Rising Shadows: Uchiha's Wrath

Kaito continued, "At the Academy, even the most basic forms of ninjutsu can be taught."

"Simple, low-level techniques are acceptable!"

"The standard school year is six years, but if students meet my requirements, they can graduate early! All expenses for ninja school will be borne by the village!"

Every graduate should have the potential to reach the level of a special jonin upon graduation. Only then can we ensure our village's strength and survival."

"If they can't meet that standard, they won't be allowed to graduate and will need to repeat a year!"

They will be expelled from the ninja school if they still can't meet the requirements after one year. They will not be granted ninja status and must repay all school fees after five years of leaving the academy!"

"Understood?"

Terumi Mei nodded firmly.

She understood what Kaito meant. The Mist Village would adopt an elite ninja training mode moving forward. While the number of Mist ninjas would decrease significantly, after witnessing the events of that night, Terumi Mei realized a fundamental truth: in the presence of a true powerhouse, no amount of numbers could compensate.

"As for the science and technology campus..."

Kaito lightly tapped the table with his fingers, pondering the key figures in this domain.

The first candidate that came to mind was Orochimaru, whose expertise was unparalleled. His current assistant was also quite capable.

Another person was Katasuke Tōno, who would later become renowned in the Boruto era. He should still be in his teens at this point! The technological advancements of these individuals were unparalleled in the Naruto world.

Kaito smirked slightly as he thought, Recruiting them will be interesting.

After some contemplation, he instructed, "We have a year before the school officially starts. In the meantime, gather the top talent from various fields across the ninja world and bring them here—no matter the cost!"

"What kind of people should we look for?"

Terumi Mei quickly readied her pen and notebook to record Kaito's requirements.

"For example, anyone involved in the development or manufacturing of essential technologies—water heaters, radios, cameras, televisions—those kinds of innovations. Whether they're inventors or engineers, they're the kind of talent we need at the science and technology campus," Kaito explained.

Terumi Mei diligently noted everything down, her demeanour completely serious as she prepared to carry out these tasks

Kaito's face grew stern as he shifted to broader directives.

"First: spread the basic chakra extraction method. I want every citizen of the Land of Water to start practicing chakra!"

"Among those who cultivate chakra, children under the age of ten with clean records and outstanding potential will be given special permission to enroll in the Mist Village for further studies."

"Second: All active Mist ninjas, except those tasked with recruiting scientists, will temporarily cease taking missions outside the Land of Water. They will only accept domestic missions. Additionally, they will be assigned a new duty: to use ninjutsu to assist citizens in everyday life."

"Each ninja, regardless of rank, must complete at least five community support missions per month—this applies even to the Jōnin!"

Before Kaito could continue, the elderly Master Yuan abruptly stood up.

"No!" he exclaimed, visibly agitated.

Terumi Mei tensed, sensing trouble. Before she could intervene, Master Yuan began voicing his concerns:

"The first policy is reasonable—it increases the strength of Mist ninjas while maintaining quality. But the second one is unfeasible! The Mist ninja population is already limited; we can't afford to assign so many to assist civilians. Plus, Jōnin are the backbone of the village—they can't be relegated to such tasks!"

Before Yuan could finish, the atmosphere in the room turned icy cold. A palpable pressure enveloped the space, leaving everyone stunned.

Kaito's eyes glinted dangerously as he spoke in a chilling tone:

"I said, from the moment I became Mizukage, my words are absolute. You only need to obey. You have no right to question my decisions or negotiate with me."

"I demand results. If you can't deliver, then I'll deal with you myself. This is your first warning—let it also be your last."

The weight of Kaito's words crushed the defiance in Master Yuan, who paled and slumped back into his seat.

Terumi Mei looked on in silence. She sympathized with Yuan but knew Kaito's actions were justified. The terms of his rule had been clear from the beginning: he led, and they followed. Over the past few weeks, Kaito's composed demeanor had caused them to forget the authority he wielded.

Today served as a harsh reminder of his dominance.

Kaito, now calm, addressed the room again.

"Spread the chakra extraction method immediately. Begin implementing the changes to mission assignments as I've outlined. This is non-negotiable."

Terumi Mei and Master Yuan straightened up, their expressions solemn. "Understood," they replied in unison.

