Naruto: Forbidden Arts and an Immortal Agenda

Inside the Chief of Police's office, an odd tension filled the air.

Chief of Police Fugaku Uchiha sat calmly at his desk, deeply focused on official paperwork with a serious expression.

His two assistants, however, were slacking off.

Kyudai sat at his assistant's seat and, unusually, wasn't working hard. Instead, he glared angrily across the table at Aozora.

As an assistant, this guy didn't even do his job—

And now, when the clan head has shown him so much favor, he dares to turn down such an opportunity?

If he doesn't want it, just give it to me!

Aozora ignored him completely. His gaze was locked solely on Fugaku—full of grievance.

Aozora felt deeply wronged.

Back during the interview, he'd clearly discussed everything with the boss—no overtime was part of their agreement.

So what exactly is going on now?

Breaking promises after signing the contract? Throwing away the raft once you've crossed the river!

Originally, he had planned to ask Fugaku for leave right after today's regular meeting.

For the next one or two weeks, he intended to go to the black market and accumulate some gongde, then attempt a soul bath using those merits.

If successful, he could quickly master "Embodiment Beyond the Self"—not only gaining a powerful ally but also acquiring a practical method to save his life.

Unfortunately, Fugaku's sudden appointment disrupted his plans.

He had been named deputy leader of the Third Squad.

Although his power had gradually increased, Aozora no longer wanted to play it safe until achieving Kage-level before taking action.

Yet his current overall strength barely matched that of a jonin.

Within the Land of Fire, dealing with wild beasts or mountain bandits would be manageable.

But if the mission involved actual warfare, the danger would rise exponentially.

According to the mission report, many Hidden Cloud shinobi had already infiltrated the border areas of the Land of Fire.

The probability of their escort squad encountering Hidden Cloud ninja was extremely high.

Fighting ordinary ninja wouldn't be a problem, but facing jonin squads or jinchuriki—he wasn't confident he'd survive such encounters.

His luck had always been terrible—even a routine escort mission landed him in a fight with Two-Tails!

Fugaku, whether finished with his work or simply unable to endure Aozora's lingering pitiful stare, finally closed the file and set down his pen.

With a slight frown, worry etched between his brows, Fugaku sighed, "Aozora…"

Seeing this, Aozora covered his forehead with his right hand and said, "Clan Head, don't bother with guilt-tripping."

Interrupting an elder like that was impolite, but Fugaku understood Aozora.

After all, he had previously promised Aozora flexible scheduling. Looking back, it was Fugaku who broke his word first—and Aozora hadn't openly contradicted him during the meeting, which showed respect.

Still, there truly was no one else suitable for this role.

Most of the clan's elite had already gone into battle. Among those remaining in the village, fewer than five possessed the capability to rival Shuichi.

And among them, only Aozora had both lower seniority than Shuichi and could serve as his deputy.

"The escort mission was assigned by the village to the Uchiha. Once the Uchiha accepts it, we must fulfill it—even at the cost of our lives. However, as the Uchiha Clan Leader, I bear the responsibility and duty to protect our young clansmen."

When appeals to sentiment failed, Fugaku shifted to reasoning.

"I have full confidence in Shintatsu and Genma's team, but Shuichi… Although proud, he lacks experience in real-world affairs. He needs guidance and someone to keep him grounded."

Aozora waved his hand indifferently. "Let him be the muscle, right?"

Fugaku smiled — he knew Aozora had just agreed. "Exactly, you could see it that way."

"I'll go," Aozora said, "but I have conditions."

Truthfully, he wasn't too eager to go, but could he really refuse?

Saying no might feel good at first, but it could ruin their friendly relationship.

With Shuichi already heading toward Kyoto and Itachi gradually changing his perspectives, Fugaku was firmly standing on the clan's stance. The clan was moving in a positive direction, and he didn't want his previous efforts to go to waste.

