Shin Uchiha had just finished a cup of sake with the Elder and was chewing on a fried fish. At the Elder's words, he slowed his chewing and said somewhat indistinctly:
"Something held me up, but it's taken care of now. I can start training the clan members selected this time tomorrow morning."
The Elder gave Shin Uchiha a meaningful look, then abruptly changed the subject. "Fugaku's wife is due soon, isn't she?"
Shin Uchiha's heart jolted at the Elder's words, and he nodded in a slight fluster:
"She should be, I think. I'm not too sure myself."
The Elder took a sip of sake and said unhurriedly, "You're Little Sasuke's teacher, which practically makes you part of his family. You should show some concern for the mother and her children. No one will say anything."
Shin Uchiha knew from the Elder's words that he had picked up on something. He said nothing, merely nodding in agreement.
The Elder nodded in satisfaction and said no more. Dawn was not far off anyway, so he kept Shin Uchiha company and drank with him until daybreak.
At the first light of dawn, the Elder sent word for the newly selected clan members to gather so Shin Uchiha could carry out their overdue training.
This training had not been in place for long, and there were not many participants. Including this latest group, there were only a dozen or so,
but the people Shin Uchiha trained were all talented young clan members with considerable potential. Under his month-long guidance within his illusion realm, they had made great strides, strengthening their strong points and shoring up their weaknesses. All of them had improved immensely.
This was only possible because Shin Uchiha possessed the eternal Mangekyō Sharingan, and the system's assistance kept the cost of