Fugaku's Heartache, Setsuna's Envy
Just as the two were whispering tenderly, two steady footsteps slowly drifted down the mountain path, breaking the tranquility of the mountains.
Uchiha Fugaku and Uchiha Setsuna walked side by side, both dressed in neat Uchiha Clan Uniform, exuding composure and the solemnity of high-ranking members of the clan.
Seeing this Natsu Yin nodded slightly, her tone calm and polite. "Uncle, Elder Setsuna, is there anything I can help you with?"
Fugaku subconsciously turned his head, his gaze fixed on the smoke-filled Training Ground below, his eyes fixed on the figure of the wounded, blood-stained boy.
As a father, his heart was already in turmoil, his eyes brimming with unconcealed heartache, and his eyes twitched slightly uncontrollably.
He could clearly see that Sasuke's arms, chest, shoulders and back were covered with wounds of varying depths, with tiny beads of blood constantly seeping out, sliding down his skin, and staining his dark-colored outfit, turning his clothes a deep, dark red.
Each time he was blasted away by the clone's attack, the boy's body would slam heavily onto the hard ground, kicking up dust and making people's hearts ache.
Despite feeling sorry for him, Fugaku was perfectly clear-headed.
Natsu's strictness towards Sasuke was never harsh criticism, but rather an extreme form of favoritism and high regard.
Others may not know, but he knows perfectly well how much effort Natsu Sasuke's growth that is beyond the imagination of ordinary people.
He personally planned Sasuke's training program month by month and year by year, detailing it down to daily physical training, Ninjutsu practice, combat, and mental discipline, never being perfunctory in the slightest.
In order to hone Sasuke's combat experience and accurately control the timing of Ninjutsu release and the rhythm of offense and defense, Natsu even interrupted Izuna Uchiha was immersed in scientific research experiments, several times.
This top-tier expert, skilled in extreme assassination and precise technique control, was pulled out of the laboratory to train Sasuke, correct his mistakes, and refine the details.
Moreover, in order to ensure that Sasuke's body could withstand the extreme and grueling training without damaging his Origin or leaving any hidden injuries, Natsu repeatedly forced Vallen and Caesar Clown to take a break when they finally had some rest time.
Two of the clan's top physicians and pharmacists were assigned to Sasuke to treat his body, check for potential problems, and prepare exclusive nourishing and restorative medicines to comprehensively support his physical foundation.
This nurturing effort, which involved pouring all its resources, connections, and energy into the child, deeply impressed even Fugaku, the father.
He knew that Natsu's expectations for Sasuke far exceeded those of his own biological father.
Sasuke never failed to live up to this heavy favor and strictness.
At the young age of thirteen, he already possessed formidable combat strength comparable to that of a full-fledged member of the Night Owl Guard, and his cultivation was advancing by leaps and bounds.
No one in his clan of the same age could match him. Even seniors two years older and seasoned elites of the clan were mostly no match for him. Even ordinary members of the Night Owl Guard might not be able to gain the upper hand in a fight against him.
Uchiha Setsuna watched the young man fighting fiercely in the arena, his eyes filled with deep envy, and he sighed inwardly.
How he wished that his grandson could also receive the same one-on-one training and polishing that Natsu devoted himself to! Unfortunately, such a top-notch exclusive training opportunity was enjoyed by only Sasuke in the entire Uchiha Clan. Others could only sigh in envy.
After a brief silence, he Setsuna composed himself, stepped forward, his expression becoming solemn and serious, and reported in a deep voice, "Natsu Yin, the situation in the New World has been turbulent recently."
Yashiro Chunwu and his forces had previously engaged in a large-scale battle with the Blackbeard Pirates, the Flying Pirates, and other powerful forces in the New World. The battle affected a wide area and even attracted the intervention of the Marine Headquarters and the World Government.
This matter involves multiple top-level forces and has a significant impact. After careful consideration by Lord Fugaku and me, we believe the situation is of utmost importance and we leave the decision on the next steps to you."
Upon Natsu Yin's dark eyes narrowed slightly. She lightly touched her chin with her fingertips, lowered her head, pondered for a moment, and then asked in a low voice, "Hasn't Senior Ban returned yet?"
Fugaku immediately nodded in agreement. "Senior Madara has set off for the East Blue, which is said to be the most peaceful and stable area in this sea. He intends to travel around and has not yet returned."
Natsu's gaze turned slightly cold as her thoughts raced. After a moment, she calmly instructed, "Contact Den Den Mushi. Tell him to take some time off to visit the New Marine Headquarters and give Sengoku and the Sengoku a good warning. Tell them not to push their luck, to behave themselves, and to stay out of the mess in the New World and avoid provoking the wrong forces."
As soon as he finished speaking, Fugaku's lips twitched violently. He secretly clicked his tongue in amazement. Only Natsu would dare to speak so bluntly and forcefully to put pressure on Fleet Admiral Sengoku.
Upon hearing Uchiha Setsuna's eyes instantly ignited with intense excitement, his entire body radiating a boiling passion, eagerly anticipating Madara-senpai's intervention to intimidate all forces.
Just Setsuna their conversation ended, a deafening roar suddenly came from the Training Ground below!
Boom--!!!
A violent roar swept through the entire valley, the earth trembled violently, the barrier light curtain fluctuated wildly, and the once clear sky was swallowed up by darkness at a visible speed.
Countless thick, dark clouds surged in from all directions, not simply piling up high in the sky, but as if being forcibly pressed down by an invisible giant hand. Twisted Chakra halos appeared at the edges of the clouds, as if the entire sky was being pulled, folded, and collapsed by some terrifying force.
"The world is about to change..." Fugaku frowned.
Before the words were even finished, a low, continuous rumble of thunder came from within the clouds.
That wasn't ordinary thunder before a downpour, but a muffled rumble rolling from the deepest depths, like a war drum, or the heartbeat of some awakening behemoth, pounding against one's eardrums, sending shivers down one's spine.
As the clouds lowered and the light rapidly dimmed, the entire Training Ground seemed to be dragged into the last moments before dusk, but there was no warmth, only the biting pressure of thunder constantly descending.
The barrier's light curtain fluctuated violently, and fine arcs of electricity cracked across the pale blue surface of the barrier, clearly indicating that even the Sealing Barrier was under the pressure of the heaven and earth's thunderous energy.
The gravel on the ground began to tremble slightly, and some fine dust particles were slowly suspended in the lightning pressure. The air in the center of the Training Ground was ionized, emitting a fine and sharp hissing sound.
Below on the battlefield, two figures continued their frantic clash.
At this moment, Sasuke was in an extremely disheveled state.
His clothes were torn in multiple places by the blade and Ninjutsu, and blood kept sliding down his arms, shoulders, back, and neck. Every breath brought excruciating pain to his wounds.
But he didn't stop, nor did he retreat. Every time he was knocked down by the clone, he would quickly get up by supporting himself with his hands on the ground. His knees were scraped and bleeding in the mud and gravel, but he seemed oblivious. His crimson Three Tomoe pendant remained firmly locked on the cold, approaching figure in front of him.