Chapter 23: Mastering the Manipulated Shuriken Technique

Sunday morning.

The sound of metal clattering echoed out from the courtyard.

Mikoto Uchiha opened her eyes.

She looked at the empty space beside her and couldn't help but sigh.

She felt a bit lonely.

She didn't know when it started, but Fugaku Uchiha was coming home less and less frequently, as he spent most of his time at the Konoha Military Police Force.

Although Mikoto didn't involve herself in clan affairs, she noticed the growing rift between the Uchiha clan and Konoha. she couldn't help but worry.

She got up, changed her clothes, and tied her long black hair, letting it fall over her shoulders.

"Sasuke, you're still practicing ? How about taking a break?" Mikoto opened his door with a helpless smile. "Children need plenty of sleep, and rest to grow properly."

Sasuke had always been diligent, but he hadn't used to practice ninjutsu at five or six in the morning.

It all started after he came home from school on Friday.

Although Mikoto didn't know what had happened, she knew her son well enough to realize he had been affected by something, or someone.

She couldn't help but wonder who had caused this change in him.

Sasuke stood in the courtyard, arms crossed, each hand gripping a transparent thread.

At the end of each thread was a kunai, deeply embedded in a wooden stake.

After losing to Shinho Aburame, Itachi Uchiha had taught him a ninjutsu called the Manipulated Shuriken Technique.

"I did it, Mom!" Sasuke looked up at Mikoto, his face full of excitement.

"Really!?" Mikoto walked over.

With a look of concern, she reached out to wipe the sweat from his face.

"You're just like Itachi, you never listen."

She playfully flicked his forehead with her finger.

It was light, without any force.

Sasuke scratched his head.

Seeing his adorable expression, Mikoto couldn't stay angry.

"Mom, I need to go out this afternoon."

Sasuke remembered the fishing competition between Shinho Aburame and Naruto Uzumaki.

Of course, he had no interest in fishing.

Having just learned the Manipulated Shuriken Technique, his confidence was soaring, and he planned to challenge Shinho again.

He always believed that he lost last time only because he was careless and didn't dodge that punch.

Plus, he lacked sufficient information.

"Where are you going?" Mikoto asked curiously.

Sasuke's small face scrunched up; he didn't want to tell her about his embarrassing situation.

"Sasuke!" Mikoto huffed lightly, displeased. "Are you keeping secrets from your own mother?"

"I'm going fishing with my classmates," Sasuke blurted out.

"Fishing?" Mikoto was a bit surprised.

Was he finally making friends?

"I'll get things ready for you," Mikoto said, ruffling his hair.

In the afternoon.

Sasuke looked at the fishing gear and lunchbox in his hands, falling into contemplation.

"Good luck!" Mikoto cheered, clenching her fist.

"Got it, Mom."

Sasuke couldn't refuse and turned to leave.

After walking for a while, he suddenly realized a problem.

Where are they fishing?

Sasuke was suddenly dumbfounded.

At that moment, he spotted a familiar blond head.

He was standing in front of a fishing tackle shop.

"Not selling! Get lost!" the shopkeeper said impatiently.

"How much is it? I'll pay for the fishing rod," Sasuke approached calmly.

"Sasuke!" Naruto called out in surprise.

"I'm not selling this rod! I said no, and I mean no!" The shopkeeper's dislike for Naruto was undisguised.

"Are you looking down on us Uchiha?" Sasuke raised his head and asked.

The shopkeeper's body trembled slightly, as he opened his eyes wide.

Only then did he notice the Uchiha clan emblem on Sasuke's clothing.

"Of course, it's for sale!" the shopkeeper quickly changed his tune.

The Uchiha clan controlled the Konoha Military Police Force, responsible for the village's security.

In more common terms, they were the city police.

Moreover, they were known for their strict enforcement, never letting even minor offenses slide; no one dared to provoke them.

Naruto, holding the fishing rod he obtained, was still a bit dazed.

Coming back to his senses, he sincerely said, "You Uchihas are amazing!"

Hearing this, Sasuke couldn't help but slightly curve his mouth, unable to hide a hint of a proud smile on his face.

As long as you praise the Uchiha, we're like brothers.

Unintentionally, Naruto had grasped the technique of interacting with the Uchiha clan.

"Let's go fishing," Sasuke suddenly realized that Naruto was useful.

He could use him as a reason to participate in the fishing competition and ultimately approach Shinho Aburame.

"Let's go!" Naruto, simple-minded as ever, didn't remember that Sasuke had previously refused the fishing invitation.

Sasuke felt slightly relieved.

If someone pointed out the inconsistency, he'd be embarrassed enough to dig himself a hole.

"Sasuke, let me give you the money," Naruto took out his wallet.

"No need, it's just a small amount," Sasuke said coolly.

In the Konoha Forest.

When Shinho arrived at the destination, he found that everyone was already there.

Hinata Hyuga, Ino Yamanaka, Sakura Haruno, Shikamaru Nara, Choji Akimichi, and Kiba Inuzuka.

As Shinho walked over, two lines of text suddenly appeared before his eyes:

[Achievement Unlocked: Naruto Uzumaki's 'Brother, You Smell Nice'; Reward: Hidden Stone Gu.]

[Hidden Stone Gu: A Rank One Gu worm that grants invisibility but cannot hide clothing.]

How was this achievement triggered?

Shinho didn't quite understand.

The Hidden Stone Gu had flaws.

But it could be used as a material to refine the true Invisibility Gu, namely the Hidden Scale Gu.

"Shinho-kun," Ino bounced over to him.

Hinata, who had taken a step forward, retracted her foot.

"Choji brought a grill," Ino said with a smile. "After we finish fishing, we can have a cookout."

Shinho nodded.

"Shinho!" came Naruto's voice from a distance. "I'm here!"

Shinho turned his head and saw Sasuke looking somewhat uneasy.

He immediately understood how Naruto's passive achievement was triggered.

Was this the mutual attraction between stand users?

Ashura and Indra were destined to be entangled through various relationships.

Shinho pondered.

So achievements could be triggered indirectly.

"Sasuke-kun?!" Sakura jumped up happily.

She quickly ran over to greet him.

"Sasuke-kun, weren't you not coming?" Sakura asked, puzzled.

Sasuke's face stiffened.

Shinho didn't ask, so why are you?

"As long as he's here," Shinho timely helped him out, saying, "Let's start fishing."

Except for Neji Hyuga, Tenten, and Rock Lee, the Konoha Twelve were all present.

As a Naruto fan, he felt a bit emotional.

This was a rare scene.

"First place will definitely be mine!" Naruto raised his fishing rod, declaring loudly.

"It's mine," Sasuke said calmly.

As a member of the Uchiha clan, he had to strive for any first place.

Even if it was fishing.

"Um... can someone teach me how to use a fishing rod?" Naruto suddenly scratched his head.

He used to catch fish by hand because he couldn't buy a fishing rod.

"..." Sasuke was speechless.

You don't even know how to use a fishing rod; where does your confidence come from?