Naruto: Forbidden Arts and an Immortal Agenda

The moment Aozora saw Shuichi Uchiha, only one phrase came to mind—his sharpness was clearly revealed.

Shuichi was clearly a swordsman—and no ordinary one at that.

Though Aozora himself wasn't a swordsman, he knew Shuichi still wasn't strong enough.

From reading countless novels, Aozora understood that those who displayed overwhelming power were usually experts—but never top-tier experts.

True masters often returned to simplicity, knowing how to conceal their strength.

The world of ninja was no different.

Sakumo Hatake was Konoha's strongest swordsman in history. Everyone who first met him assumed he was simply a kind old man with silver hair. No one could imagine he was the dreaded White Fang of Konoha, whose blade once struck fear into Sunagakure.

No one saw his sharp edge—because those who did had already perished.

Aozora had learned that lesson long ago.

He knew when to keep his edge hidden—and when to let it show.

That was precisely why he had managed to kill two Jonin and trade blows with Yugito.

Just as Aozora was about to step forward and greet Shuichi, an overly-friendly clan member pulled him into the crowd.

"Bro, don't block the front. That's the captain's spot."

With a touch of envy, he glanced toward the approaching Shuichi and said, "I really envy him. At such a young age, his strength is already so formidable. After this mission, he'll surely be promoted to Jonin."

Unlike the blind admiration most clan members had for Shuichi, his eyes held not just envy but also a hint of pride.

Aozora looked at him in surprise. "You're pretty good yourself. You'll get your shot someday."

Although he hadn't noticed earlier, the clan member had effortlessly pulled him into the group—Aozora hadn't even seen it coming or reacted in time. Interesting.

Besides, any Uchiha with the talent to become a ninja generally had the potential to eventually become a Jonin.

Though perhaps they wouldn't necessarily want to.

Because sometimes, the path of strength came at too high a price.

"Thanks, but your judgment isn't great. I'm nowhere near as good as Shuichi."

Aozora didn't argue, shifting his gaze to Shuichi instead.

Shuichi walked before the group and scanned everyone present.

"I am Shuichi Uchiha, your captain for this mission. Remember my face. From now on, you will obey my commands without question!"

Without bothering to train formations or even get to know the others, he immediately declared, "Dismissed!"

Everyone stood stunned, exchanging confused glances, unsure what to do next.

As for Shuichi, he had already turned to leave.

He had training to do—no time for pointless formalities.

Aozora gave a wry smile and then called out, "Wait a second!"

His voice wasn't loud, yet it cut through the silence, reaching everyone clearly.

The Uchiha standing nearby gaped in shock, unable to believe any Uchiha would dare question Shuichi's command.

Hearing this, Shuichi turned back, and his sharp gaze locked directly onto Aozora.

Meeting his stare, Aozora took a couple steps forward. "Allow me to introduce myself—I'm Aozora Uchiha."

Shuichi interrupted, "Uchiha Aozora!"

Aozora nodded.

"I know," Shuichi continued coldly and dryly. "You're the deputy captain of the Third Escort Team. Do you have a problem with my orders?"

Even in accusation, his tone remained flat.

Yet his gaze sharpened, briefly flashing with visions of blades and swordlight.

Everyone stared at Shuichi—the sensation was like having needles pierce their eyes, causing them to narrow instinctively.

Aozora, however, remained composed, locking eyes with him without flinching.

Shuichi's aura erupted outward.

This surging pressure was like an endless tide of swords, chilling everyone present to the bone.

But Aozora stood amid this storm as calmly as if a gentle breeze were brushing past him.

Facing Shuichi's intense focus, Aozora recalled the scene when he was suppressed by Fugaku during the Clan Meeting.

At that time, Fugaku had originally attempted to dominate Aozora using only his aura.

However, he quickly realized that sheer pressure wouldn't bind Aozora, so he immediately used the Immobilization Jutsu.

If Fugaku couldn't suppress Aozora several months ago, how could Shuichi—who clearly fell far short of Fugaku—hope to do so?

