Angry Uchiha Masaki
Orochimaru personally demonstrated the Summoning Technique, summoning a large blue snake.
The snake lowered its head respectfully and spoke in a clear human voice:
"Lord Orochimaru."
Orochimaru commanded, "Bring forth the contract scroll."
The snake opened its mouth, its belly rippling briefly, and spat out a scroll containing the contract with Ryūchi Cave.
Orochimaru turned to Chiyu and instructed, "Open the scroll, write your name in blood, and press your bloody handprint with your dominant hand. This will establish your contract with Ryūchi Cave."
Chiyu carefully opened the scroll. The last name on it was Orochimaru, but the preceding names were unfamiliar to him.
He bit his finger, signing his name with blood, then pressed his hand firmly onto the scroll, leaving a clear imprint.
After sealing the contract, Chiyu rolled up the scroll and handed it back to the snake.
The snake swallowed the scroll, then said, "Lord Orochimaru, Lord Chiyu, I will now return to Ryūchi Cave."
A cloud of smoke enveloped the snake, and when it cleared, the creature had disappeared.
Orochimaru then tossed a scroll to Chiyu.
"This contains the records of my secret techniques. Study them carefully. Should you encounter anything unclear, write down your questions. I will return every half month to address them."
He continued, outlining Chiyu's new training regimen:
"Your physical and reaction training in the morning will remain as before. However, the afternoon schedule will change. You no longer need to practice low-level ninjutsu.
"Having obtained the Uchiha clan's Fire Release ninjutsu, your focus will now be on mastering those techniques.
"I have reviewed the Fire Release jutsu within that scroll. Techniques such as Majestic Destroyer Flame and Great Fire Annihilation require you to master the shape and nature transformation of Fire Release chakra.
"You already have experience with Lightning Release chakra's shape and nature transformations, so I will not instruct you further in that area. You must learn to master it independently.
"Additionally, you will practice the Summoning Technique in the afternoons. Once you have fully mastered it, begin training with my secret techniques.
"Manage your time effectively."
Orochimaru's confidence in Chiyu was evident.
Chiyu's diligence and discipline meant that he required little supervision. Though the training demands had increased, his motivation remained high.
"If you adhere to this plan, significant progress is inevitable."
"Very well. Begin your training. I have urgent matters to attend to, so I will leave. Should you require assistance, you may visit the Hokage Building or summon a Ryūchi Cave snake once you have mastered the Summoning Technique."
"Yes, Teacher Orochimaru."
With that, Orochimaru departed. Chiyu immediately commenced training under the new schedule.
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Uchiha Clan Grounds
After returning, Uchiha Fugaku immediately sought out his father, Uchiha Masaru.
Masaru's eyes held anticipation.
"Fugaku, how did it go? Did Chiyu accept the two scrolls and the goodwill of the Uchiha clan?"
Before Fugaku could respond, Masaru muttered, "His eyes must have lit up. Those scrolls contain Fire Release ninjutsu passed down through generations—techniques even Orochimaru cannot replicate. Along with the invaluable Sharingan insights, Chiyu should be grateful."
Fugaku's expression darkened.
"No, Father. Chiyu did not accept our goodwill. He burned both scrolls."
Masaru's face shifted from shock to disbelief.
"He burned the scrolls?"
Fugaku nodded.
"Yes. Furthermore, he declared he does not accept the Uchiha apology."
Masaru slammed his fist against the table, shattering it.
"He is an abandoned child our clan discarded! What right does he have? And yet, he aligns with the Hokage!"
Masaru's face flushed with anger, veins visible at his neck.
Fugaku, equally frustrated, thought the clan's honor was deeply insulted.
The room fell silent except for Masaru's heavy breaths.
After some time, Masaru regained his composure, maintaining the calm expected of a clan leader.
"Since Chiyu refuses to acknowledge what is offered, do not concern yourself with him. Fugaku, there is another matter."
Fugaku nodded.
"Please instruct me, Father."
Masaru's tone was firm.
"Tomorrow, I will reconvene the clan meeting to enforce stricter discipline. You will monitor the clansmen closely, especially the troublemakers. Report any misconduct immediately. I will handle the consequences.
"The Uchiha must begin reform now, or risk losing control entirely.
"I foresee turmoil within the ninja world within a year. Konoha will require the Uchiha's strength.
"This impending war is an opportunity to reshape Konoha's perception of the Uchiha. We can no longer tolerate arrogance.
"You understand the clansmen's nature. Victory may embolden them further, so we must instill humility now.
"If not, the Hokage may purge the Uchiha after the war.
"Time is running out. We must preserve the clan's foundation."
Fugaku's expression was solemn.
"I understand, Father. I will oversee their conduct."
After Fugaku departed, Masaru brooded over Chiyu's rejection.
However, Chiyu was untouchable—protected by Orochimaru, Hiruzen Sarutobi, and Mito Uzumaki.
When Chiyu returned to Konoha, Mito had proposed adopting him, but Hiruzen declined.
Chiyu's Senju heritage ensured Mito's continued protection.
Now, Chiyu disregarded the Uchiha clan entirely.
If he fully aligns with the Hokage's faction, could he not become their greatest threat?