After reporting to the Hokage, Uchiha Douhuan's days finally settled into peace.
The Security Department's recruitment of civilian ninjas went smoothly. Word of Douhuan's furious scolding of the two advisors at the department's gates spread quickly, and the civilians' impression of the Uchiha clan shifted. Learning that the current head of the clan was Uchiha Douhuan—the same man who once promoted the idea of law enforcement with a smile—many cast aside their hesitation and applied.
A few young graduates from the ninja academy, who had yet to be assigned to a team, even came knocking on the Security Department's doors to join.
Within a single week, the department had already completed Douhuan's order to double its enrollment.
Meanwhile, after implementing his policy of "Smiling Law Enforcement," Douhuan himself was moved by the clan into a luxurious mansion deep within the Uchiha district. In its courtyard, he immediately built an archery range. His routine became simple: tea in the morning, a stroll through the Security Department, writing evidence against Danzo, having members of the Shimura clan pressed in the interrogation room for fingerprints, and then returning to his tea and archery practice.
One afternoon, as usual, Douhuan came back from the department. He changed out of his ninja vest, put on a haori, and began training with his bow.
Focused and calm, he released two arrows in succession—both struck cleanly into the bull's-eye.
At that moment, Uchiha Keiko, the clan's assigned housekeeper, stepped into the courtyard.
"Master, Hatake Kakashi has come to visit."
"Let him in," Douhuan replied without turning his head.
"Yes, sir."
Moments later, Kakashi entered. Keiko silently withdrew, closing the gate behind him.
Kakashi spoke first. "According to the Hokage's orders, the operation to capture the traitor Orochimaru begins the day after tomorrow."
Douhuan said nothing. He simply steadied his breath, drew another arrow, and once again struck the bull's-eye.
Seeing this, Kakashi didn't press further. Instead, he leaned against a pillar, pulled out his favorite book Icha Icha Paradise, and began to read. The only sound left in the courtyard was the sharp hiss of arrows cutting through the air.
After emptying his quiver, Douhuan finally set the bow down. "I'm sorry about White Fang-senpai," he said softly. "For now… this is all I can do."
Kakashi closed his book and looked up, more serious now. "Thank you. That's more than enough."
Lately, the village had launched a campaign to promote the Will of Fire. During the campaign, his father, Hatake Sakumo, was often mentioned as a shining example of its spirit. For the first time in years, village children had begun learning about the hero that had once been their protector.
"Want to try?" Douhuan asked, offering his longbow with a faint smile.
Kakashi shook his head. "Bows and arrows? Not my specialty. For a ninja, shuriken are more appropriate."
"Shuriken?" Douhuan flicked his hand toward his tool pouch. Four black blades shot out, colliding mid-air before sinking perfectly into the center of the target fifty steps away.
Kakashi let out a small breath of admiration. "The Uchiha clan's shuriken techniques are truly unmatched."
"It's nothing," Douhuan replied lightly. "Just practice." He lifted the bow again, his tone shifting. "But Kakashi, whether it's a bow or a shuriken, both are meant to kill."
He loosed another arrow, striking the bull's-eye dead center. "Still… I prefer the bow."
Kakashi frowned slightly. To him, bows and arrows were weapons of retired samurai, far less practical than a ninja's tools. Shuriken were faster, easier, and more versatile.
Douhuan seemed to read his thoughts. "Shuriken are convenient, yes. But only a fraction of them can be retrieved after use, even if forged from the finest steel. A bow, however, is different. As long as the bow itself endures, arrows can always be replaced. And the arrow's path… is always guided by the bow."
With another sharp twang, Douhuan released an arrow. It struck the bull's-eye, shattering the shuriken already embedded there.
Kakashi fell silent.
"How about it, Kakashi? Do you want to try?" Douhuan asked again.
"…Fine. Let's try." Kakashi hesitated, then nodded.
"Keiko, bring Captain Kakashi a bow," Douhuan called as he walked toward the courtyard gate.
Soon, Keiko returned with a longbow, offering it with both hands.
Kakashi accepted it, but the weapon felt foreign in his grip. Though the Hatake clan once descended from samurai, his father's generation had abandoned such traditions, relying instead on the sword. Kakashi himself had never touched a bow before.
He awkwardly notched an arrow, drawing the string and aiming at the target fifty paces away.
"Stand tall," Douhuan's calm voice guided him. "Connect your spirit with the target. Before the arrow flies, let your intention arrive first."
Kakashi tried to follow his instructions, adjusting his stance. He held the string taut, yet couldn't release. His heart was unsettled.
"Calm yourself, Kakashi," Douhuan said firmly.
Kakashi exhaled, steadying his mind, and finally released. The arrow cut through the wind. Instantly, Kakashi knew it had strayed. A flicker of regret crossed his face.
But then, he heard another bowstring snap beside him.
Douhuan's arrow soared through the air, later yet faster. It caught up to Kakashi's arrow, colliding with it mid-flight. Incredibly, both arrows redirected, striking the target's center one after the other.
Kakashi's eyes widened. He turned to Douhuan, only to see a quiet, meaningful smile on his face.
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