I, Uchiha, will not be whitewashed!

The explosive tag traced a sharp arc through the air, carrying the pungent smell of gunpowder, and flew straight toward Uchiha Sakugo's face.

Faint scorch marks had already appeared on the edges of the paper talisman, and the countdown to detonation seemed to be right next to their ears. At this critical moment, there was no room for hesitation.

"Wind Release: Great Breakthrough!"

Uchiha Sakugo remained calm. As he took a deep breath, his chest slightly bulged, and the air around him suddenly became turbulent. The next second, he lunged forward, exhaling a powerful gust of wind!

A howling gale suddenly exploded, and the powerful wind pressure instantly made the surrounding air buzz incessantly, stirring up gravel, dust, and withered grass from the ground, condensing into a visible white air wave that pushed fiercely forward.

Shimura Takuya was completely caught off guard and froze on the spot. He was then violently blown away by the raging wind, his body rising uncontrollably into the air, along with the explosive tag that was about to touch Sakugo.

boom--!!!

A deafening explosion erupted in mid-air, followed by a burst of orange-red flames, like a ferocious red lotus, the blinding light illuminating the entire training ground. The violent shockwave spread wildly in all directions, the surging air causing excruciating eardrums and a momentary daze in all the students present.

"Aaaaaah!"

Screams and cries erupted instantly. Some people covered their ears and crouched on the ground, their bodies trembling uncontrollably; others covered their heads and lay down in terror, afraid of being hit by the shockwave; still others retreated in a panic, and the scene instantly descended into chaos.

Masashi Oda staggered to regain his balance, looked up at the billowing smoke in the sky that had not yet dissipated, his face as pale as paper, and his back instantly soaked with cold sweat.

The explosive tags... were actually used in the ninja academy's training grounds, amidst a dense crowd of students.

If this talisman had exploded on the ground, and if it hadn't been blocked by that wind escape, the consequences would have been unimaginable. There would probably have been students killed or injured on the spot, and he, as the teacher in charge, simply couldn't bear that responsibility.

He dared not think any further; his heart was pounding wildly.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

As the flames gradually subsided and the thick smoke was slowly dispersed by the wind, the noisy crowd finally quieted down a bit, and everyone's eyes turned to the center of the field. The next second, the entire place fell into complete silence.

It was completely empty.

Only a wisp of white smoke remained, slowly drifting in the wind; there was no trace of Uchiha Sakugo.

"Where is Shuo... Shuoge?" someone asked in a trembling voice, filled with disbelief.

"Gone, gone..."

"Destroyed by bombing? No trace of their remains?"

"Impossible! The explosive tag detonated in mid-air; it didn't even touch him!"

A cacophony of doubts and panic erupted as the crowd erupted into chaos. Several timid students burst into tears, while others collapsed to the ground, their eyes darting around frantically, desperately trying to find the figure of the black-haired boy.

Kakashi stood at the edge of the crowd, his expression remaining calm, his eyes fixed on the dissipating white smoke, his brows furrowed tightly.

wrong.

The smoke was too faint, and its shape was wrong. It wasn't smoke left by an explosion at all; it was more like... traces of chakra dissipating.

"Quiet!"

Masashi Oda snapped back to reality, sharply silencing the commotion, his voice trembling with barely suppressed tension. He stared intently at the open space, his pupils slightly contracting, then took a deep breath and spoke each word clearly and distinctly throughout the room:

That's not the real body.

"That's—a shadow clone."

As soon as he finished speaking, the entire room fell silent. Everyone froze on the spot, their faces filled with shock and disbelief.

"Shadow...shadow clone? How is that possible!"

"He's only been in the Ninja Academy for a few days, he hasn't even mastered the basic Three Body Techniques yet, has he? Isn't Shadow Clone Technique an advanced ninjutsu that only Chunin-level players can master?"

"This...this is a monster..."

The murmurs resumed, but the previous panic was gone, replaced by sheer shock. Oda Masashi ignored the gasps; his back was soaked with cold sweat, and he felt only relief.

Fortunately, it was a shadow clone; fortunately, this child had prepared a backup plan.

He slowly turned his head, his cold gaze falling on the ground not far away.

Shimura Takuya was covered in mud and lay sprawled on the ground, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth. He struggled several times but couldn't get up. The students around him had already automatically retreated, forming a clear vacuum around him. They looked at him as if he were a plague god, filled with disgust and fear.

Shimura Takuya struggled to raise his head, meeting Oda Masashi's gaze. Those eyes, which had been filled with disdain and arrogance, were now filled with extreme fear, and he trembled uncontrollably.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

Masashi Oda walked over step by step, each step heavy and filled with suppressed anger. He stopped in front of Takuya Shimura, looking down at the six-year-old child lying on the ground, feeling both angry and shocked.

At only six years old, a mere child just starting school, he dared to secretly hoard explosive tags during a live-fire exercise, dared to make a move in a crowded training ground, and dared to openly attempt to injure or even kill people.

