A secluded training ground. Two streaks of lightning flashed rapidly. Uchiha Sasuke, dressed in his dark ANBU combat uniform, was battered and bruised, yet he didn't dare let his guard down.
"Too slow, way too slow… Without the Sharingan, are you just useless? The Sharingan is your ability, but the battlefield changes in an instant. You have no idea what kind of enemies you'll face in the future…"
"Drawing your blade isn't for show. Too many tricks—if you're pursuing ultimate speed, then your swordsmanship must focus on being the fastest…"
Under the rapid flashes of lightning, Sasuke was on the defensive, dodging continuously, while Shirou swung his blade relentlessly using only the back of the blade, his eyes closed and relying purely on perception.
"It's just a shadow clone—how can it be this fast?!"
Sasuke panted heavily as he dodged, though he couldn't avoid the occasional strike from the blade's back, leaving bruises on his body.
"This Lightning Armor is a technique I developed by referencing the Lightning Chakra Mode of the Hidden Cloud Village. It's a more difficult jutsu to master, but that doesn't mean it's inherently stronger than theirs. What makes it strong is the user! Sasuke, your talent is impressive, but it's wasted. Ninjutsu, genjutsu, taijutsu—even if you have high talent in all three, they'll only burden you. Lightning Release Taijutsu, however, combines lightning release with taijutsu. With the same amount of time spent training, it can…"
"So my requirement for you is this: your fire release is sufficient just relying on your natural talent. As for genjutsu, as a Uchiha with the Sharingan, if you need to rely on it, then your training would be a waste…"
Shirou's stern voice instructed Sasuke relentlessly. Gasping for air, Sasuke forced himself to focus and said, "I understand. I will prioritize Lightning Release Taijutsu and supplement it with the Sharingan."
After some time, Sasuke appeared as if he had been pulled out of water, panting heavily on the training ground.
It had to be said—Sasuke was a hardworking genius. Compared to Uchiha prodigies like Shisui and Itachi, Sasuke's early years were lackluster. However, with a solid foundation and no reliance on the protagonist's plot armor, at this age, Sasuke's strength was the result of steady, deliberate effort.
"Sasuke, I've already helped you remove the embedded consciousness within your special chakra. It won't affect you anymore. Now, continue training at this intensity…"
As Shirou's shadow clone dispersed, Sasuke was left alone in the training ground, still gasping for breath.
"Lightning Release Taijutsu supplemented by the Sharingan, huh…"
Sasuke shook his head silently. Until he unlocked the Mangekyou Sharingan, his current plan had to be to prioritize Lightning Release Taijutsu, with his three-tomoe Sharingan playing a supporting role.
Looking back at the original series, it's not hard to see that before gaining his power-ups, Sasuke's battles were highly tactical and focused on strategy.
"Sa… Sasuke-sama."
At that moment, a soft and hesitant voice came from the side of the training ground. Sasuke turned to see who it was, and his expression grew complicated.
"Lady Mikoto and Lady Tsunade instructed me to wait here for you every day during your training."
The visitor had long, smooth black hair. Although her appearance wasn't particularly striking, she had the kind of gentle beauty that was pleasing to look at—an image of a kind and caring kunoichi.
"Sasuke-sama, please relax. I'm using medical ninjutsu to ease your muscle fatigue…"
Hearing her soft voice, Sasuke reluctantly nodded. His eyes couldn't help but glance at the clan emblem on her arm.
Senju Clan!
If it had been anyone else, Sasuke would have outright refused. But this was an arrangement by the head of the Konoha Police Force—Uchiha Mikoto.
A soft smile, so much like the one in his memories, paired with a comment about his age and the suggestion of meeting someone for marriage… Sasuke couldn't bring himself to refuse.
Senju Rei, a medical ninja of the Senju Clan and a special jonin, was a year older than Sasuke. Her personality was similar to that of a caring older sister, with a gentle smile that reminded Sasuke of his mother.
"Rei… you don't need to call me 'Sasuke-sama.'"
Uncharacteristically, Sasuke averted his gaze. At that moment, the usually silent boy seemed lost in thought.
"And… right now, I just want to grow stronger and uncover the truth in my heart."
"Understood, Sasuke-kun."
Her soft and understanding voice filled the air as Sasuke lay back on the grass, staring blankly at the sky.
For the first time in a long time, his heart felt calm in this world. In the previous world, his heart had only known hatred.
It was as if this world was the one he had never dared to dream of.
This world felt more real!
In the warm atmosphere of the training ground, neither of them spoke. Sasuke rested until his muscles recovered, then resumed training.
Both of them understood the situation—they were mature enough at this age. Mikoto and Tsunade's arrangement of having Rei accompany Sasuke was an attempt to create a bond.
An arranged marriage!
Rei's gentle smile didn't falter as she looked at the powerful and handsome Uchiha before her. Her gaze held a hint of affection.
