Haotian studied Uchiha Itachi at a distance with keen interest.
His youthful face bore a pair of deep, obsidian-black eyes, as though they concealed endless secrets.
Under Haotian's gaze, Itachi's small body trembled slightly. Then he raised his head and met Haotian's eyes without flinching.
The composure and restraint in his gaze made Haotian marvel inwardly. As expected of a genius ninja of the future.
"Meihui, you're in great form today!" Guy's hearty voice broke the silence on the training ground. "A few more rounds! Let's see if you can kick the target to pieces too!"
Meihui ignored Guy's joke, took a deep breath, and assumed her kicking stance once more.
Her gaze was sharp, like a leopard locking onto its prey. She drove the force from her waist, and her leg lashed out like a whip, cutting through the air with a fierce whoosh before striking the distant target dead center.
With a muffled thud, a conspicuous dent appeared in the middle of the target, sending wood chips scattering in every direction.
"That was amazing!" cried a childish voice. It was Izumi, watching from the sidelines.
She clapped her hands and cheered for Meihui in her soft, childish voice. "Meihui, you're awesome!"
Meihui lowered her leg and gave Izumi a faint smile and a nod in reply.
Fine beads of sweat glistened on her forehead in the sunlight, highlighting her youthful energy.
Just as the atmosphere had turned lighthearted, Itachi suddenly stood up, bowed deeply to Haotian and the others, then lowered his head and stepped aside.
"Oh? The little guy's quite polite." Haotian stroked his chin and spoke meaningfully. Then his gaze settled on Itachi again. "Looks like there are still some things you don't quite understand, little one."
Itachi's small face filled with confusion. He blinked, seemingly unable to understand what Haotian meant.
He was deeply puzzled and decided he would ask his big brother Shisui about it as soon as he got home.
Meihui wiped the sweat from her forehead and walked over to Haotian. "By the way, you went out with Teacher Zhiwei earlier to study insects, didn't you? Why didn't he come back with you?"
Haotian shrugged and replied casually, "That's right. Insects have limitless potential. We have to explore it properly." He didn't elaborate on losing contact with Aburame Shimbi, instead emphasizing the potential of insects.
Meihui pursed her lips, apparently not interested in insects. She had only asked in passing and didn't press him for details.
Just then, a figure appeared outside the training ground and walked straight toward Haotian. His gaze was deep, like the brightest star in the night sky.
He said, "Haotian, Lord Hokage has summoned you. There are some missions for you to carry out."
Guy slapped his thigh. Haotian's remark that "insects have limitless potential" seemed to have ignited a blazing flame of youthful passion in him.
"That's right! Youth has limitless potential too! Burn, my youth!" He waved both fists excitedly, as though he meant to tear the very air apart.
Haotian, Meihui, and Guy walked side by side out of the Uchiha Clan Compound.
At the compound's entrance, they ran into Elder Uchiha Setsuna.
Elder Setsuna had white hair but a youthful complexion, and his gaze was as sharp as a torch. He radiated an imposing presence without even trying.
Meihui respectfully bowed to Elder Setsuna. "Elder Setsuna, these are my teammates, Haotian and Guy." Elder Setsuna gave a slight nod in greeting, then left without another word.
Haotian watched Elder Setsuna's retreating figure, lost in thought.
Elder Setsuna was a highly respected elder of the Uchiha Clan, and his strength was unfathomable.
He seemed deeply wary of anyone outside the Uchiha Clan, and Haotian had sensed a brief, probing look in his eyes.
Still, Haotian said nothing and silently tucked his suspicions away.
The three of them arrived at a secluded training ground and began an intense sparring session.
The air was thick with tension as their figures darted back and forth. Every clash rang out like thunder.
Guy's Taijutsu was fierce and overbearing, every move lethal; Meihui's genjutsu was exquisitely crafted and impossible to guard against; Haotian, meanwhile, relied on his nimble movements and precise judgment to maneuver effortlessly between them.
"Meihui, your genjutsu has improved again," Haotian said approvingly as he dodged her attacks.
Meihui gave a cold laugh and rapidly formed Hand Seals. An invisible mental force instantly enveloped Haotian.
"Is that so? Then try this!"
Haotian's vision blurred, and the scene around him changed in an instant.
He seemed to be standing amid a sea of fire. The scorching flames licked at his skin, leaving him breathless.
Yet Haotian's face showed not a trace of panic. The corners of his mouth lifted into a faint, mysterious smile.
The next moment, the surrounding illusion shattered like glass, and Haotian returned to the real world.
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