This kind of mentality is too ruthless.

"Who gave you the explosive tags?" Masashi Oda's voice was low and hoarse, filled with barely suppressed anger.

Shimura Takuya's lips trembled, and he couldn't utter a single word for a long time.

"I'm asking you, who gave you the explosive tags!" Masashi Oda suddenly raised his voice, his anger completely erupting.

Shimura Takuya shuddered in fright, gritting his teeth as he managed to squeeze out a few words, "I...I took it from home secretly..."

Home?

Masashi Oda narrowed his eyes, instantly understanding.

The Shimura clan, the core of the elders' council, and the child before them was none other than Shimura Danzo's nephew.

He remained silent for a long time, suppressing his anger. He straightened up, glanced at the still-shaken students around him, and announced in a deep voice: "The live-fire exercise is over. Everyone, return to the classroom immediately. No talking in private, and no running around."

After saying that, he looked down at Shimura Takuya again, his tone icy: "As for you, come with me to the principal's office."

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

As the crowd slowly dispersed, Kakashi took one last look at the charred ground in the center of the arena, affected by the explosion, his eyes slightly shining.

Shadow clones, wind-style ninjutsu, and composure under pressure.

That guy named Uchiha Sakugo is much stronger than I imagined.

What I initially thought was a dull and boring ninja school suddenly seems to have become more interesting.

Meanwhile, the riverside forest on the edge of the village.

The crisp sound of the sword being swung abruptly stopped. Uchiha Sakugo slowly sheathed his sword, his fingertips gently stroking the hilt, and closed his eyes.

The next second, the memories transmitted back by the dissipating shadow clone flooded into his mind like a tidal wave: the conflict on the training ground, Shimura Takuya's provocation, the explosive tag attack, the wind jutsu to defuse it, everyone's shock, and Oda Masashi's questioning, every word was crystal clear.

He slowly opened his eyes, his dark pupils devoid of any emotion, and simply gazed indifferently in the direction of the ninja academy.

Takuya Shimura, Detonation Tag.

He remained silent for a moment, not taking the little incident to heart at all, gripped the hilt of the knife again, raised his hand, and swung the knife once more.

One slash after another, the movements were crisp and clean, the force steady, and the sound of the blade cutting through the air was exceptionally clear in the silent forest.

"Ten thousand five hundred..."

"Ten thousand six hundred."

The setting sun cast its last rays upon him, turning his black hair a pale gold, and he continued wielding his sword without pause. Only his once calm eyes now held a depth and coldness beyond his years.

"Danzo..."

He uttered the name in a low voice, so soft it was almost drowned out by the wind, yet it carried a hint of chill that was barely perceptible.

"I really want to kill this old guy."

How could a six-year-old child easily obtain a strictly controlled explosive tag, and how could he dare to use it openly at school? It's obvious that Shimura Danzo was behind it, perhaps as a test, a warning, or even to eliminate this outcast from the Uchiha clan.

He shook his head, suppressing his thoughts.

pity.

"I can't kill him right now."

Uchiha Sakugo didn't dwell on it any longer; wasting energy on agonizing over it was pointless. Only strength was the foundation for survival. He suddenly increased the speed of his sword strikes, the sound of the blade cutting through the air becoming increasingly rapid. Each strike was imbued with all his chakra, honing his foundation and accumulating power bit by bit.

As the sun gradually set and night began to envelop the forest, the sound of knives being swung along the riverbank continued unabated.

One stroke after another, steady and firm.

Uchiha Sakugo stood in the deepening darkness, silently gathering his own power, waiting for the opportunity to counterattack.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

Principal's Office.

Masashi Oda pushed open the door and shoved Takuya Shimura inside, his hands still trembling slightly, not from fear, but from extreme anger.

Explosive tags, school, crowd—every word sent chills down his spine. In all his life, he had never seen such audacious and vicious child, much less such blatant disregard for Konoha's rules.

He glanced at Shimura Takuya, who was huddled in the corner trembling, and then at the principal behind the desk, who was rubbing his temples. His face was extremely ugly.

The principal slowly raised his head, his gaze falling on Shimura Takuya. His tone was calm and even, but utterly devoid of warmth: "Shimura Takuya, do you know what you've done?"

Shimura Takuya bit his lip, lowered his head even further, and dared not respond.

"He brought explosive tags into the school without permission, used them maliciously during a live-fire exercise, and attempted to detonate them in a crowded area to injure people."

The principal spoke clearly and forcefully, "According to the Konoha Ninja Academy's rules, you have already been expelled, and your parents must bear full responsibility and accept accountability from the Konoha Police Department."

Shimura Takuya's shoulders trembled violently, his eyes filled with fear.

"But..." The principal leaned back in his chair, looking at the ceiling with a complicated expression, and sighed, "You are not an ordinary student."

He remained silent for a long time before finally standing up and waving his hand: "I'll handle this. You go back and calm the other students down and stabilize the situation."

