Reunion of Old Friends

Fugaku Uchiha acted swiftly, and no one knows what method he used, but he managed to turn the Third Elder Uchiha Fenghuo, who originally belonged to the Hawks, against him.

With the support of Great Elder Uchiha Amano and Fourth Elder Uchiha Yashiro, who already supported him, Fugaku passed the resolution to change the Military Police Force with an overwhelming advantage.

It's not surprising that the Uchiha clan members all sided with Fugaku, as the new Hokage, Minato Namikaze, had always been quite lenient towards the Uchiha.

This also made many young members of the Uchiha clan willing to be close to the new Hokage.

Behind this Hokage stands Taichi Matsushita.

Anyone present at the clan meeting who had served on the battlefield knew how formidable Taichi Matsushita was.

They were either saved by him personally, or they witnessed him utterly defeating Tailed Beast and killing Jonin like pigs and dogs.

This firsthand experience of awe and fear prevented them from mustering the slightest courage to oppose it.

Three days after Taiichi's visit, Shisui Uchiha arrived at the Hokage's Office with the Uchiha Clan's decision.

Looking at the boy who was only 10 years old today, Minato was filled with emotion.

The Uchiha Clan is truly blessed. First there was Yohei Uchiha, a genius who awakened the Mangekyo, and now there is another genius who, at only 10 years old, has already reached the Three-Tomoe and has earned the title of "Body Flicker Shisui".

This kind of power is exactly what Konoha will need in the future.

To be honest, he felt a lot of pressure on his shoulders. He was fearless in competing with ninjas of his own generation, and he also found it very interesting to fight against ninjas of the older generations.

But now there's an extraterrestrial being eyeing him covetously, constantly pushing his limits. He can only do his utmost to better develop Konoha.

"Shisui, did Clan Chief Fugaku send you with a reply?"

Minato wore his signature warm smile, a habit he never changed even after becoming Hokage.

"Hokage-sama, the clan head has sent me to await your instructions. Furthermore, the clan is prepared and awaits your dispatch of Hokage-sama to discuss the reorganization of the Military Police Force."

Shisui tried to keep his expression calm, but his increasingly bright eyes revealed the turbulent emotions surging within him.

Unlike the Itachi we know now, no matter how mature he is, he is still just a 5-year-old child.

Shisui was an outstanding ninja who participated in all Third Shinobi World War and made a name for himself on the battlefield.

In the early stages of the war, as Uchiha Clan, he could clearly feel the exclusion from the Village Higher-Ups.

These exclusions aren't overt, but rather a general feeling that comes from all aspects and all things, big and small, leaving you unable to find fault with them while simultaneously making you feel incredibly uncomfortable.

Fortunately, this situation mysteriously disappeared by the middle of the war, but he kept the experience in mind.

The radical remarks made by the clan in the past, coupled with his previous situation, filled Shisui with worry.

But what was the use of worrying? At that time, he was insignificant, his Sharingan was not yet at the Three-Tomoe, and his strength was not at the Jonin level. He could only watch quietly from the sidelines.

The only thing he can do is strive to improve himself and gain his own voice as soon as possible.

However, things have now taken a turn for the better. With the Fourth Hokage taking office, the village's policy towards the Uchiha has undergone a fundamental change.

Shisui Uchiha was part of this change, and being able to personally participate in this transformation made him incredibly excited.

"I understand Chief Fugaku's determination to persuade the entire clan to make a decision in such a short time. Rest assured, I will not let him or the Uchiha Clan down."

Minato stood up, walked over to Shisui, and patted him on the shoulder affectionately.

"As for you, you were recommended to the Anbu Taiichi. He said you're a ninja who loves the village and has a good overall perspective. I believe him, so I believe in you too. Don't let me down!"

Minato spoke earnestly, clearly explaining the reasons for choosing Shisui for the Anbu.

Shisui only realized now that he had received this honor because he was favored by that important person.

"I will give my all for the village."

Shisui bowed solemnly, declaring his resolve.

It was another afternoon, the bright sun hung high in the sky, and the air was filled with a sweltering heat.

The echoes of the Ninja Academy's dismissal bell still lingered as children poured out of the school gates like birds released from their cages.

