------------------
-------------
📢 Support the Novel & Read Ahead!
Love the story and can't wait to see what happens next?
Join my Patreon and get access to 50+ early chapters before anyone else! 🔥
https://www.patreon.com/UK21
Thank you for reading, and I truly appreciate your support! 💖
---------
After teasing Mei Terumi, Uchiha Haru was on his way back to the Uchiha clan settlement.
Thinking of Mei Terumi's shy, angry, and helpless expression—finally forced to accept his teasing—he still felt a little unsatisfied.
Mei Terumi was an interesting woman.
Not long after, Uchiha Haru returned to his residence.
From a distance, he saw someone standing in front of his door.
It was a woman.
Though she wasn't young, she still carried a certain charm. In her thirties, her face was as rosy as a girl's, but with a maturity and steadiness that young girls lacked.
Though dressed in plain clothes that hung loosely, it was still difficult to hide her proud figure.
"Uchiha Mikoto?"
Uchiha Haru recognized the woman immediately.
And he knew why she had come.
It was the same reason as last time—on behalf of the Sasuke.
Haru didn't hide anything and walked straight toward her.
Although he always disliked Uchiha Fugaku's cowardly attitude toward Konoha, he had to admit that when he was still in Konoha, Fugaku had actually done well by him.
Even when the Hidden Cloud Village pressured Konoha to hand him over, Fugaku had stood up and made a rare strong statement to protect him.
There may have been many reasons for this.
And with Haru's strength at that time, he didn't need anyone's protection.
But since Fugaku had done this for him, Haru would accept this favor.
Now Uchiha Fugaku was dead.
This favor naturally passed to his wife, Uchiha Mikoto.
"Uchiha Haru."
Seeing Haru approach, Mikoto bowed respectfully.
After all, Haru's current status was undeniable.
She used to be the wife of the clan leader, but after Fugaku's death, all her former glory had vanished.
Now, Mikoto was just an ordinary Uchiha clan member and dared not neglect Haru's position.
Haru invited Mikoto inside, poured two cups of tea, and then asked, "What brings you here, madam?"
"Ah," Mikoto nodded. "I heard from the clan that you're leaving Kirigakure tomorrow?"
"Hmm," Haru took a sip of tea.
"I came for one reason."
Mikoto frowned slightly, worry lining her features.
But somehow, that worry added a strange kind of beauty to her, evoking pity.
"Sasuke… my youngest son."
"If you get a chance to pass through Konoha, please bring him back."
"Uchiha Haru, I know you have that ability."
Haru put down his cup. "Madam, this time I'm mainly going to find Tsunade, one of Konoha's legendary Sannin."
"From what I've heard, Tsunade is still far from Konoha Village."
"Madam, I'm afraid this trip may not succeed."
Uchiha Mikoto's expression darkened. She opened her mouth as if to say something but stopped, finally sighing heavily.
Her hope was shattered once again.
"Sorry to trouble you."
Mikoto bowed deeply to Haru and turned to leave.
"Madam, wait!"
Haru suddenly called out from behind.
Uchiha Mikoto turned, puzzled.
"Don't be too discouraged. I promise you, if I get the chance, I will bring Sasuke back."
"Really?" She had been utterly disheartened moments ago, but now hearing Haru's words, she felt hope rekindle.
"Yes."
Haru nodded firmly.
His decision wasn't just because of Mikoto and Fugaku's kindness.
He had his own reasons.
Sasuke was truly a talented ninja with enormous potential.
If he could be used for Haru's benefit, all the better.
Mikoto was completely convinced.
She bowed again and said, "Thank you."
Having been through so much, she understood Haru better now.
She knew that when Haru said something, he would follow through.
She couldn't help but feel deeply grateful.
"Uchiha Haru, you've done me such a great favor. I… truly have no way to repay you…"
Mikoto's eyes glistened with gratitude.
Haru didn't mind the thanks and offered a few casual words of humility before seeing Mikoto off.
The next day, Uchiha Haru left the Hidden Mist Village.
The leader of the Kaguya clan also accompanied him.
After all, this was related to the life of his own son, and he had to investigate before he could rest assured.
Both were rare powerful men in the world, traveling swiftly together toward the destination their intelligence had indicated.
Almost simultaneously, the Hidden Leaf Village—seeking to rebuild its strength and reclaim its reputation as the foremost ninja village, which had been severely weakened by the loss of the Uchiha clan—also sent people to find Tsunade and Jiraiya among Konoha's Sannin.
They hoped these legendary ninjas could return and bolster the village's fading power.
…
Deep within a dense forest, a team of three hurried along.
"Asuma, is the intel we received accurate?"
One of the female ninjas asked.
"Tsunade, one of the three legendary ninjas of Konoha, the granddaughter of the legendary ninja god and disciple of the Third Hokage, actually owes a large debt at the casino and is being chased by creditors?"
The woman was strikingly beautiful, especially her eyes—red pupils filled with an irresistible charm.
Kurenai Yuhi.
It had been nearly a year since the Uchiha clan left Konoha.
During this time, Kurenai Yuhi had grown more mature and stable. Yet, when she heard the latest news, she couldn't help but feel a flicker of surprise.
Tsunade.
The legendary ninja.
The most outstanding medical ninja of the era.
How could she possibly be involved with a casino and be chased for debts?
The idea seemed absurd.
