MTLNOVEL Chapter 11: Chapter 11: The New Uchiha
At this moment, Uchiha Madara tapped the tabletop.
"The source of power for taijutsu is physical energy, while the source of power for genjutsu is mental energy. However, whether it's taijutsu or genjutsu, both rely on chakra. You should be deeply aware of this by now, right?"
Kamihane understood clearly. Ninjutsu, taijutsu, and genjutsu are fundamentally different systems of power and cannot be conflated. In the original timeline, the reason why Kisame's Great Shark Bullet Technique, which specializes in absorbing chakra, lost to Might Guy's Seventh Gate's "Daytime Tiger" lies precisely in this.
Madara took a sip of tea and said, "As for that Eight Inner Gates technique, it is an extremely powerful taijutsu secret. The stronger one's physical constitution, the greater its power. However, it requires years and years of rigorous training."
Kamihane nodded; this was something he naturally understood. The prerequisite for mastering the Eight Inner Gates is to build up one's stamina, temper the muscles and bones, and undergo unconventional, strenuous, and extreme long-term training. Only in this way can every part of the body be honed, allowing the muscles, bones, flesh, and organs to adapt to the immense burden imposed by opening the gates, thereby minimizing the damage caused by the overwhelming energy unleashed.
As the food was served, the two began their meal. It wasn't until the tea cooled that a staggering figure finally appeared at the edge of their vision. Uchiha Hikaru had actually followed them all this way. Her breathing was slightly labored, her pale face flushed with an unnatural redness, and she looked like someone who had just recovered from a serious illness, clearly nearing her limit. Leaning against the doorframe, she walked into the shop with feeble steps.
"Where did this beggar come from?"
Upon seeing her, the shop attendant immediately showed a look of impatience. Her tattered clothes, disheveled long hair, and especially her bare feet made it easy for anyone to associate her with the word "beggar."
"Get out of here! There's no food for you. What bad luck! If the boss sees this, he'll deduct my pay again!" the attendant scolded without hesitation.
Madara raised his eyes and was about to stand up, but Kamihane, who had been observing the situation for a while, stepped forward first.
"She's with us," Kamihane said, placing his hand on the attendant's shoulder with a seemingly harmless smile.
And so, Uchiha Hikaru also took a seat at the table, staring straight at Madara with eager almond-shaped eyes, occasionally glancing at the food on the table.
"Gurgle…" Her stomach protested.
"Eat," Madara said indifferently.
She immediately began devouring the food, grabbing sushi with her left hand and a chicken leg with her right, stuffing them into her mouth like a whirlwind. The clinking of bowls and chopsticks echoed around her.
Her eating manners made the other diners frown slightly, and they moved their chairs farther away.
"How long has this poor child been starving?" Kamihane sighed and pushed the tea towards her. Uchiha Hikaru didn't hesitate, picked up the teapot, and gulped it down.
"Gulp, gulp…"
"Have you decided to join us on our journey?" Madara asked softly, lifting his teacup.
Uchiha Hikaru paused, her mouth stuffed full, and nodded vigorously before continuing to wolf down the food.
"Just like that, she's won over!?!"
Kamihane looked at her with admiration, his mind drifting to whimsical thoughts. "Indeed, a cool and aloof older man is always the ultimate weapon for winning over young girls…"
After the meal and tea, Uchiha Madara stood up, his gaze fixed directly on Kamihane.
Kamihane felt a chill under his stare.
"Do you have any money?" Madara's deep voice came through.
Kamihane's throat tightened as he suddenly realized something. "Uh, Lord Madara, don't you have any money?"
"It was you who pulled me in here. I never intended to come here to eat."
The eyes of the surrounding diners turned towards them. Feeling embarrassed, Kamihane lowered his head and whispered, "Um, do we… actually have to pay for the meal?"
"Do I look like a street thug to you?" Madara tilted his head slightly, giving him a strange look.
Uchiha Hikaru wiped her mouth and glanced over curiously, her bright eyes blinking as she also tilted her head.
"This…" Kamihane looked at the two individuals, whose appearances and hairstyles were strikingly similar, and felt a few black lines forming on his forehead.
"Lord Madara, there's something I'd like to ask, if I may."
"Go ahead."
"Are you two perhaps related by blood?"
"Of course not, why do you ask?" Madara frowned slightly.
"It's just that you two are so alike!" Kamihane gestured with his hands in the air, "The hairstyle, the demeanor, and even... the clothing style, they are almost identical!"
"Are they?" At this question, both the big and the small one stared at him with a mix of curiosity.
"Absolutely!" Kamihane nodded vigorously.
"It's just a coincidence," Madara said nonchalantly. "Oh, by the way, find some time to get her a new outfit. What she's wearing now is too conspicuous."
"And one more thing, remember to settle the bill."
...
"From today onwards, the three of us will be the new Uchiha clan," Madara announced, looking at the two children before him.
"Where are we going next?" Uchiha Hikaru asked softly.
Madara gazed up at the vast sky, his expression inscrutable, "To the ends of the earth, to the boundless world."
Kamihane clutched his empty wallet, looking up at the sky with a face full of melancholy.
Two days later, within the borders of the Land of Waterfalls.
"Boom!"
Two massive arms collided fiercely, stirring up gusts of wind.
One arm was deep blue like the ocean, the other pitch black like ink, both unleashing raw and violent power without restraint, as if ready to destroy everything.
Madara and Kamihane stood facing each other from a distance, their colossal Susanoo forms locked in a standoff, both having entered the first stage. The surrounding area was littered with broken wood, the ground scarred with trenches, a complete mess.
"Not bad, your speed is indeed impressive," Madara remarked, crossing his arms as he controlled his Susanoo to throw a punch. "When I was your age, I couldn't do this."
"Bang!"
The black Susanoo raised its arm, blocking the heavy punch. The wind howled, and black energy spread rapidly, forming a second pair of arms that wrapped around Madara's Susanoo, locking it in place.
Despite the praise, Kamihane's expression remained grave. The intensity of the confrontation with Madara left him no room for distraction, beads of cold sweat forming on his forehead.
"You flatter me, Madara-sama. I still have much to learn."
Deep within the lush forest, a giant waterfall hung suspended. The torrential river cascaded down the cliff into the downstream riverbed, the water curtain spreading out and stirring up countless droplets.
Beneath the waterfall, a small figure was soaking naked in the pool.
A set of brand-new clothes was neatly stacked on the shore.
The cool river water flowed inch by inch over her snow-white body. Under the dappled tree shadows, her skin was smooth and delicate, glowing with the warmth of jade.
Uchiha Hikaru raised her fair wrist, scooping up a handful of water and pouring it over her head. She felt the refreshing coolness seep into her scalp and let out a satisfied sigh.
After being sealed for so many years, the thick, earthy smell had become unbearable even to her. Today, she finally washed it all away.
"Boom, boom, boom..."
Outside the pool, dull thuds echoed from time to time, making Hikaru feel as if her heart was trembling along with them.
She didn't pay much attention. In the past two days, she had grown accustomed to the rhythm of life with her new companions.
The two of them seemed to be fighting every day, though it felt more like a form of sparring. The man controlled the intensity of his attacks, training the young boy to constantly improve.
"That technique is called... Susanoo?"
She tilted her head slightly, her bright eyes flickering with curiosity and a faint eagerness to try.
"Whoosh—"
She scooped up a handful of clear pool water, watching it trickle through the gaps between her fingers. The cool sensation crawled over her skin inch by inch. Under the mottled sunlight, her slender arms looked as delicate and translucent as jade.
"New life... has begun."
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