As Taichi Matsushita walked out of the teaching building with his lesson plan in hand, he bumped into two long-unseen figures under the big tree at the school gate.

"Taiichi!"

"Captain!"

A familiar voice rang out, tinged with excitement. Taiichi paused, turned to look, and his face instantly lit up with a delighted smile, "Yohei! Saori!"

Standing under the tree were Yohei Uchiha and Saori Furukawa, whom they had not seen for a long time. Both of them were wearing standard dark green combat uniforms, looking travel-worn and tired from their long journey, but their eyes were as bright as ever, sparkling with the joy of reunion.

--

Yohei's signature spiky short hair seemed a bit more rugged, while Saori appeared more dashing and capable.

"When did you get back?" Taiichi strode forward, patted Yohei's shoulder forcefully, then looked at Saori, his tone full of genuine concern, "Is the Northern Front —all over?"

"Just got back, haven't even stepped inside yet!" Yohei grinned, his smile bright and cheerful, a rare sight for the Uchiha.

"The war ended months ago, and we were stuck on the border for intimidation purposes." I only received the official transfer order today. I was passing by the school, thinking I'd try my luck and see if you were there, and I actually bumped into you!

Saori smiled and nodded, her eyes seeming even deeper than she remembered. "I've seen a lot of changes in the village, especially at the Ninja Academy. I heard the curriculum has been reformed? Captain, you deserve a lot of credit."

Her gaze fell on the lesson plan in Taiichi's hand.

"It's all for the village." Taiichi smiled, then noticed the stares from those around him. "This isn't the place to talk. Let's go find a quiet place to have a proper chat. How about that open space behind the Hokage Rock?"

"That suits me perfectly!" Yohei responded immediately, a glint of eager anticipation in his eyes. "It's been a while since I've stretched my muscles. Let's see if you, the White Reaper, have slacked off!"

Saori nodded, "Okay."

The three walked side by side toward the back of the village.

Along the way, Taiichi's steps suddenly paused almost imperceptibly. Then, not far from them, a "Taiichi" who had just finished his work vanished like smoke with a "bang".

This scene was clearly witnessed by Yohei and Saori.

Yohei's smile froze for a moment, then turned into a sigh filled with complex emotions, "Hey, Taiichi, how many clones of you are running around outside? You even run into Shadow Clone that need to be dispelled halfway through the journey? This workload is outrageous!"

Saori's eyes flickered slightly, her cool voice tinged with concern. "Captain, you're pushing yourself too hard. Your body will break down if you keep going like this."

She recalled the astonishing feats of Taiichi that she had heard about in the Northern Front; such strength was not without reason.

Taiichi rubbed his temples, feeling the slight fatigue and increased information flow brought about by the return of his clone, and smiled helplessly.

"There's no way around it, Teacher Tsunade has completely washed her hands of the reins. Hospital, school, and a bunch of other miscellaneous proposals—the capable should do more, right? Don't worry, I know what I'm doing."

He spoke lightly, but in his heart he was already brewing all sorts of little schemes to shift the blame. His two teammates, who had once shared life and death with him, naturally knew Taiichi very well, and upon hearing this, they could only secretly chuckle.

Behind the Hokage Rock lies a wide-open space. In the distance, the mountains are ablaze with autumn colors, and nearby, one can overlook the entire Konoha, a scene of tranquility and peace.

"This is it." Taiichi stopped, turned to face his two old friends, the gentleness in his eyes fading, replaced by the sharpness of a strongman and a hint of excitement. "It's been a long time since I fought alongside you—but this time, it's a battle."

"Haha, I couldn't be happier!" Yohei laughed loudly, and crimson Three-Tomoe instantly appeared and spun in his eyes, a powerful Chakra rising from his body. "Let me see how long we can last against you now!"

Saori didn't speak, but silently assumed a fighting stance, and fine blue arcs of electricity began to jump around her body, emitting a soft "crackling" sound.

Without any unnecessary words, the battle suddenly erupted in the next moment!

"Body Flicker Technique!"