Aozora had beheaded two Jonin and even fought against Yugito Nii; Jonin-level auras simply no longer affected him.

He stepped slowly toward Shuichi.

Shuichi's entire field of vision now contained only Aozora, his hand already resting on his sword hilt.

Aozora spoke gently: "I have no objection. But I do have some objections!"

Having no objection showed respect for Shuichi, while raising objections implied disagreement with his actions.

Aozora didn't want to clash with Shuichi—he merely wanted to ensure the safety of their clansmen as much as possible.

Understanding the meaning behind Aozora's words, Shuichi released his sword hilt and retracted his aura.

Everyone else relaxed slightly, exhaling deeply, feeling as though they had come back to life.

Shuichi sized Aozora up carefully before saying, "Now I somewhat believe you decapitated a Jonin spy with one slash."

Then he asked, "What objections?"

Aozora answered, "This mission involves transporting food supplies. Although its overall casualty rate isn't the highest, historically, supply convoys attacked often suffer more brutally than frontline troops."

Deliberately raising his voice, Aozora spoke not just to convince Shuichi but also to awaken all the clanspeople.

"To avoid devastating losses when danger strikes, the team leader has both the responsibility and obligation to prepare them properly from the beginning."

After listening, Shuichi nodded. "That makes sense. Then I'll leave the training to you."

With that, he turned to leave.

Aozora reached out and gripped his arm. "Isn't this the leader's responsibility?"

When has Aozora ever worked overtime? He only ever shirked duties!

Shuichi shrugged off Aozora's grip. "I have more important matters to attend to."

Aozora questioned, "What?"

Chakra flared beneath Shuichi's feet as he suddenly appeared far away.

"Training!"

"I need to strengthen my abilities so I can protect our clanpeople!"

As Aozora caught his last words echoing through the air, his face darkened.

Dragged into duty against his will by the clan head not long ago, and now saddled with extra work from Shuichi too—his luck really seemed to have run out!

Was it because he'd been shirking duties too shamelessly lately?

As Aozora reflected bitterly, he suddenly sensed someone approaching.

"Vice Captain Aozora… Any orders for us?" The speaker was a pushy clansman named Takumi.

Snapping out of his thoughts, Aozora turned sharply toward the group.

"All right, listen up! Fall in line! At ease! Attention!"

"No time for a long speech—I've got just a few things I need to make clear..."

"First—obey orders."

"First of all," Aozora said sternly, "in case of an emergency, you must absolutely obey orders. If I tell you to run, then run immediately—don't even think about playing hero."

"Second, if there's an attack and the team gets separated, your first priority is to ensure your own safety before searching for teammates."

Amidst a series of surprised glances, Aozora began training the Third Escort Team.

He didn't actually teach them any proper emergency procedures or formation tactics—probably because he didn't know how himself.

Instead, his focus was on teaching the squad how to survive and escape when attacked by a powerful enemy force.

Around 3:30 PM, Aozora wrapped up his chaotic training and let everyone go to see their families and prepare for tomorrow.

Aozora himself returned to his new home to pack his ninja tools.

At the doorstep, he encountered Itachi, who had been pacing around nervously.

"Teacher!"

Itachi ran up and handed him a small notebook.

"You're too kind!" Aozora said as he accepted it.

Itachi looked a bit disappointed but still managed a smile. "These are my answers to the two questions," he said. "I hope they meet your expectations."

Seeing how thick it was, Aozora chuckled, "Guess I'll need some time to get through this."

Itachi nodded and offered sincerely, "Take care, Aniki. Come back safe!"

Aozora inhaled sharply, as if fate itself had slapped him with a curse!

<><><><><><><><>

Thank you for reading! Your support will keep me updating!

~ Every 50 Powerstones = **4 Bonus Chapters** this weekend!

<><><><><><><><>

~ 100+ Advanced Chapters Available on Patreon!

~ More *Free* Chapters and Books Available on Patreon!

patreon.com/Tansnovel

<><><><><><><><>