In the courtyard of the Izumi Uchiha's Home, a gentle evening breeze carried a slight chill, yet it could not dispel the burning heat on the girl's face or the dazzling light in her eyes.
Chiyo put down her teacup and gently looked at Izumi, who was so nervous that she didn't know where to put her hands and feet.
"You just said that you can control the form changes of your Phoenix Sage Fire Technique?"
"Yes!!"
The girl looked nervously at Chiyo and took the book he handed her.
"It seems Quan is practicing very diligently! That's not easy at his age. I've seen both your hard work and talent."
His voice was calm, yet carried an undeniable weight; every word struck Quan's heart clearly.
Quan's big, dark eyes instantly filled with excited tears, and her cheeks turned as red as ripe apples.
She twisted her fingers, her voice trembling slightly with extreme excitement and shyness.
The reason she trained so hard was not only because she knew the Shinobi World was extremely cruel.
What she needs most is recognition for her efforts from the people she admires.
And Chiyo Uchiha was the "sun" in her heart.
" Lord Hokage! I... I will work even harder! I will definitely live up to your expectations!"
Looking at her daughter like this, Hatsuki Uchiha felt both proud and heartbroken.
He quickly interjected.
" Clan Leader, you flatter me. This child is just simple-minded and relies entirely on brute force."
Um... it's almost dinnertime. If you don't mind, would you please do me the honor of having a simple meal at my home?
"I also hope you can give this child, Quan, some pointers."
Hatsuki Uchiha's tone was fervent and humble, her eyes filled with anticipation.
To be able to dine with the Hokage and the Clan Leader was an unparalleled honor for the mother and daughter.
Chiyo smiled slightly, her smile gentle.
He slowly stood up, the hem of his dark Kagami Robe brushing against the table.
"I appreciate your kind offer, Madam Hatsuki."
However, I have some things to take care of tonight, so I won't be eating.
He paused, then turned his gaze back to Quan, his tone softening slightly.
"Quan, keep this focus and passion."
The Mirai of the Uchiha needs fresh blood like you.
Remember, the meaning of power lies in protection—protecting everything you want to protect.
These words were etched into the girl's heart like a brand.
Quan nodded vigorously, her little face tense, as if she were receiving an extremely sacred mission; her voice was soft but exceptionally firm.
"Yes, Lord Hokage! I've got it!"
I will definitely become a powerful ninja capable of protecting what is important to me!
"Wait until you make further progress in your cultivation!"
"If I have the time, I will personally guide you in your cultivation!"
Upon hearing Chiyo's sudden words, both mother and daughter beamed with joy.
"Yes!!"
Chiyo nodded and said no more.
Under the utmost respect and even a touch of worship from Hazuki and her mother, they turned and left the small courtyard.
Stepping out of the courtyard gate, Chiyo didn't stop walking, but subtly changed direction, not heading towards the Hokage Building or his own residence.
Instead, he headed towards the other side of the clan's Obito Uchiha's Home.
Obito's house seemed rather deserted.
Since his grandmother passed away, there have been no elders left in the family; he lives alone.
Chiyo knocked on the door, and shortly after, the door was opened.
Obito Uchiha stood inside the door, his body still wrapped in bandages, and his face bearing minor scratches from the battle.
Upon seeing Chiyo outside the door, a look of surprise flashed in his eyes.
He immediately composed himself and bowed respectfully.
" Lord Hokage "
His voice was steady, with a calmness rarely seen at his age.
He's no longer the boisterous and impulsive person he used to be.
Chiyo's gaze lingered on him for a moment.
It seems this incident has greatly changed Obito.
Those once clear and lively eyes now hold a wealth of memories.
The shadow of pain, the fear of loss, the bewilderment of suddenly gaining power, and a composure forced upon them by circumstances.
Although a hint of childlike timid expectation still lingered deep in her eyes, her overall demeanor was already quite different.
Having experienced life and death, witnessed his best friend's "death" and subsequent resurrection, and even awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan...
All of this, like a heavy millstone, crushed his immature mind, forcibly shaping him into the composed person he is today.
"Let's go inside and talk."
Chiyo said calmly and walked into the house first.
The furnishings inside were simple, even somewhat shabby, but the room was kept fairly tidy.
