Winter, 55 Konoha. The wind was bitterly cold.
Xingye went alone to the wilderness outside Konoha, planning to test his newly acquired Lightning Release abilities.
Just as he gathered the Chidori Sharp Spear, three killing auras struck from different directions.
His Byakugan activated in an instant, and his panoramic vision immediately locked onto the movements of the three enemies.
Three Root jonin attacked without expression.
"Lord Danzo's orders: eliminate Uchiha Xingye," the Root member in the lead said coldly.
Xingye's lips curled slightly.
"Danzo, you've finally lost your patience."
His Sharingan activated at once, its three tomoe slowly spinning.
"Lightning Style: Chidori Sharp Spear!"
Lightning Release chakra gathered in Xingye's hand, and he thrust it forward with force. The lightning pierced the air like a blade, striking one of the Root members in the chest.
"Squelch—!"
The Root member's chest was pierced, and blood sprayed everywhere.
The other two Root members were startled and hurriedly launched their attacks.
"Earth Release: Earth-Style Wall!"
"Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique!"
A wall of earth rose from the ground, and a massive fireball came crashing down from above.
Xingye remained calm and formed Hand Seals.
"Water Style: Water Formation Wall!"
The water barrier sprang into being, and a towering wall of water surged up from the ground, successfully blocking the Great Fireball Technique. Water and fire clashed, steam billowed, and the view quickly became obscured.
Just then, a Root member burst out of the steam, his Kunai glinting coldly as he thrust it toward Xingye's throat.
Xingye's Sharingan tracked his movements clearly. He twisted aside, and the Kunai grazed his cheek. Then Xingye struck the man in the chest with his palm, and a powerful current of Lightning Release sent him flying.
"Ah—!"
The Root member screamed and fell to the ground, convulsing.
Seeing that things had gone badly, the last Root member tried to retreat.
"Trying to run?" Xingye sneered. "Too late."
He appeared behind the Root member in an instant, his Sharingan tracking the man's movements.
"Lightning Release: Senbon!"
Countless tiny bolts of Lightning Release chakra shot out like raindrops, piercing the Root member's body.
"Thud!"
The Root member fell to the ground, silent.
The battle was over in less than a minute.
All three Root jonin had been killed.
Xingye stood beside the bodies, his expression calm and unwavering.
This wasn't slaughter. It was survival.
The system's notification rang out again.
[Defeated Root jonin. Traits can be plundered] [Please select the traits to plunder]
Xingye focused his thoughts, and the system interface appeared. In an instant, it analyzed the talents of the three Root members:
Root Member A:
[Earth Release (Green)] [Assassination (Blue)] [Stealth (Blue)]
Root Member B:
[Fire Release (Blue)] [Taijutsu (Blue)] [Intelligence Analysis (Green)]
Root Member C:
[Wind Release (Green)] [Ninjutsu Mastery (Blue)] [Killing Experience (Green)]
Xingye chose [Earth Release (Blue)], [Assassination (Blue)], [Taijutsu (Blue)], [Ninjutsu Mastery (Blue)], and [Killing Experience (Green)].
[Plunder successful] [Acquired talents: Earth Release (Blue), Assassination (Blue), Taijutsu (Blue), Ninjutsu Mastery (Blue), Killing Experience (Green)] [System notification: Trait levels upgraded] [Earth Release (Blue) → Earth Release (Purple)] [Assassination (Blue) → Assassination (Purple)]
Feeling the powerful energy surging through his body, Xingye clapped his hands together with satisfaction.
"Looks like my trait collection is getting richer and richer." He mused to himself, "Earth Release, Assassination, Taijutsu, Ninjutsu Mastery, Killing Experience... These are all very useful talents."
He didn't dispose of the bodies. Instead, he left them where they were.
The bodies were the best evidence.
After returning to the Uchiha Clan Compound, Xingye reported what had happened to Fugaku.
Fugaku's face turned livid as he listened.
"That despicable old bastard, Danzo! He actually dared to openly attack Xingye!" Fugaku shot to his feet and slammed the table, his fury boiling over. "He needs to be taught a serious lesson!"
"Father, calm down." Xingye analyzed the situation coolly. "This is only the beginning. Danzo won't stop here. He'll keep sending people to attack us."
"Then what should we do?" Fugaku asked.
"Stay patient for now and build up our strength in secret," Xingye said. "At the same time, we can use these bodies to lodge a complaint against Danzo with the Third Hokage."
"A complaint?" Fugaku frowned. "Do you think the Third Hokage will believe us?"
"No. I don't need him to believe us." A cold glint flashed in Xingye's eyes. "I just need him to see that Danzo is undermining Konoha's unity."
Fugaku fell silent. A complex mix of emotions welled up in him as he looked at his son.
"Xingye, your idea..." Fugaku took a deep breath. "It's good. But it's risky. If the Third Hokage sides with Danzo, we'll be in an even more difficult position."
"That's exactly why we must be cautious," Xingye replied with a nod. "Father, don't worry. I have a plan."
Fugaku was quiet for a moment, then nodded firmly.
"All right, we'll do as you say. But remember—if things start to go wrong, stop immediately. I won't let you put yourself in danger."
"Yes, Father." Xingye bowed respectfully.
After leaving his father's room, Xingye stood by the window, gazing at the distant Hokage Building.
"Danzo, your time is running out," Xingye murmured. "Black Zetsu, you never thought I'd grow this strong so quickly, did you?"
"I've already begun to lay my pieces on this board."
Before you continue