Naruto: Starting by Teaching Tsunade Modernization

The eastern coastline of the Land of Fire.

Mikoto Uchiha silently stared at the endless ocean.

Emerald waters stretched endlessly beneath a cloudless blue sky.

To be honest, it had been pretty dull.

As a seasoned ninja, she knew she shouldn't be feeling this way, but Mikoto hadn't accomplished a thing in nearly half a month of patrolling—she hadn't even seen a single ninja from the Mist Village.

Given her strength, it felt like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut.

Plus, Haruki continued to send impressive reports from the Land of Lightning, and her teammate Minato Namikaze had recently risen to great fame.

As for herself, she had done absolutely nothing.

Not that she felt jealous.

But carrying the title of Uchiha Clan Leader, she couldn't afford to tarnish that name too easily.

"Clan Leader."

A young man appeared, gave a bow, and spoke. "We've spotted a small ship approaching from the southeast. There are seven ninjas aboard."

"Only seven? From the Mist Village?"

Mikoto showed slight disappointment upon hearing this. What could seven ninja possibly hope to achieve? They were probably just passing through.

"Yes, from the Mist Village. After confirming their appearances, we've identified them as the Seven Warlords of the Sea."

"The Seven Warlords of the Sea used to be known as the Seven Swords of the Bloody Mist, correct?"

Mikoto's interest immediately rose. The legendary Seven Swords were known as elite ninjas within the Mist Village.

They would be a worthy challenge.

Perfect for testing the new function of her Sharingan.

"Hmm. Clan Leader, I sent people to investigate. Other than these seven, there aren't any other ninjas. I suspect the Mist Village's intention is simply to let these seven launch a surprise attack on Konoha and take advantage of our vulnerability."

As he spoke, the young man's lips curled into a smile.

Normally trained professionals wouldn't smile in such a setting in front of the clan leader, unless they couldn't help themselves.

The Seven Swords were indeed top-tier Jonin, incredibly powerful.

He understood the Mizukage's reasoning, but clearly, the Mizukage underestimated how much Konoha had grown in recent years.

This Seven Swords group wouldn't even make it past this coastline, much less reach Konoha.

Even if Mikoto let them reach Konoha, they'd face immediate and devastating retaliation.

"Perhaps confident in their own strength, they made no attempt to hide their movements. Clan Leader, should I call others over?"

"No. Leave it to me."

Mikoto waved her hand. A rare opportunity to test her abilities shouldn't be missed.

Ever since obtaining the Mangekyo Sharingan, she hadn't had many chances to use it.

The only times she'd used it before were within the Uchiha Clan itself.

But the power of her eyes was far too restrictive.

So much so that she had yet to unleash her full strength in battle.

The Seven Swords would serve as perfect sparring partners.

They were strong enough—but nowhere near as unstoppable as Haruki.

"Understood."

The young man nodded slightly, then left without another word.

He had personally witnessed the illusion-based Night of the Clan Massacre. He knew Mikoto's strength and had no need for excessive worry.

With those eyes, the entire Uchiha Clan had been powerless to resist, let alone these seven individuals.

Mikoto gazed toward the sea until she spotted the small ship described by the young man. Then she stepped onto the beach and waited patiently for their arrival.

Someone's approaching.

"Someone's coming," said Biwa Juzo, the wielder of Kubikiribocho. He had noticed Mikoto approaching without even trying to hide.

Fuguki Suikazan, his orange hair unmistakable, lifted his head and remained expressionless.

"It's a Konoha ninja."

He frowned slightly, sensing something odd.

"Heh heh, looks like we're off to a good start." The speaker was a tall, thin ninja with a long beard extending from his chin—Ujina Hachirou.

His weapon, Bakutō: Haimatsu, resembled a massive scroll with a hilt on one end, entirely wrapped in Explosive Tags, while the other side was a regular blade.

"Probably just a coincidence," Ujina shrugged. He loved grand spectacles—those explosive tags were far more satisfying when everything blew up.

Fuguki Suikazan scanned the area as they drew closer, spotting no other ninja.

That left only one possibility.

Otherwise, any Hidden Village aware of the Seven Swords of the Bloody Mist wouldn't send just one ninja to confront them.

