"It's not ignorance that keeps a ninja from surviving—it's arrogance..."
As he repeated Uchiha Mirai's words, Yuhi Shizuka couldn't help but light up.
As a ninja who had experienced countless life-and-death situations, he naturally understood the value behind Uchiha Mirai's words.
Over the years, he had seen too many ninjas—weak or strong—die because of arrogance.
Those who survived life-and-death situations were always cautious individuals. Even when facing very weak opponents, they never let their guard down.
"No wonder you barely show the usual personality flaws found in the Uchiha Clan... So you've already reached this level of awareness, huh?"
Yuhi Shizuka found himself admiring Uchiha Mirai more and more.
Wasn't this exactly what an ideal ninja ought to be?
Talent, strength, character... No matter which aspect you looked at, there wasn't a single flaw.
The things he said often left even Yuhi Shizuka feeling deeply enlightened.
Suddenly, a thought surged within Yuhi Shizuka's mind: Perhaps the Uchiha Clan... or even Konoha itself would transform under Mirai's hands in the future!
"Asuma, Kurenai, both of you should learn well from Mirai and strive to become excellent ninjas too. Got it?"
"Yep! I understand completely!"
If even Yuhi Shizuka was taken aback by Uchiha Mirai's words, then Yuhi Kurenai was even more amazed. She kept nodding like a bobblehead.
Seeing the admiration and joy in the eyes of the two, Sarutobi Asuma felt extremely frustrated inside.
Having someone show off in front of him constantly was worse than swallowing bitterness!
Damn it!
When would he finally get to prove himself in front of Uchiha Mirai instead?!
...
Deep within a forest in the Land of Fire, four figures zipped through the trees.
Watching the scenery blur past them, Yuhi Kurenai and Sarutobi Asuma's faces shone with excitement.
This was the first time they had ever left the village since birth, and that too as official ninjas.
Though these trees weren't any different from those back in the village, they still felt incredibly fresh and new.
Uchiha Mirai silently adjusted his breathing rhythm, keeping himself constantly at peak condition.
At dusk, Yuhi Shizuka finally stopped.
"We'll rest here for now. Let's set up camp."
Upon hearing Yuhi Shizuka's order, Sarutobi Asuma immediately dropped onto the ground.
His legs trembled slightly from the long journey.
If not for worrying about falling behind Uchiha Mirai in front of Yuhi Kurenai, he probably wouldn't have made it this far.
Yuhi Kurenai felt exactly the same.
But as soon as the team halted, Uchiha Mirai began skillfully setting traps around the campsite.
His physique had increased several-fold; his physical strength was now far beyond that of Asuma Sarutobi.
Soon, Mirai Uchiha had finished setting up the traps.
Shizuka Yuhi watched silently, a sense of defeat quietly dawning on him. When he first went on missions all those years ago, he hadn't been anywhere near as skilled as his own disciple is now.
"Mirai, your trap setup is impressive."
Seeing Mirai Uchiha returning, Shizuka Yuhi spoke out first.
"Hehehe... You wouldn't know, Father? Mirai always sets traps at home too!"
Kurenai Yuhi proudly explained.
"..."
Looking at Kurenai's expression, Shizuka felt slightly displeased. He couldn't help but feel as though his daughter was growing further away from him day by day.
Taking out a few Military Rations Pills, Shizuka popped them into his mouth. The bitter, sour taste immediately caused him to frown slightly. Still just as terrible as ever!
"Father, Mirai's cooking is absolutely delicious. Once this mission is over, you should really try some—you'll be blown away!"
Noticing Shizuka's expression, Kurenai quickly chimed in.
"I see."
Shizuka sighed helplessly and gently patted Kurenai's head. Once her conversation turned to Mirai Uchiha, this child just wouldn't stop talking.
"Mirai, tonight we'll take turns keeping watch—no problem with that, right?"
Unwilling to hear more from Kurenai, Shizuka actively changed the subject.
"No problem."
"The first half of the night is mine."
Clutching her long katana, Mirai Uchiha sat down comfortably on a sturdy tree trunk at a suitable height.
"Keeping watch?"
"I can do it too."
Asuma Sarutobi didn't want to be overshadowed by Mirai Uchiha and immediately volunteered.
"Asuma, your body's practically reached its limit already, right?"
"If you don't rest properly, problems could arise tomorrow while traveling."
Shizuka tried to persuade him. He understood Asuma Sarutobi's intention—to show off in front of both himself and his daughter—but it was truly unnecessary. Competing with someone like Mirai Uchiha was pure self-torment. If unexpected trouble arose during their journey tomorrow without enough energy or stamina, things could easily spiral into disaster.
"Shizuka, whatever Mirai Uchiha can do, I can do as well!"
Asuma insisted firmly.
Shizuka furrowed his brow, about to say something, when Mirai Uchiha's voice rang out: "If you don't want to fall behind others, you must first acknowledge your own weakness."
Asuma Sarutobi clenched his fist upon hearing those words. "What are you trying to say?"
"We're on a mission, not playing ninja games," Mirai Uchiha said icily. "Your foolish pride will only make you a burden to your teammates."
"Do you want to get us all killed?"
"I..."
Asuma Sarutobi's face turned red with anger as he listened to Mirai Uchiha's accusations, yet he had no arguments to offer in response.
"If you keep treating this mission like a game, then step down from the squad yourself once it's over."
Since the Supervising Jonin hadn't voiced an opinion, their team leader held ultimate authority.
A ninja failing to obey orders was indeed a grave matter.
Meeting Mirai Uchiha's cold stare, Asuma Sarutobi lowered his head.
As the Hokage's son, he naturally understood the consequences of defying orders during a mission.
Besides, prolonging this argument would only cause others to think even less of him.
"F-forgive me... I was wrong."
"Rest!"
Mirai Uchiha turned his attention back to the distant forest as the camp quickly fell silent again.
Kurenai Yuhi secretly glanced at Mirai Uchiha sitting atop a tree, her eyes sparkling with admiration.
Making someone like Asuma Sarutobi actually listen...
How incredibly impressive!
So admirable!
Shizuka Yuhi also abandoned her original plan of secretly [keeping watch] with Mirai Uchiha and fell asleep peacefully.
Although Mirai was still young, he felt surprisingly dependable.
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