Chapter 12: Conversation

Madara still couldn't understand why Ling had gone out for most of the day and only come back with two oddly - colored eggs, and then asked him to help make two cloth bags to carry them around. Even when Ling told him that they were important summoned beasts, he still found it hard to comprehend.

In Madara's view, summoned beasts were merely a form of assistance; one could simply catch and use them when needed, and spending time and effort on raising them went completely against the original purpose.

When Madara voiced this thought, Ling reached out and tousled his hair playfully. "That's not correct, Madara.

A summoned beast is both a source of power and a companion. Would you ever say to a fellow clansman, 'You're nothing but a tool'?"

"Um - well, I wouldn't..." Madara still looked a bit confused. "But, isn't the whole point of signing a summoning contract to borrow the power of the summoned beast?"

"Rather than just gaining power, it's about making up for one's own deficiencies," Ling laughed softly. "Actually, I never thought about summoned beasts at first. After all, I could do everything they could do, and even do better than them.

And once you sign a contract, you have to fulfill your duties. I was afraid it would delay my cultivation, so I kept postponing my plan to go to Cat Village. Now that something unexpected has happened to me, I'm really in a pickle.

This shows that everything in the world has its irreplaceable role. If you look down on something, you'll definitely pay the price. Take me as a negative example, Madara. You should learn from it."

Madara frowned and didn't reply. Only after Ling asked again did he reluctantly grunt an "um".

It wasn't that he was denying the truth in Ling's words. He just didn't like hearing Ling use himself as an example - even if Ling didn't care about it at all.

"Rather than that, big brother, tell me what I should pay attention to when doing missions. The clan school will be over soon, and I'll soon be going on missions with my clan uncle."

"Missions...," Ling stroked his chin. "The first mission usually doesn't involve combat. Just be careful."

"What was big brother's first mission?"

"My first mission..." Ling tilted his head back, his brows furrowed slightly. "If I remember correctly, it was to steal information from a casino. At that time, I used the Transformation Technique to provoke the target and then bet with him. When he got carried away, I swapped the real information for the fake one I'd prepared. In the end, I not only got the information but also made quite a bit of extra money.

But gambling is no big deal for a ninja. You can win easily. If you're short on funds during a mission in the future, it's okay to go to a casino as an emergency measure. But don't do it in normal times. After all, a casino isn't exactly a good place.

Besides, there are also sake houses and pleasure quarters. These are good sources of information. You should pay more attention to them during missions..."

Madara was taken aback. "Did big brother also go on missions in sake houses and pleasure quarters?"

"

 "There are many samurai in the pleasure quarter, as well as noble guards, young masters, and young ladies who want to see the world. Sometimes the madams of the brothels also post missions for us to collect debts... Anyway, many small missions are posted from these places. As for the sake house..."

 Ling tilted his head slightly, looking a bit ill-at-ease. "Occasionally, after finishing a mission, I'd go there for a few drinks... Although sometimes the owner would kick me out because I'm too young."

 Madara showed a confused expression.

 "Big brother... Didn't Father say that we're not allowed to stay out before reporting to the Uchiha clan and confirming that the mission is completely finished?"

 Ling gave a light cough, his face turning slightly red. "It's 'cause all the shop owners in the civilian area protected by the Uchiha clan know me. If I used the Transformation Technique to go there, things would get even more complicated... Well, anyway, Madara, just ask whatever [Mondai] you have."

 This time, Madara went blank for a while and didn't ask right away. "So, big brother also does things outside the rules."

 "Of course, I'm also human." Ling smiled helplessly and reached out to ruffle Madara's hair. "I originally wanted to take you on your first mission myself, but it's a pity I can't witness Madara's growth with my own eyes now."

 "Don't worry, big brother. I'll definitely live up to our family's expectations and return victorious." Madara smiled, but soon got up and fetched a [Scroll] of ninjutsu. "By the way, I have some [Mondai] about ninjutsu I'd like to ask..."

 "Sure, tell me, Madara."

 Their discussion lasted until Tajima Uchiha came back. After dinner, Tajima Uchiha also found Ling alone.

 "The conflict with the Senju has ended. Tomorrow, after sending Madara on his mission, I'll announce the truth with the elders..." Tajima Uchiha looked apologetic. "You've had a hard time these days, Ling."

 Ling sat upright on his knees and shook his head slightly upon hearing this. "No, this is just what I should do. It's not hard... But now that this matter is over, I can focus on adapting to my own situation."

 Tajima Uchiha looked even more worried, but he didn't say anything to stop Ling. "I understand. Just tell me if you need anything."

 "There is indeed something I'd like to trouble Father with..." Ling placed his blind stick across his legs and subconsciously rubbed it with his fingers. "My current situation is no longer suitable for ninjutsu and illusions, so I must have a suitable weapon. Although this blind stick was a gift from Madara and Izuna, the fact that it's not suitable for combat remains unchanged..."

 Tajima Uchiha nodded slightly. "Well, the team purchasing ninja tools will set off in a few days. I'll have someone bring back a staff sword made of chakra steel for you... Can it be made in the length you used to prefer?"

 "No... Make it a bit longer, please."

Ling seemed a bit hesitant. "After all, I'm still growing taller. And after these days of exploration, I find that a slightly longer blind stick is more convenient for pathfinding..."

"And if conditions permit, I hope to place a small piece of chakra steel at the top of the blind stick, which is connected to the blade. Meanwhile, there should also be some protruding chakra steel on the handle. In this way, I can use chakra to detect my surroundings without physical contact. Even though I haven't found a way to save chakra for detection yet, this is still the most practical method for now."

"Well... I understand. I'll let the clan members know about your requirements. However, the production period might be extended. You'll probably get it the next time you replenish your ninja tools after this order."

"Yeah. Besides, I have something else to say..." Ling was silent for a moment. After a while, as if making up his mind, he said, "I want to go to the back mountain for a period of isolated training. Can I ask Father to help me prepare the necessary items?"