Saori's figure seemed to merge into a real lightning bolt! The ground beneath her feet exploded under the stimulation of Lightning Style Chakra, and she transformed into a blue-white streak of light that was almost invisible to the naked eye, closing in instantly at Taiichi speed far exceeding Taiichi's expectations!

It was moving so fast that even the air seemed to be being torn apart!

"Body Activation? This Body Flicker is so fast!"

Taiichi's pupils contracted slightly, secretly praising Saori's progress. Almost relying on his fighting instincts, he unleashed Chakra from his feet, retreating rapidly while simultaneously Hand Seals with his hands.

Earth Style · Earth Style Wall.

Boom! A thick Earth Wall rose from the ground, barely blocking Saori, which was crackling with Lightning Release: Violent Thunder!

The area of Earth Wall that was hit instantly turned charred and cracked!

However, Saori's attack was just Feint! The moment Taiichi's attention was drawn to it, a terrifying pressure that made one's heart tremble rose up from his side and rear!

Susanoo!

A burst of deep purple Chakra, like a tangible flame, erupted and instantly formed a gigantic half-giant clad in heavy, ancient armor! It was Susanoo's Third Form, the Tengu Armor Form!

Without any pre-cast animation, it goes straight to the Third Form, Susanoo. This is an improvement for Yohei.

"Take this, Taiichi!" Yohei shouted, Susanoo's huge Chakra sword, with the force to split mountains and cleave peaks, tore through the air and slashed fiercely at Taiichi, who had just dodged Saori's attack!

Before the sword even arrived, the terrifying wind pressure had already caused the surrounding trees to sway wildly!

"Well done!" Taiichi ignited with fighting spirit. Without dodging or avoiding, Chakra rapidly gathered in his hands, instantly forming a giant Chakra. At the last moment, he drew his sword and slashed upwards.

Boom!

The two swords clashed.

In an instant, the earth shook violently! A blinding light burst forth like Little Sun, illuminating the entire back mountain in a ghastly white light!

The violent shockwave spread out in a ring, instantly uprooting trees within a radius of 100 meters and pulverizing fallen leaves into dust! The enormous roar was like a thunderclap.

What followed was a series of collisions and flashes of Lightning Style—

At Konoha Hospital, Tsunade, who was frowning and trying to sneak off to Tsunade izakaya while facing a mountain of documents, suddenly stopped and looked in surprise towards the Hokage Rock: "That Chakra fluctuation—is that Taiichi? What's he up to?"

In the Hokage Building, Minato Namikaze, who was discussing the details of the Military Police Force reform with Hiruzen Sarutobi, also stopped writing. Sensing the familiar, intense clash of the massive Chakra belonging to Taiichi and Yohei, a helpless yet gratified smile appeared on his face, "These two guys—it seems they've been apart for a long time and are itching to get back together."

In the Uchiha Compound, Fugaku, who was still explaining the Anbu matters to Shisui, felt the unique fluctuations of Susanoo and the terrifying collision that followed. A rare smile of relaxation appeared on his serious face.

"That lad Yohei —it seems he hasn't neglected his cultivation even in the Northern Front. It's a good thing he's sparring with Taiichi."

Smoke and dust filled the open space behind the mountain.

As the light and smoke slowly dissipated, the scene at the center of the battlefield was revealed.

Taiichi stood on the edge of a huge circular pit, his clothes were somewhat torn, but his breathing remained steady and long.

Opposite, Yohei's Susanoo still stood, but the huge Chakra sword had disappeared, and the armor was covered with spiderweb-like cracks, its light much dimmer.

Yohei stood inside Susanoo, breathing slightly heavily. The speed at which his Mangekyō Sharingan was slowly decreasing, and a carefree smile graced his face.

Saori was not far away, leaning on her knees and breathing slightly. The lightning on her body had subsided, but the fighting spirit and excitement in her eyes remained undiminished.

Although she wasn't directly involved in the core of that earth-shattering battle, the aftershocks alone put her under immense pressure, while also igniting her passion.

"That was satisfying! Taiichi, you're still as strong as a monster!"

Yohei released Susanoo and punched Taiichi hard, his tone filled with admiration, without a trace of frustration.

