Cultivation!

Within the Uchiha clan compound in Konoha.

Uchiha Fugaku had just returned home after being discharged from the hospital, having suffered a crushing defeat in his battle against Liuxia a few days prior. Upon arriving home, he immediately reported the detailed process of the fight to his father, the current head of the Uchiha clan.

"Even without using your Sharingan, you were unable to best that Senju brat named Liuxia in Uchiha Shuriken Jutsu?" His father's voice carried a hint of surprise and concern.

Uchiha Fugaku nodded, a grave expression on his face: "Yes, Father. His Uchiha Shuriken Jutsu is in no way inferior to mine. In fact, even now, I do not understand when he broke free from my restraints, or when he used a clone technique to conceal his true self!"

His father furrowed his brows, and after a moment of contemplation, he said: "It seems the Senju clan has produced another genius like Tobirama. The relationship between our Uchiha clan and the village is already strained; if the Senju line continues to control Konoha, then there will eventually be no place for our Uchiha clan in this village!"

Uchiha Fugaku took a deep breath, knowing his father's words were true. The current situation was becoming increasingly unfavorable for their clan, and they had to find a way to respond.

"Father, during this battle, I also discovered something very strange, and it was precisely this that led to my miserable defeat."

"Oh?"

"During the fight, I used the clan's hereditary genjutsu via my Sharingan. It was the Sharingan, yet strangely, even though he made direct eye contact with me, it seemed the genjutsu had absolutely no effect on him!"

Just then, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed from outside the door. An Uchiha clansman announced: "Clan Head, the Great Elder and the others have heard that the young clan head has returned, and they are demanding an emergency clan meeting!"

His father's eyes turned cold: "So they have come, have they? These Hawks truly smelled blood and arrived."

Uchiha Fugaku clenched his fists, a surge of boundless humiliation rising in his heart. He knew this was all because he had lost to Liuxia, giving the Hawks—led by the Great Elder, who had long been insubordinate to his father—an excuse to pressure him!

A flicker of resentment flashed in Uchiha Fugaku's eyes; he could not accept that he had been defeated by a young ninja from the Senju clan. He understood that this loss was not merely a personal disgrace, but a crisis for the entire Uchiha clan. His father, the current head of the Uchiha clan, also wore an exceptionally stern expression. He knew that if he did not handle the situation well, it would inevitably lead to internal turmoil. The madmen of the Hawks taking power would only destroy the Uchiha clan, and he! Would never allow it!

At that moment, the Uchiha clansman outside the door brought further news: "Clan Head, the Great Elder and the others have already gathered in the Council Chamber, waiting for your attendance."

The Clan Head stood up, straightened his attire, and said to Fugaku: "Let us go. We shall meet them. Regardless of the cost, the glory of our Uchiha clan must not be lost on our watch."

Uchiha Fugaku and the Clan Head stepped into the Council Chamber, where the tension in the air was thick enough to be cut with a blade. The Doves and the Clan Head's supporters looked slightly nervous, knowing this was another power play by the Hawks, and this time, they were at a natural disadvantage. The faces of the Hawks, led by the Great Elder, were filled with dissatisfaction and skepticism, their gazes like sharp swords pointed directly at Fugaku and the Clan Head.

The Great Elder's voice echoed through the Council Chamber, his words dripping with accusation and challenge: "Clan Head, the glory and strength of our Uchiha clan are beyond question. But Fugaku's failure is undoubtedly a severe blow to our clan's prestige. We must take immediate action to restore our standing."

Facing the Great Elder's accusations, the Clan Head did not show any panic; his voice remained calm and firm: "Great Elder, I understand your concerns. But we must remain calm and not make impulsive decisions because of a momentary setback. We need a long-term plan to ensure the glory and status of our clan."

Fugaku stood to the side, his eyes revealing firmness and resolve. He knew he could not let a single defeat affect the future of the entire clan. He took a deep breath and spoke up: "Great Elder, I admit that I was defeated in the battle against Liuxia; that is my personal disgrace. But next time, I will reclaim the glory of the Uchiha myself!"

While the Uchiha clan was mired in a crisis of his own making, on the outskirts of Konoha, on a vast training ground, the shadows of Liuxia and Nawaki stretched long under the setting sun. The surrounding trees swayed gently in the breeze, rustling as if cheering for their training. The ninja tools and craters scattered across the ground bore witness to their relentless effort and sweat.

The Third Hokage had already notified the two about the team arrangements for the Chunin Exams. Liuxia would participate as a one-man team, as such overwhelming dominance would be more effective. Nawaki, meanwhile, would form a temporary squad with Uchiha Yan and Hyuga Suzuran to take the exam.

Liuxia guided Nawaki through various ninjutsu drills, from basic taijutsu to complex techniques, demanding precision in every movement. Although Nawaki was still young, his talent and potential were certainly not low; had he not lost his life so prematurely, he could have at least become an elite Jonin.

"Nawaki, the first stage of the Chunin Exams will likely test theoretical knowledge—it might very well be a written test, so don't forget to review!"

"Though I am not fond of studying! But a mere Chunin Exam will be no problem for me!" Nawaki began his usual posturing, though it wasn't particularly cool.

Liuxia smiled slightly, knowing Nawaki's personality as well as his strengths and weaknesses. "But I have a feeling the written test will be an assessment of intelligence gathering. After all, for a Chunin, the ability to gather information is far more important than theoretical knowledge," Liuxia continued. Nawaki was far too careless in this regard; otherwise, he wouldn't have been so reckless as to walk into someone else's trap during the war.

Nawaki nodded. Though he was simple and honest, he understood that Liuxia had his best interests at heart. Thus, he began to carefully ponder Liuxia's words, realizing deeply that only by being fully prepared in every aspect could he achieve excellent results in the Chunin Exams.

Liuxia continued to patiently guide Nawaki, and they began to simulate various intelligence-gathering scenarios. Liuxia demanded that Nawaki attempt to obtain the required information under his strict surveillance; if he failed, it would lead perfectly into another important part of the Chunin Exam training—live combat practice (a brutal beating).

To avoid the agony of being beaten, Nawaki gave his all to learn and master the techniques of intelligence work. Yet, even so, he was inevitably caught by Liuxia over a dozen times on the spot, followed naturally by a dozen rounds of inhumane, high-intensity special training.

"Xiao Xia, I've told you before not to play with my sister so much! Look at you now, you're the spitting image of her! You have no sense of restraint when you strike, ouch... that hurts like hell..." Having completely forgotten his unique trait of always being caught by the person he was bad-mouthing behind their back, Nawaki once again embarked on that path of no return.

"Nawaki!!"