Interlude: Kuro's Birthday 2

Konoha, Uchiha Clan Compound, Archive Room.

He sat kneeling before a long table, surrounded by stacks of books, engrossed in reading "The Complete Uchiha Style Fire Release: Techniques," unconsciously reciting aloud:

"Phoenix Flower Fire Claws, Great Dragon Flame Technique, the Majestic Destroyer Flame..."

"Hiss, so all these techniques are derived from the Great Fireball Technique? And they can be combined with the Sharingan to create so many tactics?!"

"No wonder the family requires everyone to learn this. Write it down, write it down."

He was excitedly taking notes, completely unaware of the figure that had been standing behind him for quite some time.

"Yes, the seal of the Phoenix Flower Claw Crimson is the same as the Great Fireball Technique, but it requires a higher level of Chakra control and insight from the user."

The advantages are greater tactical flexibility, stronger ability to block movement, and forcing the opponent to constantly relocate, making it suitable for restricting enemy movement and creating opportunities for subsequent Taijutsu and Genjutsu...

"It can also be used in conjunction with the Uchiha Style Swordsmanship."

Just as Kou was rapidly wielding his brush, an aged voice, tinged with pride, suddenly rang out from behind him.

"The Uchiha Style Swordsmanship emphasizes speed, precision, and sharpness, and includes many different styles."

It can be applied to any situation, including direct confrontation, surprise attack, assassination, and of course, a fatal blow.

The voice paused, as if giving Kou time to process the information:

"Your talent in Genjutsu is so-so, and your talent in Ninjutsu is only considered above average among the Uchiha."

His only truly unique Taijutsu ability; who knows, he might achieve great things in Swordsmanship.

However, given your situation, it's best to focus on building a solid foundation first.

With two dull thuds, the two books were placed on the table.

"These are some insights I compiled in my spare time. One book records the basics of Swordsmanship, and the other book contains the key points of cultivating the Phoenix Flower Claw Crimson '."

The Phoenix Flower Claw Crimson Technique involves attaching Fire Release to Shuriken for throwing. Although the essence is different, it still shares similarities with the fully developed Uchiha Style Swordsmanship.

Consider this laying the foundation for the future... though I wonder if you'll ever master the Uchiha Style Swordsmanship.

"Oh? Thank you, old man with the Candle Flame, you've been a great help..."

Kou responded subconsciously, and was about to grab the two books to look through them when his fingers suddenly stopped the moment they touched them.

He turned his head sharply, staring at the figure behind him, his pupils suddenly contracting:

"Oh, oh?! Grandpa Candle Flame?"

When did you arrive?!

Standing behind him was an elderly man dressed in a simple black robe.

The style of that black robe was completely out of place with the current attire in Konoha. The collar was high and tight, the cuffs were wide, and the fabric was a thick, outdated linen, making him look like he had stepped out of a previous era.

The old man's face was aged and solemn, with high cheekbones, deep-set eyes, and a scar running diagonally down from his left temple to his tightly closed right eye.

The only open eye was quietly watching the child in front of it, its gaze filled with disdain.

"Hmph, why aren't you calling for the old man now? You brat."

Feeling the old man's gaze, Kou immediately broke out in a cold sweat, and quickly plastered a fawning smile on his face:

"Oh dear, I misspoke in a moment of excitement."

You know me well, don't you? I'm one of the most polite and well-mannered kids in the clan. How could I possibly use such vulgar language to describe you, the respected elder in my heart?

"I must have been Obito astray by that brat Obito. Don't worry, I'll teach him a lesson when we get back and avenge you!"

That brat is really wicked!

He spoke with a pained expression, as if he were truly indignant about it.

"Hmph, don't give me that crap, you smooth-talking brat! How come our Uchiha Clan only produced two oddballs like you!"

The Candle Flame stared silently at the little drama queen before him, its solemn old face filled with disdain.

Kou chuckled and scratched his head. Seeing that the old man didn't seem truly angry, he grew bolder and cautiously probed:

"Grandpa Candle Flame, why aren't you resting? Why did you come looking for me?"

They even gave me such a big gift, I'm a little overwhelmed with gratitude...

"Hmph, it's all because you're the one who kept me from getting off work!"

The Candle Flame pointed to the wall clock.

The hands of the old grandfather clock had already passed eleven o'clock, just one notch away from midnight.

He pointed to the clock face and said irritably:

"Don't you even look at the time? The Archive Room should have closed long ago!"

I only let you stay a little longer because I see you're a studious young man.

I can't believe you've gone too far! You've dragged this out for a full three hours! It's almost midnight now!

"Uh, well..."

Kou looked away somewhat guiltily, rubbing his fingers together and muttering to himself:

"We got a little too engrossed and lost track of time."

"Um?!"

"Anko paste private Marseille (I'm really so sorry)!!"

He suddenly stood up and bowed apologetically.

"Hmph, no sincerity whatsoever."

The Candle Flame waved its hand impatiently, urging:

"Alright, alright, go home now."

If I remember correctly, you're starting school tomorrow, right?

"If you ever arrive late again, tarnishing the name of the Uchiha Clan, even if you're a clansman who has awakened the Sharingan, you can forget about ever coming here again!"

"Yes!!"

He straightened up and saluted, then turned around to tidy up the messy books on the table.

But before his hand could even touch the cover, the Candle Flame reached out and snatched the book from his grasp.

"Alright, it's getting late. You can take those two books and leave. I'll take care of things here."

Kou's outstretched hand froze in mid-air as he stared at the old man in surprise, his eyes widening in astonishment.

"What's wrong with this old man today?"

"When I first came here, I got a good scolding from this Old Man just because I forgot where I had put the book."

Why are you suddenly acting like a completely different person today?

Could it be...?

Kou seemed to have thought of something, and a complex look appeared in his eyes as he looked at the old man.

"Is this old man finally going to die of old age?"

"What are you thinking, you brat?!"

Candle Flame the strange gaze from Kou, Zhu Huo's face darkened. He rolled up the book in his hand and tapped Kou's head with the spine of the book.

"Ouch, what are you doing?!"

Kneeling, he covered his head and couldn't help but complain:

"Let's talk this out, why resort to violence?"

"Hmph, you're asking for it, kid."

Candle Flame at Kou's disapproving face, a slight smile appeared on the usually stern old face.

The smile lasted only a moment before it was quickly suppressed.

The old man looked at Kou's earnest little face and asked in a deep voice:

"Kid, you haven't forgotten what day it is today, have you?"

"What day? Uh... the day the dumpling shop has a sale?"

Kou tilted his head in confusion, pondered for a moment, and then said hesitantly:

"Grandpa Candle Flame, if I remember correctly, I seem to have heard Brother Fugaku mention that because of old injuries from your youth and your advanced age, you shouldn't eat too many sweets, right?"

While I understand how you feel, you should prioritize your health.

"... Tsk."

The Candle Flame resisted the urge to be kowtowed to again, and placed the book it was clutching back on the table.

He looked at Kou's earnest little face, then awkwardly turned his head away.

"Hey kid, today... is your birthday."