Hearing Aozora's words, Fugaku generously replied, "What conditions do you have? Speak them out quickly. As long as it's within my authority, I won't hesitate to agree."

Aozora didn't hold back and stated directly, "I want access to the clan's library to learn the techniques stored there."

Without hesitation, Fugaku responded, "That's acceptable!"

Then, after a moment of thought, he added, "The clan library houses numerous techniques — though not as many as those in Konoha, they surpass all other ninja clans. However, most aren't particularly powerful; they're generally low-level techniques. The truly advanced secret techniques of our clan aren't kept inside the library."

He wanted to make sure Aozora didn't have unrealistic expectations. If he entered expecting something different and later felt resentment due to disappointment, that would be a problem.

Of course, Aozora understood. Powerful secret techniques like Izanagi and Izanami were naturally reserved in the hands of the clan leader and upper echelons. Most likely, the Uchiha clan's library contained a variety of accumulated techniques gathered over generations.

But exactly that was what he needed.

Out of thousands of jutsus, how many could activate the Heavenly Book and grant divine insight?

Still, he couldn't openly explain this to Fugaku.

Suddenly, he asked, "Clan Head, do you know what my dream is?"

Fugaku looked puzzled. "And what is it?"

Aozora smiled, "To learn every single jutsu in the entire ninja world!"

Fugaku was taken aback.

According to all intelligence reports, though Aozora was known for mastering Fire Release, his true strength always lay in throwing ninja tools.

Aozora stood up and waved goodbye to Fugaku.

As he left Police Force headquarters, he realized he wasn't really losing out on anything after all.

Though he claimed to work two days per week, in reality, these past two weeks he'd merely attended one routine meeting before slipping away.

Honestly, the salary of being the Assistant to the Chief of the Police Force was quite satisfying. With such payment, he should indeed do something worthwhile.

Moreover, that was the Uchiha clan's library!

If Kakashi could copy countless jutsus with just one Sharingan, imagine what the Uchiha had access to.

Accumulated over years, the number of techniques there must be countless.

Filled with anticipation, Aozora arrived at the Ninth Training Ground early the next morning.

The Third Escort Squad was set to leave next Monday, so Saturday and Sunday were meant for everyone to gather and get to know each other.

As Aozora walked into the training field, he noticed quite a few clan members had already arrived, chatting casually in small groups.

"Finally getting to leave the village! Ever since joining the Police Force, I haven't been outside for months!"

"So this mission comes just as you hoped, then?"

"Don't get too relaxed you two! This mission involves escorting military supplies to the frontlines — it's extremely dangerous!"

"..."

"I heard the team leader this time is none other than Captain Shuichi himself. Looks like we've struck gold on this one!"

"By the way, there's also a deputy squad leader this time. What was his name again? Aozora, right?"

"I've heard about him before. Seems like he's quite powerful too. Last week he took down a spy with just a single throwing knife."

"That spy was said to be a Jonin!"

"How could that be? Shuichi-sama is only a Tokubetsu Jonin himself!"

"..."

Aozora listened to his clansmen's gossip with mixed feelings—some concern, and some secret delight.

He was certain that these clan members had grown far too distant from battle. They still carried pride in their hearts, but had completely lost their wartime vigilance.

Yet a quiet pride stirred within him—he'd somehow earned himself a little fame.

After hearing all this chatter, Aozora stepped forward among the clan members.

He coughed lightly twice, preparing to speak.

A concerned clansman beside him asked, "You all right? Going on the mission while you're under the weather?"

Before Aozora could explain, startled cries suddenly erupted from the crowd.

"Shuichi-sama has arrived!"

Everyone turned their gaze toward the entrance, including Aozora.

At first glance, the newcomer looked like any ordinary passerby—plain clothes, simple appearance.

But cradling a sword in his arms, he radiated sharpness and intensity.

Even a brief glance into his eyes sent a sharp sting through theirs.

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