Obito followed behind somewhat awkwardly, silently pouring a glass of water and placing it in front of Chiyo.
Then he stood aside with his hands at his sides, waiting for instructions.
Chiyo didn't look at the glass of water; her gaze was fixed on Obito, getting straight to the Opening Gate.
" Obito, I've come today to ask you if you'd like to become my disciple?"
Obito's body jolted almost imperceptibly, and he abruptly raised his head, his eyes filled with undisguised shock and disbelief.
To become the Hokage's disciple?
To become the personal disciple of the Clan Leader who saved Rin and Kakashi and possessed godlike power?
This was once an unattainable dream for him, a luxury he dared not even imagine.
If it were him in the past, he would probably have jumped up with excitement by now.
He yelled "Really? Really?!" and then ran wildly around the house.
But at this moment, he simply pursed his lips, forcefully suppressing the excitement that was about to burst out.
He took a deep breath, and his newly formed Mangekyō Sharingan appeared faintly in the depths of his eyes.
It brought a slight stinging sensation, a reminder of everything he had been through.
He remained silent for a few seconds, seemingly processing the information and weighing its implications.
Then, he looked up again, his initial excitement replaced by a more complex emotion.
There was honor, responsibility, gratitude, and a hint of weariness that was hard to detect and didn't match his age.
" Lord Hokage!"
His voice was lower and deeper than before.
"I... I'm honored. But... I'm just a loser, and my eyes..."
He subconsciously touched his eyes, where the soreness from overuse still lingered.
I'm afraid I will disappoint you.
This hesitation and self-reflection were things that the old Obito Uchiha.
Chiyo looked at him, understanding dawning on her.
Trauma needs time to heal; premature liveliness is actually abnormal.
This tranquility may be a gift that fate has bestowed upon him.
Although bitter, it wasn't all bad for a ninja.
"What I value is not your past, but your Mirai potential."
Chiyo's voice was beyond question.
Your eyes are your strength, and also your responsibility.
And I will teach you how to control it, how to make it a tool for protection rather than destruction.
All you need to answer me is, "Yes" or "No."
Obito clenched his fist.
He remembered Rin's warm smile, and Kakashi's words, "Sorry, Obito."
I recall my helplessness in the face of despair, and the power that erupted in that final moment, distorting space.
He needs power, the power to truly protect his companions...
Instead of constantly struggling on the verge of losing.
Without further hesitation, he lowered his head deeply, his tone extremely solemn.
"I'm willing! Lord Hokage! Please teach me!"
I will do my best and never let you down!
The moment Obito finished speaking, the System Notification in Chiyo's mind arrived as expected.
[bite!]
[Task: Obito Uchiha as a disciple - Completed.]
[ Mission Reward: Kamui Mangekyo Dōjutsu has been issued.]
A completely new understanding of the Space-Time Distortion quietly flowed into Chiyo's heart.
Kamui!
After being absorbed by Chiyo, this Dōjutsu did not grant her the ability to travel through time or become ethereal, but rather gave her another eye.
That ability to twist the other eye of space.
This is the one Kakashi owned in the original story.
"Very good."
A faint look of satisfaction appeared on Chiyo's face.
"Starting tomorrow, after each day's training, wait for me at the Third Training Ground behind the Naka Shrine."
"Yes, Lord Hokage!"
Obito bowed again, his tone filled with determination.
"Still calling me Lord Hokage?"
"Yes... teacher!"
Chiyo nodded.
Without further ado, he got up and left.
Obito respectfully escorted him to the door, and only stood up slowly after Chiyo's figure disappeared around the corner of the street.
Touching his still wildly beating heart, he knew that being Clan Leader by the legendary head of the Uchiha Clan, Chiyo, was undoubtedly an honor.
Finally, a complex smile, a mixture of immense joy and heavy responsibility, bloomed on his face, though he belatedly realized it.
Having left Obito's home, Chiyo continued her journey.
They walked straight towards Mikoto Uchiha's former residence.
He had been here several times before and knew the place well.
Pushing open the slightly old-fashioned courtyard gate, one could indeed see the white-haired Sosuke Uchiha lying in an old rocking chair, squinting his eyes and enjoying the last warm rays of the setting sun.
Hearing the door open, the old man lazily opened one eye.
