Chapter 35: Change

At the gate of the Uchiha residence.

With his hands in his pockets, dressed in a white hooded sweatshirt, paired with gray mid-length pants, and ninja sandals, Toshirou slowly stepped through the red torii gate at the entrance of the residence. His wrists and calves, exposed between his clothing, were wrapped in bandages.

Not too fond of his family's traditional high-collared, deep blue T-shirt, Toshirou's style had gradually shifted towards a more sporty and casual look since he started growing his hair longer. Nonetheless, every time he got new clothes, he didn't forget to ask Mika to embroider the family fan crest on the back. It's essential to blend in rather than stand out too markedly.

"Toshirou, did you hear what happened this afternoon?" Uchiha Hidefusa, a peer who chose to return home for lunch, asked him mysteriously.

"Oh, I heard. I didn't expect things to escalate like this..." While nodding to his gathered companions, Toshirou responded to Hidefusa's question. Clearly, Hidefusa wasn't the only one who chose to return home for lunch. The convenience of living close to the school had its perks.

"Toshirou sure is calm! That composed demeanor, as expected of the top student!" After attending ninja school, Toshirou didn't keep his abilities entirely hidden. With his powerful strength, rapid speed, and excellent reflexes, he earned the title of top student solely through physical techniques, not considering the shadow clones assisting his training.

"Just responding to the situation as it comes. By the way, Asahi, why aren't you with Homura today?" Laughing and chatting along the way, the group of teenagers entered the ninja school, each returning to their respective classes.

In the classroom of Ninja School Year 2 (Class 1), as soon as Toshirou stepped in, the class bell rang. He sat at his desk and pulled out a copy of "Anecdotes and Tales" to read with great interest.

Over nearly four years, to better understand chakra and the ninja world, Toshirou had become well-read. His borrowed books weren't limited to ninjutsu-related content but spanned history, mathematics, physics, military strategy, formations, and introductions to bloodline limits. Reading "Anecdotes and Tales" wasn't merely to pass the time; many stories contained intriguing elements.

For instance, one story described a myth from the Land of Wind: Before ninjas existed, an evil demon wreaked havoc, backed by a terrifying monster. Anyone defying the demon without offering sacrifices would see their village or nation destroyed by the monster. One day, a towering giant hero defeated both the monster and the demon, though the battle's aftermath left the Land of Wind devastated.

Another tale narrated the Sage of Six Paths wielding the Sword of Creation to defeat an apocalyptic evil god, shattering earth, water, fire, and wind, stirring the chaotic sea, and separating the realms of yin and yang, maintaining peace. He founded ninshu and spread chakra, hoping people could connect their hearts and coexist in peace.

Other stories included phenomena like a nearby island to the Land of Fire that, every few decades, would be shrouded in mist, trapping its inhabitants in an illusion where there was no pain, hunger, or death but endless food, wine, and beautiful women, with rivers flowing with milk and honey, and golden and silver buildings.

The chubby boy Shishido Ryo, a civilian from an ordinary family, occasionally sought Toshirou's advice on chakra and training. Initially hesitant to ask, after becoming familiar, he started having more frequent and open discussions with Toshirou, who appreciated the boy's character and didn't withhold any knowledge in return.

About a year ago, the Uchiha clan began selling "Uchiha Secret Medicine" in their ninja tools shop, increasing interactions with outsiders, dispelling some of the clan's mystery. Occasionally, people visited the Uchiha residence to shop, buy unique goods, or visit the family shrine for fortunes or blessings.

Even Shishido Ryo began interacting with Toshirou more after this. Most ordinary people were law-abiding; while some gave the Uchiha strange looks, few felt fear or resentment. Miscommunications and certain people's deliberate guidance had led public opinion to its current state.

The "special medicine" issue, while not fully meeting the clan's expectations, achieved a compromise. The village included the medicine in the "Standard Ninja Medical Supplies List," sold exclusively at Uchiha's shop, and provided most raw materials, with the clan supplying the rest. This arrangement brought significant benefits, boosting sales of clan-crafted unique items like "Cat's Den" shuriken and kunai, and various training oils and ointments.

This led to fewer idlers in the family and reduced idle gossip and complaints about the Hokage.

[Trade and economic activity, enhancing employment—is essential in any context!]

Recently married Uchiha Mika, supported by patriarch "Juzan" and guided by Toshirou's ideas, led Uchiha medical ninjas in researching new drugs: one enhancing current hemostatic medicine's coagulation effects for deeper wounds; another reducing its hemostatic feature, focusing on healing and infection-fighting properties for rear-line use; and lastly, a mental stimulant derived from Uchiha's brain-activating, eye-power-boosting drug to revitalize critically injured individuals, preventing comas during crucial surgeries.