Chapter 21: Chapter 21: Bows and Shuriken
After reporting his work to the Hokage, Miyuki's days became surprisingly peaceful.
The Security Department's recruitment of civilian ninjas proceeded smoothly. After the incident where Miyuki had scolded the two advisors in front of the department's entrance, the perception of the Uchiha clan among the civilian ninjas improved. Upon hearing that the Uchiha clan was now led by the same Miyuki, who had implemented the "smile law enforcement" policy, many civilians dropped their doubts and came forward to apply.
There were even several young ninjas who had just graduated from the Ninja Academy and hadn't been assigned to lead teams, who directly came to the department seeking positions.
Within less than a week, the Security Department successfully completed Miyuki's directive to double the recruitment.
Meanwhile, after implementing the "smile law enforcement" policy across the entire department, Miyuki himself moved into a luxurious residence in the heart of the Uchiha clan's territory. Upon settling in, he immediately set up an archery range in the backyard of his new home.
With his temporary downtime, Miyuki's daily routine involved sipping tea, checking in on the Security Department, writing up evidence against Danzo for the interrogation rooms, and then returning to his tea and practicing archery.
One afternoon, after returning from the Security Department, Miyuki changed out of his ninja vest and into a haori. He began practicing archery in the courtyard.
Miyuki focused deeply, releasing two arrows in quick succession, both hitting the bullseye.
At that moment, the housekeeper assigned by the Uchiha clan, Uchiha Keiko, walked into the yard. "Clan Leader, Hatake Kakashi has arrived."
"Let him in," Miyuki replied without turning his head.
"Understood."
After Keiko left, a short time passed before Kakashi arrived in the courtyard. After bringing him in, Keiko discreetly withdrew and closed the door to the backyard.
"The Hokage's order: the mission to capture the rogue ninja Orochimaru will commence the day after tomorrow," Kakashi stated.
Miyuki did not respond immediately. He remained focused on the target, holding his breath as he nocked another arrow and shot it, hitting the bullseye once more.
Seeing this, Kakashi said nothing, instead finding a nearby post to lean against. He pulled out his beloved "Icha Icha Paradise."
The courtyard was filled only with the sound of arrows slicing through the air.
After emptying a quiver of arrows, Miyuki paused and spoke, "I'm sorry about the matter of White Fang. For now, this is all I can do."
Regarding this, Kakashi lowered his book, his face serious. "Thank you. This is more than enough."
Recently, the village had launched an activity promoting the Will of Fire. During this event, his father, Hatake Sakumo, was frequently mentioned as a hero who embodied the Will of Fire, and some of the village children were learning for the first time about the heroism of the village's past.
"Would you like to give it a try?" Miyuki asked with a smile, offering Kakashi the longbow in his hand.
"Bows? I'm not particularly skilled with them," Kakashi declined, "And as a ninja, I think throwing shuriken suits the profession better."
"Shuriken, huh?" Miyuki replied, brushing his hand over his ninja tool pouch at his waist. Four black silhouettes immediately shot out, colliding in midair before hitting the bullseye of the target fifty paces away at impossible angles.
"The Uchiha clan's shuriken-throwing technique is truly exquisite," Kakashi praised.
"Nothing special—just familiarity," Miyuki said as he wiped his hands and picked up the longbow again. "Kakashi, in the end, both bows and shuriken were made for one purpose: to kill."
He released another arrow, hitting the target dead center. "But I still prefer the bow."
Kakashi's face showed confusion. A weapon like a bow should have been something of the past, something associated with the old samurai, not a ninja's tool. If convenience and speed were the main concerns, shuriken were clearly the better choice.
"Shuriken are convenient, but after being used, you'll rarely recover more than one, even if it's made from the finest steel. It's just easier to handle when thrown. But a bow is different. As long as the bow isn't damaged, you can always replenish your arrows."
"And where the arrow goes, the bow decides."
With a whoosh, another arrow hit the bullseye. This time, Miyuki used his chakra to destroy the shuriken that had been stuck in the target.
Hearing Miyuki's words, Kakashi fell into deep thought.
"How about it, Kakashi? Want to give it a shot?" Miyuki turned to Kakashi with a smile.
"Well… I'll give it a try," Kakashi hesitated for a moment before nodding.
"Keiko, please bring a new bow for Captain Kakashi," Miyuki called out to the door of the yard.
Before long, Keiko entered the yard holding a longbow, presenting it to Kakashi with both hands.
Kakashi took the bow, inspecting it carefully, but still feeling unfamiliar with it.
Although the Hatake family had descended from a samurai lineage, by the time of his father, they had primarily focused on swordsmanship, with ninja techniques being their main approach. Archery had never been part of his training.
Kakashi placed an arrow on the bowstring and awkwardly pulled the bow back, aiming at the target fifty paces away.
"Stand properly. Connect your spirit to the arrow and the target. Before the arrow is released, let your intent go first," Miyuki's voice rang in Kakashi's ear. Kakashi clumsily adjusted his posture, trying to align the shot.
Kakashi held the position for a long time but did not release the arrow.
"Kakashi, calm your mind," Miyuki said calmly, noticing Kakashi's hesitation.
Taking a deep breath, Kakashi steadied his racing thoughts, and then released the arrow.
The arrow shot through the air, and Kakashi tracked its flight, quickly realizing it had missed the target. A slight look of disappointment appeared on his face.
Just then, the sound of a bowstring snapping through the air caught his attention.
Turning his head, Kakashi saw Miyuki with his bow still vibrating slightly in his hands. And in the air, another arrow, having been shot after Kakashi's, collided with his arrow in midair. The two arrows, after crossing paths, continued toward the target.
Thud, thud—two muffled sounds. The two arrows landed one after the other, both hitting the bullseye.
Kakashi looked at Miyuki in astonishment, only to see a knowing smile on Miyuki's face.