Ever since his mentor had changed to Orochimaru, Uchiha Ran began living an extremely regular life.
Because there were still many instruments and facilities that needed to be ordered, Orochimaru spent most of his time teaching Ran the fundamentals of science and the knowledge required for scientific experimentation. In his spare time, Orochimaru also instructed him in swordsmanship and ninjutsu.
At one point, Orochimaru even considered gifting Ran a Kusanagi blade—until he saw Ran's Zanpakutō. After examining it, Orochimaru could only admit that he had never seen a blade so durable. Its toughness far surpassed every Kusanagi sword he knew of.
Inside Orochimaru's laboratory, Ran underwent training across a wide range of disciplines every single day.
For genjutsu, Orochimaru taught him to observe the world from different perspectives, allowing him to better understand the essence of illusions and how to dismantle them. Additionally, since snakes possess exceptionally keen tactile perception, Orochimaru had Ran interact extensively with serpents, hoping this would help him further develop tactile-based genjutsu.
For swordsmanship, Orochimaru emphasized finding the optimal angle and force in every swing, striving for maximum efficiency rather than relying purely on the combination of illusion and blade.
As for taijutsu, Orochimaru focused on excavating Ran's physical potential—improving flexibility, strength, and endurance. During this process, he concocted many bizarre biological herbal brews. Every time Ran recalled those bowls of murky green soup, his scalp would go numb.
In ninjutsu, Orochimaru forced Ran into constant practical combat drills, sharpening his reactions and adaptability under pressure.
When it came to weapon manipulation techniques, however, Orochimaru found himself with little to teach. In terms of fine control, the Uchiha clan was naturally gifted—especially those who had awakened the Sharingan. In this field alone, Orochimaru admitted he was inferior to most awakened Uchiha.
That said, such techniques were ultimately more suitable for ninja and some chūnin.
After just half a month of training, Ran's growth was obvious. His genjutsu became more subtle, his sword strikes more precise, his taijutsu more fluid, his ninjutsu more refined, and his weapon control even sharper. More importantly, the synergy between all his skills had improved dramatically.
Orochimaru's teaching methods were truly extraordinary—allowing Ran to advance at a terrifying pace.
When Uchiha Mikoto was nearing childbirth, Ran specifically asked Orochimaru for leave and stayed with Uchiha Fugaku.
Seeing Fugaku's tense expression, Ran reassured him gently.
"Fugaku-niisan, don't be so nervous. Mikoto-neesan is a kunoichi—believe in her, and believe in the child you're about to have. They'll be fine."
"I know, Ran. Thank you," Fugaku replied, calming down quickly.
Realizing that Itachi's birth was not yet imminent, Fugaku shifted the conversation to other matters.
He expressed great satisfaction with Ran's recent actions and with Orochimaru becoming his mentor.
For the first time, Fugaku truly saw the possibility of the Uchiha clan being fully accepted by Konoha.
He also saw Ran, now a disciple of one of the Sannin, thriving within the Hokage faction.
"Ran, you've been doing an excellent job in the Public Relations Department. The Uchiha's reputation is steadily improving under your guidance. Once your strength increases further, I intend to assign you to the Uchiha Military Police Force. The internal factions there are far too complicated right now."
Mid-sentence, Fugaku suddenly frowned—then relaxed.
"She's here. Ran-kun, you've probably never met her before. The Uchiha clan's prodigy."
Ran immediately knew who Fugaku meant.
This genius Uchiha girl was legendary within the clan. Rumor had it she had been stationed on border missions for years and rarely returned to the village.
Uchiha Ruka.
A legendary Uchiha kunoichi, two years older than Ran. She was active along the border between the Land of Fire and the Land of Earth, had completed more than a dozen S-rank missions at a young age, possessed a three-tomoe Sharingan, and was so dangerous that even the Third Tsuchikage had issued a strict warning: never engage her one-on-one.
"I'm back, Fugaku-niisan. Where's Mikoto-neesan?"
The newcomer was none other than Uchiha Ruka.
Seeing this famed prodigy for the first time, Ran couldn't help but study her with curiosity.
She wore a blue-and-white outfit embroidered with the Uchiha crest on the sleeves. A cold, noble aura surrounded her. Her jet-black hair complemented her aloof elegance perfectly, giving her a striking presence.
Tall and slender, her long legs carried her forward with natural grace.
At first glance, she seemed calm, detached, and emotionally restrained.
A noble, cool-headed Uchiha beauty—broad-minded, long-legged… I wonder if she's secretly a tsundere, Ran mused silently.
"So this is the new Uchiha genius—Uchiha Ran?" Ruka said, clearly having noticed his gaze. "You look… rather ordinary."
In her eyes, Ran's glasses, half-closed smiling eyes, and gentle demeanor didn't exactly fit the typical Uchiha aesthetic.
"Fugaku-niisan, I'm going to see Mikoto-neesan!"
Contrary to her cool appearance, Ruka greeted them briskly and was about to rush inside.
"Wait, Ruka," Fugaku stopped her, pulling out a cushion from under the table. "Mikoto isn't able to receive visitors right now. Sit down and talk with us for a bit."
Understanding that this wasn't a moment for willfulness, Ruka huffed slightly and dropped onto the cushion between them.
One look at Fugaku's eyes told her everything—Mikoto and the child were at a critical stage and couldn't be disturbed.
"You're Uchiha Ran, right?" Ruka picked up a cup of water and spoke calmly. "Interested in heading to the border with me for missions? Staying in the village won't help you grow stronger."
"Fresh out of the academy and you want to drag me to the border already?" Ran replied with a smile. "Ruka-jie, you're really impatient."
He laughed inwardly.
Go to the border now? With the timeline like this, the Third Shinobi World War is practically around the corner. I'd rather stay under Orochimaru, grow stronger, and work on Mangekyō research.
Seeing Ran decline without answering directly, Ruka understood his choice.
For a moment, the three of them fell into silence.
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