The air in the Konoha Military Police Force's underground training ground was heavy with the damp scent of earth.
Two wooden chairs stood in the middle of the grounds.
Uchiha Inabi and Uchiha Tekka were bound to them with thick hemp ropes.
Several Calming Seals were stuck to their heads.
Chikage sat opposite them in a Grand Master's Chair, holding a warm cup of Goji Berry Tea.
Fugaku stood beside Chikage with his hands clasped behind his back.
Yashiro stood with his arms crossed, a mocking smirk on his lips as he watched the show.
Itachi, only eight years old, sat upright on a small stool in the corner, notebook in hand, ready to record practical case studies.
"Deputy Captain, do we really have to do a second round?"
Inabi swallowed, his voice trembling.
"My head still aches from what happened at Sunset Gorge."
Chikage set down the teacup, expression turning serious.
"How are you supposed to graduate without a second round?"
"Look at Captain Yashiro. He unlocked Susanoo on the spot."
"This morning on the main road, that slash of his scared Danzo into wetting his pants."
Yashiro puffed out his chest, his face brimming with pride.
Chikage pointed at Itachi, who sat quietly in the corner.
"Now look at Itachi. He's only eight this year."
"He took a stroll by the Naka River and awakened his Mangekyō just like that."
"And what about you two?"
"Two grown men pushing thirty, both carrying the title of Special Jōnin."
"You watched a genjutsu movie in a carriage, and your eyes rolled back as you passed out!"
"You might not be embarrassed, but the Konoha Military Police Force certainly is!"
Inabi and Tekka hung their heads, unable to offer a single word in their defense.
Fugaku sighed beside them.
"Chikage, the