CHAPTER 11

A few days later, in the middle of the silent night, Uchiha Tunan sat under the eaves, performing hand seals at a steady pace. His eyes were closed as he attentively sensed the flow of his chakra.

Upon completing the final seal, he extended his right hand, spreading his five fingers.

"Zizizi~"

Slender arcs of electricity flickered at his fingertips, resembling sharp needles extending from his nails.

"Is this the change in chakra form? Unfortunately, this Lightning Needle technique can't be thrown like senbon," Uchiha Tunan muttered to himself before releasing the jutsu.

The Lightning Release: Lightning Needle requires only a few hand seals. With increased mental strength and familiarity with chakra flow, it cannot be executed without them. It might be advantageous to use it covertly. Imagine conversing with a target and then, with a subtle move, inserting the lightning needle into their body. The lightning chakra could numb them initially, preventing immediate pain and suppressing any outcry. By the time they react, the Lightning Release would have fully paralyzed them.

Not bad.

Currently, Uchiha Tunan has mastered several ninjutsu:

Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique, Phoenix Fire Technique, and Phoenix Sage Fire Technique.

Lightning Release: Ground Lightning and Lightning Needle.

Genjutsu: Demonic Illusion: Mirror Heaven and Earth Change, Hell Viewing Technique, and the hypnotic eye inherent to the Sharingan.

His chakra reserves have reached the level of a high-ranking ninja, though his exact mental strength remains unknown.

Overall, his current abilities provide Uchiha Tunan with a sense of security.

In recent days, he has raised a few more white pigeons. Ninja beasts are somewhat costly, primarily due to the expense of their special feed. Being a cautious individual, Uchiha Tunan places great importance on reconnaissance ninjutsu, making the feed a significant expense. Even though the white pigeons don't consume much, his parents' living expenses have nearly been depleted. If not for Sarutobi occasionally sending Anbu to deliver food, Uchiha Tunan might have had to hunt in the forest.

He wonders when the death benefits will be paid.

Looking up at the sky, Uchiha Tunan stood and returned to his house to rest.

As he entered the bedroom and was about to turn off the light to sleep, he suddenly halted, his eyes widening.

"I hope it didn't come for me."

After speaking, Uchiha Tunan withdrew his hand from the light switch, picked up his summarized "Will of Fire and Thoughts," and began reading aloud.

In the forest outside the Uchiha clan's area, a Konoha ninja in chunin attire parted the grass and cautiously peeked out.

"I hope the Uchiha clan hasn't assigned that individual to the clan's center."

He then glanced at a small courtyard on the edge of the Uchiha territory. The dim light inside cast a faint silhouette on the window.

"That should be the room. Still awake at this hour? Are Konoha's geniuses so diligent?"

This Konoha chunin is Inoue Shinda, a spy planted by the Hidden Mist Village after the First Shinobi World War. Throughout the Second War, Inoue Shinda transmitted only trivial information and hadn't received a new espionage mission until now.

With recent skirmishes winding down, the Hidden Mist Village plans to assassinate Konoha's geniuses before the war concludes. One spy was dispatched to target Kakashi, while Inoue Shinda was assigned to assassinate Uchiha Tunan, deemed a less challenging target.

After all, Kakashi's father is the renowned "White Fang" of Konoha, likely with Anbu protection for his child. But Uchiha Tunan is different; as a member of the Uchiha clan, Anbu wouldn't monitor within their territory. The Uchiha's security focuses mainly on the clan's center.

Occasional beastly howls echoed through the forest, unsettling to some but reassuring to a seasoned ninja like Inoue Shinda.

After ensuring no one was nearby, Inoue Shinda stealthily advanced toward Uchiha Tunan's house, unaware that a white pigeon perched on a branch behind him observed his every move. The pigeon remained still, concealed by leaves, revealing only a cold, deep Sharingan.

"Uphold ninja principles and steadfastly implement the Will of Fire centered on the Third Hokage. Follow the guidance of the Third Hokage..."

Inoue Shinda crouched on the roof, listening to the fervent reading from within, and smirked.

Another poor soul brainwashed by the Will of Fire.

Without delay, Inoue Shinda drew his short blade, silently descended from the roof, and approached the door, pushing it open. Being far from the Uchiha clan's center, any noise would not prompt immediate response. To Inoue Shinda, Uchiha Tunan was merely a newly enrolled academy student. Even with an awakened Sharingan, it's just potential without experience—not even a genin. Basic techniques like the Body Replacement Jutsu wouldn't save him.

Inoue Shinda anticipated Uchiha Tunan's terrified expression as he struck.

As the door opened, the bedroom light abruptly extinguished, plunging the room into darkness, and the reading ceased.

This kid is sharp—a true genius.

But against absolute strength, he's doomed.

Gripping his blade, Inoue Shinda stepped into the dark room.

"Tick, tick..."

He noted the kitchen faucet dripping, slightly irritating but insignificant compared to the mission.

In the dimness, he discerned the room's layout, fixating on the bedroom door as he approached, hand extended.

Say goodbye to this world, boy.

A cruel smile spread across Inoue Shinda's face as he flung open the door, ready to strike down Uchiha Tunan.

But...

No one!

Inoue Shinda froze, contemplating where Uchiha Tunan might hide. The bedroom was sparsely furnished; aside from a cabinet, there were few hiding spots.

If it were me, I'd hide by the door, using blind spots for a surprise attack when the enemy enters. But this kid's still a student; if he's scared, he'd hide in the cabinet.

After pondering, Inoue Shinda inhaled deeply, listening intently. Years as a ninja had ingrained caution.

If Uchiha Tunan hid by the door, entering hastily could invite an attack, however unlikely.

Now, he needed to detect the boy's breathing to pinpoint his location for a swift kill.

"Tick, tick..."

Apart from the dripping water, there was no breathing.

A true genius—he's seen through my intentions.

But it won't help him.

You can't hold your breath forever.

I'll wait until you slip.

Inoue Shinda's eyes gleamed with mockery, amused by Uchiha Tunan's futile tactic.

"Tick, tick..."

Time ticked by.

Inoue Shinda became the ultimate hunter in the dark, awaiting his prey's mistake.

"Hoo~"

Suddenly, a suppressed exhale emanated from the cabinet.