The two Shadow Clones came out and immediately slapped a label on him. Thank goodness there were only three people there, or they would've scared him to death!
That evening was devoted to cultural studies. Tobirama mainly explained Konoha's political structure, the relationships between the clans, and the mission system, while Izuna occasionally interrupted with a sarcastic comment.
"So Konoha is currently governed by the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, and the advisory council consists of Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura..." Izuna remarked.
"Shimura Danzō's Root organization is independent of Anbu and operates in the shadows. It requires a high degree of vigilance," Tobirama said.
"Secret forces that aren't bound by public rules are often the most dangerous. For the sake of so-called 'village interests,' they'll do anything."
<General Hiruzen Sarutobi is the Shinobi World's commander!>
Grandpa Sarutobi kunai-strikes the ninja village!
<General Sarutobi flies through the sky and burrows underground!>
Qingyu: Loyalty! Like, flower, like, hands together...
Hashirama: True Several Thousand Hands!
As Qingyu took notes, he asked, "What about the Uchiha? What position do they hold in Konoha now?"
The air fell silent for a moment.
"Based on your description of the Police Force's duties, the location of the clan compound, and this budget cut..." Tobirama said slowly.
"The Uchiha have been marginalized, and deliberately so. The Police Force sounds like a department with real power.
"But in practice, it's a double-edged sword. It gives the Uchiha control over some of the village's enforcement apparatus, but it also causes them to accumulate resentment among ordinary villagers as they enforce the law.
"Over time, the impression of 'Uchiha police' will become ingrained."
Tobirama: What a great method!
"Stupid," Izuna sneered.
"If you control the enforcement apparatus, you should make full use of it. Either integrate completely and change your image through gentle means,
"or... become fully independent and let your strength speak for itself. Being stuck in the middle like this—not willing to obey Konoha's High Command completely,
"but lacking the resolve and strength to rebel—is the most dangerous state. It's like standing on the edge of a cliff, where a single gust of wind could send you tumbling down."
Izuna: No, seriously, what kind of morons are the Uchiha these days?! How are you supposed to get anything done with a bunch like you...
Qingyu stopped writing, deep in thought.
Three days passed in a blur of intense, densely packed, and mentally toxic "private lessons from Warring States bigwigs."
On the evening of the fourth day, Qingyu stood in the training ground, watching the setting sun paint the Uchiha crest gold.
At last, Qingyu managed to maintain Water-Fire Rotation for thirty seconds in actual combat, blasting apart a corner of the training ground. For the first time, he felt the true power of his new technique.
He opened the system interface:
[Host: Uchiha Qingyu] [Age: 12] [Status: Dual Souls Coexisting (Stable Phase)] [Soul Fusion: Izuna Uchiha 23%, Tobirama Senju 25%] [Strength Assessment: Mid-Chunin (Theoretical)/High-Chunin (Combat Skills)/Special Jōnin (Tactical Acumen)] [Skills: Water-Fire Rotation Series (Proficient), Uchiha Style Shuriken (Expert), Senju Style Chakra Control (Proficient), Improved Great Fireball (Beginner), Shadow Clone Self-Abuse Training Method (Expert)...]
"The fusion rate went up again," Qingyu said.
"And this strength assessment... why does it feel so inflated?"
"It is inflated," Izuna said without mercy.
"Chunin? The Chunin standard in the Warring States period was being able to complete a B-Rank Mission independently.
"You also had to serve as the tactical core of a three-man team. At most, you're a 'fairly capable senior Genin' right now."
"But your rate of improvement is acceptable," Tobirama said, offering a rare word of praise.
"With this training intensity and our guidance, you could reach Special Jōnin combat ability within three months, provided... you don't train yourself to death."
Qingyu tugged at the corner of his mouth, unsure whether that counted as praise.
Whatever. He'd take it!
He looked toward the center of the Uchiha Clan Compound. The silhouette of Naka Shrine was faintly visible in the dusk, like a giant beast crouching in wait.
Tonight, at the Hour of the Pig, the Uchiha Clan Meeting.
What was coming couldn't be avoided.
Eight fifty in the evening.
Qingyu changed into a clean Uchiha clan outfit: a dark blue, high-collared robe with crisp fabric and the red-and-white Gunbai crest on the back.
It was one of the keepsakes left by his parents. He rarely wore it, taking it out only for New Year celebrations and ancestral rites.
"Is it really necessary to dress this formally?" He adjusted his collar in front of the mirror, feeling as if it were choking him. "Feels like I'm going to a funeral... Bah, that's bad luck."
And the collar was so high—was he going to get worked up again?!
"It is," Izuna said.
"The Uchiha are one of the clans that value ceremony and appearances most. Dress casually, and you've already lost half the battle on first impressions. Your strength can fall short, but your presence can't."
"And there's something interesting about this fabric," Tobirama analyzed.
"A small amount of Chakra Metal has been woven into it, which improves its resonance with Fire Release chakra.
"The patterns on the collar and cuffs aren't decorative either. They're simplified chakra-flow channels... Tch, even your clothes are a research project, Uchiha."
"That's called heritage, White-Haired Senju," Izuna scoffed.
"Flashy and impractical, evil Uchiha!" Tobirama shot back with a sneer.
Qingyu took a deep breath and stepped outside.
The Uchiha Clan Compound was quiet at night, with almost no one on the streets.
Only a few windows glowed with light, and the faint sound of television drifted from inside.
Were they showing a late-night drama adapted from Icha Icha Paradise? Or was it the kind that came with parental guidance?
"What even is this..." Qingyu's mouth twitched, and he quickly looked away.
"Uchiha watching dramas adapted from dirty books? This doesn't fit the vibe."
Seriously, you're an Uchiha, and you're good-looking enough to meet the reader's average expectations. Why aren't you out playing the blond heartthrob, instead of hiding in here alone to watch Icha Icha Paradise?
Hand in your Uchiha credentials! We're confiscating your hair conditioner!
"Entertainment at all costs," Tobirama commented.
"One of the drawbacks of a long period of peace. During the Warring States period, at this hour you'd either be standing guard or planning a night raid. Who'd have time for this?"
"But at least they don't have to live in constant fear," Izuna said, unusually not arguing.
"That's... a kind of progress, too."
Qingyu: You can call this a win?!
As he approached Naka Shrine, Qingyu's steps slowed involuntarily.
The shrine's gates stood open, and the inside was brightly lit.
Inside, the lights flickered as more than twenty people sat around the old well. An oppressive silence hung in the air.
He could vaguely hear people speaking in hushed voices, but couldn't make out what they were saying, as if there were a layer of water between them.
Two Uchiha Chunin stood at the entrance. They both looked to be in their early twenties, with sharp eyes.
When they saw Qingyu, the one on the left gave a slight nod. "Qingyu? The Clan Head gave us the word. Go on in. They're by the old well in the back courtyard."
"Thank you, senpai." Qingyu bowed respectfully, his heart beating a little faster.
He passed through the front hall and entered the back courtyard.
More than twenty people had gathered there, gathered around the old well.
Fugaku Uchiha stood at the front, dressed in the formal robes of the Clan Head: a deep purple haori, his bearing steady.
Several elders, including Yashiro Uchiha, stood beside him, their faces stern.
Behind them were some clan members Qingyu knew and others he didn't: Itachi, Shisui, several senior Jonin, and... Sasuke?
Sasuke was here too?
There were even more powerhouses?!
Before you continue