The Blind Swordsman of the Uchiha Clan

He viewed these sacrifices very rationally.

However, others would not see it that way.

Therefore—

He would eventually become a madman.

And Chiba understood this madman.

He did not agree with him, but he understood him.

He would not condone Orochimaru's actions.

But, likewise, he would not stand on some so-called moral high ground to judge him.

"Chiba-kun, I find myself somewhat reluctant to treat you as a test subject now!"

Orochimaru laughed and flicked his tongue.

Chiba, however, let out a sigh.

"Why must it be like this..."

"Mr. Orochimaru."

"You and I are 'confidants'; isn't it hypocritical to say such things?"

"Would a decent person ever speak their true thoughts?"

"Indeed!"

Orochimaru chuckled.

"Would you speak your true thoughts?"

"No. And would you, Mr. Orochimaru?"

"Who could keep their true thoughts on the tip of their tongue?"

"Can anything kept on the tip of the tongue be called a true thought?"

"Hypocrisy!"

"Hypocrisy!"

What decent person keeps a diary?

The two reached a tacit understanding, clinked their glasses, and took a sip of strong liquor.

Chiba and Orochimaru were very much alike.

They were both people standing at a point of equilibrium.

Orochimaru stood at the equilibrium point between Sarutobi Hiruzen and Shimura Danzō.

And Chiba stood at the equilibrium point between Orochimaru and Sarutobi Hiruzen—perhaps even with Danzō thrown into the mix.

They were clearly at the center of the storm, where the next wave could easily crush Chiba to death.

Yet, the waves canceled each other out.

And clearly, Chiba was far more clever.

Because, for the sake of Chiba, Orochimaru seemed willing to break that balance.

No, to be precise, it should be for the sake of his "immortality"!

"Chiba-kun, from here on out... you had better be careful."

"As a test subject, I hope... you won't disappoint me during the graduation exam."

Orochimaru eventually departed.

He was dangerous, and by the same token, he was also very pure.

Mad scientists, from a certain perspective, are all pure.

It was just a pity that he was so disgusting.

Why did he have to crawl out of a snake's mouth? And all slimy, too.

"Chiba-kun, are you prepared for the graduation exam?"

Itachi was far more anxious than Chiba regarding whether he could successfully graduate and become a ninja.

Although Itachi did not know the significance of Chiba's sword swings.

It was clear that actual combat would lead to faster progress.

Yet, Chiba swung his sword 10,000 times every single day, without fail.

"Itachi, what exactly are you so anxious about... I've already told you, I have it all under control."

"We agreed to go to the battlefield together to see what it's like, and now you're stuck here—how can I not be anxious?"

Furthermore—

Itachi knew that Sarutobi Hiruzen, as Hokage, did not seem to intend on letting Chiba pass easily.

"It's fine, Itachi! Regardless, let me finish my sword swings first."

Daily Mission, essential.

By the time Chiba finished his Daily Mission, it was already past dawn.

The two had intended to begin their sparring match right then.

However, a sudden appearance of a young girl interrupted that thought.

Without turning his head, Chiba said calmly.

"What? Not going to watch secretly today?"

The purple-haired girl, Uzuki Yugao, gritted her teeth.

Chiba's words made her blush with embarrassment.

So, she had been discovered all along?

"Since you knew, why didn't you say anything?"

"Although I don't approve of such peeping, if you're watching with the mindset of learning, I don't mind."

"Besides, it's not just me; Itachi didn't say anything either, did he?"

"Wha—"

Uzuki Yugao opened her mouth in shock.

They had known the whole time?

So, the clown was actually me.

Her face turned even redder.

"So... is there something you need?"

Hearing this, Uzuki Yugao took a deep breath to steady her emotions before speaking.

"I heard you submitted your graduation application!"

"You should be a ninja by now."

"I want to have a duel with you as a ninja."

"Uchiha Chiba, my name is Uzuki Yugao... please enlighten me."

She gathered her courage to challenge the shadow that had once left her unable to even draw her blade.

However, Itachi gave the girl a strange look.

Uzuki Yugao felt very confused.

Because the scene had fallen into an awkward silence.

"W-what's wrong?"

"You... seem to have misunderstood. Right now—I am not yet a ninja."

"Eh? How is that possible? Didn't you submit your graduation application?"

"Ah, I did submit it, but it wasn't approved. I still need to undergo an assessment."

"An assessment?"

Uzuki Yugao was stunned.

With Chiba's level of strength, he still needed an assessment?

"But don't be nervous. Even though I'm not a ninja yet... I also want to see what you've actually learned after watching us spar for so long."

Chiba smiled, leaning on his crutch as he faced her directly.

"So... draw your blade."

"As you are now, in front of me... you at least have the courage to draw your blade, right?"

Chiba wore a smile, looking very relaxed and at ease.

Yet, what Uzuki Yugao felt from Chiba was the exact opposite.

Chiba hadn't done anything on purpose, nor did he release any aura.

He was simply standing there.

Yet, it placed immense pressure on Uzuki Yugao.

This—was what they called a psychological shadow.

Then, she slowly drew her sword.

The trembling in her hands was brought to a halt.

"Uchiha Chiba, please enlighten me."

PS: The story is about to be officially released. I hope everyone won't be stingy with your flowers and tickets. There will be a massive update upon release, starting with ten chapters... I hope you all can show your support!

This was the second time Uzuki Yugao had faced Chiba in a challenge.

She still remembered that the last time she stood before Chiba, she hadn't even been able to draw her blade.

Without a doubt.

She had grown.

Furthermore, by secretly observing Chiba's swordsmanship sparring sessions, she had gained many insights.

She felt as though her Konoha-Style Swordsmanship had been reborn.

Yet, despite the gentle breeze of early spring, she felt a trace of chill.

What was with that somewhat helpless expression on Chiba's face?

And why was Itachi Uchiha standing to the side with a look of amusement, as if watching a show?

That was... mockery, right?

But that smile didn't seem particularly malicious.

So, what exactly was he laughing at?

Soon, she had her answer.

"So, after watching for so long... is this all you've learned?"

Chiba sheathed his sword.

He didn't seem to have any intention of attacking again.