Orochimaru Strolling

Uchiha Clan Compound.

On the training ground, two figures were locked in intense combat, their intensity far exceeding the level typically seen among ordinary Chūnin.

Swish!

Ichie suddenly pulled out a large number of shuriken and threw them, while also rapidly retreating. A considerable amount of Dojutsu Power quickly gathered in her left eye.

Demonic Illusion: Shackling Stakes Technique!

This technique is a Sharingan Dojutsu Genjutsu that allows the user to show others images of their deepest fears.

"It's no use. I have the Sharingan too, so this kind of Genjutsu can't affect..."

The next moment, the Uchiha Chūnin's expression froze. In his vision, there were only countless bloody corpses of his clan members.

Damn it! How could I be...

The Chūnin tried to react, but unfortunately, it was too late. He was critically injured on the spot by Ichie using a Great Fireball Technique.

"Alright, that was very well done." Beside them, Uchiha Setsuna, leaning on a cane, nodded with satisfaction.

"My apologies, Lady Ichie is far too strong. Those eyes... to think they could trap even me, who was prepared, in a Genjutsu..."

The Chūnin struggled to get up. Despite being covered in burns, he respectfully knelt on one knee before stumbling away to treat his injuries.

"...You really worked hard."

Ichie smiled as she watched his retreating figure.

Setsuna said, "Ichie, the speed at which your strength is increasing has exceeded my expectations. In just over a year, you've become the top genius in the clan. I'm very satisfied."

"Thank you, Elder. Serving the clan and showcasing my talent, that's my value," Ichie said with a smile.

"..."

Setsuna watched as Ichie turned to leave and suddenly spoke, "Your spirits aren't high. Even though you're trying your best to hide it, there are still signs. You can't fool these eyes of mine."

A pair of Three-Tomoe Sharingan was visible in Setsuna's eyes.

"Ichie, it seems you're in trouble. Did you argue with a friend? But you two clearly get along well... Or are you... feeling lost about your future?"

Setsuna's gaze was incredibly sharp. He was someone who had survived all the way from the Second Hokage's era until now.

More importantly, he, Setsuna, had inherited Madara Uchiha's will and was the most radical individual in the entire Uchiha Clan.

"No, Elder, I just feel it's wonderful to be able to shine in this era," Ichie lightly tucked her hair behind her ear.

"I see, but the light of a firefly can never compare to the sun. Ichie, you seem to have lost some weight compared to before, and your skin is pale... If I'm not mistaken, it's probably the Bloodline Disease, right?"

Setsuna stood calmly where he was, watching the genius whose body had subtly paused, his gaze profound.

On his aged face, there was only endless calm.

"Elder, you—"

"I told you before, you can't hide anything from these eyes of mine. When all other possibilities are filtered out, the only thing left that could cloud your vision is this."

Setsuna sighed with emotion.

As expected, it's the Bloodline Disease. This was something akin to a curse, always haunting the ranks of geniuses like a ghost for the past thousand years.

It wasn't just the Uchiha Clan; other ancient clans also occasionally saw such cases. The more monstrously talented a young person was, the closer they were to this unsolvable curse.

"The more one excessively taps into the power of their bloodline, the more it triggers the curse within the bloodline. What exactly is the principle behind this...?" A flicker of doubt flashed in Setsuna's eyes.

He couldn't uncover the reason behind it, but he had to ensure Ichie survived.

A Bloodline Disease manifesting at ten years old was truly terrifying. Logically speaking, Ichie's talent should have been unparalleled in the Uchiha Clan.

Only...

"But, Ichie, is your Bloodline Disease truly just self-inflicted, with no external factors influencing it?"

Setsuna stared intently into Ichie's stubborn eyes.

By this point, Setsuna had largely figured things out.

Gen'ichi Shiranui, a completely new Kekkei Genkai, capable of quickly bringing someone deemed to have mediocre potential within the clan to this level...

And those somewhat strange Two-Tomoe Sharingan...

Truly, remarkable.

But it seemed the price was equally heavy.

"Can this illness of yours be cured? I can step forward and find the top medical ninja to help. Even getting Lady Tsunade isn't impossible."

"No, I have my own way, I should be able to..."

Setsuna nodded slightly and said slowly, "So Gen'ichi has already noticed your illness... Although I'm old, I still have experience. If you encounter difficulties in the future, you can come to me. Perhaps I can help you. Ichie, the entire Uchiha Clan will always be your support. Remember that."

Having said that, Elder Setsuna turned and left.

Ichie watched Setsuna's almost unguarded back, paused for a moment, then nonchalantly continued her training.

Even if life is nearing its end, there are still things that must be done.

Gen'ichi left Ichie's house, pondering when he should find the time to set up his own secret laboratory.

"Huh, aren't you Ichie's friend? Want to try some of my chashu pork?"

"No thanks, Teuchi, maybe next time."

Gen'ichi replied with a smile.

In this era, the bio-technology in the Naruto World had only advanced to the cellular level. To conduct deeper research, truly precise, high-end instruments were required.

While contemplating this, Gen'ichi also planned to leave the Uchiha Clan Compound.

Suddenly, he slapped his forehead.

"Almost forgot, Shadow Clone Technique!"

Bang!

Two shadow clones appeared and simultaneously dashed towards Obito's house.

"Obito's Grandma, we're here to take over duty! We absolutely won't let anything happen to you!"

"Ku-so..."

Faintly, a certain elder's angry curses seemed to drift over.

Gen'ichi pretended not to hear, as everyone was so familiar with each other now; there was no need for formality, and occasionally speaking one's mind was perfectly fine.

After leaving the Uchiha Clan Compound, Gen'ichi headed straight into the Food Street, intending to take a rare moment to relax.

"It's bustling with people, truly nice. But how many of these people will die in wars over the next twenty years? Peace... truly a luxurious dream."

Gen'ichi shook his head slightly.

Throughout the entire Naruto series, no one had yet found a truly viable path to peace.

Even after the Fourth Great Ninja War and the sealing of Kaguya Otsutsuki, the so-called peace that was created was merely a result of massive global population death, allowing the scarce remaining population to enjoy sufficient resources.

Mutual understanding between people? The Prince's path would fail, at most, after one or two generations.

Regarding permanent peace, Gen'ichi had already come to a realization, with a vague plan to find his own path.

Suddenly.

"Huh?"

"?"

Four eyes met.

"Damn it, you bastard Gen'ichi! What are you doing here?!"

Anko, who had just bit off a skewer of dango, instantly flared up in anger.

But Gen'ichi's attention had already shifted directly from Anko, dressed in a kimono, to the figure beside her.

Also wearing a kimono... Orochimaru.

"So you are Gen'ichi-kun? A truly promising junior... We finally meet." Orochimaru extended his long tongue, sweeping the entire skewer of dango into his mouth, and spoke in a hoarse voice.