Chapter 97: Experienced

"Yan! Wipe the blood off your face!"

At the same time, he handed another tissue to Uchiha Yan, whose face was also stained with the opponent's blood.

He pointed at Yan's cheek, indicating there was dirt on her face.

Only now did they complete the mission of exterminating the mountain bandits, and could slowly deal with some miscellaneous tasks.

"Zhe! Go check on those women!"

Still somewhat weak, Toshirou rudely ordered Uchiha Zhe, without a hint of embarrassment.

Simultaneously, his gaze began to wander around the stronghold!

It seemed like he was looking for something!

Finally, he focused his gaze on three places.

These were the shadow of the wooden house in the middle of the stronghold, behind a nearby rock, and up in a tree about twenty meters away.

Feeling carefully, Toshirou locked his eyes on the crown of the tree twenty meters away from them.

"Teacher Juzo! I have found you, there's no need to hide and skulk anymore!"

Determined, Toshirou addressed the disharmonious spot he sensed, speaking with some annoyance.

He was quite upset now!

Both he and Yan, as well as Zhe, were in such a dire state, and the main culprit was their 'great teacher'!

At that moment, Uchiha Yan, who had been numbly wiping her face with the tissue Toshirou handed her, perked up upon hearing this.

Her expression turned cold as she looked around.

"Is Teacher Juzo here? Where?"

While speaking, her eyes followed the direction Toshirou was pointing.

She had been through a tough ordeal this time and felt a lot of pent-up grievances.

[He actually discovered my hiding spot! How did he do it? Could it be that this kid also has a strong talent in perception?]

Peeking through the leaves, he saw his two disciples staring intently at the tree.

[They really are excellent!]

He couldn't help but marvel as he observed Toshirou's considerable prowess in ninjutsu, taijutsu, genjutsu, and even medical skills.

[If he could just... that would be perfect!]

Actually, there was a reason why Toshirou could detect Juzo's presence.

From the age of four, he had been training himself to integrate with nature.

Hoping that one day, he could get a glimpse of the full scope of senjutsu.

After nearly four years, although he had made some progress in chakra control, mental strength, and perception, he still had no clue about sensing natural energy.

Setting those aside, let's talk about his sensing abilities.

When he was observing Yan and Zhe, he stood still, not entering the 'meditative' state but still sensed an inconsistency in the tree where Teacher Juzo was hiding.

This feeling was peculiar and hard to describe!

Casually emerging from his hiding spot in the tree, looking down at his two disciples, both Toshirou and Yan appeared quite shabby.

Covered in the blood from explosions as well as from the previous abduction event, they had large areas of bloodstains. Even after some simple cleaning, the blood had dried and was not easily removed.

[Finally, they look somewhat like real ninjas!]

During some time spent together, he had played the role of a strict teacher, giving them targeted training. 

Growing up in Konoha Village, a relatively peaceful environment, their personalities and conduct appeared too kind and compassionate.

Even the more mature Toshirou was no exception!

It wasn't to say that their kindness was a bad thing; surely, every ninja or parent would hope their children could live like that forever!

In the village, doing simple D-rank missions without any danger, living carefree.

But harsh reality constantly urged adults to push these still young children into the brutal, bloody ninja world.

Coming in front of Toshirou and Yan, Uchiha Juzo ignored the resentful, angry, and slightly aggrieved look given by Yan.

He showed a gentle smile and spoke to Uchiha Yan, "Were you scared? It's okay now."

While saying this, he patted Yan's head, giving her a comforting look.

Hearing this, all of Uchiha Yan's previous grievances and shocks seemed to erupt instantly, as if she would break down.

She hugged Teacher Juzo's waist, burying her head into his embrace.

Although she had become a ninja, she was still under eight years old!

After experiencing grievances and seeing an adult, she couldn't help but let out her emotions.

Seeing this, Toshirou didn't stay to watch the spectacle but nodded to Teacher Juzo before starting to search the stronghold despite the nausea and discomfort.

Earlier, in his rush to save Uchiha Yan, he had thrown his small sword to the ground.

After a series of explosions, finding it again was quite difficult!

But now, faced with all the 'fragments' lying around, even though he had lived two lives, he felt at a loss.

While Toshirou was enduring the mental shock, searching for his family's 'heirloom.'

Meanwhile, the directed-to-check-on-women Zhe noticed Teacher Juzo's arrival too, feeling a sense of guidance, and his unease seemed to dissipate with Juzo's appearance.

When Toshirou finally dug out his weapon from the pile of unrecognizable 'stuff,' he saw Teacher Juzo, along with Uchiha Yan and Zhe, standing together.