The champion of this year's Konoha First Ninja Sword Competition was Uchiha Yang.
The Uchiha clan was filled with pride, and Uchiha Yang himself was overjoyed. This victory granted him the right to choose a mentor. He had trained intensely for a month, relying solely on self-discipline. The thought of finally being able to learn from a master excited him greatly.
After the tournament, the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, stepped forward to deliver an important speech. He praised the young contestants, calling them the future backbone of Konoha. He also commended the chief referee for his role in ensuring a fair competition. Expressing satisfaction with the event's success, he declared that the competition would now be held every four years.
The ninja clan leaders agreed enthusiastically. Under the Hokage's leadership, they pledged to improve future tournaments. The Uchiha clan also made an important announcement: moving forward, only three members from any single clan could participate in the competition. This rule aimed to provide more opportunities for civilian ninja, fostering wider enthusiasm for Kenjutsu.
This decision was well received. Many in the audience—especially commoners—had never seen Uchiha in action before. The tournament had provided them with a glimpse of the Uchiha's true strength, and their post-tournament initiatives only solidified their image as a respected and strategic clan.
"We, the Uchiha, will only send three competitors from now on," a confident voice declared. "Otherwise, the top ten would be entirely Uchiha. This way, we give others a fighting chance. Those who participated this year will likely return next time, but mark my words: by then, at least ten Three-Tomoe Sharingan users will dominate the rankings. This competition belongs to the Uchiha."
Uchiha Nobunaga cast a knowing glance at his nephew. Uchiha Yang understood. Walking toward Sakumo Hatake, he bowed deeply and presented him with the first study volume of the competition. This symbolized that for the next month, he would be under Sakumo's tutelage, learning Kenjutsu.
Deep down, Uchiha Yang had also considered training under Kosuke Maruboshi, as he had a strong intuition that Konoha-ryu swordsmanship would be invaluable. However, he knew that mastering a single sword style or even unlocking the Mangekyō Sharingan would not be enough to elevate the Uchiha clan's standing. True power came from strategy. Strengthening the Uchiha faction while subtly weakening the Hokage's influence was the key to ensuring the clan's future.
Thus, his apprenticeship under Sakumo Hatake, the White Fang of Konoha, was not just about learning Kenjutsu—it was the foundation of the next stage of the Uchiha's grand plan.
The White Fang's Training
Following the tournament, Uchiha Yang, accompanied by Uchiha Nobunaga, sought out Sakumo Hatake once more. Nobunaga approached with an unusually respectful demeanor, surprising Sakumo. After entrusting his nephew to the White Fang, Nobunaga gave Yang a few parting words before leaving.
The next month was grueling. Yang trained relentlessly, almost forsaking food, water, and sleep in his pursuit of mastery. Even Sakumo—who was known for his own dedication—was impressed by Yang's unwavering intensity. If the political situation had been less complicated, he might have considered taking him on as a formal apprentice.
Under Sakumo's expert guidance, Uchiha Yang's swordsmanship improved at an astonishing rate. He was progressing toward becoming one of the top swordsmen in the ninja world. All he needed was time.
Before departing, Uchiha Yang approached Kakashi Hatake, who was still a child. He patted his head and handed him a scroll containing the Chidori technique.
"If you manage to get promoted to Chūnin, I'll teach you the advanced version—Raikiri," he promised.
Young Kakashi was thrilled. He admired Uchiha Yang because, despite being a genius, he worked harder than anyone else. Watching Yang's obsessive training had humbled Kakashi, making him realize that talent alone was not enough.
The Next Phase
After bidding farewell to the Hatake family, Uchiha Yang returned home, resting for a single day before heading to his uncle's residence. As soon as he entered, he declared,
"Uncle, it's time for the next move."
Uchiha Nobunaga smirked. "It started long ago," he replied. "You were too busy training to notice."
He continued, "Two weeks ago, I contacted various Shinto sword clans, proposing an advanced training program for our younger generation. We formed three classes, each accepting five students. Every clan can send teachers on rotation. This strengthens our children while also forging alliances with other clans. We grow stronger together."
This initiative was already in motion. Sakumo Hatake was appointed the honorary headmaster of the newly established Kenjutsu Academy. Though managed by the Hatake clan, it had support from multiple ninja families.
"No one is foolish," Nobunaga said with a smirk. "Everyone knows Sakumo Hatake has the potential to become Hokage. Even if he never reaches that position, he's already the Head of the ANBU. Eventually, he will either become Hokage or serve as a powerful adviser. Aligning with him is a smart move."
Uchiha Yang chuckled. "Uncle, you're brilliant. Now that this is in motion, we simply ride the wave. Some of Konoha's elders are going to get nervous."
Danzo's Growing Concern
Meanwhile, in another part of Konoha, Danzo Shimura was livid.
"Sarutobi, the Hatake clan is rallying various Kenjutsu families and forming private training programs. They're building their own faction! He wants to be Hokage!" Danzo snarled.
The Third Hokage, however, remained unfazed. "Danzo, every ninja in Konoha dreams of being Hokage," he said calmly. "Don't overreact. This training program is meant to strengthen the next generation. If it benefits Konoha, I will support it. Besides, I trust Sakumo."
Danzo clenched his fists. He knew that Konoha's political landscape was shifting, and it was only a matter of time before factions openly clashed.
Uchiha's Strategic Moves
As tensions in Konoha grew, the Uchiha clan continued their silent preparations.
Internal Reforms: The clan introduced small-scale structural changes, including opening a kindergarten where Uchiha mothers could teach literacy, history, and mathematics. This freed up female ninja to return to active duty, increasing the clan's overall strength.
Economic Expansion: The Uchiha established two new trade caravans that expanded their business ties within the Land of Fire, slowly increasing their influence over the country's nobility.
The Uzumaki Connection: Utilizing their extensive trade routes, the Uchiha discreetly rescued orphaned survivors of the Uzumaki clan, relocating them to villages near the Land of Fire. Kushina Uzumaki and her father secretly assisted in this operation. The Fire Daimyō helped conceal these efforts, ensuring Konoha's ANBU and Danzo's ROOT forces remained unaware.
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While Konoha's political powers were distracted by their own conflicts, the Uchiha clan was steadily growing stronger in the shadows—preparing for the day they would no longer have to follow, but lead.