NoviceAuthor
patreon
[NTU] [ARC-05-CHUNIN] Chapter : 64
🕑 Added 2024-06-05 17:37:41 +0000 UTCIn the territory of the Land of Fire, near the Cat Village, a huge figure flew low over the ground. As the massive gust of dust dissipated, a small figure, Toshiro, landed steadily on the ground after releasing the summoning technique. He couldn't help but marvel at the advantages of air travel. The journey to the Forgotten island, which took nearly four days by land and sea, had been reduced to less than half a day by riding the large bird.
Toshiro collected the items Fugaku had requested from Neko-baasama and set off for home with a full backpack. He decided to travel the rest of the way on foot to remain inconspicuous, as the journey was not far. Hurrying along, he reached Konoha before sunset and promptly knocked on the door of Uchiha Fugaku's office.
When Uchiha Fugaku saw him, he was shocked by how much Toshiro had changed in just a month. He was now tanned, with a face roughened by the sea breeze, though his mental state seemed good. Otherwise, Fugaku might have suspected he'd been on a special mission in the Land of Wind's deserts.
"Fugaku-senpai, there's something I need to report to you," Toshiro said after handing over the supplies. He hesitated, but then decided to share his findings.
"Oh! Is there something else? Did you have an unexpected adventure while looking for the summoning beast?" Fugaku asked with amusement. Although he had allowed Toshiro to search for a summoning beast, it was more for his uncle's sake. Typically, finding a good summoning beast is challenging, especially for the Uchiha clan, which had no access to the contracts of the three holy places.
"I discovered a very strange place with many giant summoning beasts," Toshiro said, emphasizing the word "giant." After careful consideration, he decided to inform the clan about Forgotten Island. Knowing it would be discovered eventually and its resources would be used in future wars, he felt it was better to reap the benefits for his clan now, especially since they had cared for him and not sent him to the battlefield immediately.
"Giant summoning beasts?" Fugaku was intrigued. Generally, a summoning beast four or five meters tall was considered large. How big was the 'giant' that Toshiro mentioned? Without further ado, Toshiro activated his Sharingan and cast an illusion on Fugaku, a special technique used among Uchiha to communicate information directly.
Seeing the images presented by Toshiro, Fugaku was impressed. If the island were as Toshiro described, it could significantly benefit the village and the clan. "If this is true, Toshiro, what are your thoughts?" Fugaku asked, curious about Toshiro's perspective.
Caught off guard, Toshiro quickly composed himself and answered, "As I understand it, due to the 'Sharingan,' our clan's ninjas often face multiple opponents. Having these summoned beasts would provide additional means to handle such situations, reducing casualties among clan members."
Toshiro's reasoning resonated with Fugaku. The Uchiha clan's reputation often led to them being targeted by multiple opponents, and having these summoned beasts could indeed provide an advantage.
"Your idea is very good," Fugaku said. "I remember you having an interest in ninjutsu and secret techniques. I'll arrange for you to access the secret room tomorrow to find some jutsu scrolls that interest you."
I didn't expect this.
I had a fleeting thought to report my discovery to the family, and it has brought such significant benefits!
Should I choose the Fire Style Secret Scroll or the Genjutsu Secret Scroll tomorrow? Maybe it would be good to select some information about sealing techniques and curse seals.
Toshiro soaked in the hot spring, letting his mind wander. After saying goodbye to Fugaku, he headed straight to the hot springs. After a month at sea, he was exhausted and needed to relax.
After finishing his business, he indulged in a soothing hot spring bath to reward himself and ease his nerves. He picked up a cold drink from the floating tray beside him and drank it all, relishing the coolness and the heat of the spring washing over him.
This is life, he thought.
He decided he would continue to rely on his clan. The will of fire was not his concern. Trusting his clan seemed more reliable, especially considering the treasures in the secret room that he had coveted for so long.
The next morning, Toshiro got up early, finished his housework, and walked into the streets of Konoha to buy supplies he might need.
As he walked, he noticed the streets seemed much more somber than before the war. Toshiro realized that war, no matter where, affected every aspect of life.
Prices for essentials like food and meat have nearly doubled since the war began. Housewives had to budget carefully, making business tougher for merchants.
While walking, he saw a familiar scene. Outside a ramen restaurant, a long line was waiting. The sign read, "Ichiraku Ramen." He didn't expect the famous "Ichiraku" to have opened during these times.
