Fallen Leaves Return to Their Roots

A handsome young man practiced swordsmanship in a bamboo grove. An old man lay in a rocking chair and said, "That's enough. From now on, you only need to train in swordsmanship for four hours a day. The rest of your time is yours to do with as you please. Decide for yourself what you want to learn." With that, the old man rose to leave.

Uchiha Yo hurried over, supporting the old man with one hand while holding his arm with the other. "Grandpa, are you going fishing today?" The old man smiled at his young grandson. "What else would I do if not fish? I don't have many days left. It's my only hobby. Fishing is good. It calms the mind."

Grandpa's health had worsened steadily over the past two years. His greatest pleasures were watching his grandson train and going fishing. Sometimes, Uchiha Yo saw his mother silently shedding tears. The old man's body seemed to be nearing its end. Uchiha Yo resolved to give his grandfather a surprise while he was still alive.

Two years had passed, and Uchiha Yo was already twelve. His swordsmanship had reached the point where he could put up a lively fight against his father even when his father went easy on him. Recently, that handsome uncle kept making mistakes, as though he wanted the old man to scold him more. Every day, Mother prepared lavish meals, all of them Grandpa's favorites. Each time, the old man praised his daughter's cooking for being just like Grandma's, then began criticizing that handsome uncle again, saying he had shamelessly gotten a bargain. His skills were so poor that in another two years, he would not even be able to beat his own young grandson. Yet he only ate a little. Every time the old man went out, Mother would stare blankly at his bowl.

Uchiha Yo felt time growing increasingly short. He decided to develop the Rasengan first. He traded the villagers for quite a few water balloons and rubber balls, and after three days, he had reached the final stage.

He had finally completed it. Uchiha Yo was thrilled and rushed down the mountain at top speed. In the blink of an eye, he arrived at the residence at the foot of the mountain. He pushed Grandpa out of the house, called over that handsome uncle and Mother, and began demonstrating the ninjutsu he had newly developed—the hand-signless ninjutsu, Rasengan. He then explained the Rasengan's essence and principles. He gathered Chakra in his hand, made it flow continuously in different directions, and compressed it, forming a spinning, condensed "Chakra sphere." Then he slammed it into the ground. With a bang, the result was gratifying.

A glimmer of light appeared in the old man's eyes, which had barely been able to open. A smile touched his lips. Judging by the shape of his mouth, he seemed to be praising him. He even glanced sideways at that handsome uncle, as if to say, See? I taught him. He's far better than you, you useless fool. Mother's eyes glistened with tears, seemingly proud, but even more sorrowful. The old man's body had deteriorated to the point where he could not even stand or speak.

Only then did Mother understand that avoiding schemes and having Xiao Yo come here for his personal instruction had merely been secondary. The old man simply wanted to spend his final days with his family.

That day finally came. The old man had Mother call everyone inside. First, he tremulously touched his grandson's face, then smiled in satisfaction. He gestured for Mother to come closer and, as if using the last of his strength, instructed her, "Don't blame me, and don't hate the clan. When you sit in that position, you must consider the interests of the entire clan. Live well. My young grandson is a fine boy. Help him find a good girl. Your husband is useless, but his heart is good. With him protecting you, I can rest easy. I want to return to the clan grounds. Cremate me and take me back. I miss your mother. I want to be with her. Live well..."

The old man's farewell was simple. A few samurai came, along with the villagers from the small village. At the old man's request, Mother personally lit the torch, yet she could not bring herself to set him alight. That handsome uncle stepped forward, wrapped an arm around his wife, took the torch from her, and tossed it into the pyre. Mother broke into sobs. That handsome uncle comforted his wife as he watched the blazing flames.

Uchiha Yo gazed at the fire before him, his heart filled with longing for the old man. It was time to go home. He wondered how Konoha was doing...