"So who's going to take care of this?"

"Not me. One person? No fun at all."

Ujina sneered; he had a preference for grand explosions.

"I'll do it."

The voice came from a short male, appearing almost like a boy due to his height.

His hair was styled into what looked like a pyramid, dark rings circling his eyes.

Hiramekarei, the Dual Sword.

Wrapped in bandages and strapped to his back, it towered over him in size.

As soon as the youth spoke, he strode across the water's surface and landed on the shore.

He glanced at Mikoto. He didn't recognize her—she made no impression on him.

Too insignificant to merit a word.

Without hesitation, he drew Hiramekarei and unwrapped the bandages, revealing a blade shaped like a blowfish.

Upon exposure to air, two round vents on the blade instantly emitted a blue gas, causing the entire weapon to glow.

In an instant, the glow coalesced into thick beams of light erupting outward.

The intense chakra wave sent Mikoto's long hair flying back.

Beneath the dazzling blue glow, Mikoto's Mangekyo Sharingan activated.

[Ifunayasaka!] A brilliant blue column of light enveloped her body.

Seeing this, the youth couldn't suppress a sneer. What a pitiful opponent—couldn't even dodge properly.

But then he paused.

Familiar with Hiramekarei's power, he realized his attack had failed to land.

"A genjutsu?"

Looking at Mikoto still standing at the center, he felt his heart tighten. "When did that happen?"

The youth immediately scanned his surroundings for her real form.

At that moment, the figure he believed to be an illusion drew a pale-white tanto and slashed directly at him, devoid of flourish.

Instinctively, he raised Hiramekarei to block.

Yet the short blade appeared almost ethereal, slicing effortlessly through the wide blade's frame.

"It's definitely a genjutsu… wha—?!"

With a loud bang, his head rolled off his shoulders.

Eyes wide in shock and disbelief, death claimed him before understanding could follow.

His final thought was about the nature of such an unusual genjutsu.

Fuguki Suikazan and the other five aboard the ship froze in stunned silence.

From their perspective, the young man landed onshore and unwrapped Hiramekari. Automated chakra beams erupted, launching attacks on their own.

Mikoto ignored them entirely and slashed the young man's head clean off with a single stroke.

Effortless and almost dismissive, as though felling a lowly Genin.

But he was one of the Seven Swords of the Bloody Mist—a renowned Jonin from the Hidden Mist Village. How could it end like this?

"There's something wrong!"

Fuguki Suikazan felt a chill race down his spine.

As arrogant and confident as they were, seeing a comrade with strength rivaling their own killed in a single blow made them all extremely cautious.

"Her eyes… are those the Sharingan?"

Ujina Hachirou voiced uncertainly.

He had seen the Sharingan before—it always featured tomoe patterns, differing only in quantity.

But her eyes contained black, triangular, shield-like markings.

"Even if that is the Sharingan, she shouldn't be this powerful."

Fuguki Suikazan's suspicions found no answers, but retreating wasn't an option now.

If word spread that the Seven Swords fled at just seeing a Konoha ninja, their reputation would be ruined beyond repair.

Besides, the Hidden Mist Village wouldn't believe their story anyway.

"She's alone. No matter how strong she appears, she can't possibly beat all six of us combined."

Without hesitation, Fuguki Suikazan used a Water Release technique to drive their small boat toward the shore.

Once he approached, something about Mikoto seemed oddly familiar. He had definitely seen her before.

"It's you! Mikoto Uchiha, the Clan Leader of the Uchiha with a bounty of 50 million ryo!"

After thinking for a moment, Suikazan recalled her wanted profile from the black market.

The profile described a newly appointed Uchiha Clan Leader wielding the Three-Tomoe Sharingan, known for her skills but not regarded as a top-tier expert.

Two million came from the Sharingan itself, and three million from her status.

Yet almost no one took the job.

First, her operations were mainly confined within Konoha. Even when she took missions outside Konoha, she was always joined by teammates or Uchiha clansmen.

Secondly, despite her personal strength not being extraordinary, considering the might of the Uchiha Clan, few dared to take the risk.

Now recalling the intel on Mikoto, Suikazan strongly suspected a leak within the black market.

Instantly taking down one of the Seven Swords? Please.

