On the outskirts of Konoha, at the Chiba Estate.
Yes, this so-called Chiba Estate was the stretch of forest where Tetsuya and Izuna had often sparred and fished.
Through the power of money, the area had been fenced off and turned into Chiba Tetsuya's private Manor.
Although he was still only a merchant, the nobles of the Land of Fire had already extended goodwill, hoping to welcome Tetsuya into their ranks.
The reason was simple: they absolutely loved the novel things Tetsuya had come up with.
All sorts of food, drink, and luxuries had become standard fare among the nobility. They had always been wealthy and powerful, but there had only been so many things for them to eat, drink, and enjoy.
But after Tetsuya arrived in the Capital City, everything changed.
On top of that, Tetsuya understood the give-and-take of social relations and possessed immense wealth. Though he was not yet a noble, he already had a place in their circles.
It was only a matter of selling off a stretch of useless forest. It wasn't as though Tetsuya wasn't paying for it.
In a level clearing, Yahiko, Nagato, and Konan stood side by side.
They had changed out of their old clothes into outfits for ninja training, and Izuna stood before them.
"Listen carefully, all three of you. Now that you're my students, I'll train you according to the strict standards of our Uchiha Clan and help you become outstanding ninja. But the process may be extremely demanding. Are you mentally prepared?"
"We're ready!" all three replied.
They answered in unison. They had waited far too long for this moment.
They yearned to grow stronger, to gain power, to change their backward country and this cruel Shinobi World.
Today, they would take their first step and learn how