"Puppet jutsu, so reliant on external tools, forms its own school. It has merits worth studying, but it's ultimately misguided," Yusuke shook his head. "Only your own strength is truly dependable."
"You're absolutely right, Yusuke-kun. We're kindred spirits. I'm researching a fascinating jutsu that, if successful, will break the shackles of mortality," Orochimaru said.
His eyes gleamed with fervor as he continued, "It could grant endless life and time to master every ninjutsu in the world, reaching a transcendent realm!"
Yusuke guessed Orochimaru was referring to the Immortality Jutsu.
It was a genius concept. To Yusuke, Orochimaru's ability to devise such a technique marked him as an unparalleled prodigy!
Though the jutsu had significant flaws, they paled in comparison to the prospect of immortality.
However, while the Immortality Jutsu granted Orochimaru near-invincibility, it weakened his resistance to genjutsu.
Each use diminished his mental strength, leaving him nearly defenseless against a genjutsu expert like Uchiha Itachi.
"Teacher Orochimaru, I can't perform the Many Hidden Shadow Snake Hands properly. Please train with me and see what's wrong," a young girl's voice interrupted.
A round-faced girl, about ten years old, entered with her hair in a high ponytail, dressed somewhat like a tomboy.
This was Mitarashi Anko, Orochimaru's only current disciple in Konoha.
Yusuke's brow furrowed slightly. With his keen eyes, he noticed a black Curse Seal on the side of Anko's neck—likely Orochimaru's Heaven Curse Seal.
When activated, the Heaven Curse Seal granted immense power but came with severe drawbacks. Prolonged use damaged the body, and overuse caused excruciating backlash.
"You again, always hogging Teacher Orochimaru's time," Anko huffed, her cheeks puffing out as she spotted Yusuke sitting across from Orochimaru.
Yusuke's face remained expressionless, though he felt helpless at Anko's hostility.
He knew Anko was deeply attached to Orochimaru and resented Yusuke for frequently discussing ninjutsu with him.
"Lord Orochimaru, since the jutsu is complete, I won't intrude further," Yusuke said, standing to leave.
Orochimaru nodded. "Alright. I had something else to discuss, but it can wait until the Fourth Hokage's successor is confirmed."
"The Fourth Hokage will definitely be you, Teacher Orochimaru!" Anko clenched her fist, brimming with confidence. To her, Orochimaru was the greatest ninja, unmatched by anyone.
Yusuke found the energetic girl endearing, though she wasn't fond of him. Abandoning the urge to pinch her round cheeks, he formed a hand seal with his left hand, transformed into flames, and vanished.
"Hmph, that Uchiha Yusuke always takes up your time, Teacher. You barely have time to teach me ninjutsu," Anko grumbled.
Orochimaru patted her head gently. "Yusuke-kun is a true genius. I can't predict how far his strength will go," he said, his gaze deep and thoughtful.
Leaving Orochimaru's eerie research lab, Yusuke decided to relax for once.
He had planned to spend the day refining the Fire Phantom Crow Technique with Orochimaru, but since Orochimaru had already completed it, Yusuke found himself with unexpected free time.
Strolling through Konoha's streets, he savored the rare leisure.
Though his reputation as the "Flame Blade" genius ninja was known in the village, his appearance wasn't distinctive—no spiky white hair like Kakashi or vibrant blond like the Fourth. Unless someone knew him personally, few recognized him.
As he walked, a sign with bold calligraphy caught his eye: "Pinchun Tea House." Intrigued by the elegant script, Yusuke decided to step inside.
"One oolong tea, please," Yusuke said, settling into a corner seat.
"Right away, ninja-sama. Your oolong tea," a girl in an apron soon delivered, placing the tea before him.
The girl, about ten, had light gray hair in twin braids that rested on her shoulders, giving her a playful look. Her round face, lightly freckled, carried an infectious smile that seemed to brighten everyone around her.
"Thank you," Yusuke said, taking the tea.
"Wait, you're 'Flame Blade' Uchiha Yusuke-sama, aren't you?" the girl exclaimed, surprised.
