Goals Achieved and Resolve (Please Bookmark!)

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A brief clash.

Was enough to clearly reveal the gap between them.

Even if he had not gone all out or used his Mangekyō Sharingan, wasn't Shisui the same? This spar gave Shōji a rough understanding of his current level. Without factoring in the Mangekyō Sharingan, he could be considered a proper Jōnin in his Three-Tomoe state.

If the Mangekyō Sharingan and its associated Dojutsu were included...

Then even against true Kage-level powerhouses, he might not be without a chance.

This also gave Shōji a clearer plan for what came next.

Clap! Clap! Clap!

"That was an excellent match. It seems you truly have grown a great deal, Shōji!"

As the two formed the Seal of Reconciliation and sheathed their weapons.

Uchiha Genran, who had been standing atop the corridor, smiled and applauded.

The appreciation on his face was plainly visible.

Shisui Uchiha was already the most gifted member of their branch, perhaps even of the entire Uchiha Clan's younger generation. Even among the older generation of Uchiha Jōnin, very few could compare to Shisui.

Now Shōji had grown to the point where he could trade blows with Shisui.

In Elder Genran's eyes, this was a blessing for their branch and for the Uchiha Clan as a whole!

Every additional clansman with formidable strength.

Would make the Uchiha Clan as a whole that much stronger.

Especially given the Uchiha Clan's current predicament.

Seeing the younger generation of his clan become ever more outstanding filled Elder Genran with heartfelt joy.

"You flatter me, Elder. I still have a long way to go."

Shōji turned slightly and replied softly.

"No, I have always been an excellent judge of people. Shōji, you have successfully proven your strength to me. I will notify you in advance before the next Clan Meeting. I hope you will continue serving the clan in the future, Shōji."

Elder Genran looked steadily at Shōji as he spoke with meaningful intent.

"Yes, Elder Genran!"

Although he had known there was a high chance he would be allowed to attend the Clan Meeting, upon truly hearing Elder Genran's words, a faint joy still flashed deep in Shōji's eyes.

"Mm."

Seeing that Shōji remained so respectful.

Elder Genran's face also showed a trace of satisfaction.

"Then I shall not disturb you any longer, Elder. Please excuse me."

With his first objective achieved, Shōji naturally had no reason to linger at Elder Genran's home. Besides, Shisui clearly had important business with Elder Genran, so it was not appropriate for him to stay. He directly voiced his farewell.

"Mm."

At Elder Genran's dismissive wave, Shōji bowed slightly once more before turning and leaving Elder Genran's home. Yet as Shōji departed, he failed to notice the faintly indescribable look in Shisui's eyes as he watched his retreating back.

What exactly was this strange emotion welling up from the depths of his heart?

Even Shisui could not say.

He only had an intuition telling him that this "cousin" of his seemed to have undergone some sort of qualitative change from before.

As for the clan's current situation.

Shisui could not tell whether this change was good or bad.

But one thing was certain.

Shōji had left a deep impression on Shisui.

The departing Shōji did not know that his genius "cousin" had already taken notice of him. After leaving Elder Genran's home, he did not return directly to his own house. Instead, he followed the main road through the clan compound toward its front gate. He had been in this world for several days now.

Shōji wanted to take a proper look around Konoha.

"Oh, Shōji, I heard you fainted from overtraining a few days ago? How are you recovering?"

"Mm, I'm completely fine now, Aunt Rinko."

"Shōji, that Satoru fellow said you passed out once. You look to be in pretty good health now, though?"

"Yes, Uncle Ōki!"

"Being diligent is a good thing, but you must also take care of your body, Shōji. You're still young, after all."

"Mm! I'll be careful, Grandpa Huo Yan!"

"Oh? Isn't this Shōji?"

"Long time no see!"

"Big Brother Shōji!"

"Shouji-nii!"

"Shōji, come visit when you have time. The boys at home have all been thinking about you!"

"Yes, I'll definitely come by when I have time!"

Along the way, Shōji greeted each of the clansmen with a gentle smile. Like Shisui, "Uchiha Shōji" had always been someone well-liked within the clan. Especially in the past few years, he had been very willing to play with the younger boys and girls of the family. Among the younger generation, Shōji had possessed the highest "charm stat."

With the memories fully merged, these emotions had also been inherited by him completely. Though it felt as if Liu Heng's personality served as the dominant one, in truth, the two were more evenly balanced. The emotional legacy of Shōji's identity was likewise deeply influencing him!

That was why.

His obsession with saving the clan ran so deep.

After all, if he had inherited none of the original owner's emotions or memories.

Shōji might very well have chosen to flee alone. In most circumstances, people did not care whether strangers lived or died, much less sacrifice everything—or even their own lives—for strangers.

Therefore, the more he came into contact with these clansmen.

The more intense and profound the emotions deep within Shōji's heart became.

Seeing the smiles blooming on each of their faces.

And thinking of his three closest family members at home—Grandma Chihaya, Little Yang, and Little Saki.

I must do everything in my power to save the clan. No matter the cost, even if I have to make a deal with the devil!

As Shōji stepped out through the front gate of the Uchiha Clan compound, he took one deep look at the warm scene within the clan grounds and silently hardened his resolve.

Leaving the area around the clan compound.

Shōji casually strolled toward Konoha's most prosperous district. Before the clan compound had been relocated again, the Uchiha Clan's territory had been closest to Konoha's core and busiest areas. He only needed to cross two streets to reach Konoha's liveliest commercial district.

Along the way.

He encountered many ordinary Konoha residents.

When these people saw his standard shinobi attire, and especially the Uchiha Gunbai emblems on both shoulders, they showed nothing more than respect and awe.

The Uchiha Clan did not have a particularly bad reputation among Konoha's citizens.

At the very least, that was how it seemed from Shōji's current firsthand impression.