LIGHTNOVELSTORY Chapter 31: Hawks and Doves
Uchiha Setsuna's crimson Sharingan stared intently at Uchiha Shimizu, as if observing his reaction.
"It was just luck," Shimizu replied calmly.
"Haha, maybe Fugaku underestimated you. You also have talent in perception," Uchiha Setsuna said with a hint of praise.
He was once a clan leader during the Sengoku era—a high-ranking position in those times.
In today's terms, he would be a jonin, a seasoned veteran who survived countless deadly battles.
Even though his current strength had significantly diminished with age, Shimizu's ability to detect him was enough to prove his extraordinary talent in this area.
"Becoming a medical ninja would be such a waste. Fugaku is too weak, still clinging to the idea of coexisting with the village," Uchiha Setsuna said with an angry tone, clearly showing his long-standing dissatisfaction with Uchiha Fugaku.
"Young one, come to me. I have people who can teach you to master the true power of the Uchiha clan. I believe you have the potential to awaken your eyes."
Uchiha Setsuna extended his bony hand as though inviting him.
"Elder Setsuna, I will remain a medical ninja," Shimizu politely declined.
Uchiha Setsuna's true intention was to recruit him into the hawk faction to oppose Fugaku, who was aligned with the dove faction.
However, Shimizu didn't want to act too radically, as it would attract suspicion and suppression from Danzo Shimura and Hiruzen Sarutobi.
For now, Shimizu's goal was to quietly amass power, plant his pieces within Konoha, and build a faction under his own control.
Once his wings were fully spread, that would be the time for him to flip the table.
"One day, you will realize that I'm right. The Uchiha are like frogs being slowly boiled in warm water," Setsuna declared.
Despite Shimizu's refusal, Uchiha Setsuna smiled faintly.
"Young one, I believe you will come to me. My sharp instincts, honed since the Sengoku era, can smell that the shinobi world's peace won't last long. When you've figured it out, come find me," Setsuna said before turning and merging into the wall, disappearing to an unknown destination.
"This technique is interesting," Shimizu thought, paying no mind to Setsuna's cryptic words.
The shinobi world indeed wouldn't stay peaceful for long. That was why Shimizu chose to become a medical ninja.
The Third Shinobi World War would be a prolonged conflict, lasting several years.
The longer the war dragged on, the more strength Shimizu could gather.
When the war neared its end, that would be the best time for him to act.
If he followed Setsuna's advice now, his name would likely already be on the roster of frontline troops, fighting to the death.
However, Shimizu was more intrigued by Setsuna's escape technique.
The ability to merge into walls was a type of Earth Release ninjutsu.
The Uchiha clan's ninjutsu repertoire was predominantly Fire Release, followed by Yin Release.
Other elemental releases were rare within the clan, and most members had only two or three elements, with Fire Release as their primary and another element as support.
"Now, it's mine," Shimizu said.
As Uchiha Setsuna turned away, Shimizu discreetly activated his Sharingan to copy the jutsu.
With his three-tomoe Sharingan, he could easily discern the chakra pathways Setsuna used to perform the technique.
Moreover, the Byakugan's integration with his Sharingan further enhanced his observation abilities, making them even more terrifying.
Everything about the technique was laid bare before Shimizu's eyes.
"Earth Release: Underground Submarine Voyage," he murmured.
Effortlessly, Shimizu merged into the wall, moving as if swimming through water.
This C-rank jutsu allowed the user to soften earth-based materials into a liquid-like state, enabling them to move freely within it.
Using this technique, Shimizu swam along the narrow walls, far faster than walking or running.
Before long, Shimizu returned to his home.
Two years ago, he didn't possess Earth Release chakra.
However, through simulations, he had acquired both Water Release and Earth Release chakra, enabling him to use more ninjutsu.
The next day.
At a spacious training ground, Shimizu stood facing Uchiha Toru.
Around the training ground, a few Uchiha clan members gathered to watch. On a high platform, Uchiha Fugaku observed their duel.
Although Shimizu worked at Konoha Hospital, as a ninja, he was still required to complete basic missions. Moreover, with the Chūnin Exams approaching, Fugaku wanted to evaluate Shimizu's capabilities.
"Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique!" Toru shouted.
A massive fireball erupted from his mouth, radiating intense heat.
Shimizu deftly avoided the attack with swift movements.
Although the technique looked intimidating, its weakness was the long preparation time, making it easy to evade.
"I'm already a chūnin. You should just surrender," Toru declared confidently, revealing his two-tomoe Sharingan.
But before Toru could react, Shimizu vanished with the Body Flicker Technique.
Toru, now unable to locate Shimizu, started to panic. He moved his eyes frantically, trying to spot Shimizu's shadow but failed.
Meanwhile, observing from the high platform, Uchiha Fugaku began to reconsider his perception of Shimizu. If he had thought Shimizu's talents were solely in medical ninjutsu, perhaps it was time to revise that view.
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