"In order to further study natural energy, we need a more formal lab," Ruri stated with a serious expression.
"The affairs here must remain unknown to outsiders, and the procurement of research equipment must also be conducted in secrecy."
Shiraishi pondered over the dilemma of keeping their activities hidden from the maids.
However, before he could voice his concerns, Ruri bit her thumb and quickly formed a series of hand seals. Finally, she pressed her palm onto the ground with a snap.
"Summoning Jutsu!"
A puff of white smoke filled the air, revealing a black cat in front of Shiraishi and Ruri.
The cat was about half the size of a human and wagged its tail at Ruri.
Ruri presented a list displaying various research equipment names.
"Purchase all the items on this list, and I will inspect them in a day," Ruri commanded.
The black cat nodded decisively, transforming into white smoke and disappearing with a bang.
Shiraishi stared at the spot where the cat had vanished. "That was..."
"The Uchiha and the Ninja Cat clan have always been allies. Before entering the academy, I formed a summoning contract with some Ninja cats. They ensure our safety and remain concealed to avoid detection by the village," Ruri explained.
The Ninja cats operates discreetly in the shadows of the ninja world, leaving traces wherever they go. Their actions, whether it's gathering information or procuring goods, are top-notch.
For Ruri, having Ninja cats under a summoning contract was undeniably a valuable asset and her most formidable assistance.
Shiraishi marveled at Ruri's connections. It highlighted the difference between the affluent and the common people.
Not only did she possess a comprehensive training methods and a diverse collection of reference books, but she also had a broader network of contacts compared to ordinary individuals.
....
Living in Ruri's house did not cause any setbacks or disruptions. To the village, it was an insignificant matter.
Now, Shiraishi enjoyed a life of luxury in a room that could rival a high-end hotel. He slept on a plush and comfortable bed, savored a nutritious breakfast meticulously prepared by the maids each morning, and when he felt tired, he could stroll in the yard or fish in the pond. He was considered a helper in Ruri's family, but in reality, he was treated as a young master.
Although he occasionally faced strange looks of disdain from the maids in Ruri's house, Shiraishi remained unaffected. He was diligent and confident in his abilities. What did those maids know?
Shiraishi could only accompany Ruri in her practice occasionally. After school, he would rush back to the new underground laboratory that Ruri had purchased for him to study and learn how to guide natural energy.
Only when he successfully guided natural energy in a stable manner could he proceed to the next step, which involved fusing it with chakra.
As a result, the basement of Ruri's house frequently experienced small explosions. Although the vibrations were minimal, Ruri reinforced the surrounding area of the laboratory to ensure complete concealment, to the point where the vibrations caused by the explosions could not be felt above ground.
These sophisticated research instruments, along with the environmental fortifications of the laboratory, were shipped from the Land of Iron.
According to Ruri, they cost a total of 45 million ryo, which accounted for one-tenth of her bank account's pocket money.
Shiraishi couldn't help but wonder about the nature of the small business Ruri's parents were involved in, allowing her to live such an ordinary life.
◎
At the end of the first month living with the Ruri, Shiraishi returned to the lab after school in the afternoon to continue his research on natural energy. Meanwhile, Ruri headed to the Nanga Shrine in the clan compound to attend the monthly clan meeting.
The Uchiha members who participated in these meetings were not ordinary clan members. Unlocking the Sharingan was only one of the necessary requirements.
They also needed to possess the strength of elite-level ninjas or be geniuses specifically groomed by the family, like Ruri, who had a high probability of inheriting the position of clan head in the future.
Ruri was not only a Uchiha genius but also one of the potential candidates for the next clan head, making her eligible to attend the monthly clan meeting.
...
Nanga Shrine.
At the famous Nanga Shrine, Uchiha ninjas congregated. The sky was dark, and torches lined the road leading to the shrine's summit.
Upon reaching the shrine, they entered the shrine building and opened a sealed stone slab with a technique. Uchiha ninja descended one by one.
In the empty basement stood an ancient stone tablet, with flames burning on either side, casting light in the dark chamber.
More than 20 individuals had gathered here, all special Jounin or Chunin currently affiliated with the clan. Some Jounin were absent as they were carrying out missions outside the village.
In this monthly clan meeting, there was nothing of great importance to announce. The relationship between the Uchiha clan and the Hokage remained harmonious.