Asuma Sarutobi, hearing the news, was at a loss for words. Konoha had always promoted a heroic and noble image of its great shinobi, often ignoring the less flattering truths.
But Asuma was different.
As the son of the Third Hokage and having had the honor of meeting Tsunade, one of the legendary Sannin, he knew the intelligence was accurate.
Yes, Tsunade was capable of such reckless behavior, but explaining it was difficult. He certainly couldn't say Tsunade was a compulsive gambler who lost every time.
Might Guy, on the other hand, was far more straightforward. He didn't dwell on the truth or falsehood of rumors.
"No matter what, since this is information from the Hokage, we have to check it out," Asuma said firmly.
"Let's move!"
"How about a little youthful competition?" Might Guy proposed, brimming with his usual enthusiasm.
"From now on, let's race to see who can reach the destination first!"
He raised a thumb, flashing his trademark grin with shining white teeth.
No matter when, Might Guy was always overflowing with passion.
But this time, his challenge was met with silence.
Neither Asuma nor Kurenai responded, pretending not to notice the thick-skinned Guy's invitation.
Seeing their cold shoulders, the once cheerful Guy frowned and muttered under his breath, "If only Uchiha Haru were here, he'd definitely compete with me."
Uchiha Haru.
Hearing that name caused a shadow of sadness to flicker in Kurenai's eyes.
After so long, the mention of that name still stirred a deep reaction in her heart.
Uchiha Haru...
No one really knew how he was doing now.
Asuma frowned and addressed Might Guy quietly, "Guy."
He had long buried the memory of the man he once hated but who stood up for Konoha.
Yet, whenever that name slipped out, he was reminded that perhaps he had never truly forgotten.
Might Guy immediately realized he had said too much and regretted it.
Since Uchiha Haru had led the Uchiha clan away from Konoha, his name had become almost taboo within the village.
No one dared mention it unless forced.
Yet Guy always remembered that he and Haru were still one match away from settling their score.
In an instant, the three shared a silent worry, each reading the other's thoughts, but none dared speak further.
They continued forward without pause.
After some time, Might Guy suddenly stopped, his expression changing from carefree to serious.
"Guy, what's wrong?" Asuma asked cautiously.
"Shh!" Guy motioned for silence, pointing ahead.
"Is someone there?" Kurenai whispered.
"Yes," Guy nodded firmly.
The three immediately took cover.
Among them, Asuma and Guy were evenly matched, while Kurenai was slightly less powerful.
But after another year, all three had grown significantly stronger.
Especially Guy, whose progress was rapid and impressive.
Now, Asuma was no match for him.
In their generation, only Kakashi Hatake—the Copy Ninja—could somewhat hold Guy back.
But Asuma recalled what his father, the Third Hokage, had once said:
Might Guy's strength was far beyond what others perceived.
If it ever came down to a life-or-death battle, few in all of Konoha could match him.
Asuma was skeptical deep down.
After all, his father referred to the entire village and its numerous powerful elders.
Could a younger shinobi really surpass them all?
Still, it demonstrated how formidable Guy had become.
Just now, he hadn't sensed anything, but Guy already knew someone was ahead.
That gap in strength was undeniable.
The three concealed themselves in the shadows.
Not knowing whether the approaching party was friend or foe, hiding and observing was the wisest option.
Just then, as they watched silently, a voice called out from behind.
"Hey, little devil!"
"Are you looking for someone?"
The voice was clear and sharp.
The three froze.
Uchiha Haru's path was not an easy one.
Ever since leading the Uchiha clan away from Konoha, he had carried the weight of his clan's future on his shoulders.
His decision had been met with mixed emotions — some called him a traitor, others a visionary.
But Haru remained undeterred.
The departure was necessary.
Konoha's shadow loomed too large over the Uchiha, suffocating their growth.
And now, with Mei Terumi's recent predicament still fresh in his mind, Haru knew that many unresolved conflicts awaited.
Still, the promise he made to Uchiha Mikoto resonated in his heart.
If he ever had the chance, he would bring Sasuke Uchiha back to the clan.
Sasuke was a rare prodigy, his potential immense.
Harnessing that power was vital — not just for the Uchiha, but for the fragile balance of the entire shinobi world.
Back in Konoha, the village was struggling.
The loss of the Uchiha clan had hollowed out its ranks.
The police department was stretched thin, and the village elders were desperate to restore strength.
Sending out teams to locate Tsunade and Jiraiya, two of the legendary Sannin, was a last-ditch effort to revive the village's fading power.
But learning of Tsunade's situation — the gambling debts, the relentless pursuers — cast a shadow over the village's hopes.
No one wanted to believe the legendary ninja had fallen so far.
As the three moved cautiously through the forest, the tension thickened.
Kurenai's sharp red eyes scanned the surroundings.
Asuma's grip tightened on his weapon.
Might Guy's usual bright smile was replaced by focused alertness.
Suddenly, a figure emerged on the path ahead.
The man's voice echoed once more.
"Hey,! Are you looking for someone?"
------------------
This Week Bonus Chapter - 200 Power stones
2nd Bonus Chapter - 400 Power Stones
3rd Bonus Chapter - 600 Power Stones
-------------
📢 Support the Novel & Read Ahead!
Love the story and can't wait to see what happens next?
Join my Patreon and get access to 50+ early chapters before anyone else! 🔥
https://www.patreon.com/UK21
Thank you for reading, and I truly appreciate your support! 💖
---------