Uchiha Hirotomo stared intently at the scene before him, his eyes filled with astonishment. In the center of the field, Uchiha Ryun moved like lightning, his movements swift and powerful, each strike carrying overwhelming force.
When the battle ended, Uchiha Hirotomo couldn't help but clap his hands and praise, "Ryun, your strength is truly remarkable! To be able to contend with those veteran elites using only physical power is truly admirable!"
Hearing Uchiha Hirotomo's praise, Uchiha Ryun smiled faintly and waved his hand lightly. "You flatter me, Clan Head. I merely stepped onto the stage for a casual spar."
However, the Great Elder standing nearby shook his head and spoke solemnly, "No, the Clan Head is not exaggerating. The Sixth Elder's strength is evident to all. Today, he displayed such astonishing physical power, effortlessly defeating two opponents at once. That alone proves everything. We deeply admire the Sixth Elder's abilities!"
As soon as these words were spoken, the surrounding crowd also nodded in agreement, expressing their approval of the Great Elder's words.
For a moment, the field was filled with voices of praise, and all eyes turned to Uchiha Ryun, who had just achieved victory yet remained calm and composed.
In the past, the Fourth Elder and Uchiha Ryun had once held significant grudges over trivial matters. Their relationship was not exactly tense, but it was far from good.
However, time had passed, and after witnessing Uchiha Ryun's dazzling performance today, the Fourth Elder's prejudice had unknowingly dissipated.
Now, faced with Uchiha Ryun's overwhelming strength and exceptional talent, the Fourth Elder couldn't help but feel deeply impressed.
Though they had once belonged to different factions—some advocating for aggressive and radical policies (the Hawk Faction), while others favored moderation and stability (the Dove Faction)—ultimately, they were all part of the Uchiha Clan, sharing the same bloodline and bearing the name Uchiha.
"Great Elder, your words are absolutely right!" The Fourth Elder revealed a relieved smile as he cupped his hands and bowed slightly toward Uchiha Ryun.
Uchiha Ryun smiled faintly and waved his hand. "Fourth Elder, you exaggerate. We are all members of the same clan, all bearing the name Uchiha. To have the opportunity to exchange pointers with you two elders is truly my honor!"
Uchiha Ryun's words were perfectly timed.
His statement was like a refreshing breeze, instantly softening the tension left by the intense battle—especially the fact that both the Fourth Elder and the Great Elder had been defeated.
At the same time, his words not only earned him goodwill from the higher-ups, who saw him as humble and polite, but also solidified his image as an incredibly powerful and awe-inspiring figure among his peers and juniors.
Soon after, the elders and Uchiha Ryun stepped down from the sparring platform.
Next, it was the younger generation's turn to compete.
By normal standards, Uchiha Ryun's age would have placed him among the younger participants.
However, given his current overwhelming strength and status, after careful consideration, it was decided that he would participate in the elder-level matches instead.
After all, having him compete against the younger generation would be nothing short of bullying.
Hmm… Now that they thought about it, even in the elder-level matches, it still felt a bit like bullying. But since things had already come to this, there was no other choice.
Thus, time passed slowly amidst one thrilling battle after another.
A long while later, the crowd gradually dispersed, each person returning to their own residence.
Naturally, Uchiha Ryun was no exception. With steady steps, he slowly disappeared from everyone's sight.
[Ding. Detected that the host has obtained the Flame Fan. Reward: 60,000 points. Current points: 100,000.]
[Ding. Achievement unlocked: Madara Uchiha's Blessing. Reward: Passive ability—Fire Release ninjutsu chakra consumption halved.]
[Ding. Achievement unlocked: Legitimate Bloodline of the Uchiha Clan Head. Reward: Passive ability—Fire Release ninjutsu power doubled.]
Uchiha Ryun froze. If he remembered correctly, wasn't "Fire Release ninjutsu chakra consumption halved" and "Fire Release ninjutsu power doubled" one of Madara Uchiha's Mangekyō abilities? How had it just become his passive skill?
Uchiha Ryun chuckled lightly. "Thank you, System."
System: …
After speaking, Uchiha Ryun suddenly felt his body grow heavy, and his consciousness gradually blurred. Soon, he fell into a deep slumber.
In his dream, everything was pitch-black and silent at first. But before long, a deep and mysterious voice suddenly echoed.
"Hmm? You… are you truly Indra's descendant? Why do I sense an unusual power within you?"
The voice sounded ancient, as if it had traversed endless time to reach him.
Uchiha Ryun jolted in shock, instinctively opening his eyes in his dream.
However, when he saw the scene before him, he couldn't help but suck in a cold breath—he found himself standing on damp ground, the air thick with the smell of decay and mold.
Suppressing his discomfort, he slowly raised his head. In his line of sight stood an extremely bizarre figure.
The figure was entirely white, ethereal like an immortal, completely different from a human's physical form.
He wore an ancient and majestic robe of the Six Paths, faintly glowing.
Across his lap rested a black iron staff, standing out starkly.
Even more eerie was the fact that this figure's eyes were tightly shut, and his entire body floated silently in midair, like a ghost. (Young man, want a power-up?)
Uchiha Ryun's eyes widened in disbelief.
Because he immediately recognized this mysterious old man—he was none other than the legendary Sage of Six Paths, Hagoromo Ōtsutsuki!
His heart pounded violently, and beads of sweat formed on his forehead. Internally, he cursed, 'What the hell is this situation? How did I suddenly end up in a place like this? And why am I face-to-face with this power-selling old man…'
"Young man, why do you not speak? Are you afraid of me?" Hagoromo Ōtsutsuki asked.
"Junior Uchiha Ryun pays his respects to the Sage of Six Paths!" Uchiha Ryun bowed deeply, his voice trembling with reverence.
"You truly are different. I had not even introduced myself, yet you already knew who I was." Hagoromo Ōtsutsuki opened his eyes, revealing a pair of purple Rinnegan that radiated overwhelming pressure as they stared at Uchiha Ryun.
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