Chapter 34: Deep Autumn.

A melodious and cheerful flute sound gradually wafted through the air. At times spirited, at times clear and melodious, and at times intermittent. It was both soothing and joyful. The drifting flute melody, accompanied by the gentle breeze, filled listeners with a sense of exhilaration.

At the end of the performance, the sound of enthusiastic applause immediately followed. Even though his old residence was somewhat remote, it couldn't stop people from yearning for beautiful music.

"No matter how many times I listen, Tōshirō's performance of 'The Eagle's Song' always uplifts my spirits!"

"Tōshirō, you've skipped class again. Even though the ninja school's classes can be dull, skipping class is not something a good child should do!"

"Grandpa Hiroshi, thank you for your praise. I was just passing time while practicing. And Granny Riri, the morning classes at the ninja school are all cultural lessons, I've already mastered them."

The ones praising and teasing him were two widowed elderly neighbors, who were also part of the Uchiha clan.

'Grandpa Hiroshi' used to be a Special Jōnin who had awakened the Two Tomoe Sharingan. However, he lost his right arm in a battle, though he survived. His retirement also marked the end of his ninja career. After his wife passed away, he chose to live separately from his children due to his eccentric temperament.

'Granny Riri' was not a ninja herself. However, her husband and son participated in the last great war and both sacrificed their lives, leaving her to live alone. She seldom left her home, occasionally seen in the family's cemetery with a lonely figure.

"Tōshirō is a talented and hardworking child. Spending every day at the ninja school is a waste of time. I think joining the police force early would be the best choice…"

As a Special Jōnin who once awakened the Sharingan, even after years of idle life post-retirement, Hiroshi's insight and understanding were still sharp. Their different experiences and beliefs led them to different opinions on Tōshirō's truancy.

As a former ninja who paid a huge price, Uchiha Hiroshi still believed in protecting the clan and the village as an Uchiha mission. Since Tōshirō was exceptionally talented, he should contribute to the police force, the clan, and the village.

On the other hand, Uchiha Riri, who lost her husband and son, didn't have a favorable view of the ninja profession. Although she didn't openly oppose the Uchiha tradition, she hoped Tōshirō could enjoy a happy childhood.

Although their views on the ninja profession differed, they both appreciated Tōshirō's music equally.

At this moment, Tōshirō, dressed in a white martial arts uniform similar to a Taekwondo training outfit with a ninja fishnet undershirt, sat cross-legged on the veranda outside. His outfit included a family emblem with a flame fan on his back, and a red martial arts belt tied around his waist. He wore a ponytail with a few bangs fluttering across his forehead. His eyes were clear and dark, and while his facial features still held some childishness, a heroic aura was beginning to emerge.

Holding a vibrant green flute, he watched with some helplessness as his elderly neighbors started to argue over his truancy beside him.

Since his cousin Mikomi got married half a year ago, Uchiha Tōshirō began living alone. Although Mikomi visited weekly to help tidy up and prepare meals, he started feeling increasingly lonely, so he bought a flute to occasionally play tunes from his past life, both as a way to reminisce and to alleviate the solitude and monotony of training.

"It's almost noon, Grandpa Hiroshi and Granny Riri, would you like to stay for lunch? My cooking isn't bad!"

Hearing this, the two elders glanced at the sky and then rose simultaneously, leaving the courtyard and going their separate ways. As for staying for lunch, they never considered it proper.

Watching the two elders leave, Uchiha Tōshirō also got up to prepare lunch. Though not yet eight years old, he stood 135 cm tall and weighed about 35 kg. With his white martial arts outfit and his ponytail, he looked more like a warrior than a ninja.

Indeed, it was the ponytail, somewhat like Zhang Chulan from the anime "Hitori no Shita." If he added a sword, his look would resemble that of Kenshin from "Rurouni Kenshin: Trust & Betrayal."

After discovering that men in this world could also have long hair, he was intrigued. After all, long hair and a sword, wandering the world, then coming to a heroic rescue of beauties was a dream every boy had at some point.

At that moment, as one of his shadow clones from the morning school session dispelled, a flood of new memories surged into his mind.

Hmm! Interesting; looks like there's something fun to do this afternoon...

Eight-year-old Uchiha Tōshirō could maintain up to three shadow clones for training. It wasn't because he didn't want to create more, but because sustaining them for extended periods would be too taxing.

The Shadow Clone Jutsu was widespread in the ninja world. However, only Naruto Uzumaki was known for using it extensively for training. When a clone is dispelled, the fatigue it accumulated transfers back to the original. Most Jōnin could overcome this fatigue if the number of clones wasn't excessive. The real limiting factor was chakra consumption.

Like burning a candle, the clone would expend chakra just by existing. Regular ninjas would rather conserve their chakra to strengthen their bodies than waste it this way. Even Tōshirō himself wouldn't have chosen this method without a comprehensive plan for physical activity.

Even though his chakra reserves had reached the upper limits of a Genin, Tōshirō could only afford three shadow clones for low-energy activities, needing two hours of rest at noon daily.

Every morning, one clone attended the ninja school to read, another practiced fire chakra nature transformation at home, and a third worked on gathering Yang Release chakra. Meanwhile, his main body focused on physical training.

Depending on the afternoon's schedule, he would decide whether to send a clone or attend school himself.

Well! Looks like this afternoon, I can have a good rest...

(The end of the chapter)