Spiritual Art
Uchiha Fugaku looked like he was about to erupt when he saw Chi Yu torch the two scrolls.
Even though they were just copies, they were still invaluable.
The first scroll contained a compendium of Fire Release techniques passed down through generations of the Uchiha clan.
Fire Style: Great Fireball Jutsu, Fire Style: Dragon Flame Jutsu, Fire Style: Phoenix Fire Jutsu, and other signature techniques were all recorded in full detail.
Sure, the Great Fireball Jutsu was widespread in the ninja world, but what most failed to understand was that the version used by the Uchiha was far more refined—enhanced by decades of lineage-locked insights. It wasn't just ninjutsu—it was heritage, blood, and pride forged in flame.
The second scroll, however, was the real treasure.
It documented the evolution and combat insights of the Sharingan, from the awakening of a single tomoe to the fully matured three-tomoe state. It included recorded experiences, chakra control methods, and even psychological states required for advancement. For the Uchiha, this wasn't a scroll—it was sacred scripture.
And yet, Chi Yu had burned both right in front of him.
Fugaku's jaw clenched as his chest heaved, his rage barely contained behind his disciplined facade. A storm brewed in his eyes as he glared at Chi Yu.
But Chi Yu? He simply leaned against the doorframe with a smirk, his expression dripping with mockery.
After several deep breaths, Fugaku straightened his back and spoke with stoic calm:
> "Since you refuse the goodwill of the Uchiha, we shall take our leave."
He turned without another word.
Chi Yu's gaze lingered on Fugaku's retreating back. This Uchiha was… different.
Despite having been so thoroughly disrespected, he hadn't lashed out. Most Uchiha would've unsheathed a kunai on the spot.
And the fact that he'd come alone, bearing both scrolls and an apology, meant his position within the clan was significant.
> "Hey," Chi Yu called lazily, "what's your name?"
The man paused but didn't look back.
> "…Uchiha Fugaku."
And with that, he walked off.
Chi Yu's lips curled upward.
> Uchiha Fugaku. The future clan head. The father of Itachi and Sasuke.
His smirk deepened, tinged with bitter irony.
> "He really raised two 'good' sons…"
In Chi Yu's eyes, Uchiha Itachi's infamous massacre wasn't some noble sacrifice for peace. It wasn't "justice."
No.
It was betrayal wrapped in self-righteous delusion.
Itachi's actions may have served the Will of Fire and preserved Konoha's stability, but at what cost?
He had exterminated his entire clan—his people, his kin—in one night.
It wasn't like he just targeted traitors. He killed indiscriminately. Elders. Children. Civilians.
He even spared only Sasuke—not to preserve the clan—but because he couldn't bear to kill his own little brother.
To Chi Yu, that single act exposed the hollow core of Itachi's resolve. If you truly believe in your mission, you shouldn't flinch. Sparing Sasuke wasn't compassion—it was selfishness.
Itachi turned what could have been a cold, unyielding act of justice… into a personal tragedy. A joke. A stain.
> "A self-righteous puppet brainwashed by Konoha," Chi Yu muttered. "He was never a hero. Just a fool clinging to the idea that obedience equals righteousness."
Still, there was something almost redeeming in the younger brother.
> Sasuke... now he's interesting.
Just as Chi Yu turned to return to his training quarters, a familiar voice slithered through the air like smoke.
> "You're rather cunning, Chi Yu."
Chi Yu turned to see Orochimaru, leaning against a nearby tree, a devilish grin curling on his pale face.
Chi Yu chuckled and held up two intact scrolls.
> "Since they offered them so willingly, why not accept? The Uchiha's Fire Style techniques and Sharingan notes are quite useful."
The truth was simple: the scrolls he burned were decoys—blank scrolls from his tool pouch.
Before Fugaku could turn away, Chi Yu had switched them out. A touch of Lightning Release to heat the air and flash-incinerate the fakes did the rest. Fugaku, thinking he had witnessed an act of defiance, had actually been played.
Orochimaru approached with a snakelike glide, arms folded.
> "And you're not worried the Uchiha will retaliate?"
Chi Yu tucked the scrolls away with a grin.
> "Why would I be? I've got you, don't I, sensei? Besides... the fact that Fugaku came to me says it all. The Uchiha clan is weakening. They want to use me as a bridge to you. That's how desperate they are."
Orochimaru let out a low chuckle.
> "Heh… perceptive. What you mean to say is—they're hoping to invest in your future. And by extension, curry favor with the Hokage's disciple."
Chi Yu's smile turned coy.
> "I didn't say that."
Orochimaru smirked but didn't press further.
> "Let's go. I'm short on time. I'll escort you to Ryūchi Cave today so you can sign the summoning contract. Afterward, I'll draft your training schedule, but then... I'll be away for a while."
Chi Yu followed him, his eyes sharp with anticipation.
Inside the underground chamber, Orochimaru began explaining as they walked.
> "The Summoning Technique is a space-time jutsu. After forming a blood contract, the summoner uses chakra—and a bit of blood—to call forth their partner across dimensions."
> "You must smear your blood on the contract and perform the correct hand seals: Boar → Dog → Bird → Monkey → Ram. The more chakra you feed into the jutsu, the stronger the summon that responds."
Without missing a beat, Orochimaru bit his thumb, drew blood across his palm, and weaved the seals effortlessly.
> "Summoning Technique!"
With a puff of smoke and a hiss, a large azure serpent materialized before them.
Its tongue flicked. Its eyes locked onto Chi Yu.
The snake's pupils shimmered with recognition.
Chi Yu smirked.
The contract was about to begin.