They were both experienced ninjas, not impulsive or naive. Rei, with her sharp intuition, could sense the kindness hidden beneath Sasuke's cold demeanor. He was exceptionally talented, strong, full of potential, and, above all, deeply gentle.
Now that she had found someone she admired, her personality wouldn't allow her to hesitate. She would express her feelings through actions rather than allowing familial obligations to dictate her path.
Both of them understood.
Sasuke was solely focused on uncovering the truth, while Rei was willing to wait patiently.
Perhaps, during this time, Sasuke's heart had already begun to form ties to this world. He was starting to accept it.
Here, he had a family.
Here, he had his clan.
Here, he had his kind and caring brother.
Here, he had everything he had lost but could now protect.
...
Hokage's Office.
The setting sun bathed the office in its glow, but the atmosphere inside was heavy. Uchiha Shirou, seated behind the desk, wore a deep frown.
"Asuma… has it come to this?"
Sarutobi Asuma, his expression pained and resolute, nodded heavily. His voice was hoarse as he said:
"Please forgive me, Lord Hokage. The clan has learned that the village plans to deploy additional troops to the Land of Fields, and they see this as the village's weakest point. Discussions about a coup have already begun…"
Before Asuma could finish, Senju Tsunade slammed the desk in anger. Her face was filled with a chilling fury.
"Outrageous! They dare use us as an excuse! Konoha was founded by the Senju and Uchiha clans. Who dares speak of a coup? And after everything they've done, do they not feel even a shred of guilt?
The Senju and Uchiha only sought to set things right. If this were truly a coup, your three clans and the Shimura clan would have been wiped out long ago!"
Tsunade was truly enraged. These ungrateful fools—she had already shown mercy by not holding them accountable for their actions in the past. Now they dared to push their luck!
"As one of Konoha's founding clans, the Senju endured exclusion and persecution from these old fools. Why didn't we revolt back then? And now it's their turn, and suddenly they feel it's unfair?"
Seeing Tsunade's fiery anger, Shirou quickly tried to calm her down. "Tsunade, now is not the time to get angry."
Asuma, on the other hand, lowered his head in shame and spoke hoarsely:
"Lord Hokage, I apologize."
Shirou shook his head with a look of melancholy, his voice tinged with regret.
"Asuma, do you know? When I implemented this punishment on your four clans, it wasn't just for revenge. It was the Third's and Danzo's original idea. I thought this might wake you up…"
Shirou's somber tone echoed in the room, making Asuma feel even more guilt-ridden.
Indeed, back then, his father and Danzo had intended to use those very methods against the Uchiha clan. They should have understood the lesson.
But reality had strayed far from expectations.
"Five years ago, I learned from you about the intense conflicts within the three clans. They believed this was the revenge of the Uchiha. To prove otherwise, and even to resolve these conflicts, the village made enormous sacrifices."
At this point, Shirou shook his head and said:
"Based on Danzo's actions, the Shimura clan is the least deserving of forgiveness. But five years ago, we deliberately relaxed restrictions on the well-behaved Shimura clan, intending to show the three clans the village's attitude. Yet unexpectedly..."
If not for the Shimura clan, Sarutobi Asuma had previously harbored some doubts. Was this truly revenge?
But the fact that even the Hokage had forgiven the Shimura clan showed that the village had no intention of seeking revenge. All these years, the four clans exiled to the outskirts were treated fairly.
Among them, the Shimura clan had shown the most positive behavior and earned forgiveness, but the other three clans failed to see this. Instead, they spent their days scheming about a coup.
"Hokage-sama, it is we three clans who have failed your expectations!"
Hearing Sarutobi Asuma's guilty plea, Shirou shook his head and said:
"No! It is your three clans that have failed the village's hopes and trust in you!"
"The village has always hoped your clans would turn back. Is power truly so tempting? Why can't you be like the Shimura clan?"
Seeing Shirou's pained expression, Sarutobi Asuma felt even more guilty, filled with deep hatred for his own clan, as well as the Mitokado and Utatane clans.
Why?
The Hokage had given you chances again and again! Why couldn't you cherish them?
Even after using the Shimura clan as an example!
Why couldn't you let go of your extreme emotions and behave like the Shimura clan?
"Hokage-sama, I will join forces with the mysterious individual to eliminate the unstable Sarutobi clan."
Sarutobi Asuma made a painful decision, and Shirou fell silent. After all, the three clans had already prepared for a coup.
The Sarutobi clan's intentions to rebel were already highly sensitive. Now, coupled with evidence of collusion with the true culprit behind the Nine-Tails' attack, the case was as solid as iron.
In any other shinobi village, such actions would warrant immediate and ruthless suppression.
With deep pain, Sarutobi Asuma resolved to eradicate the evil within his clan for the sake of the village.
"Hokage-sama, the mysterious individual has been confirmed as the true culprit behind the Nine-Tails' manipulation. This person has also rescued the criminal Shimura Danzo and established a secret organization... for the sake of the village..."
Watching Sarutobi Asuma walk this path, Shirou couldn't help but sigh.
