A few days later, Uchiha Fugaku left behind his spore clone and quietly departed from Konoha, heading to the Uchiha clan's secret stronghold located outside the village.
This secret base was hidden deep in an unfrequented forest, covered with vines and shielded by powerful barrier ninjutsu. Any ordinary intruders would fall under an illusion and unconsciously veer away.
Ding, ding, ding!
Upon entering the base, Uchiha Fugaku was greeted by the sight of a vast training ground.
Young boys and girls practiced diligently, honing their skills. Some trained alone, while others sparred with each other to improve their combat abilities.
These children, gathered from various parts of the ninja world, had been saved from destitution by the Uchiha clan. Despite their harsh beginnings, each displayed extraordinary talent.
In the future, they would grow into loyal subordinates of the Uchiha clan and contribute to its influence in the ninja world.
"Patriarch."
Uchiha Xing, who had been stationed at the base for nearly a year, quickly approached upon hearing of Uchiha Fugaku's arrival.
Walking beside him was a young girl with fair skin as white as freshly fallen snow. She wore a tight white combat suit that emphasized her petite yet athletic frame.
It was Yukiko, the prodigy who had demonstrated exceptional aptitude with the Ice Release Kekkei Genkai.
"Fugaku-sama!"
Yukiko's voice carried both respect and a hint of joy as she greeted him. Her expression reflected deep gratitude toward the man who had rescued her and offered her a second chance at life away from the dangers of the Water Country.
"Hmm."
Uchiha Fugaku nodded with a faint smile before speaking.
"You've come at just the right time. Let me see how much you've improved during this period."
"Yes, Lord Fugaku."
Yukiko's voice was clear, and confidence shone in her eyes. Among the children in the base, she was the youngest, yet her strength placed her among the most talented.
"Chief, may I be her opponent?" Uchiha Xing suggested.
"No, I'll spar with her myself," Uchiha Fugaku replied, shaking his head. He then turned his gaze to Yukiko.
"Attack me with your full strength. Don't hold back."
"Yes!"
Yukiko took a deep breath, her determined gaze meeting Uchiha Fugaku's. She wanted to prove herself and show how far she had come under his guidance.
"Ice Release: Ice Shuriken!"
Yukiko formed a series of hand seals with practiced precision. Moisture from the air coalesced into dozens of razor-sharp ice shurikens, which floated in formation before launching toward Uchiha Fugaku like a flurry of deadly blades.
Ding, ding, ding!
With a single kunai in hand, Uchiha Fugaku deflected the incoming ice projectiles effortlessly.
As the final shuriken shattered against his blade, he surged forward, closing the distance between them with blinding speed.
"Ice Release: Ice Spikes!"
Remaining calm despite the looming threat, Yukiko pressed her hands to the ground. In an instant, jagged ice spikes erupted like bamboo shoots, creating an icy barricade aimed directly at Uchiha Fugaku.
However, Fugaku moved with fluid precision, sidestepping to avoid each spike as though he were gliding over the battlefield.
In moments, he broke through the icy defenses and closed in on Yukiko.
"Ice Release: Ice Cage!"
Just as Uchiha Fugaku prepared to strike, Yukiko activated her next technique.
Large walls of ice rose around Fugaku, forming a box-like cage. Moments later, an icy ceiling sealed the top, trapping him within an enclosed space.
This was a simplified version of his own Ice Cage Technique, used to immobilize rather than freeze the target.
"Wind Style: Vacuum Cut!"
Without hesitation, Uchiha Fugaku infused his kunai with wind chakra. The blade emitted a vibrant green glow as it extended into a chakra-infused sword.
With a single slash, the ice cage shattered into fragments, and Uchiha Fugaku stepped out unscathed.
Yukiko, sweat beading on her forehead, prepared to continue the battle. However, Uchiha Fugaku raised a hand, signaling her to stop.
"That's enough," he said.
At his level, Fugaku knew that if he fought seriously, Yukiko wouldn't even have the chance to unleash her techniques. Allowing her to demonstrate her abilities had served its purpose.
He was pleased to see how far she had come.
"You've grown significantly stronger," Uchiha Fugaku remarked with approval.
Yukiko's strength was now on par with that of a Chunin, an impressive feat given her age.
Hearing his praise, Yukiko's face lit up with pride. To receive acknowledgment from Lord Fugaku was the greatest affirmation of her efforts.
After leaving Yukiko to continue her training, Uchiha Fugaku entered the office with Uchiha Xing.
"Chief, I've been stationed here for almost a year. When will someone replace me?" Xing asked, a note of frustration in his voice.
Though disciplined, even he found it difficult to endure the monotony of life at the secret base.
"Don't worry, someone will be sent to relieve you in a few days," Fugaku replied with a chuckle.
"Is it Uchiha Min?" Xing inquired.
"No," Fugaku said, shaking his head. "It's Uchiha Huang."
"Uchiha Huang?"
Xing raised an eyebrow but nodded in understanding.
Uchiha Huang had once aligned with the elders' faction, but following their reconciliation with Fugaku, Huang's skills could now be utilized by the clan head.
"It doesn't matter who it is, as long as they get here soon," Xing grumbled good-naturedly.
"How are the children progressing?" Fugaku asked, changing the subject.
"The strongest ones have already reached the level of a Special Jonin," Xing reported with pride. "To further their development, I've had them take on small bounties from the underground market."
His expression then darkened as he added, "However, I've noticed an unsettling trend. There's been a sharp increase in bounties targeting the Uchiha clan."
(End of this chapter)
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