After three years of continuous "retreat" practice on the island, Uchiha Kiyo began to feel a little restless.
"I've decided. I'll go out for a few months."
Hui had mentioned that the main body would cooperate with an operation in a few months, but that didn't mean Kiyo had to stay put until then.
The rescue mission for White Fang was primarily planned by Hui, his clone, and Kiyo was only responsible for assisting in the final execution.
Just like last time, Kiyo ensured all affairs on the island were in order—checking the large formation's operation and confirming there wouldn't be any issues in his absence. Afterward, he used the Transformation Jutsu to alter his appearance and set off.
This trip wasn't just for leisure; there was an important task to complete.
The issue of obtaining experimental equipment had to be resolved.
After all, the experiment to modify eyes required highly specialized instruments.
And such advanced experimental equipment came at a steep price.
Touching his wallet, Uchiha Kiyo sighed. He knew he likely couldn't afford it.
Since leaving Konoha, Uchiha Kiyo had essentially cut off his primary income sources. While his clones had various means to make money, they also needed funds for their training. Although Yang Yuan Gong was highly effective and included body-forging techniques, all cultivation required energy—which ultimately came from food.
As a result, Uchiha Kiyo and his clones consumed a massive amount of food. The main body had the advantage of living on an island surrounded by large fish, which allowed for some self-sufficiency, but the clones had no such luxury. Constantly in danger, they had no time for hunting, requiring them to buy food in large quantities.
Except for Ma Jia, none of the clones contributed money to Kiyo—if anything, they were a financial burden on him.
And where did the additional money come from? Naturally, Ma Jia.
At present, Uchiha Kiyo had little money left—just over ten million ryo, most of which came from his last mission spoils.
"Money isn't everything, but without money, you can't do anything."
Uchiha Kiyo sighed at his financial predicament.
"I need to get the equipment, whether I have money or not."
If necessary, he could always go to his teacher and shamelessly borrow a few devices.
Of course, that would be a last resort.
"Ma Jia, hurry up and develop your Magnetic Release.
"Then we'll have plenty of money!"
Ma Jia: ??? Then why don't you help me develop it?
Setting aside his financial concerns, Uchiha Kiyo made his way to the Land of Fire.
As the most prosperous country in the ninja world, the Land of Fire was also at the forefront in trade and technology.
There was a high probability that the experimental equipment Uchiha Kiyo needed could be obtained there.
This was Uchiha Kiyo's first time purchasing experimental instruments, and he had no idea about quality standards or evaluation criteria. He could only search based on his own intuition.
"By the way, is the Land of Fire really the most technologically advanced nation in the ninja world?"
Uchiha Kiyo pondered.
"Forget it. Even if it isn't the best, it must be near the top. And no matter how advanced the equipment is, it still needs a good market. The best equipment should be traded in the Land of Fire."
If there was a single village renowned for technological advancements, Uchiha Kiyo would bet on Kumogakure.
After all, they had developed the Chakra Cannon.
On another note, modifying eyes was technically a biological experiment.
Besides Orochimaru, Danzo's Root also conducted extensive biological research.
"It seems so."
Uchiha Kiyo stopped to think.
"Since I'm already planning to infiltrate Root, taking a few pieces of their equipment along the way wouldn't be too much, would it?"
Uchiha Kiyo had never been shy about taking things from Root.
He had to notify Hui to gather intel on Root's experimental facilities—it would make locating the equipment much easier.
"So, the mission is already accomplished?"
He chuckled to himself.
"Clones are all useless. Look at the main body—I've barely left, and I've already solved the issue of acquiring equipment without spending a single coin."
"Since the equipment problem is settled, I might as well take my time."
As he walked along a forested path in the Land of Fire, a few chakra signatures caught his attention.
"This chakra feels familiar."
He activated his Concealment Technique and approached quietly.
Ahead, four Konoha shinobi, wearing flak jackets and forehead protectors, were battling three Kumogakure ninjas.
This wasn't the surprising part. What caught his eye was that one of the Konoha ninjas was a Jōnin, while the other three were Genin—clearly, a newly formed Genin squad.
Among them, a white-haired child stood out.
At a mere 1.4 meters tall, he was conspicuous among the shinobi.
"Kakashi?"
Uchiha Kiyo wasn't particularly shocked to see Kakashi here. The boy had graduated from the Academy early at five years old—not long ago, according to Hui's intelligence.
He was merely surprised by the coincidence.
"Konoha seems to value Kakashi highly. His teammates are all from prestigious clans, and his Jōnin instructor is from the Sarutobi clan. He's even holding his own in a two-on-one fight."
Uchiha Kiyo observed from the shadows.
Kakashi and his fellow Genin struggled against a Kumogakure Tokubetsu Jōnin, while their Sarutobi instructor held off two full-fledged Jōnin.
Kumogakure's squad composition suggested a targeted assassination attempt on Kakashi, Konoha's rising genius.
The battle concluded swiftly. The Sarutobi Jōnin demonstrated remarkable prowess, defeating both opponents single-handedly. He seemed to have energy to spare and appeared to be intentionally allowing his students to experience combat firsthand.
Uchiha Kiyo hadn't intended to reveal himself, but after some thought, he stepped forward.
"Who's there?!"
The Sarutobi Jōnin was the first to detect movement. Kakashi, though not far behind, turned his attention toward Uchiha Kiyo's direction just after his instructor.
Clap! Clap!
Uchiha Kiyo emerged, clapping.
"Splendid fight."
His gaze landed on Kakashi. Despite their struggles, the Genin had managed to hold off a Tokubetsu Jōnin without casualties—largely due to Kakashi's efforts.
Kakashi was the clear standout.
His seamless integration of Kenjutsu and basic Ninjutsu was nearly flawless.
"Judging by your appearance, you must be Konoha's prodigy, Kakashi—graduated at five years old.
"As expected of Konoha's White Fang's son."
The four remained silent, wary of his presence.
The Sarutobi Jōnin was especially tense, sweat forming on his brow.
"However, your actions just now were disappointing. The complete opposite of your father's principles."
Kakashi remained silent.
The Sarutobi Jōnin, anxious, spoke up. "Who are you? We are Konoha shinobi on a mission. If unnecessary, please don't interfere—unless you seek to oppose Konoha."
Uchiha Kiyo smirked. "Threatening me?"
He suddenly formed a seal. "Earth Style: Earth Spikes."
Jagged spikes erupted from the ground, narrowly wounding all four Konoha ninjas.
The Sarutobi Jōnin paled. "A mere C-rank Jutsu… with this much power?!"
His heart pounded.
"A Kage-level enemy… but who?!"
Uchiha Kiyo turned to Kakashi.
"Your skills are strong, but as a ninja—as a person—you are lacking."
With that, he disappeared, leaving Kakashi deep in thought.
"Was I wrong? Was my father right?"
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