Asuma, you are truly a great man.
"Asuma, is there anything else you wish for?"
Ultimately, Shirou accepted this reality with a shake of his head and asked solemnly.
After all, not only had Asuma decided to annihilate his clan for the village, but he also intended to take this opportunity to infiltrate the mysterious organization threatening the shinobi world. The least Shirou could do was grant his final wish.
Sarutobi Asuma gave a bitter smile in response. "I only ask that Hokage-sama spare my elder brother's child, Konohamaru. He's still young and knows nothing."
Hearing this, Tsunade, standing nearby, shot a cold gaze, her heart burning with anger.
Your elder brother's child is young, but what about the other children? Humans are selfish. In the end, Sarutobi Asuma chose to protect his blood.
He had no children himself, so Konohamaru was essentially the last bloodline of their family.
However, Shirou shook his head, leaving Asuma in utter despair. Konohamaru was his final hope.
But in the next moment, Shirou's words brought tears streaming down Asuma's face.
"Asuma, for those who seek to destroy the village's peace and plot rebellion, as the Hokage of Konoha, I will resolutely eliminate them!
But there are too many innocents within the three clans! Not just Konohamaru—there are civilians and those who only wish to live simple, peaceful lives. The surveillance data from the past few years clearly shows this. These people are part of Konoha!"
At this point, Shirou exuded a commanding aura, glaring at Sarutobi Asuma and declaring:
"I, the Hokage of Konoha, will never allow anyone to harm our comrades, nor will I allow anyone to destroy our home!"
"Hokage-sama!"
At this moment, Sarutobi Asuma's body trembled, tears of gratitude streaming from his reddened eyes. At the same time, his hatred for his father and his clan's wickedness deepened.
The Hokage truly bore no thoughts of revenge!
Otherwise, at this point, there would be no reason to spare these despicable individuals, even at the risk of backlash from the entire world!
"However, after this incident, Konoha can no longer have the surnames Sarutobi, Mitokado, or Utatane. Those who remain will have their family names abolished, dispersed as civilians into the village."
Hearing the Hokage's magnanimous words, Sarutobi Asuma nodded repeatedly in gratitude.
"Thank you, Hokage-sama!"
"Asuma, are you truly willing to take the risk of infiltrating this mysterious organization?"
"Hokage-sama, there's no need to say more. With my clan acting like this, I, Sarutobi Asuma, have no face left to stay in the village. Besides, we've finally uncovered clues about this mysterious individual. For the sake of the village!"
Seeing Asuma's resolute expression, Shirou remained silent.
In the end, within the Hokage's office, Sarutobi Asuma solemnly nodded before leaving.
As the oppressive atmosphere lingered, Tsunade revealed a look of anger after Asuma's departure.
"Husband, I told you long ago that you shouldn't give these beasts any chances. They dared to plot rebellion—do they think Konoha belongs to the Sarutobi clan?"
This was what infuriated Tsunade most. The Senju clan had produced two consecutive Hokage, yet they had never been so shameless. And now, the Sarutobi clan—what were they compared to the Senju?
For a family that dared to rebel, Tsunade harbored nothing but deep disdain. Extermination was the only solution!
However, Shirou shook his head, soothing Tsunade.
"Tsunade, perhaps this comes down to differences in background. The Senju and Uchiha, as the strongest clans in the shinobi world, naturally possess a certain pride.
But the Sarutobi clan was merely a second-rate clan. After the Third Hokage came to power, they expanded recklessly, and over twenty years of indulgence made them believe the village belonged to them..."
"Hmph! Aren't you afraid of leaving behind hidden dangers?"
Tsunade snorted coldly, shooting Shirou a glare. While no one wanted such events to occur, now that it had come to this, why let them live?
Yet Shirou narrowed his eyes and smiled.
"Tsunade, killing them might be a good solution, but keeping them alive also has its benefits. The remnants of the three clans amount to only a few dozen civilians, burdened with the stigma of treason. These people would be eager to abandon their surnames..."
With a calm demeanor, Shirou explained. To outsiders, his actions seemed merciful.
But for the three clans, only a few dozen ordinary people remained, exiled to the outskirts for generations. They had no sense of clan loyalty and only wanted to live simple lives.
The ones with clan loyalty were the shinobi.
Moreover, among those who remained, women could be easily integrated into society through marriage. As for the men?
At this thought, Shirou narrowed his eyes. Asuma's expression had already revealed everything.
"Are you planning to make the coup public?"
Tsunade suddenly realized something, expressing shock. A coup was a disgraceful event for any shinobi village, typically concealed from the public.
However, Shirou nodded calmly. To Tsunade, this seemed like an act of magnanimity, earning her admiration and reinforcing her belief that she had made the right choice in supporting him.
But in Shirou's eyes, this was simply the ignorance of this flawed world.
Looking across the world of Naruto, one could see countless instances of questionable actions.
After all, history, with its five thousand years of culture, had already revealed everything.