Seeing the sign advertising "New store opening, half-price discount," and having not eaten breakfast yet, he decided to try it and see if it lived up to its reputation.
"Hey! Isn't it Gai, Shizune, and Asuma? How's the taste of this new place?" He called out to a few ninjas he recognized.
"Toshiro-senpai!" they greeted him eagerly.
Since the battle in the forest of death, Toshiro's name had spread among these kids, earning him many admirers.
"The food here is pretty good! Definitely worth trying," one said.
"Yes! Yes! Not only is it delicious, but it's also affordable! Especially their beef ramen—I'm drooling just thinking about it," another chimed in.
"Nonsense! The best ramen here is definitely the seafood ramen," another argued.
The kids began to bicker over their favorite flavors.
Toshiro watched them with amusement. These kids, carefree now, would soon graduate early, and most would become casualties of this war...except, perhaps, Asuma.
"It's just ordinary ramen. You're exaggerating," a lazy voice interrupted.
Everyone turned to see Kakashi emerge from the crowd, expressing his opinion. Kakashi seemed much more normal now compared to the time shortly after his father's death. Back then, he was distant and cold, but time had softened him.
Ignoring his former classmates, Kakashi nodded to Toshiro and prepared to try the new ramen restaurant.
Although he was more cheerful now, he still had a cool demeanor.
Since the last Chunin Exam, Kakashi has occasionally sought out Toshiro to practice swordsmanship. After a few visits, they had become nodding acquaintances.
"Well! You came at the right time. Don't you raise some summoning beasts? I have some issues with mine and need your help," Toshiro said, his eyes lighting up. He was struggling with how to raise his big bird.
Kakashi, the perfect unprofessional talent, had appeared just in time.
While other aspects of summoning were straightforward, teaching the beast to speak and communicate was challenging. A non-communicative, unintelligent summoned beast had limited use. He couldn't rely on casting genjutsu on it every time it appeared—if something went wrong at a critical moment, it could be disastrous.
Just as he was about to discuss this further with Kakashi, a voice interrupted.
"Kakashi! There is a mission!"
The voice, sounding like a spring breeze, came from behind them, disrupting their conversation. Three figures in special combat uniforms appeared silently, led by the striking blond, Minato Namikaze, accompanied by Aburame Shibi and Akimichi Choza.
'Is it time for the Rouran mission to start?'
'Yeah! It should be the time!'
During this mission, Minato would meet his future son. But...Toshiro wondered if his own actions had altered the future.
Nodding to Toshiro as a farewell, Kakashi ran toward Minato, ignoring his former classmates.
Minato smiled at them warmly before disappearing with his companions.
"What! Kakashi~" the younger ninjas grumbled, dissatisfied with being ignored.
If Kakashi hadn't disappeared, they would have argued with him...
Ignoring their complaints, Toshiro's thoughts drifted to Kakashi's mission.
In Toshiro's view, the Third Hokage's decision to send Minato to the Land of Wind during this wartime period was quite strategic, albeit with underlying motives.
Rouran, blessed with the "dragon vein," is the wealthiest part of the Land of Wind, second only to it's capital. However, due to Minato's seal, it will become a barren wasteland. The people of Rouran will scatter, losing the vital water source provided by the dragon vein.
This level of destruction, to Toshiro, was even more impactful than battlefield deaths. Yet he felt detached from these events that did not directly concern him. Since successfully mastering Sage Mode, the dragon vein's power no longer interests him. Initially, if he hadn't succeeded in mastering Sage Mode, he had considered using the dragon vein's power to enhance his strength. But now, the dragon vein's fate was irrelevant to him. He might visit Rouran after the war if his clan is safe.
"Excuse me, sir, what flavor of ramen would you like?"
Toshiro's turn to order arrived quickly.
Facing the young and energetic Uncle Ichiraku, he couldn't help but compare him to the middle-aged, portly chef depicted in the series. Time is indeed a relentless force.
"Thank you! I'll have a large bowl of pork bone ramen," he said, placing his order and paying before waiting. He observed the boss, noting that Uncle Ichiraku was still under 30 and far from his future self.
Some say this is the safest place in Konoha, and Uncle Ichiraku himself is the "Six Paths Sage" hiding in Konoha, he mused. Probably nonsense...
Shaking off these thoughts, Toshiro took a pair of chopsticks from the tray and began to taste the "Ichiraku Ramen" beloved by Naruto.
Hmm! The taste is indeed excellent...
After finishing his bowl, he thought, I can come here for breakfast daily after my morning training.
