Stealing a Disciple? Uchiha Fugaku's Shock

"Tsunade, don't force my hand. My training over these years hasn't been for nothing!"

Seeing Tsunade's relentless stance, Jiraiya's expression turned serious. He stepped forward into a lunge, his hands shifting into claws—one thrust forward, the other held high above his head—as he swayed his head and hummed a tune.

"Spare me the nonsense. I'm not holding back my punches today!"

Tsunade brought her thumb to her lips and bit down hard, then quickly wove the hand seals: Boar-Dog-Bird-Monkey-Ram...

Seeing this, Jiraiya's expression shifted, and he began weaving seals of his own.

The surrounding Leaf Village ninja witnessed the scene, their faces pale with terror.

"Oh no, it's the Summoning Jutsu of those two!"

"Are Lady Tsunade and Lord Jiraiya actually going all out?"

"The summoning beasts of those two are terrifying existences. If they really start fighting... the consequences will be unimaginable!"

"Run! Otherwise, we're going to be caught in the crossfire."

"Quick, go report this to the Third Hokage!"

In an instant, the Leaf Village ninja who had been planning to watch the spectacle fled in all directions; who would dare stay to watch?

"Summoning Jutsu!"

Almost simultaneously, the two finished their seals and slammed their hands onto the ground. Two spiderweb-like patterns of symbols appeared on the earth—the seals of the Summoning Jutsu.

Poof!

As two massive clouds of white smoke, thick as mushroom clouds, dissipated, two gargantuan figures appeared abruptly.

Their massive bodies stood like two skyscrapers on the outskirts of the Uchiha compound.

Uchiha Chen naturally recognized these two behemoths; they were none other than Jiraiya and Tsunade's summoning beasts: Gamabunta and Katsuyu!

If it were any other time, Uchiha Chen would have been thrilled to see these two legendary creatures who had such iconic performances in the original story.

But now, how could Uchiha Chen have the heart to admire these two giants?

Uchiha Chen looked up, utterly devastated, because his home had been completely razed to the ground!

Although Uchiha Chen knew that Jiraiya and Tsunade wouldn't actually be trying to kill each other, even their "little scuffle" was an unbearable weight in Uchiha Chen's life. The ruins of his house were proof enough of that.

Since the house is gone anyway, I have nothing left to hold back!

Thinking this, Uchiha Chen's expression turned somewhat ferocious, and he leaped upward...

Leaf Village.

In the courtyard of the residence of Uchiha Fugaku, head of the Uchiha clan.

"Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu!"

A young boy with short black hair, black eyes, and tear troughs under his eyes wove hand seals, exhaling a massive fireball toward the front.

This boy was the Uchiha clan's genius, Uchiha Itachi. Although he was only four years old, he had already displayed extraordinary talent.

Beside Uchiha Itachi, the tall Uchiha Fugaku stood with a stern expression, only revealing a faint, gratified smile when he saw Itachi successfully execute the Fire Style.

"Clan Leader, it's a disaster!"

Just then, several figures rushed through the courtyard gate, shouting as they ran.

These figures were members of the Uchiha clan, and the man leading them was Uchiha Inabi.

"As members of the Uchiha clan, what is the meaning of this panic? Where is your decorum?"

Because of Uchiha Itachi's excellent performance, Uchiha Fugaku was in a great mood today and did not reprimand Uchiha Inabi and the others.

"Clan Leader, someone... is fighting over at... our clan grounds!!"

Uchiha Inabi gasped for air, reporting the news in a stutter.

"Are the clan rules not clear enough? Private fights are forbidden within our grounds. Which clan members are so bold?"

Hearing Uchiha Inabi's report, Uchiha Fugaku frowned, clearly displeased.

"Clan Leader, that... those aren't our clan members..."

Even after catching his breath for a moment, Uchiha Inabi was still panting heavily.

"Hm? Not our clan members? Then it is even more inexcusable. As members of the Leaf Police Force, why haven't you arrested those two ignorant fools and locked them in confinement for a few days? Why come running to me to report it?"

Uchiha Fugaku waved his hand impatiently, issuing the order; he didn't want to waste any more time on this matter.

He only wanted to spend more time teaching his genius son.

"Clan Leader, we... we can't handle them..."

At the mere thought of the scene between Tsunade and Jiraiya, a lingering fear rose in Uchiha Inabi's heart.

"Hm? Who is there that our Police Force cannot handle? What are you all even good for?"

Uchiha Fugaku shot a cold glare at Uchiha Inabi, deeply dissatisfied.

"That is Jiraiya and Lady Tsunade... we are no match for them."

Uchiha Inabi lowered his head, feeling somewhat aggrieved. Although he was a member of the Uchiha clan, their meager strength was clearly not enough to stand against Tsunade and Jiraiya.

"So what if it's Tsunade and Jiraiya? They're still just... wait, did you say Tsunade and Jiraiya?"

Halfway through his sentence, Uchiha Fugaku finally realized what was said and looked at Uchiha Inabi in disbelief.

"Mm-hmm!"

Uchiha Inabi nodded vigorously.

Uchiha Fugaku: ...

Seeing the look of frustration on Uchiha Fugaku's face, Uchiha Inabi felt much better inside.

See? Even the Clan Head finds this troublesome, so this really can't be blamed on us!

"No, Jiraiya and Lady Tsunade have such a good relationship, how could they possibly be fighting? Even if they were fighting, why would they come to our clan grounds?"

Uchiha Fugaku was truly baffled at this moment; no matter how hard he racked his brain, he couldn't figure out why this was happening.

"Clan Head, I know this!"

At this moment, another Uchiha clansman behind Uchiha Inabi raised his hand and shouted aloud.

"If you know, why didn't you say so earlier? Speak!"

Uchiha Fugaku glanced at the clansman and scolded him.

"Reporting to the Clan Head, Lord Jiraiya and Lady Tsunade are fighting over a disciple!!"

The Uchiha clansman hurriedly bowed and replied.

"What? Fighting over a disciple?"

"Just who has the talent to be scouted by two of the Sannin at the same time?"

"Wait, they are fighting on the grounds of my Uchiha clan. Could it be... the disciple they have their eyes on is from my Uchiha clan?"

Although he was somewhat shocked, Uchiha Fugaku was, after all, the head of the clan. After a moment of thought, he reached a conclusion.

Seeing Uchiha Fugaku's questioning gaze, the clansman hurriedly responded, taking the opportunity to flatter him.

"As expected of the Clan Head, your guess is completely correct. That person is indeed our Uchiha clansman—Uchiha Chen!"

"Uchiha Chen? Why do I have no impression of him at all?"

"Lead the way, I must go and see. Itachi, you come along as well."

Uchiha Fugaku pondered for a moment, then led Uchiha Itachi, Uchiha Inabi, and the others as they hurried in a certain direction.