Still, complaining now wouldn't change anything.

Gripping Samehada firmly, he said grimly, "The intel was wrong. Watch out for her genjutsu. There are six of us—we can't all fall into illusions. Attack together!"

Meanwhile, Mikoto hadn't spoken a single word since the encounter began.

Even having her identity revealed didn't draw any response.

Although puzzled, Suikazan saw no need to ask questions of an enemy.

After finishing his words, his body twisted into a whirlwind, swinging the heavy Samehada straight ahead with brutal force.

Mikoto herself didn't budge an inch.

Suddenly, a massive pale red hand materialized behind her, moving at incredible speed to block Samehada.

An earth-shattering crash exploded outward.

Suikazan was blasted backward, crashing into the ground hard enough to create two deep craters beneath his feet, his right arm numb with pain.

"What kind of technique is this?!"

He stared in disbelief at the massive skeletal arm enveloping Mikoto.

"Susanoo."

Mikoto answered coldly, "Is this all the Seven Swords of the Bloody Mist can do?"

"Damn you!"

"You actually dare to mock us!"

"Die!"

Taunts filled the air, and almost without hesitation, six figures drew their respective blades, charging fiercely toward Mikoto.

"You've only got one arm! Let's see you block this!"

Slightly slower than the rest, Biwa Juzo suddenly swung his Cleaver Sword, the blade whistling through the air toward her head.

The moment he struck, he felt violent tremors run up the weapon—his strike had hit something unbreakable.

He lifted his head, eyes widening involuntarily.

In that instant, Mikoto stood within a colossal skeletal structure—its upper torso visible, ribs exposed.

The exact point where Juzo had struck was none other than one of those ribs.

Biwa Juzo saw clearly—the bone bore not even a single scratch or mark.

As though the mighty Cleaver Sword in his hands was nothing more than a toy.

He couldn't believe his eyes.

"Get out of the way!"

Roaring furiously, Biwa Juzo swung his massive sword in wild arcs. Sword energy surged forth, interwoven with chakra, blow after blow hammering down—relentless, top to bottom—as if an entire mountain were collapsing upon her.

Instantly, the other five leaped aside.

Although they were meant to attack together, their sword techniques were far more brutal and less precise than refined swordsmanship—making friendly injuries all too common.

Mikoto's response was simple.

Two gigantic arms closed in from both sides.

Blood sprayed across the battlefield.

Fuguki Suikazan and the rest instantly narrowed their eyes in shock. Dead? Just like that? Crushed with a slap?

This must be some kind of devilry!

The hand opened, leaving behind only the Cleaver Sword at the spot.

Its high-quality material and hardness prevented it from breaking.

But Biwa Juzo himself was utterly destroyed, beyond recognition—his clothes unidentifiable.

"Looks like I won't need to transform further."

Mikoto, still standing on the spot, suddenly said.

Susanoo was the third form of power, accessible only to those who had awakened the Mangekyo Sharingan.

It evolves through multiple forms.

Mikoto had just activated the first form—a skeletal upper torso.

In its perfected state, it would include full armor and weaponry, a complete physical structure rivaling Tailed Beasts, stable chakra, capable of using ninjutsu, and even flight.

Ujina Hachirou's eyes burned crimson at her words.

Usually cold-blooded and merciless, he couldn't bear the mockery of a woman now.

"Kushimaru Kuriarare!"

Ujina Hachirou darted forward while shouting another man's name.

Among the Seven Swords, these two shared similar personalities and the closest bond.

Behind him, Kushimaru Kuriarare, gripping his long needle-like weapon, remained expressionless beneath his Mist Anbu mask as the call rang out.

His lithe limbs coiled slightly before bursting into blinding speed—faster than even Ujina Hachirou.

Mid-sprint, his chakra surged into the Needle Sword, glowing with radiant energy as he shot forward.

He let out a breath, blitzing forward in a flash until he arrived before the Susanoo. In an instant, Kushimaru lunged like a needle, plunging directly into the ribcage of the skeletal frame.

Crack!

The needle's sharp tip broke through the defenses, finally nearing Mikoto.

"Now!"

Kushimaru Kuriarare licked his lips, revealing a cruel smile as he eagerly anticipated impaling and sewing up the Uchiha Clan Leader.

