The Blind Swordsman of the Uchiha Clan

More importantly, Chiba, who was even stronger than Itachi, was actually invisible.

It was truly terrifying.

"Thank you for your guidance, Shisui-nii."

"So, do you understand now?"

"My [true]... strength."

This sentence seemed to carry an underlying meaning.

Shisui understood almost instantly and scratched his head, feeling a bit embarrassed.

"You figured it out?"

"Yeah, the moment you used your Sharingan, I knew."

Although Chiba was very confident in his swordsmanship.

However, with his basic abilities completely suppressed, it was impossible for Shisui not to be able to handle it.

Activating the Sharingan felt like making a mountain out of a molehill.

Combined with the fact that Shisui had found him right from the start, his purpose was self-evident.

After all.

Even Danzo had sent Orochimaru to observe him.

Sarutobi Hiruzen couldn't possibly have taken no action.

"Powerful swordsmanship, and this kind of analytical ability—the Hokage-sama truly didn't misjudge you!"

"Chiba, would you be interested in joining the Anbu in the future?"

"With talent like yours in the Anbu, our Konoha can become even stronger!"

"In this way, we can better protect Konoha."

Protect Konoha?

Is it protecting Konoha? Or is it protecting Sarutobi Hiruzen's Konoha?

It seemed that Shisui trusted Sarutobi Hiruzen deeply.

Is this what a successor to the Will of Fire looks like?

Is this the Uchiha Shisui who, in the future, would even hand over his own [leverage] to the Konoha high command?

It's a bit blind.

"The Anbu, huh?"

"Who knows."

"Who can say for sure what the future holds?"

Chiba smiled.

He did not give a definitive answer.

Shisui understood and soon headed back.

He had to report his findings to Sarutobi Hiruzen.

With the end of the spar.

Both the girl in the shadows and her surprised best friend departed.

In the end, Yugao Uzuki did not jump out to challenge Chiba.

"Yugao... you were right, Chiba... he really didn't lose!"

It was too terrifying.

Today's battle had refreshed Kurenai Yuhi's perception of Chiba.

And her strange perception of the Hokage.

He had easily crushed Asuma.

He even had undisclosed dealings with Orochimaru of the Legendary Sannin.

What kind of secrets were hidden within this five-year-old Uchiha boy?

In this instant, Kurenai Yuhi wanted to understand Chiba.

She wanted to know what other treasures were hidden within this invisible Uchiha boy.

"Kurenai, let's go!"

Yugao Uzuki was very unwilling.

"Are you not going to challenge him?"

She shook her head.

"No need."

"I... already have my answer."

At this moment, Koizumi came running over, fussing and feeling all over Chiba.

"Brother Chiba, you aren't hurt, are you?"

"No, you're overthinking it."

"Whew!"

"That's a relief!"

Koizumi let out a sigh of relief, then became very excited.

"Brother Chiba, you were actually able to fight against that Body Flicker Shisui!"

"That's too amazing."

Hearing this, Chiba ruffled her hair.

"What's this? I thought you would have more confidence in me."

"Of course I have confidence in you, Brother Chiba, but, but... it's just so unexpected."

"As expected of my Brother Chiba."

At this time, Itachi watched Chiba silently.

His friend had displayed strength that exceeded his imagination.

He was happy, and also very excited.

"Chiba-kun!"

"You are even stronger than I imagined!"

"Surpassing you really isn't going to be simple."

"And you even gained the Hokage's recognition!"

Shisui's initial probe was the best form of recognition from the Hokage.

This actually caught Chiba a little off guard.

"You knew?"

"Shisui-nii told me from the start."

"He said it was because you are my friend."

Chiba looked quietly at Itachi, who was happy for him.

Although he didn't want to pour cold water on the situation at this moment.

Still, he had to say it.

Chiba walked quietly to Itachi's side and gently placed his right hand on Itachi's shoulder.

Then, a whisper reached his ears.

"Itachi!"

"Is the recognition of a piece of trash..."

"really that important?"

"No one understands swordsmanship better than him!"

Sarutobi Hiruzen looked at the report submitted by Uchiha Shisui and almost thought he had misread it.

He knew that Chiba was a swordsman who excelled in sword techniques.

However, was such an evaluation too excessive?

Or was it that Shisui was showing favoritism toward a fellow member of the Uchiha clan?

Sarutobi Hiruzen shook his head.

Uchiha Shisui would not do such a trivial thing.

It was precisely because of this that Sarutobi Hiruzen found such an evaluation shocking.

At this stage.

The pinnacle of Konoha's swordsmanship was the man who had once shocked the Second Shinobi World War.

Hatake Sakumo.

His Hatake Sword Technique was peerless throughout the entire ninja world.

During the Second Shinobi World War, no one could hear his name without trembling in fear.

If such a description were to be used, it would undoubtedly fit Hatake Sakumo and Sarutobi Hiruzen perfectly.

Precisely because they stood at the pinnacle, there were no exceptions to this rule.

Yet, Shisui had bestowed such an evaluation upon Chiba.

Interesting.

Seeming to perceive Sarutobi Hiruzen's skepticism, Uchiha Shisui, who was kneeling on one knee, immediately began to explain.

"Lord Hokage!"

"I know you may find it hard to believe!"

"But my report does not contain a single word of bias."

"If there is anyone who has the potential to reach the absolute peak of swordsmanship in the future, that person must be Uchiha Chiba."

This was nearly the highest honor one could bestow upon a swordsman.

To reach the peak through swordsmanship.

"Is that so? I understand. You may go."

Sarutobi Hiruzen waved his hand, and Shisui vanished instantly.

Sarutobi Hiruzen fell into silence, contemplating the assessment Shisui had made.

He walked to the window, lit his pipe, took a deep drag, and exhaled slowly.

"I don't think we can take everything Uchiha Shisui said at face value!"