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

The Hokage's office.

The Third Hokage put down the documents in his hand, his usual gentle smile completely vanishing. He leaned back in his chair, picked up his pipe, took a deep drag, and slowly exhaled a cloud of white smoke, the smoke obscuring the solemnity in his eyes.

Explosive tags, Shimura clan, Uchiha.

When these words are mixed together, it's never a trivial matter.

He sighed softly and instructed the doorway, "Summon Danzo to see me."

Not long after, Danzo, leaning on his cane, slowly walked into the office, his face expressionless, exuding a sinister and cold aura. He stood opposite the Third Hokage, his gaze calm, yet conveying a sense of aloofness that kept strangers at bay.

"What do you want?"

The Third Hokage didn't speak immediately, but simply looked at him quietly, at this teammate who had fought alongside him since childhood, at this man who now guarded Konoha with him, yet whose thoughts were so different.

"About your nephew," the third generation finally spoke, his tone turning somber.

Danzo's brow twitched almost imperceptibly, feigning confusion: "What nephew?"

"Shimura Takuya." The Third Hokage's voice grew even lower. "Today during the Ninja Academy's combat drills, he secretly stole explosive tags and maliciously attacked Uchiha Sakugo, nearly causing a major disaster."

Danzo lowered his eyes, his tone indifferent: "That child is injured?"

"No," the Third Hokage replied in a deep voice. "But that's because Uchiha Sakugo created a shadow clone in advance and used Wind Release in time to blow the explosive tags into the air, thus escaping disaster. If he had been a step slower, you and I both know the consequences."

Danzo spoke casually, his tone dismissive: "Since no one was injured, it's nothing serious. It's just children being competitive."

"Not a big deal?" The Third Hokage abruptly stood up, his voice rising sharply with the authority of a Hokage. "Possessing control talismans, maliciously injuring people on campus, disregarding the lives of your comrades—and you're telling me this isn't a big deal? Danzo, wake up!"

Danzo raised his eyes to meet his gaze, his expression still cold and hard: "Uchiha Sakugo is unharmed, that's enough."

"What if he wasn't a shadow clone? What if he didn't know Wind Release? What if the students present were injured or killed by the explosion?" The Third Hokage approached step by step, his tone becoming increasingly stern.

Danzo remained silent, his face darkening.

The Third Hokage stared at him, his voice low and tinged with heartache: "Danzo, I know you harbor resentment towards the Uchiha clan, but now is not the time. Kagami Uchiha is still here; he is our teammate and a loyal member of Konoha."

Danzo's pupils contracted slightly, and he was about to speak when he was interrupted by the Third Hokage.

"I am the Hokage."

These five short words carried immense weight and undeniable authority, instantly silencing Danzo.

The office fell into a deathly silence; the atmosphere was extremely oppressive.

After a long silence, the Third Hokage turned around, walked back to his desk, and sat down. He picked up his pipe again, and amidst the swirling smoke, his tone was firm: "You personally take Shimura Takuya to the Uchiha headquarters, apologize to Kagami, and you must obtain the Uchiha clan's forgiveness."

Danzo looked up abruptly, his eyes filled with disbelief and rage: "You want me to apologize to the Uchiha? You want me to bow down to Kagami? Impossible!"

"I'm not discussing this with you." The Third Hokage raised his eyes, his gaze sharp, devoid of his usual gentleness. "This matter demands an explanation from the Uchiha clan. Kagami is the Uchiha clan head, in charge of the security forces. He represents the entire Uchiha clan. If this matter is handled improperly and escalates into clan conflict, can you bear the consequences?"

He paused, his tone carrying an ultimatum: "If you don't go, then I'll take you there myself."

Danzo stood there, his hand gripping his cane tightly, his knuckles white and veins bulging. He stared intently at the Third Hokage, his face so dark it seemed to drip water. In the end, he suppressed his anger, turned around without a word, pushed open the door, and strode away.

Danzo's footsteps were heavy and hurried in the corridor, his heart churning with boundless rage.

The Third Hokage, Uchiha.

He stopped and glanced coldly at the door of the Hokage's office, his eyes filled with malice and resentment.

One day, he will take back what is rightfully his.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

The Shimura family residence.

Danzo entered the main hall and saw Shimura Takuya huddled in a corner, trembling and looking utterly shaken. Upon seeing Danzo, Takuya hurriedly stood up, his lips quivering, unable to utter a single word.

Danzo coldly stared at his nephew, who had brought him so much trouble, and after a moment of silence, said in a tone devoid of any warmth: "Come with me."

"Where...where are we going?" Shimura Takuya asked timidly.

Danzo didn't answer, turned around and walked straight out. Taku didn't dare to ask any more questions and hurriedly jogged after him.

As the last rays of the setting sun faded and darkness fell, two figures walked one after the other toward the Uchiha camp.

Danzo walked very slowly, each step feeling like he was stepping on a knife's edge, his heart filled with humiliation and anger.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.