Forgery

The reason Uchiha Lihuo thought to pat Nara Lumiao on the head was, in part, to divert her attention.

Once Uchiha Lihuo performed this action, regardless of the reason, as long as Nara Lumiao's attention shifted, he could take the opportunity to change the subject.

On the other hand, he was curious about what the reward for patting Nara Lumiao on the head would be.

Uchiha Lihuo was not curious about the Nara Clan's secret techniques because, much like the "Hatake Sword Technique," even if he learned them, they would have to remain hidden for a long time.

Uchiha Lihuo had a clear development goal. Just like playing a roguelike game, a character with all gold-tier traits isn't necessarily strong, but when various traits complement each other, they can dominate the game.

Uchiha Lihuo knew that the Nara Clan's secret techniques were a sophisticated application of Yin-style chakra, and Yin-style chakra—that is, spiritual energy—was also the primary power behind the Uchiha Clan's Sharingan.

Therefore, Uchiha Lihuo wanted to take a gamble on Nara Lumiao, and as it turned out, he had bet correctly.

However, Nara Lumiao is truly not to be underestimated. At such a young age, she had already received a C-rank ninja evaluation from the system, and that was without even learning the Nara secret techniques.

She was, at least on paper, on par with the current Kakashi, though it would be a different story if they were to engage in actual combat.

"Ding! System reward has been issued."

Following a cold, mechanical sound, Uchiha Lihuo felt no pain at all; instead, a trace of coolness flooded his mind, as if he had applied cooling oil.

But the sensation that followed was like drinking a mouthful of ice water after eating a peppermint candy.

Slowly, Uchiha Lihuo felt as if his senses had been infinitely amplified; countless pieces of information stung his brain, even causing him to lose focus for a moment.

Gradually, Uchiha Lihuo regained his composure and immediately felt that everything around him had become much clearer.

Unlike the previous physical enhancement, this strengthening focused on his senses—more specifically, on his eyes.

The Uchiha Clan was famous for their powerful Sharingan, to the point that the tactical manual of Sunagakure stated: "When facing a Sharingan, one must flee if one-on-one."

However, Uchiha Lihuo was well aware of his own state; he had not yet awakened his eyes. The benefit brought by the increase in Yin-style chakra was a direct enhancement of his spiritual power.

This would primarily manifest as the ability to exert greater power once he did awaken his eyes and to use stronger ocular techniques. Even before awakening them, his immunity to genjutsu would be significantly improved.

If he were to face Kakashi again now, Kakashi's unpredictable footwork would become incredibly clear in Uchiha Lihuo's eyes! He might even be able to spot Kakashi's openings!

Regaining his focus, Uchiha Lihuo looked at Guy, who was picking his teeth with a bamboo splinter, and the bored-looking Kakashi, then shouted, "Let's go! Start training!"

"Youth! Let's go!"

"I've been waiting for this."

Afterward, the three of them arrived at the Konoha Training Ground and began their daily training. Since Kakashi was a newcomer, Uchiha Lihuo introduced him to their usual training method.

That is, to push the body beyond its limits by squeezing every ounce of energy out of oneself. With that said, he invited Kakashi to join them.

Perhaps because the Hatake Sword Technique also required a robust physique, Kakashi did not refuse Uchiha Lihuo's invitation and began training with them.

However, during the training, Kakashi discovered that both Uchiha Lihuo and Guy were wearing significant weights, a discovery that shocked him to his core.

So this is the state he was in when he fought me!

Moreover, looking at their movements, they had long since adapted to the weights, even moving with a sense of ease, especially the thick-browed one—his taijutsu was truly formidable!

Seeing such experts among his peers, Kakashi couldn't help but ignite his fighting spirit and began to train diligently.

As the sun set behind the mountains, the trio's training reached its end.

Guy panted and said, "Lihuo... how did your physical fitness become so strong?"

"How come it feels like every aspect of your body has strengthened several times over?"

Hearing this, Uchiha Lihuo just laughed it off, saying, "Maybe I'm just naturally gifted," and said no more, instead pondering the matter of increasing his weights.

The training ended, and the three youngsters returned to their respective homes. Uchiha Lihuo gave Guy some silver coins; since Uncle Dai was away, Uchiha Lihuo was worried Guy would neglect his meals.

Sakumo was surprised to see Kakashi return home. Although Kakashi trained hard every day, most of it was technical training; today's session had been much more savage than usual.

