Chapter 40: The Wrath of Uchiha Masaki

Chapter 40: The Wrath of Uchiha Masaki

Orochimaru personally demonstrated the Summoning Jutsu, summoning a blue snake.

The blue snake spoke, lowering its head to Orochimaru, "Lord Orochimaru."

Orochimaru commanded the blue snake, "Bring out the contract scroll."

The snake opened its mouth, its belly writhing, and out came the scroll for the contract with Ryūchi Cave.

Orochimaru turned to Chiba and instructed, "Open the scroll, write your name in blood, and then press your handprint with your dominant hand. This will seal the contract with Ryūchi Cave."

Chiba unrolled the sticky contract scroll.

The last name on the list was Orochimaru's; the names before it were unknown to Chiba.

Biting his finger, Chiba signed his name on the contract scroll and pressed his bloody handprint onto it.

After sealing the contract, Chiba closed the scroll and handed it back to the blue snake.

The snake swallowed the contract scroll and said, "Lord Orochimaru, Lord Chiba, I will now return to Ryūchi Cave."

With a puff of smoke, the blue snake vanished.

Orochimaru then tossed a scroll to Chiba.

He explained, "This contains my secret techniques. Train on your own. If you encounter difficulties, write them down. I'll return every fortnight to address your questions."

Orochimaru began laying out Chiba's training plan: "Continue your physical and reaction training in the morning. In the afternoon, shift your focus; there's no need to keep practicing those low-level ninjutsu.

Since you've obtained the Uchiha clan's Fire Release techniques, your next task is to master them.

I've reviewed the Fire Release techniques in that scroll. Techniques like the Great Fire Dragon and the Great Fire Annihilation require mastery of both chakra shape transformation and nature transformation for fire.

You already have experience with Lightning Release chakra shape and nature transformations, so I won't teach you that. Figure it out yourself.

In the afternoons, you must also practice the Summoning Jutsu. Once you've mastered it, you can start learning my secret techniques.

In short, manage your time wisely."

Orochimaru was confident in Chiba's abilities.

Chiba was diligent and disciplined in his training, requiring no supervision from Orochimaru.

Though the training tasks had increased, Chiba was more motivated than ever.

Following this training plan would undoubtedly lead to significant progress.

"Alright, begin your training. I have matters to attend to. If you need me urgently, either visit the Hokage's office or use the Summoning Jutsu to contact me through the Ryūchi Cave serpents."

"Yes, Lord Orochimaru."

After Orochimaru left, Chiba immediately began training according to the new plan.

...

In the Uchiha clan's territory, Uchiha Fugaku returned home and immediately sought out his father, Uchiha Masaki.

Seeing his son, Masaki asked, "Fugaku, how did it go? Chiba must have accepted the scrolls and our goodwill, right?"

Before Fugaku could speak, Masaki continued, "He must have been dazzled. Those are the Uchiha clan's treasured Fire Release techniques, something even Orochimaru couldn't possess. And combined with the invaluable knowledge of the Sharingan, he must be grateful to our clan."

With a grim expression, Fugaku replied, "No, Father. Chiba didn't accept our goodwill. He... burned both scrolls!"

Masaki was stunned, his expression shifting rapidly.

In disbelief, Masaki asked Fugaku again, "Did you say he burned the scrolls?"

Fugaku nodded, "Yes, and he made it clear that he does not accept our clan's apology."

In a fit of rage, Masaki slammed his fist onto the table, shattering it.

"How dare he?! A discarded child of our Uchiha clan! Who does he think he is? He's not even fully aligned with the Hokage yet!"

Masaki's face flushed red with anger, veins bulging on his neck.

Fugaku was equally infuriated.

The Uchiha were, after all, the most powerful clan in the village. Even if Chiba rejected the apology, he didn't need to do so in such a humiliating manner.

The room fell into an uneasy silence, broken only by Masaki's heavy breathing.

After a long while, Masaki finally calmed down.

Though furious, Masaki remained composed. He knew that without calm, he couldn't lead the clan.

In a cold voice, Masaki said, "If Chiba wants to reject us, then we'll leave him be. Fugaku, I have a task for you."

Fugaku nodded, "What is it, Father?"

Masaki said sternly, "Tomorrow, I will call another clan meeting to enforce stricter discipline. You must keep a close watch on everyone, especially the troublemakers. Report to me immediately if they step out of line. I will deal with them.

The Uchiha clan must start changing now. If we wait any longer, things might spiral out of control.

Fugaku, mark my words: within a year, the ninja world will be plunged into chaos. When that time comes, Konoha will undoubtedly need the power of the Uchiha.

This war will be our chance to change how the village sees us. The Uchiha can no longer afford to be so arrogant.

You know how our clan members are. If we win the war, they might become even more insufferable. We need to change that now.

Otherwise, when the war ends, it might be time for the Hokage to settle scores with the Uchiha clan.

We don't have much time left. The Uchiha clan's legacy cannot be lost under our watch!"

With a serious expression, Fugaku responded, "I understand, Father. I will keep watch."

After Fugaku left, Masaki remained deeply troubled by the situation with Chiba, his anger simmering.

Yet Masaki knew he couldn't act against Chiba.

Chiba was now protected not only by Orochimaru but also by Hiruzen Sarutobi and even Mito Uzumaki.

When Chiba first returned to Konoha, Mito had expressed a desire to adopt him, though Sarutobi had refused.

As a member of the Senju clan, Mito would undoubtedly protect Chiba.

Chiba already disregarded the Uchiha clan; once he fully aligned with the Hokage's faction, he might actively oppose the Uchiha in the future.