Battle 2

Having lived in the Uchiha Clan Grounds for so long, I had always been surrounded by the warmth and care of my clan, as though I were sheltered in a peaceful, beautiful haven. Yet I also knew well that the ninja world was not always so bright; darkness and danger lurked in every corner.

For a long time, my clan had protected me with utmost care, and I had never truly seen the dark side of this world. But as my strength grew and my mind matured, I longed to leave this safe comfort zone and face those unknown challenges and trials.

After countless sparring matches and personal training sessions, I gradually established where my strength stood—the peak of chunin. Although I could not confront jonin-level experts head-on, I was confident enough that I could preserve my life and escape at critical moments.

All of this was thanks to my previous research into the Golden Core Path. I had studied this ancient cultivation method in depth, attempting to combine it with a ninja's chakra training. After much effort, I finally found a way to convert chakra into liquid form.

This transformation made my chakra purer and more condensed. It not only increased the power of my ninjutsu, but also strengthened my control over my body.

Still, I knew that my current rank in strength was only a marker for this stage. The road to becoming truly strong was still long. Jonin-level experts possessed deeper strength and richer experience. I still needed to keep training and learning before I could gradually approach their level.

Even at the peak of chunin, I still seemed so weak on the battlefield of the Second Shinobi War. I was only nine years old. Though I possessed considerable talent and potential, I still felt inadequate when facing enemies hardened by countless battles.

Yet I knew that only through the tempering of real combat could I grow faster. So I began taking on small missions, gradually adapting to the battlefield's environment and rhythm. Every mission was a test and a lesson. I drew experience from them and improved my strength.

Though I was only nine years old, I already possessed unwavering conviction and determination.

As part of the Uchiha Clan's new generation, it was time for me to spill blood. Today, I received a C-rank mission—eliminate bandits. It was a small disturbance that had broken out near the Uchiha Clan Grounds.

Taking advantage of the chaos of war, the bandits had caused trouble in the forests near the Uchiha Clan Grounds. Not only did they rob passing merchants and travelers, they also frequently harassed the clan's people. Although the clan elders were more than capable of suppressing these bandits, they were busy with clan affairs and preparations for war, leaving them with no time to deal with such minor disturbances. Thus, this mission was handed to younger members like me.

I organized my equipment, slung the clan's specially made ninja tools over my back, and set out for the forest. Along the way, I felt the peace and tranquility of the clan grounds, and my resolve to protect this place grew even firmer.

Before long, I arrived in the forest where the bandits were hiding. The trees were dense and the mountain paths rugged, making it difficult to find any trace of them. I moved forward cautiously, remaining vigilant at all times.

Suddenly, a burst of noisy commotion came from nearby. I immediately hid in the bushes beside me and observed the situation. Several bandits were gathered around a looted carriage, doing as they pleased.

Taking advantage of their lack of vigilance, I launched my attack without delay. My figure darted through the woods, and the kunai in my hand sliced through the air like lightning as they flew straight toward the bandits. Under my precise strikes, several bandits quickly fell to the ground.

Seeing that the situation had turned against them, the remaining bandits tried to flee. But how could I let them go? I chased after them and activated my Blood Wheel Eye. All the bandits suddenly froze. I began cutting them down one by one with the blade in my hand, then finished off every bandit struck by a kunai. I firmly believed that there was no room for mercy on the battlefield.

I successfully killed all the bandits causing trouble and brought their heads back to the clan grounds.

When I returned home, I vomited badly. I knew this was something every ninja had to go through.