Time passed, and Uchiha Hikaru returned from his emergency mission to find that his son had made significant progress.
In just two months, Uchiha Hui had advanced his chakra control to a level surpassing most students in his ninja academy class. Unlike those who merely went through the motions, Hui's diligent training had paid off.
His skills in shuriken throwing had also improved considerably. With the added advantage of his Sharingan, Hui's technique now matched that of more experienced ninjas.
Although Hui's hand-sealing speed was still developing and would take years of practice to perfect, he was frustrated by his slow progress.
His physical conditioning remained a weak point. Despite his rigorous training, he could only manage a few laps around the village before exhaustion set in. However, his physical strength was beginning to improve. If he maintained his training and proper nutrition, he would soon be on par with his peers from prominent families.
Uchiha Hikaru, returning home with the scent of battle still lingering, immediately sensed something unusual.
He wasn't surprised to find Hui missing; his son had always been driven to become stronger. Hikaru had anticipated this and had left a unique shuriken throwing scroll for Hui to practice.
Hikaru, still radiating the aura of battle, activated his three-tomoe Sharingan and focused on the source of the ominous presence. His grip tightened on a shuriken as he muttered, "Who dares to intrude on Uchiha territory?"
A soft clap echoed from the shadows, and a man emerged. Dressed in an army-green ninja vest with a Konoha forehead protector, his pale skin and sharp features were unmistakable. It was Orochimaru, one of the legendary Sannin.
Orochimaru's cold eyes glinted as he spoke in a gravelly voice, "Though I did make some effort to reveal my presence, it's impressive that you detected me so quickly. You're indeed a formidable elite Shinobi."
Hikaru, recognizing Orochimaru's high status, holstered his shuriken, aware that any explanation from such an esteemed figure would be accepted.
Still on guard, Hikaru asked, "What brings you here, Lord Orochimaru?"
Orochimaru's lips curled into a faint smile as he replied, "I've taken an interest in your son. He seems to have great potential and might be a suitable candidate for my apprenticeship."
Hikaru's heart sank. Orochimaru's offer was unexpected, and given the current tensions and impending war, it seemed odd for someone of his stature to take such an interest in an Uchiha, especially his own son.
Orochimaru, noticing Hikaru's hesitation, casually continued, "Your son will start ninja school this year or next. With the likelihood of war breaking out in the next two years, those who lack physical skills will face great risks on the battlefield."
Hikaru's concern deepened as Orochimaru voiced his fears about Hui's physical limitations. In times of peace, such issues could be mitigated, but in wartime, they could be deadly. Unbeknownst to Hikaru, Hui's condition was improving.
"Consider my offer carefully. You'll have time to decide whether to accept it," Orochimaru said, his smile enigmatic. "Typically, a mentor will take a pupil under their wing before they are fully independent."
With a final, inscrutable smile, Orochimaru performed a teleportation jutsu, disappearing in a swirl of white mist.