Chapter 43
**Chapter 43: Fanatic of the Will of Fire?**
**My Struggle.**
This book appears to have just three parts: *My Family*, *At the Ninja Academy*, and *On the Battlefield*.
But in reality, it weaves together stories of customs and cultures from different nations, as well as interesting side tales. At first glance, it reads like a genuine novel full of bonds and connections.
However, this is just the beginning of a setup. As his power grows, his ambitions will gradually unfold in later chapters.
By now, ninjas reading this book have already become deeply engrossed. In a way, it's like, "You don't understand its meaning at first glance, but by the second, you're already a part of the story."
"Kid, did you write this book?"
Tsunade, standing beside him with a bored expression, held a red book in her hand. She had read it from the moment she started investigating this kid's information.
"Hmph, it's only slightly better than that pervert Jiraiya's books."
Different readers took away different insights from the book. For example, Jiraiya read it as a tale about the precious bond between comrades—a story from someone who embodied the Will of Fire.
To Tsunade, though, it was little more than a childish story, better only because it wasn't filled with Jiraiya's occasional "colorful" scenes. Not that the book was bad, but Tsunade, burdened by the rift between the Senju clan and the village, saw Uchiha Yosuke as someone who hadn't experienced the village's darkness yet—thus, still naive.
But for Orochimaru, it was different. What he noticed was the perspective! Even at a young age, Yosuke's vision wasn't limited to just Konoha but extended to the entire ninja world.
Yet, when he saw Uchiha Yosuke's innocent smile, Orochimaru let out a raspy laugh. A pure youth, not yet touched by the darkness—perhaps he wouldn't hold these views forever.
"Yosuke-kun, thank you for your generosity. I think this ninja scroll will be of use to you."
After examining it, Orochimaru's throat moved, and with a dry retch, a dark green scroll slowly appeared.
Yosuke took the slime-covered scroll without a hint of disdain, instead curious as he unrolled it. Upon seeing its contents, he broke into a smile.
"Thank you, Lord Orochimaru."
Though he had access to jutsu through his clan, Orochimaru had provided techniques on how to use these jutsus efficiently—how to save chakra, how to direct chakra flow in various situations.
If mastered, this scroll could cut chakra use by 10-20% while increasing the power by a similar amount.
"Kukuku, Yosuke-kun, I look forward to seeing how your influence will stir the ninja world—how big a wave you'll make," Orochimaru rasped as he left the tent.
Yosuke also watched Orochimaru's last, meaningful look with a smile, unafraid. His book had only a hint of his intentions. So long as he kept some parts hidden, who could truly know his plans?
Outside the tent, Orochimaru's face showed a look of interest as he murmured to himself, "Yosuke-kun, some talents are innate. Perhaps you haven't realized it yet, but once you grasp the darkness in this world, you'll understand—we are the same."
Through his raspy laughter, Orochimaru saw not only Yosuke's foresight, which far exceeded his peers, but also a desire to understand the ninja world's truths and mysteries—just like his own.
Ordinary people might think nothing of it, but with his Sharingan and Senjutsu power, Yosuke was already set for greatness; he just needed to grow.
Back inside the tent…
After Orochimaru left, Tsunade huffed, "Acting so mysterious. Kid, don't say I didn't warn you. Orochimaru has close ties to the Root division."
Uchiha Yosuke smiled and nodded at her warning, but as he glanced down at the scroll in his hands, a flash of ambition sparkled in his eyes.
The sparks had already spread across the ninja world, and when the time was right, he would become the voice of those sparks, leading them to burn the entire ninja world!
"Don't worry, Captain Tsunade. I just want to master this power faster, so I don't drag down the clan—or you…"
His quiet words grew softer, and Tsunade couldn't help but sigh, placing her hand on her forehead as she looked at the seemingly innocent "puppy-like" Yosuke before her.
"Nawaki, Nawaki… You've left your sister with quite the handful."
Tsunade felt both annoyed and helpless. Yosuke's transformation had started after Nawaki's incident, burdening him with guilt and driving him to give up his pride. But she couldn't reveal too much about Nawaki's situation. This transformation she saw in him left her feeling both complex emotions and self-reproach.
Glancing down at the slim red book in her hands, Tsunade felt annoyed. She decided to give it to Nawaki, so he would know he had a friend who still cared for him.
If Yosuke knew Tsunade had passed this book to Nawaki, he'd probably have a good laugh. That's how you infiltrate the Senju clan!
---
**Konoha Village.**
**Hokage's Office Building.**
"Danzo! What's Tsunade doing, healing the Uchiha's hereditary illness?"
Danzo Shimura fumed at Hiruzen Sarutobi, Third Hokage, demanding answers.
Hiruzen, however, took a deep drag from his pipe, his expression calm, releasing a thick plume of smoke.
"Cough! Hiruzen! I'm speaking to you—what's with your attitude?"
"Danzo, open your eyes. This Uchiha kid has been interacting with the Nine-Tails jinchuriki and even created an A-Rank jutsu without hand signs after witnessing the Tailed Beast's attack."
"How can Tsunade just leave such a dangerous Uchiha unchecked?"
The report in Danzo's hand seemed to touch all his sensitivities: the Uchiha illness treatment, interaction with the Nine-Tails jinchuriki, and the creation of a powerful new jutsu.
Unfazed, Hiruzen finally put down his pipe, looking up at Danzo with a calm expression, "The Uchiha are paying for the illness treatment."
Danzo scowled. "So what? Does that explain it? What about the jinchuriki?"
Before Danzo could say more, Hiruzen raised a hand, gesturing for silence. "Danzo, Kushina isn't a jinchuriki yet, and when you say 'contact,' understand—Yosuke was protecting Kushina from a rampage."
Rejected twice, Danzo's face flushed with anger. Slamming his fist on the desk, he yelled, "Hiruzen! That kid's dangerous! He's only thirteen and already developed an A-Rank jutsu!"
"Danzo, I'm the Hokage!"
Confronted with Danzo's persistence, Hiruzen's voice turned firm. If Danzo was so confident, why not confront the Uchiha clan himself?
With the ongoing tensions on the Rain Country front, did Danzo really think they could afford to antagonize the Uchiha?
Stung by Hiruzen's reminder, Danzo stormed out, declaring, "Hiruzen! You'll regret this!"
As Danzo left, Hiruzen took another drag, gazing at the faces on the Hokage Rock. He sighed.
"Sensei, perhaps I now understand why you didn't choose Danzo… Winning this war is our priority."
Hiruzen muttered to himself as he reviewed the report on Uchiha Yosuke. Every detail of his life—his academy fights, his conflicts—all meticulously recorded.
Reading through, Hiruzen's expression became thoughtful, his pipe puffing in rhythmic bursts.
"Because of Nawaki, perhaps? Fueled by the anger and sorrow of losing a friend? And he wrote 'My Struggle,' now one of the most popular realistic, passionate novels…"
Being the Second Hokage's student, Hiruzen understood the Uchiha well. His musings finally led him to an assessment in the report's analysis section.
"Is he another Kagami?"
The report noted the Intelligence Division's analysis, describing the book as a story of the Will of Fire, based on real events and insights gained from his missions beyond the village walls.
Rated as a "possible Will of Fire fanatic."
Hiruzen narrowed his eyes. The "possible" label was likely added simply because of his Uchiha name.