with a lighter step, eager to share the news of his advancement with Hoshiko.
But fate intervened.
As he flashed through the village with Body Flicker, his attention caught on the familiar small figure at Ichiraku Ramen.
"Hoshiko?" Shigure blinked.
The girl waved excitedly. "Brother! You're back! Did you finish the exams? How did it go?"
"Perfectly," Shigure grinned. "One versus two? I still made it to the finals."
But then his smile faltered at the sight beside her. Sitting quietly with sorrowful eyes was Mizuki, the noble girl better known as Amamiya Mizuki.
"Congratulations, Shigure," Mizuki said softly. "But I… cannot stay to celebrate. Today is my last day here. From now on, you may not see me again."
Hoshiko's expression fell. "Miss Mizuki is returning home. I brought her here for one final bowl of ramen."
Shigure forced his joy down, the melancholy of parting seeping into him instead.
At Ichiraku's doorway, several imposing guards entered. "Miss, it's time."
"I'll walk you," Shigure insisted. Together, with Hoshiko at his side, they accompanied Mizuki to Konoha's gate.
The girl, as wistful as her flower namesake, looked back one final time. "I hope… we can meet again, someday." And then she was gone, swallowed by distance and duty.
The silence lingered until Hoshiko sighed. "Now it will only be me again."
Shigure crouched before her. "Then do this—apply to the Academy. Train as a ninja. Fight alongside me one day, and no one will ever bully you."
She shook her head quickly. "No… I can't. I can't even gather chakra."
Shigure studied her carefully. "That can't be right. Let me check."
All the way home, he coaxed her through chakra-condensing exercises, activating his Sharingan to watch. Yet no matter the method, no trace of chakra gathered in her coils. He frowned. Something was terribly wrong.
On instinct, he pulled up the hem of her blouse—revealing a dark seal etched intricately across her abdomen.
Hoshiko startled, but Shigure's expression was more troubled still. "A seal… Why does your body contain this?"
He knew little of advanced fūinjutsu, but one name echoed in his mind: Uzumaki Mito, wife of the First Hokage. The Uzumaki clan were masters of sealing arts—perhaps there lay the answer.
Before he could decide, a masked ANBU appeared in a downward swirl of leaves. "Uchiha Shigure," the operative said respectfully. "The Sandaime Hokage requests your presence immediately. It is urgent."
Shigure hesitated, glancing at Hoshiko. "Go home and rest. I'll find a solution for you. I promise."
She nodded, trying to believe him.
Following the ANBU into the Hokage's Tower, Shigure entered the grand chamber. To his surprise, not only was the Sandaime waiting, but also the village elders: Mitokado Homura, Utatane Koharu, and Shimura Danzō. Their presence together alone was ominous.
But there was someone else. A tall man with intense eyes and raven hair stood before them, wearing the proud crest of the Uchiha. His stare was sharp with barely veiled hostility.
Sarutobi's voice carried as he began introductions. "Shigure, thank you for coming so quickly. Allow me to present Uchiha Fugaku, deputy head of your clan."
Shigure stiffened. The weight of Fugaku's glare pressed like iron.
"What is this about?" Shigure demanded quietly, every sense sharpening for battle if necessary.
The question trembled in the tense air. Were they here to honor him—or to put him on trial?
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