Uchiha Yuan's gaze slowly swept across the gathered youths.
Many of them bore clear signs of recent battle.
"Looks like your journey here wasn't peaceful."
"Don't worry, Leader!"
A young Uchiha replied excitedly.
"Just some rogue ninja and bandits—they were no match for us."
The rest of the youths grinned with excitement.
Back in the underground base—
They could only spar with each other.
But now—
Real life-and-death combat?
That was something entirely different.
This fishing village was located in the Land of Rivers.
Though—
It wasn't far from Yuan's assigned outpost.
Uchiha Daishi and the others had already been here for several days.
They came—
Following Yuan's summons.
Yuan had a clear plan:
To establish a base of operations in the Land of Rivers.
This place—
Had no major ninja village.
It was a buffer zone between great nations.
And most importantly—
It was chaotic.
Rogue ninja everywhereBandits ruling townsConstant instability
Perfect for secretly building power.
"How do you find this country?"
Yuan asked.
Daishi replied:
"It's far more chaotic than the Land of Fire."
"In our country, rogue ninja exist—but they don't dare act openly."
"But here…"
"Some towns are completely controlled by them."
The youths began reporting one after another:
Ambushes by banditsRogue ninja attacking on sightEntire towns hostile to Konoha
After listening—
Yuan looked at each of them.
"You're probably wondering why I brought you here."
He paused.
Then said:
"I plan to grow our power in the Land of Rivers."
"You…"
"Are the seeds I'm planting."
"Leader, give us your orders!"
Daishi said immediately.
The youths were visibly excited.
Yuan smiled faintly.
"No rush."
The Next Day
At the dock—
Yuan stood facing the vast ocean.
Behind him—
Daishi was negotiating fish prices with a short, elderly village chief.
After all—
They left Konoha under the pretense of a merchant caravan.
They needed to bring something back.
Among the youths—
Only half would return.
The rest—
Would stay behind.
At that moment—
A figure approached.
It was Ye Cang.
She walked up beside Yuan.
"I accept your invitation."
Yuan turned, sighing in mock disappointment.
"Why do I feel unhappy hearing that…"
"My maid is gone."
She rolled her eyes.
This little brat…
Did she even have a choice?
"From today onward—"
"You are a member of our organization."
"Your codename is—"
"Fire God."
"Fire God…?"
"And the organization?"
"Lightbearer Society."
Yuan said calmly.
"It means—"
"To let the light of righteousness shine upon the shinobi world."
She smiled slightly.
"And your codename?"
Yuan's aura sharpened instantly.
"Ming King."
Facing him—
Ye Cang's expression turned solemn.
She bowed.
"Fire God greets the Ming King."
Three Days Later — Kawasaki Town
A small town of around 2,000 people.
Currently—
Occupied by a rogue ninja group called Tyrant Blade Gang.
Outside the town—
On a hill—
Yuan and Ye Cang stood side by side, observing.
Behind them—
Daishi and the others radiated killing intent.
Daishi glanced at Ye Cang.
A hint of envy flashed in his eyes.
Fire God…
What will my codename be?
Then—
Yuan raised his hand.
"Move."
Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!
Daishi shot forward.
The others followed—
Charging toward the town.
Inside Kawasaki Town
Several rogue ninja swaggered through the streets.
Civilians shrank back in fear.
Anyone in their way—
Was shoved aside violently.
Suddenly—
A sharp alarm whistle rang out.
"Enemy attack!"
The rogue ninja grinned viciously.
"Who dares attack our Tyrant Blade territory?"
Blades were drawn.
They leapt onto rooftops—
Rushing toward the gate.
Soon—
They gathered at the south gate.
About twenty of them.
"They're just a bunch of kids."
One of them reported.
The leader, a large, fat man named Iwagiu, sneered.
"Kids?"
"And they dare challenge us?"
"Kill them!"
He formed hand seals instantly.
"Earth Style: Rock Bullets!"
Huge boulders shot out like cannonballs.
Daishi leapt high—
Dodging one—
Then spun midair—
BOOM!
A kick shattered another.
Explosions rocked the ground.
Crater after crater formed.
The Uchiha youths all leapt into the air—
Avoiding the attack.
"Attack!"
Iwagiu roared.
The rogue ninja charged.
Daishi sidestepped a blade—
Then unleashed a devastating kick combo.
In an instant—
Dozens of strikes landed.
The enemy's eyes widened—
Blood poured from his mouth—
He collapsed.
Big brother's "Soru"… still too hard…
Daishi thought.
On the wall—
Only a handful of enemies remained.
The rest—
Had already been overwhelmed.
Iwagiu's expression changed drastically.
"Something's wrong!"
"Go inform the boss!"
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