"Your Susanoo's Third Form is already quite stable, and its power is astonishing."

Taiichi praised sincerely, then looked at Saori, "Saori, your Lightning Style and Taijutsu really surprised me; I almost fell for it."

Saori calmed her breathing and smiled, "In the Northern Front, facing those guys from Cloud Village, you can't afford not to desperately improve your Taijutsu. Taiichi, your reactions are still as quick as ever."

The three exchanged a smile. The awkwardness of their long-awaited reunion had completely dissipated in the exhilarating battle they had just fought, leaving only the deep camaraderie and mutual recognition between comrades.

They walked to the edge of the clearing and sat down on a relatively clean Taiseki, looking down at Konoha bathed in the golden sunset.

"Tell me, why were you suddenly transferred back? Did the front lines finally let you go?" Taiichi asked Yohei with a smile.

Yohei scratched his spiky short hair and chuckled, "Hey, it's all thanks to you and the Fourth Hokage's brilliant decision! The Military Police Force reform, you know, Chief Fugaku personally seconded him."

He said that Uchiha like me, with my cheerful, helpful, and communicative personality (mimicking Fugaku's serious tone), is exactly the kind of living advertisement the new Military Police Force needs, and told me to hurry back and shine, instead of wasting my talent in the Northern Front.

He spoke in a relaxed tone, clearly satisfied with the appointment.

Saori added, "Yohei is very popular on the Northern Front border. Both our Konoha comrades and the occasional Civilian caravans we encounter speak highly of him. Chief Fugaku must have seen his role in improving the Uchiha's image."

I nodded Taiichi; this certainly aligns with the direction of Military Police Force reform.

"That's a good thing. The Military Police Force needs to integrate into the village, and someone with your personality and abilities, Yohei, is perfect for that. And you, Saori? What are your plans?"

Saori shook her head. "There are no specific tasks yet. I just returned from the Northern Front, so there might be a period of rest."

Taiichi's eyes lit up and he immediately said, "That's great! Saori, come help me!"

"Hmm?" Saori and Yohei both looked at him.

Taiichi wore a bitter and resentful expression and began to "accuse": "You have no idea how outrageous Teacher Tsunade is!"

She herself was unwilling to do it, but dumped all those tasks on me, calling it "training"!

And she, she spends all her time either in izakayas or gambling! I can't keep up even if I'm in two places at once!

Saori, you're meticulous and attentive, perfect for helping me with some of the administrative work!

Seeing Taiichi's rare "pitiful" expression, Saori couldn't help but burst out laughing, and even Yohei laughed heartily.

"To make our 'White Reaper' show such an expression, Lady Tsunade is truly amazing."

Saori couldn't help but chuckle, then readily nodded. "Alright, I wouldn't dare disobey the Captain's orders. Besides, I need to rest for a while anyway, and I'd be happy to help you out."

"Great! We're saved!" Taiichi dramatic sigh of relief, which made the two of them laugh again.

The afterglow of the setting sun cast long shadows of the three people.

They sat on the rocks, chatting about their experiences since they parted ways, about the snow and interesting things that Northern Front, about the changes in the village, and about their hopes for the future.

Time slipped away quietly in the relaxed and pleasant conversation. The sunset on the horizon gradually changed from golden red to deep purple. Night slowly fell, and the lights of Konoha lit up one after another, like stars scattered across the earth.

It wasn't until the moon climbed to the treetops and its cool Gekko bathed the hillside that the three of them reluctantly got up.

"It's time to go back." Saori tidied her wind-blown hair.

"Yeah, if we don't go back soon, our families will worry." Yohei stretched lazily, his bones cracking softly.

"Today is wonderful." Taiichi looked at his two close friends, his eyes filled with a warm smile. "Welcome back, Yohei, Saori."

"Yes, we're back!" Yohei and Saori said in unison, their faces beaming with the same warmth.

The three bid each other farewell, their figures disappearing in different directions under the Gekko, merging into the warm glow of countless lights in Konoha.

The Hokage Rock stands silently, as if guarding the bond that has grown stronger through the trials of war, and also protecting the village that is quietly accumulating strength amidst change and preparing to meet unknown challenges.