A New Journey Begins, A New Mission Awaits

Haotian observed Uchiha Itachi with great interest.

On the boy's tender face, his obsidian-like eyes seemed exceptionally deep, as if holding endless secrets.

Under Haotian's gaze, Itachi's small body trembled slightly. He then looked up, meeting Haotian's eyes without flinching.

The calmness and restraint revealed in those eyes made Haotian marvel inwardly, truly a future genius ninja.

"Meihui, you're in good shape today!" Guy's hearty voice broke the silence of the training ground. "Let's do a few more rounds and see if you can kick the target to pieces too!"

Meihui ignored Guy's joke, took a deep breath, and struck a kicking pose again.

Her gaze was sharp, like a leopard locking onto its prey. She channeled power into her waist, her leg lashing out like a whip, carrying a sharp whistling sound as it accurately struck the center of the distant target.

With a dull thud, a conspicuous indentation appeared in the center of the target, scattering wood chips around.

"So strong!" a childish voice rang out. It was Izumi, who was watching from the side.

She clapped her little hands, cheering for Meihui in a childish voice, "Sister Meihui, you're amazing!"

Meihui retracted her leg, a faint smile appearing on her face. She nodded at Izumi, acknowledging her.

Fine beads of sweat appeared on her forehead, glistening in the sunlight, further accentuating her youthful vitality.

Just as the atmosphere was relaxed, Itachi suddenly stood up, bowed deeply to Haotian and the other two, then lowered his head and retreated to the side.

"Oh? The little fellow is quite polite," Haotian said meaningfully, stroking his chin. His gaze then fell back on Itachi. "It seems there are some things you still don't quite understand, little one."

Upon hearing this, Itachi's small face showed a look of confusion. He blinked blankly, seemingly not understanding Haotian's words at all.

His heart was filled with questions, and he decided he must ask his brother Zhiwei for clarification when he got back.

Meihui wiped the sweat from her forehead and walked over to Haotian, asking casually, "Speaking of which, you went out with Teacher Zhiwei earlier, right? Something about researching bugs? Why didn't he come back with you?"

Haotian shrugged, replying casually, "Yeah, the potential of bugs is infinite, they need to be properly explored." He didn't elaborate on losing contact with Aburame Shimbi, instead emphasizing the potential of bugs.

Meihui pouted, seemingly uninterested in bugs. She had only asked casually and didn't probe further.

Just then, a figure suddenly appeared outside the training ground. He walked directly towards Haotian, his gaze deep, like the brightest star in the night sky.

He spoke, "Haotian, Lord Hokage summons you. There are some missions that need your execution."

Guy slammed his thigh. Haotian's words, "The potential of bugs is infinite," seemed to ignite a raging flame of youth within him.

"That's right! The potential of youth is also infinite! Burn, my youth!" He excitedly waved his fists, as if to tear the air apart.

Haotian, Meihui, and Guy walked out of the Uchiha compound side-by-side.

At the entrance of the compound, they encountered Elder Uchiha Setsuna.

Elder Setsuna had a youthful appearance despite his white hair, his eyes sharp and piercing, exuding an aura of imposing dignity.

Meihui respectfully bowed to Elder Setsuna, "Elder Setsuna, these are my teammates, Haotian and Guy." Elder Setsuna nodded slightly, as if acknowledging the introduction, and then left without a word.

Haotian watched Elder Setsuna's receding figure, lost in thought.

Elder Setsuna was a highly respected elder of the Uchiha clan, his strength unfathomable.

He seemed to harbor deep wariness towards those outside the Uchiha clan. Haotian could feel the fleeting scrutiny in his gaze.

However, Haotian didn't say much, silently suppressing this doubt in his heart.

The three arrived at a secluded training ground and began intense sparring.

The air was filled with the scent of gunpowder. The figures of the three flashed and intertwined, each collision emitting a deafening roar.

Guy's taijutsu was fierce and domineering, every move lethal. Meihui's genjutsu was exquisite and unpredictable. Haotian, with his agile footwork and precise judgment, moved with ease between the two.

"Meihui, your genjutsu has improved again," Haotian praised while dodging Meihui's attack.

Meihui sneered, forming hand seals rapidly. An invisible mental force instantly enveloped Haotian.

"Is that so? Then try this!"

Haotian felt his vision blur. The surrounding scenery instantly changed.

He seemed to be in a sea of fire, scorching flames licking his skin, making him feel suffocated.

However, there was no panic on Haotian's face. The corners of his mouth curved slightly, revealing a mysterious smile.

The next moment, the surrounding illusion shattered like glass, and Haotian returned to reality.