The Strong Rule

At this moment, however, Uchiha Tajima barked, "Madara! Get up! This isn't your fault, and don't you dare plead for Kangetsu!"

Having said that, he hauled Uchiha Madara to his feet, his eyes flashing with stern intensity as he stared directly at Kangetsu. "Ninjas must have their rules. In this era, we abide by the ninja code; it is a regulation that cannot be violated! To do otherwise is to insult the very title of ninja! Do you understand? I am telling you now: forget these thoughts of yours! Become a powerful ninja, carve out your name on the battlefield, and become an Uchiha that everyone reveres!"

Kangetsu's gaze remained one of disdain, and he retorted, "I only believe that man can conquer heaven, and that strength determines everything. In this world, the strong are supreme. Since someone else set these ninja rules, I will break them, redefine them, and replace this rotten system with new ones!"

A fanatical gleam ignited in Kangetsu's eyes. Uchiha Tajima's eyes blazed with fury as he glared at him. Yet, Kangetsu's younger brother, Uchiha Meigetsu, looked at Kangetsu with eyes full of adoration, as did Izuna. Even Uchiha Madara's eyes held a flicker of fanaticism!

These looks only served to infuriate Uchiha Tajima further.

His eyes seemed to erupt with flames as he shouted, "You are of the Uchiha clan and are destined to be ninjas! You must discard such filthy thoughts; you need only fight well according to your missions!"

Just then, a voice rang out. A beautiful figure appeared in Kangetsu's sight, walking straight to his side. She smiled gently at him and said, "My little Kangetsu is so impressive to have such a grand ideal! Mother supports you. Don't worry about what your father thinks—just follow your own heart!"

She patted Kangetsu on the head, then shot a glare at Uchiha Tajima. Instantly, Tajima wilted and hurriedly said, "Fine, fine. I'll start teaching you how to use a sword and some basic taijutsu now."

Afterward, Uchiha Tajima looked at Eiko and said, "Eiko, look, I need to train the children. You should head back first."

He offered a fawning smile to Kangetsu's mother, Eiko, finally managing to persuade her to leave. This left only the four displeased boys and Uchiha Tajima behind.

Uchiha Tajima began teaching the four of them how to cultivate, but he remained unaware that Kangetsu's words had left a deep mark on the hearts of the three others. Uchiha Madara, Uchiha Izuna, and Uchiha Meigetsu found themselves in complete agreement with Kangetsu's sentiment, especially in a world where death was so common, and the mortality rate among children was countless.

In that moment, the three young boys etched the phrase "the strong are supreme" deep into their hearts.