Apart from a few high-ranking executives who held resentment or hostility towards the Uchiha, the clan paid no attention to the jealous or disdainful gazes from others.
As the number one ninjas of Konoha, they had the confidence to be treated with respect. Even the Hokage had to give them due recognition, let alone those higher-ups who were weaker than the Hokage.
The clan discussed trivial matters: which training grounds needed repairs, any complaints from Konoha villagers regarding the police force, identification of promising young talents within the clan, monthly expenditures compared to the previous month, industrial income of the family, and so on.
After an hour, the clan meeting concluded in a long and monotonous manner.
"Ruri, Fugaku, remain here," instructed a gray-haired old man in his sixties, his face covered in wrinkles.
Sora, an elder of the Uchiha clan.
He was the most esteemed elder in the Uchiha family and, due to his advanced age, had retired from active ninja duty. He bore the heavy responsibility of training Uchiha family's prodigious ninjas.
Accompanying Ruri was another Uchiha ninja, Uchiha Fugaku, who was seventeen or eighteen years old. He possessed a handsome appearance and displayed a mature and composed demeanor.
Like Ruri, Fugaku was a prodigious ninja of the Uchiha clan. Last year, he passed the Chunin exams and became an exceptional and young Chunin.
Moreover, Fugaku's Sharingan was at the level of Three-Timoe, giving him a distinct advantage when facing Jounin of the same level.
Ruri and Fugaku knelt before the Elder Sora, patiently waiting for him to speak.
"Unless any unforeseen circumstances arise, the next clan head will be chosen between the two of you" Elder Sora stated.
Both Ruri and Fugaku remained composed upon hearing this announcement.
"Undoubtedly, both of you are extraordinary talents, among the rarest in our Uchiha clan. You have the potential to unlock the Mangekyou Sharingan" Elder Sora continued, mentioning the name of the Mangekyou Sharingan.
At the mention of the Mangekyou Sharingan, Ruri and Fugaku's expressions showed slight signs of excitement.
The Mangekyou Sharingan was an ultimate eye surpassing the Three-Tomoe Sharingan, Its origins were ancient and unverifiable. Uchiha Madara, who co-founded Konoha Village with the first Hokage, Hashirama, was one of the Uchiha who unlocked the Mangekyou.
These legendary eyes could only be awakened by members of the Uchiha clan, granting them mastery over supreme visual prowess.
As the most senior elder of the Uchiha clan, Sora had been a Chunin in the village since Konoha's founding. While he couldn't disclose all of the Uchiha's secrets, he possessed more knowledge than most Uchiha clan members.
This included the secrets of the Mangekyou Sharingan.
"Elder Sora, what are the requirements for unlocking the Mangekyou Sharingan?" Fugaku asked.
His Sharingan had reached the level of Three-Tomoe, the highest level for an normal Sharingan. To become the Uchiha clan's heir without fail and lead the Uchiha to new heights, he believed he needed to possess the power of the Mangekyou Sharingan.
"Fugaku, your training with the Three-Tomoe Sharingan is not yet sufficient. You need to continue training. In a few days, I will recommend you to the Third Hokage, and you will join other Konoha ninja in team missions. There, you will gain invaluable experience" Elder Sora replied.
Fugaku obediently accepted the elder's guidance, placing great trust in Sora's arrangements. There must be a reason behind this decision.
"Elder Sora, what about me?" Ruri inquired.
"Your luck surpasses Fugaku's, and you have discovered the conditions for unlocking the Mangekyou Sharingan. Next, you need to continue training with your Sharingan to its limits. When the time is right, I will reveal how to unlock the Mangekyou Sharingan" Elder Sora explained, his gaze fixed on Ruri, filled with hidden meaning.
His emphasis on Ruri seemed to exceed that of Fugaku. Ruri possessed a deep bond with the village's ninjas, an unwavering dedication to strength, and unparalleled talent in utilizing the Sharingan...
At the right moment, when the allure of the legendary visual technique became irresistible, she would undoubtedly make the right choice, and the Uchiha clan would experience a new era of prosperity, surpassing even the Senju clan.
"Yes," Ruri nodded in understanding, though she was puzzled as to why Elder Sora believed she possessed greater potential than Fugaku to unlock the Mangekyou Sharingan. For now, she didn't dwell on the matter and simply agreed, more interested in the unlocking method for the Sharingan than in the position of clan heir.