"Kakashi, did you train with that kid in the green jumpsuit?"

"Yes, Father. His name is Might Guy, and there was another named Uchiha Lihuo. Both of them are very strong."

"Is that so? Have you made friends? However, their method of physical training is not suitable for you."

"Tomorrow, I will teach you a set of Hatake-style physical training methods that complement the Hatake Sword Technique."

"Thank you, Father."

Uchiha Lihuo returned home, but he did not feel the usual ease and relaxation; instead, his expression tightened.

Because he had not forgotten Nara Lumiao's words, nor the Third Hokage's two observations. He knew he had to patch his vulnerabilities immediately.

He recalled the method for using the "Telescope Technique." Using the mirror in his house as a medium, he released his chakra around the house in an imperceptible way.

Thanks to his Kage-level chakra control, Uchiha Lihuo could precisely manipulate the Telescope Technique to scout for anyone spying on him without alerting the Third Hokage.

After confirming that no one was watching, Uchiha Lihuo found some empty scrolls left behind by his parents and quickly picked up a brush to start writing.

"The only ninjutsu I have exposed so far are the 'Headhunter Technique' and the 'Shadow Clone Technique'."

"To rationalize their origin, I must forge fake scrolls."

Uchiha Lihuo quickly wrote out two scrolls and laid them open on his desk, first to let the ink dry quickly, and second to create the illusion of having been studying day and night.

After doing this, Uchiha Lihuo rearranged the scrolls in his parents' room and wiped the dust off all of them to create the appearance of having been searched through.

When everything was ready, Uchiha Lihuo was already drenched in sweat from exhaustion.

Lihuo understood that he had to reveal his strength appropriately, for in this world and this clan, the truth that strength reigned supreme was held sacred; only a genius could obtain more resources and receive greater protection.

He had to master the balance of how much strength to display—enough to solidify his status as a genius, yet enough to avoid suspicion and jealousy.

Lost in these thoughts, Lihuo drifted into a deep sleep.

Meanwhile, within the Uchiha Clan Grounds, inside a massive Japanese-style villa (modeled after the clan head's courtyard where Sasuke lived), Uchiha Aotian dragged his weary body home.

"Young Master Aotian, you've worked hard. Let us help you change and prepare your bathwater."

Hearing the butler's voice, a middle-aged Uchiha man sitting in the main hall could no longer sit still and hurried to Aotian's side.

"Aotian! Please, don't push yourself so hard anymore. Your father spoke wrongly; talk of 'capacity' and such is not important. Don't ruin your health!"

"You said the wrong thing during the previous match, but you already apologized. There is no need for such grueling training."

Aotian knew his father was concerned for him, but he refused with a resolute expression.

"Thank you, Father, but I truly want to defeat Lihuo. He is my goal!"

With that, Aotian walked toward his bedroom, leaving Uchiha Ting standing there in a daze.

"Since the child wants to become stronger, do not stand in his way." The door to the side chamber slid open, and Uchiha Tang, Uchiha Ting's younger brother, stepped out.

Ting sighed, "Pass the word down: hire a private tutor for the young master tomorrow. Cultivate him with all our might!"

After saying this, Ting looked at his brother, the kindness on his face vanishing, replaced by a cold, stern expression.

"Who exactly is Uchiha Lihuo?"

"A junior who has been making waves at the Ninja Academy lately. Today, he even fought Hatake Kakashi to a draw."

"The Dove Faction has been gaining momentum recently, and that boy Fugaku is in his prime yet lacks any sharp edge; he will never amount to much in the future."

"Old man Setsuna is still locked away in prison. Now that the Hawk Faction is in our hands, we are showing signs of decline. We must cultivate outstanding successors."

"Does my brother mean...?"

"If Uchiha Lihuo truly possesses the strength, we can share a portion of our resources to win him over to the Hawk Faction."

"Would that be too hasty?"

"Then we shall appeal to his sense of 'propriety' and move him with sentiment. If he is truly a genius, what does it matter if we grant him favors? In any case, we cannot let the Dove Faction have him!"

Indeed, Uchiha Aotian's father was a powerful elder of the current Uchiha Hawk Faction, and he and his brother, Uchiha Tang, were the ones calling the shots for the faction.

"Tell the young master that I would like to invite Lihuo to a meal in a few days, and ask him to help facilitate it."

"And the specific time?"

"Let the young master decide."