"Tsunade, don't push me. I haven't wasted all these years of training!"
Seeing how relentlessly Tsunade pressed him, Jiraiya's expression turned serious. He stepped forward into a bow stance, his hands poised like claws—one held out in front of him, the other raised above his head—as he shook his head and hummed.
"Enough talk. I'm not holding back this time!"
Tsunade bit down hard on her thumb, then quickly formed Hand Seals: Boar—Dog—Rooster—Monkey—Ram...
Jiraiya's expression changed at the sight, and he began forming Hand Seals too.
The Konoha Ninja around them watched in alarm.
"Oh no, that's the two of them using the Summoning Technique!"
"Are Lady Tsunade and Lord Jiraiya really going all out?"
"Both of their Summoning Beasts are terrifying. If they really fight... the consequences will be unthinkable!"
"Run! Otherwise, we'll be caught in the crossfire!"
"Quick, someone go inform the Third!"
In an instant, the Konoha Ninja who had planned to watch the spectacle scattered in every direction. None of them dared to stick around.
"Summoning Jutsu!"
Almost simultaneously, the two finished forming their Hand Seals and slapped the ground. Two spiderweb-like markings appeared beneath them—the seals of the Summoning Jutsu.
"Poof!"
Two enormous plumes of white smoke, as large as mushroom clouds, cleared to reveal two colossal creatures.
Their massive bodies were like towering buildings, standing just outside the Uchiha Clan Compound.
Uchiha Chen recognized the two giants at once. They were Jiraiya and Tsunade's Summoning Beasts: Gamabunta and Katsuyu!
In the past, Uchiha Chen would have been thrilled to see these Summoning Beasts, who had made such impressive appearances in the original story.
But now, Uchiha Chen had no time to admire the two enormous creatures.
He tilted his head back, utterly despondent. His home had been completely flattened!
Uchiha Chen knew Jiraiya and Tsunade wouldn't truly go all out, but even their little scuffle was more than he could bear. The house reduced to rubble was proof enough.
"Well, the house is already gone, so I've got nothing left to worry about!"
At that thought, Uchiha Chen's expression grew fierce. Then he leaped upward...
Konoha,
in the courtyard of Uchiha Fugaku's residence, head of the Uchiha Clan,
"Fire Release: Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu!"
A boy with short black hair, black eyes, and tear troughs formed Hand Seals, then spat a huge fireball toward the space in front of him.
The boy was the Uchiha Clan's prodigy, Uchiha Itachi. He was only four years old, yet he had already displayed exceptional talent.
Beside Uchiha Itachi stood the tall Uchiha Fugaku, his expression stern. Only after seeing Uchiha Itachi successfully use Fire Release did a trace of satisfaction appear on his face.
"Clan Head, something terrible has happened!"
Just then, several figures hurried through the courtyard gate, shouting as they ran.
They were members of the Uchiha Clan. The man leading them was Uchiha Inabi.
"As members of the Uchiha Clan, you should know better than to rush around in a panic. Have some dignity!"
Uchiha Fugaku was in an excellent mood thanks to Uchiha Itachi's outstanding performance, so he didn't scold Uchiha Inabi and the others.
"Clan Head, someone... is fighting... over by our compound!"
Uchiha Inabi panted as he struggled to get the words out.
"Are the clan rules not clear enough? Fighting is forbidden within our compound. Which clan members were bold enough to break them?"
Uchiha Fugaku frowned, displeased by Uchiha Inabi's report.
"Clan Head, they... they're not our people..."
Though he had caught his breath a little, Uchiha Inabi was still panting.
"Hmm? They're not our people? Then that makes it even worse. You're members of the Police Force. Why didn't you arrest those two fools and lock them up for a few days?
Why come here to report it to me?"
Uchiha Fugaku impatiently waved his hand as he gave the order. He didn't want to waste too much time on this.
He wanted to spend more time teaching his talented son.
"Clan Head, we couldn't handle them..."
Remembering the scene of Tsunade and Jiraiya fighting, Uchiha Inabi felt a lingering fear.
"Hmm? Who could the Police Force not handle? What are you people even good for?"
Uchiha Fugaku shot Uchiha Inabi a disgruntled look.
"It was Jiraiya and Lady Tsunade... We're no match for them."
Uchiha Inabi lowered his head, feeling aggrieved. He was a member of the Uchiha Clan, but his strength and that of his companions were clearly no match for Tsunade and Jiraiya.
"So what if it was Tsunade and Jiraiya? They're still... Wait, did you say Tsunade and Jiraiya?"
Uchiha Fugaku stopped halfway through his sentence. Only then did it sink in. He stared at Uchiha Inabi in disbelief.
"Mm-hmm!"
Uchiha Inabi nodded vigorously.
Uchiha Fugaku: ...
Seeing Uchiha Fugaku's frustrated expression, Uchiha Inabi felt much better.
See? Even the Clan Head thinks this is a tough situation. You can't blame us for this!
"No, Jiraiya and Tsunade are so close. How could they possibly fight?
And even if they did, why would they come to our compound?"
Uchiha Fugaku was completely baffled. No matter how hard he thought, he couldn't figure out why.
"Clan Head, I know!"
At that moment, another Uchiha behind Uchiha Inabi raised his hand and shouted.
"If you know, why didn't you say so sooner? Out with it!"
Uchiha Fugaku glanced at the man and snapped.
"Clan Head, Lord Jiraiya and Lady Tsunade are fighting over a disciple!"
The Uchiha hurriedly bowed and replied.
"What? Fighting over a disciple?"
"What kind of talent could attract two of the Sannin?"
"Wait, they fought in the Uchiha Clan Compound. Could it be... the disciple they want is from the Uchiha Clan?"
Though shocked, Uchiha Fugaku was the head of a clan. After a moment's thought, he reached a conclusion.
Seeing Uchiha Fugaku's questioning gaze, the Uchiha hastily answered, slipping in a bit of flattery as well.
"As expected of the Clan Head! You guessed correctly. The person they want is one of our own, Uchiha Chen!"
"Uchiha Chen? I don't remember anyone by that name."
"Lead the way. I need to see for myself. Itachi, you're coming too."
Uchiha Fugaku thought it over briefly, then led Uchiha Itachi, Uchiha Inabi, and the others toward the scene.