After returning from the battlefield, Izuna was surprised to find that his skill points, which were originally 54, had increased to 104.
In other words, after signing the truce agreement, he had gained 50 skill points—more than he had earned from defeating Tobirama Senju, who was a newly appointed Kage!
It suddenly dawned on Izuna that skill points could be earned not only by defeating enemies but also through completing certain special achievements. For example, finishing specific tasks for NPCs, finding rare resources, or achieving significant milestones like becoming Hokage could all yield skill points.
The signing of a three-year truce agreement between the Uchiha and Senju clans marked the first of its kind in Uchiha history. It was understandable that he had received such a substantial reward—50 skill points.
With 104 skill points, Izuna had enough to unlock S-level ninjutsu. However, just as he was aiming to acquire some powerful techniques, he recalled a more pressing issue: the death of Uchiha Tajima, the candidate for the future clan leader.
According to historical precedent, when the clan leader died, the deputy clan leader would take over. The position of clan leader was not determined solely by bloodlines, unlike the imperial throne. If Uchiha Tajima were to die, Uchiha Ishiki would be expected to succeed him.
In the original timeline, Uchiha Ishiki's rise would eventually lead to his death, paving the way for Madara to become the clan leader. However, Izuna did not intend to wait for this slow progression; he planned to leverage this family meeting to directly make Madara the clan leader.
Competing against Uchiha Ishiki, who was nearly twice his age, meant that strength would be secondary. Experience and military exploits were paramount. Most of the middle-aged ninjas over forty were aligned with Uchiha Ishiki.
Given this situation, Izuna decided to focus on the new generation, specifically on the parents of the students he had recently taught. Those around the age of twenty-five to thirty-five were in the same generation as Izuna and Madara.
During the Warring States Period, similar to ancient China in Izuna's previous life, it was common to marry and have children around the ages of fourteen or fifteen. This practice was intended to ensure a legacy of combat strength for future generations. Most parents of the current students were around twenty-five years old, and individuals like Izuna and Madara, who were already twenty and still unmarried, were considered outliers.
Izuna reflected on his own situation for a moment. The prospect of marriage? It was a challenging topic. Although he had many beautiful Uchiha clan members to choose from, he felt the pressure of expectations.
Ultimately, Izuna decided to spend his skill points on a B-level and an A-level ninjutsu. He planned to use these techniques as political leverage to assist himself and Madara.
Although Izuna had shared the methods and basic principles of these two techniques with the Uchiha students, mastering a B-level ninjutsu couldn't be accomplished overnight. However, he soon discovered a few promising students who were already able to utilize the prototype of Thunder Release: Gratitude Wave.
"What are your names, you two?" Izuna asked as he approached a male and female student practicing side by side.
Hearing the voice from behind, the two students, no older than ten, turned around nervously yet excitedly.
"Y-Yes, Master Izuna! My name is Uchiha Kitsuke, and I'm practicing the technique you taught us."
"I-I'm Uchiha Uzuki. Hello, sir!"
After memorizing their names, Izuna smiled warmly. "Keep practicing. If you have any questions, you can ask the Third Elder for guidance. Don't hesitate to approach me as well."
"Isn't that too much trouble for you?" Uchiha Kitsuke and Uchiha Uzuki asked, flattered.
Izuna chuckled, "It's rare that we are in a state of truce, and I'm relatively free. Besides, you all are responsible for the future of the Uchiha clan."
Moved to tears, Uchiha Kitsuke bowed deeply, "Sir Izuna, I will definitely go through fire and water for Uchiha, no, for you in the future!"
Uchiha Uzuki quickly added, "Me too!"
Izuna smiled faintly, then turned to check on the training status of other students.
In another corner of the training ground, he spotted a ten-year-old student practicing alone.
"Thunder Release: Gratitude Wave!"
The student released several slender, roaring bolts of lightning from his mouth. However, they dispersed uncontrollably, striking a large tree instead.
Despite this, the boy showed promise and already bore the title of "genius."
"You're using too much force; it's like a child waving a shuriken wildly," Izuna remarked.
The student turned around, surprised. "Mr. Izuna..."
Izuna crossed his arms over his chest. "The power of this technique lies in control. Unlike the explosive nature of the Fireball Technique, you must handle the chakra more delicately—like when you first learned to use chopsticks."
"I-I understand now," the student said, scratching his head in embarrassment.
"May I have your name?" Izuna asked.
"Yes! My name is Uchiha Isahi. My father is Uchiha Ishiki."
Uchiha Ishiki, the current deputy clan leader! Izuna's expression froze; no wonder this kid's features looked so familiar.
But Uchiha Ishiki was over forty, so if this child was ten, that meant his father must have had him in his thirties. Compared to Izuna and Madara, who were both twenty and single, it was quite striking.
"Practice hard and don't waste the blood running through you," Izuna advised, leaving those words behind.
"Yes," Uchiha Isahi replied, his typically withdrawn demeanor giving way to admiration.
Although Izuna had only spent two days at the Uchiha private school, news of his creation of B-level and A-level ninjutsu spread throughout the clan. Many young parents in their twenties visited Izuna's mansion to pay their respects, but he declined them all.
Still, they would remember his kindness in their hearts.
When Izuna checked his skill points in the system, he found that they had increased from 17 to 40!
It was clear that his actions were having a significant impact, and based on the growth rate, it was evident that they were making a meaningful difference. He had reached nearly half the points acquired from the truce agreement.
(End of this chapter).