Seeing that neither Seimei nor Uchiha Shisui had any objections, Uchiha Hachidai relaxed a little.
To be honest, he was really afraid that these two, being young and hot-blooded, would insist on charging ahead on the front lines!
Especially Seimei—after learning what he had done the night before last, Uchiha Hachidai had been quite worried.
Now that Seimei showed no resistance, he finally let out a sigh of relief.
If Seimei had mind-reading abilities, he would definitely laugh his head off at Hachidai's concern.
Charging ahead on the front lines?
What a joke!
This time, he was here to take it easy; there was no way he was going to charge ahead.
No doubt, Kirigakure had already learned that he could use the flight technique.
So trying to do what he did that night again, fighting an entire army alone, was nothing but a pipe dream.
So, it was best for him to keep a low profile.
While Seimei was lost in thought, Uchiha Hachidai went over some other important points, then allowed Uchiha Shisui to leave.
As for Seimei, he was asked to stay behind.
Before Seimei could ask why he was kept back, Uchiha Hachidai took out a book and three scrolls from a drawer.
"This is...?"
Seimei looked at the book and scrolls in Hachidai's hand and hesitated, "The things I asked for?"
"Exactly."
Uchiha Hachidai nodded and handed over the four items to Seimei, saying, "These are the items you asked the clan to find. Elder Huoxuan asked me to bring them to you."
Hearing this, Seimei quickly took the book and scrolls.
He opened the only book first and skimmed through it, seeing that it contained information on how Uchiha ninjas developed their earth-style chakra and their experiences.
Without a doubt, this would save him a lot of time.
He then opened the three scrolls.
Each contained the record of a different jutsu: 'Earth Release: Hardening Technique,' 'Earth Release: Earth Spike,' and 'Earth Release: Earth-Style Wall.'
The 'Earth Spike' and 'Earth-Style Wall' didn't need much explanation.
The former was a signature jutsu of Iwagakure, widely known and rated as a C-rank offensive jutsu, while the latter was a highly practical B-rank defensive jutsu.
They both fit his needs perfectly.
As for the 'Hardening Technique'...
Despite its ordinary name, it was not a simple jutsu, also rated as B-rank.
Its effect was similar to Kakuzu's 'Earth Release: Earth Spear,' which could greatly enhance the user's defense.
The only difference was that 'Earth Spear' also gave the user significant offensive power, whereas 'Hardening Technique' only enhanced defense.
Also, it was best not to move while using it.
This way, the technique would be at its most effective.
Under the same conditions, its defensive power was in no way inferior to 'Earth Spear' and might even surpass it.
Without a doubt, this jutsu could significantly compensate for his lack of defensive abilities, making it an invaluable asset.
"Ah, it really is great to have a strong backing!"
Looking at the book and scrolls in his hand, Seimei couldn't help but sigh inwardly.
To be able to find items that perfectly matched his requirements in such a short time was something only a well-established clan like the Uchiha could do.
If he had to find them on his own, who knows how much time and effort he would have to waste?
Shaking his head, Seimei put the scrolls and book away and solemnly thanked Uchiha Hachidai, "Thank you, uncle, and also Elder Huoxuan."
"Hm."
Uchiha Hachidai nodded, gave a few more reminders, and then allowed him to leave.
As Seimei stepped out of the room, he was about to leave when he saw Uchiha Shisui.
At that moment, Shisui was standing not far away, leaning against the wall—clearly waiting for him.
Seimei thought for a moment and quickly realized why Shisui was there.
Most likely, Shisui wasn't fully satisfied with what Uchiha Hachidai had said earlier and wanted to discuss it with him.
In the past three months, Shisui had often sought him out to discuss topics like the clan and the village, war, and the future.
Although Seimei wasn't personally very interested in these topics, thanks to the information explosion in his past life, his knowledge far exceeded Shisui's.
With his deep understanding of the ninja world, a few words were often enough to get Shisui thinking deeply.
To Shisui, Seimei appeared to be an Uchiha ninja with independent thoughts.
Because of this, it was natural for Shisui to seek him out now.
However, Seimei wasn't in the mood for such discussions at the moment.
He had just received what he needed and was eager to begin training, without any distraction.
Besides, Uchiha Hachidai's arrangements suited him just fine; he didn't want any complications.
Still, he needed to give Shisui the respect he deserved.
After all, Shisui would likely be an important figure in the ninja world in the future. You never knew when he'd be able to help, so Seimei couldn't afford to ignore him.
With that thought, Seimei paused, then walked straight toward Shisui.
"Shisui, what's up? You need something?"
Before he even got close, Seimei spoke up.
"Yeah."
Shisui nodded, straightening up. "There are some things I want to talk to you about."
"Alright."
Seimei responded simply, "Let's talk as we walk."
"Sure!"
Shisui replied, then followed him toward their lodging.
Along the way, Shisui began sharing his perspective.
As Seimei had anticipated, Shisui wasn't entirely happy with Uchiha Hachidai's arrangement.
Well... It wasn't dissatisfaction exactly—he just felt that at a time like this, they shouldn't be focused on the clan or themselves but rather on the interests of the village, and so on.
Seimei neither agreed nor disagreed with Shisui's opinion; he just responded perfunctorily.
When they arrived near the lodging arranged for them, Seimei found a chance to excuse himself.
Standing there, watching Seimei walk away, Shisui frowned slightly. He felt that Seimei didn't quite agree with his viewpoint today.
In fact, it seemed Seimei was very satisfied with Uncle Hachidai's arrangement.
"Was it just my imagination?"
Shisui wondered.
But he quickly shook his head, dismissing the thought—he just couldn't believe Seimei was that kind of person.
Not to mention, what Seimei had done in the battle the night before last was enough to prove his loyalty to the village.
"It must be my own misjudgment."
Shisui convinced himself.
Afterward, he stayed there for a while longer before leaving.
Meanwhile, as Seimei sensed the gaze from behind disappearing, he let out a sigh of relief.
Honestly, communicating with someone as mature-minded as Shisui was a bit stressful.
Fortunately, it was over now.
Next, it was time for him to train.
Compared to all the scheming and strategizing, he much preferred focusing on his training.
(End of Chapter)