Ujina Hachirou needed no further explanation—he already knew what had to be done.

He twisted the handle of his blade forcefully, jamming the explosive-laden surface into the gap created by the needle.

"Go now!"

Ujina shouted, but without waiting for a reply, the Explosive Tags ignited.

Blistering gusts of air exploded outward.

[Bakutō: Haimatsu] housed hundreds—no, thousands—of Explosive Tags within its scroll.

Now, they all detonated at once.

It erupted like a volcano, flames erupting violently from the blade in every direction.

Ujina took the full force, being hurled backward ten meters in an instant.

Despite being caught in the explosion, he suffered minimal injuries.

But Kushimaru fared far worse.

Though warned, this time Ujina used far too many tags—more than ever before—and the blast range extended wider than expected.

Half of his body was severely burned.

Still, he survived.

And he didn't hold it against his comrade and friend.

In his place, facing someone as terrifyingly powerful as Mikoto, he would've done the same—given it his all.

Thick smoke rolled across the battlefield.

Five figures stood tense, watching the chaos unfold.

The first thing they saw was the beach utterly devastated, as if struck by a storm, unrecognizable from before.

Then came the sight of a dull-red samurai over a hundred feet tall.

Fully clad in heavy armor, it wielded a forty-meter-long greatsword in its right hand and held a circular shield in the left.

Mikoto floated within its core, nearly invisible.

At that moment, a deathly silence gripped the coastline.

They remembered Mikoto's earlier warning.

There truly was an even scarier form.

This… is this even Ninjutsu?

"Run! Run now!"

Fuguki Suikazan lost his usual composure, shouting at the top of his lungs.

The remaining four scattered immediately.

Mikoto let out a soft hmph. Without moving herself, the giant warrior behind her raised its massive sword and swung downward.

Before the blade even touched him, a violent storm erupted above Fuguki's head.

The force of the wind nearly lifted him off the ground.

Sensing the crushing weight of the strike, Fuguki instinctively tried to raise Samehada to block.

But Samehada, the sentient blade, resisted. In an instant, it wrenched free and soared into the air, fleeing ahead of its master.

Samehada's instincts screamed—staying would mean certain death.

Instinct for survival overpowered loyalty.

Fuguki's eyes blazed with rage, but there was nothing he could do. The next second, his life ended, swallowed by eternal darkness.

Mikoto gave a fleeting glance at the obedient Samehada but said nothing, then turned her gaze toward the fastest runner—Kushimaru Kuriarare.

He had already reached the ocean's surface.

The way he looked at her just now made her feel extremely uncomfortable.

The Susanoo warrior shuddered violently, and to everyone's shock, a pair of immense wings erupted from its back.

Kushimaru Kuriarare felt the incoming wind pressure and turned to glance behind him. What he saw froze him in terror.

Damn it!

How is that flying even possible?!

Is that even reasonable?

But that was the last thing he ever thought.

The forty-meter blade slashed down like a shadow trailing its target, slicing through him and cleaving the ocean apart.

Kushimaru's body split in half, swept away by waves over one hundred meters tall.

Blood stained the water crimson before vanishing into the waves.

Mikoto raised her gaze to her remaining targets.

Three more left.

Ujina Hachirou, Jinin Akebino, and Raiga Kurosuki.

As ninja from Kirigakure, they were skilled not only in swordsmanship but also proficient in Water Release.

Now right beside the coast, the three of them shot toward the Land of Water like swordfish, moving at their absolute top speeds.

Mikoto slightly frowned—the three had split off in opposite directions.

The warrior beat its massive wings.

The ocean below was forced downward under the crushing wind pressure.

Ujina's face turned pale.

Why me?!

Damn it, I should have never acted so recklessly earlier!

His explosive tags were gone—Water Release was all he had left.

Teeth clenched, Ujina hastily formed hand seals.

This was the ocean, his home ground. He still had a chance. He wouldn't necessarily die here.

From his position as center, dozens of meters of seawater began to roil and boil.

For the first time ever, Ujina poured every last drop of chakra within his body without holding back.

A forty-meter Water Dragon bellowed as it surged toward Susanoo.