Yusuke raised an eyebrow, amazed a tea house server recognized him. "Yes, how do you know me? I don't think we've met."
"It really is you! I saw you sparring with that weird guy in green tights once. I asked around and learned who you were. Don't let this tea house gig fool you—I'm a ninja academy student, and I'll become a great ninja someday!" Her eyes sparkled, as if envisioning herself as a revered shinobi.
Yusuke sighed inwardly. That must've been when Guy challenged him out of nowhere, drawing attention.
He offered the girl a few encouraging words, and she bounded off to serve tea, beaming.
Watching her bustle about, Yusuke shook his head. In the harsh Naruto world, being a ninja was the most dangerous job, but he wouldn't discourage her dreams.
As he sat, familiar figures entered the tea house—Kakashi, Asuma, and Kurenai. They noticed Yusuke, exchanged nods, and took seats on the other side, chatting among themselves.
Yusuke wasn't close to them. Though he knew them, they had little personal interaction. Kakashi was already a Jonin, while Asuma and Kurenai were still Chunin.
As they talked, Asuma pulled out a cigarette and lighter.
Yusuke was speechless—Asuma was only fourteen, though he looked older.
Kurenai nudged Asuma, pointing to a "No Smoking" sign on the wall. Asuma reluctantly pocketed the cigarette. Kurenai, one of Konoha's beauties, was already stunning despite her youth.
In terms of looks, Kurenai and Asuma together felt like a flower paired with manure.
"You're the same age as that guy and became Jonin at the same time. Who's stronger?" Asuma leaned toward Kakashi, whispering, his eyes flicking toward Yusuke.
"Yeah, we're curious," Kurenai added, intrigued.
Kakashi's dead-fish eyes showed indifference. "Who cares about that? Maybe he's stronger."
Asuma, dissatisfied, rolled his eyes. "Come on, be serious. If you got serious, I bet you'd beat him."
"Shh, keep it down. It's rude if he hears," Kurenai hushed him.
With Yusuke's sharp hearing, he caught most of their conversation but paid it no mind. He just wanted to clear his head and enjoy his tea.
"That Uchiha Yusuke jerk skipped the clan meeting again. He doesn't take the clan seriously. I'll teach him a lesson!" a loud, irritated voice came from outside the tea house's curtain.
The patrons turned to see four Uchihas in their clan's distinctive high-collared, dark robes enter. The speaker led the group.
"Yeah, 'Flame Blade'? Just a title second-rate ninjas gave him. He thinks he's a big deal," another Uchiha on the left said angrily.
"Calm down, guys. Maybe Yusuke had something urgent," a kinder-faced Uchiha said, trying to mediate.
But he froze mid-sentence, mouth agape, spotting Yusuke leisurely sipping tea—the very person supposedly "too busy" for the clan meeting.
Yusuke glanced at them awkwardly, especially at the one defending him. Getting caught like this after someone vouched for him was embarrassing.
"Uchiha Yusuke, skipping the clan meeting to sip tea here? Today, I, Uchiha Ryuya, will show you what's what!" The leader, Ryuya, fumed and charged at Yusuke.
The kind Uchiha tried to stop him but was too late.
Before anyone could react, Ryuya, who had just lunged, flew backward at greater speed, crashing through the curtain outside.
"Ryuya!" another Uchiha shouted, turning to Yusuke and forming hand seals.
"Fire Release: Great Fire—"
Before he finished, Yusuke appeared before him in a flash.
Yusuke gripped the man's fingers mid-seal, halting his Great Fireball Jutsu. The Uchiha stared, stunned, unable to believe Yusuke's speed.
"We're still in a tea house," Yusuke said coldly, then kicked him out the door.
At that moment, a gust aimed at Yusuke's neck—the last Uchiha had attacked.
Yusuke casually blocked the strike, locking eyes with his attacker.
"Perfect chance!" the Uchiha thought, delighted at the eye contact.
(End of Chapter)
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Do You Know:
The Heaven Curse Seal, seen on Anko, boosts power but harms the user over time.