The spy-tracking squad disbands

"Clan leader, please allow me to disband the squad."

Ever since the battle in the valley, a trace of unease had lingered in Shisui's heart.

As the Uchiha Clan's acknowledged greatest prodigy, he had displayed extraordinary talent from childhood and risen to Jonin at a young age.

That honor had once convinced him that he was the strongest of his generation.

However, the battle in the valley had utterly shattered his arrogance.

Only now did he understand that there were so many people in the shinobi world far stronger than he was.

Even an unknown Kumogakure spy had surpassed him in strength.

What shocked him even more was that Minato Namikaze had killed three spies in an instant.

Shisui had once taken pride in the Phantom Body Flicker Technique he had created, believing it represented the pinnacle of speed.

But after witnessing Minato in action, he finally realized what a true Body Flicker Technique was.

That terrifying strength, capable of cutting down three Chunin in a flash, was far beyond his current reach.

Thus, he decided to resign from the Konoha Military Police Force and hone himself on the battlefield.

During the days Yūto spent in the hospital, Kumogakure had already begun engaging in small-scale clashes with Konoha along the border.

Fugaku had also read the report on the battle in the valley. He felt that it was not entirely Shisui's fault; the clan's shortage of manpower was also one of the reasons Yūto had been wounded.

Still, he could understand Shisui's thoughts. The crushing defeat in the valley had dealt him far too heavy a blow.

Had Minato not happened to pass by, all three of them would probably have died in battle.

Fugaku pondered for a moment, then nodded. "All right, I understand. Go ahead and head to the battlefield. Perhaps the Uchiha Clan will be taking to the battlefield before long as well."

"When that happens, we may need you to lead the clan's ninja out there."

After saying goodbye to Fugaku, Shisui immediately left the Konoha Military Police Force and headed to Konoha Hospital.

Watching Shisui's retreating figure through the window, Fugaku suddenly felt a little troubled.

Just how should I deal with Yūto? It seems even Shisui can't guide him.

Should I find him a teacher?

After all, he clearly isn't that strong, yet he's so reckless in battle. What Uchiha casts the Great Fireball Technique right in an enemy's face?

Meanwhile, at the Elder's home.

Tsukimi had finished tending to Yūto and returned home. The moment she arrived, her grandfather summoned her.

After hearing Tsukimi recount the entire battle in the valley, the Elder immediately frowned.

The Elder was certainly grateful that Yūto had saved his granddaughter and helped her awaken the Three-Tomoe Sharingan.

But that Yūto...

He was far too reckless.

So reckless that he seemed less like an Uchiha born in Konoha and more like one from the Warring States Period.

No, he was even crazier than the ninja of the Warring States Period. Back then, ordinary ninja would never have fought like Yūto. Only after countless brushes with death would they throw their lives on the line the way he did.

"Is that boy an idiot?"

The Elder could not help muttering.

Tsukimi immediately nodded in agreement. "Exactly. I think he's an idiot too."

However, the two of them clearly meant different things by "idiot."

After thinking for a long time, the Elder still felt he could not give up on Yūto just like that. A member of the Hawk Faction hidden among the Dove Faction was simply too rare.

From his granddaughter's account of the battle, he could roughly tell that Yūto's talent was probably decent. Surrounded by four spies, he had actually managed to kill one of them.

His Taijutsu was certainly good, but his ninjutsu was a little...

An Uchiha, yet all he could use was the Great Fireball Technique.

Although the Great Fireball Technique was the Uchiha's signature ninjutsu, knowing only that one was just too...

He should at least learn a few others, like Phoenix Flower Fire or something.

The Elder distinctly remembered giving Yūto a scroll for the Great Fire Annihilation Technique. Had Yūto not bothered to study it at all?

As for Yūto's lack of strength, he would take care of that himself!

Though he was getting on in years, the Elder was, after all, an Uchiha ninja who had begun fighting during the Warring States Period. His wealth of combat experience was not something today's ninja could match.

The Elder decided to come out of retirement and take Yūto as his student!

Only after Shisui arrived at the hospital was he told that Yūto had already been discharged, so he turned around and returned to the clan compound.

Yūto had just stepped out of his front door when he ran into Shisui hurrying toward him.

After hearing Shisui explain that he was leaving the squad, Yūto also felt a little regretful.

His very first attempt to capture spies had nearly gotten him killed. A few more like that, and he would definitely be able to claim the insurance payout.

Now that the squad had suddenly disbanded, Yūto really did feel a little disappointed.

But Shisui's next words got Yūto excited again.

"Yūto, you must work hard to improve your strength during this time. Kumogakure has already begun provoking us along the border. It looks like war is about to break out!"

"Although you're only a Genin right now, I've already submitted a report to the village to have your rank adjusted to Chunin."

"When the war starts, you'll definitely be called up."

Yūto did not care whether he became a Chunin or not.

What really excited him was the war starting.

What was there on a battlefield?

Ninja tools and ninjutsu flying everywhere, enemies all around, and even the chance to encounter powerful beings like tailed beasts!

In the last Shinobi World War, even Nawaki, who was a Sannin's student and younger brother, as well as the grandson of the First and Second, had died on the battlefield.

Yūto figured a small fry like himself would not even last half a month!

Once he reached the battlefield, he would definitely apply to go wherever it was most dangerous!

Whatever mission carried the greatest risk, that was the one he would choose!

He could almost see himself back on Blue Star, holding an enormous sum of compensation money after his heroic death.

A life of lavish indulgence was right before his eyes!

Seeing Yūto's sudden excitement, Shisui began to regret it. Had he known, he would never have submitted that Chunin application for Yūto.

This guy seems to be planning to risk his life on the battlefield!

Although he understood Yūto's intense desire to protect the village and his comrades, the battlefield really was not somewhere a Chunin could make a difference.

Shisui gave a light cough and changed the subject.

"By the way, Yūto, you've only just left the hospital, and you're already heading out. Is there something urgent?"

Yūto gathered his thoughts and answered casually.

"Oh, I'm going to the orphanage to see the kids. I haven't been there in a long time."

Shisui froze, clearly not having expected such an answer.

The Yūto he knew always kept to himself and was even somewhat withdrawn. He had never imagined that Yūto privately cared about the children at the orphanage.

A trace of curiosity rose in his heart. "So you go there often? I happen to be free too. Why don't we go together?"

Yūto nodded without giving it much thought.

The two walked side by side toward the orphanage. Shisui quietly studied Yūto, suddenly feeling as though he had never truly understood this fellow who was always risking his life to protect others.