Just like its master, it carried the weight of a last, desperate strike.

This time, the warrior didn't use his blade.

Instead, he opened his mouth.

A torrent of terrifying flame erupted outward.

Countless sparks danced through the air like celebratory fireworks.

The dense chakra coalesced mid-air into a colossal fireball.

Ujina immediately recognized this technique.

[Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique!]

The signature jutsu of the Uchiha Clan.

But this was simply too big!

All of it vaporized in an instant—along with the Water Dragon, Ujina himself, and over ten meters of seawater.

Mist filled the area.

In the center of what once was mirror-like ocean surface, a crater of fire appeared.

It defied every natural law.

Mikoto soared upward, expanding her perception.

She found the nearest target.

Jinin Akebino.

A middle-aged man wielding Kabutowari—a weapon resembling an axe and hammer linked by a chain.

Among the Seven Swordsman of the Mist, this weapon held unmatched destructive power.

Its usual method was to slash with the blade first, then strike the back of the blade with the hammer to amplify force, earning its reputation for shattering any defense.

Yet facing a Susanoo over one hundred meters tall, Jinin felt like nothing more than a foot doctor.

And not even a skilled one at that.

In despair, he raised Kabutowari.

The next moment, his body exploded under the overwhelming force transmitted through the weapon, dissolving into a mist of blood that vanished into the sea.

Mikoto remained expressionless, as if she'd done something trivial, then turned away.

Only one of the Seven Swords remained—Raiga Kurosuki.

A young man with long green hair, he wielded his Lightning Sword, known as Fangs of Lightning.

Mikoto sensed his presence and couldn't help but furrow her brow slightly.

He actually made it this far.

Yet she had no intention of letting him escape.

After all, six of the Seven Swords were already dead; failing to eliminate the last one would leave things unfinished.

A family should always stay together.

If Haruki could hear her thoughts, he'd probably chalk it up to her OCD again.

Though massive in size, Susanoo was surprisingly swift.

The chase continued.

The two were slowly drawing closer to each other.

Just then, Raiga Kurosuki left the open sea and headed inland toward an island.

Mikoto suddenly realized his plan—to use civilians as cover to escape.

She paused briefly, dismissed Susanoo, and stepped onto the island herself.

Before her eyes lay a bustling town.

It wasn't as grand as Konoha, but still quite sizable.

The dense crowd momentarily broke her line of sight on Raiga.

Yet she remained calm.

Walking slowly down the street, her eyes began to swirl.

Though not as advanced as the Byakugan—which could see the chakra pathways inside a ninja's body—the Sharingan could still detect chakra reserves.

As a Jonin, Raiga undoubtedly had more chakra than ordinary people.

Moments later, light snow began falling.

Mikoto felt slightly surprised.

Strictly speaking, it was her first time entering the Land of Water, so she wasn't familiar with its weather patterns.

Being close to the sea, affected by various currents, each island and town had different climates.

Reaching the end of the street, Mikoto suddenly lifted her head and looked into an alleyway.

It wasn't Raiga—her Sharingan detected something particularly interesting.

Chakra radiating extreme cold.

Mikoto identified it instantly.

Shinji Hira's Ice Release.

Looking down, she saw a child who appeared no older than two or three years old.

Dressed in tattered rags like a beggar, the child curled up by the roadside, clutching their stomach.

Mikoto squatted down and gently brushed away the black strands of long hair, revealing an exquisite beauty beneath.

Was it a girl?

Her naturally kind disposition, coupled with being a mother, stirred her compassion.

Especially since the child possessed such a rare Kekkei Genkai—Ice Release.

Chakra flowed from her fingertip.

Warmth spread through the space around them.

"How are you feeling?" Mikoto asked. "Is something wrong?"

"I'm… I'm hungry…" The voice was weak and feeble.

"Come with me."

Lifting the child into her arms, Mikoto found an inn.

Considering how long the child had gone without food, she made sure to avoid anything too rich that might upset the child's stomach.

Mikoto ordered a simple bowl of rice porridge.

"What's your name, sweetheart?"

"My name is Haku. I'm not a little girl."

"Hmm?"

Mikoto studied the child's delicate face—it was so pretty it almost looked feminine, making her question her assumption.