Upon seeing that it was Chiyo, she immediately let out a soft snort of displeasure.
He closed his eyes again, deliberately rocking the rocking chair as if he hadn't seen anything.
Sosuke's feelings toward this grandson-in-law were extremely complicated.
Their abilities, strength, and status are beyond reproach.
He was the most outstanding person he had ever met in his life who could make the name of the Uchiha resound throughout the Shinobi World, and deep down he was incredibly proud.
But when she thought of her gentle and lovely granddaughter, Mikoto, and the vague rumors of romantic relationships surrounding Chiyo...
The old man felt a tightness in his chest, always feeling that his granddaughter had suffered a great injustice.
Although Mikoto herself never complained and has already moved in with Chiyo.
But that doesn't stop the old man from occasionally showing his displeasure and expressing the insignificant dissatisfaction of his "family."
Chiyo was well aware of the old man's temper and didn't care.
He Earth Run a small table and picked up the teapot.
He expertly refilled the half-cooled teacup in Sosuke Uchiha with hot water, and then poured himself a cup as well.
"Hmph, Lord Hokage busy, what brings you here to sunbathe like an old man like me today?"
Sosuke Uchiha finally couldn't hold back and spoke first.
Her tone was sarcastic, and her eyes remained closed.
Chiyo took a sip of tea; the taste was so-so, just the most ordinary coarse tea.
He put down his teacup without beating around the bush.
" Elder Sosuke, I've come to consult some of the family's ancient files or records."
Ideally, it should be records related to the training of ' Special Combat Power ' or... 'weapons' within the clan during the Ninja Clan Era.
Upon hearing the word "weapon," Sosuke Uchiha paused in his rocking chair.
He finally opened his eyes, his cloudy yet still sharp gaze sweeping over Chiyo with a hint of inquiry and doubt.
Why are you suddenly interested in things from so long ago?
Those old, trivial matters are long forgotten by most people.
"I just happened to see some incomplete records, and they caught my attention."
Chiyo's tone was flat, revealing little emotion.
"Perhaps this will help in understanding some of the changes in the Sharingan."
This reason is perfectly valid.
Although Sosuke Uchiha found it strange, considering Chiyo's current status and level of power, it seemed reasonable to explore the deeper history of the clan.
He slowly stood up from the rocking chair, his movements somewhat sluggish.
Seeing Chiyo, Chiya naturally reached out to help him up.
"Get out of here!"
Sosuke Uchiha slapped his hand away in annoyance and glared at him.
"This old man isn't at the point where he needs help!"
Even so, he couldn't completely hide the slight pleasure he felt from his grandson-in-law's subconscious concern deep in his eyes.
He leaned on his cane and walked slowly toward the inner room.
Chiyo wasn't embarrassed. She withdrew her hand and quietly followed behind him.
After passing through a corridor, we arrived at the door of a secluded room.
He pulled an old key from his pocket and unlocked the door.
A musty smell, a mixture of dust and ink, wafted towards me.
The room was small, filled with various old Scroll boxes and bookshelves, all covered in a thick layer of dust.
It's clear that since Mikoto left, the vacant house has been almost completely neglected.
"Look, it's probably that pile over there."
Sosuke Uchiha pointed to several stacked, seemingly the oldest wooden crates in the corner and couldn't help but cough twice.
"These are all old things that the clan doesn't look at anymore. If you find what you're looking for, look for them yourself."
"My old bones can't take any more strain."
As he spoke, he waved his hand dismissively.
It was as if staying even a second longer would gather more dust, so they turned around and slowly walked back.
He was getting ready to go back and enjoy his sunset tea time.
Chiyo watched the old man's stubborn, slightly unsteady figure disappear at the end of the corridor.
He then turned around and looked at the wooden crate covered in dust.
He stepped forward slowly, his fingers brushing across the lid of the box, leaving clear marks.
Dust swirled in the dim light filtering through the window cracks.
In the quiet room, the only sound was the soft rustling as he turned the pages of the ancient Scroll.
The mysteries of history seem to be hidden in this dust and silence, waiting for him to discover them.
" Uchiha Weapon..."
Chiyo's lips twitched slightly as she murmured.
I don't know how many books I flipped through, but finally I opened one that looked unremarkable.
The action of turning the pages paused.
"... Found it!"