"I'm sorry, Mizukage-sama. I understand."

Master Yuan, seated with a dejected look.

Kaito observed him without a trace of pity. These were the consequences Master Yuan brought upon himself. At the start, they had reached an agreement; now, this was a necessary lesson. Kaito had already shown leniency—had Master Yuan succeeded in overstepping boundaries once, he would only have become more audacious. Repeated offences would inevitably challenge Kaito's authority, and that was unacceptable.

The office atmosphere grew tense and heavy until a polite cough broke the silence.

Terumi Mei quickly interjected, "Do you have anything further to add, Mizukage-sama?"

Kaito's tone was calm yet commanding: "I will implement these directives today. Make it clear that they come directly from me. If any Mist Ninja objects or considers themselves an exception, they can come speak to me personally.

"If they refuse to meet with me and disobey the orders, imprison them. If the situation escalates, strip them of their ninja status and integrate them into civilian life."

"Understood!"

Terumi Mei nodded firmly. Her mind, however, raced: Who would dare negotiate with Mizukage-sama after this?

Kaito waved his hand dismissively, signalling the end of the meeting.

Terumi Mei helped Master Yuan stand, bowing slightly before leaving the office.

***

As they departed, Kaito considered his next steps and disappeared in a flicker.

Uchiha Seiji greeted Kaito with a smile. "What brings the Patriarch here?"

Kaito frowned. "Remember, outside the clan, address me as Mizukage."

"Understood Mizukage Sama," Seiji nodded to the instruction.

Kaito explained, "We're part of Mist Ninja Village now. Clan members must integrate and build connections. Though I can dominate with my strength, the relationships you forge will ensure support during critical moments."

Seiji assured him, "Mizukage Sama, Worry not, I've been guiding our clan over the past two months. Their attitudes have greatly improved. And they are integrating into Mist village perfectly"

"Good," Kaito nodded. "Select twenty clan members with strong interpersonal skills and assign them to schools to teach young students. The rest should be integrated into various village departments. Those who qualify will join the ninja school."

Seiji affirmed his commitment, and Kaito left, satisfied.

****

Kurogane, an elite jonin, had once doubted Mizukage-sama's order.

Every ninja must perform five acts of public service for the Land of Water's residents each month—tasks like farming, construction, and disaster relief, things that felt beneath a ninja's dignity.

At first, Kurogane couldn't understand the decree. He had been raised in the blood-soaked era of the Blood Mist, where ninjas were feared warriors, not common labourers. They were weapons, not servants. For Kurogane, the notion of spending time doing menial work seemed like an affront to his very identity.

He was talented. Far more so than most of the others. Water Style, Earth Style—there werea few jutsu that Kurogane couldn't master with ease. His skills were sharp, his chakra control precise. So why, then, had Mizukage-sama ordered him to perform menial tasks for the common people? It made no sense. The thought of working alongside farmers or construction crews was insulting.

"Does Mizukage-sama not know who I am?" he'd muttered under his breath, arms crossed, his arrogance palpable. "I should be on the front lines, leading missions—not… this."

But, as much as it irked him, Kurogane had complied. The Mist Ninjas could not defy their Mizukage, after all. Still, he couldn't shake the feeling of disdain whenever he walked the muddy fields or helped build simple houses. He was a weapon, not a labourer.

That was until the day that everything changed.

It began as a distant rumble—the earth groaning, the sound barely audible over the downpour. But then, there was a deafening crack, followed by a violent tremor that shook the ground beneath their feet.

"Landslide!"

The cry came from Ayame, an elderly woman who had been tending to her garden. Her eyes widened with terror as she pointed toward the mountain behind the village. "Hurry! Help!"

The earth shook again, this time more violently, and with a thunderous roar, a massive wall of rocks and mud came crashing down from the mountain. It swept across the landscape with terrifying speed, burying houses and fields, but worst of all, it caught the home of Keiko and her daughter Haruka—two souls living in a small cottage at the base of the hill.

"Keiko!Haruka!" Ayame screamed, her voice breaking with fear. "Someone! Anyone! Help!"

In an instant, the entire village was thrown into chaos. The villagers rushed toward the wreckage, but their cries of desperation were only met with the cold slap of rain. The ground had been so saturated that the stones and earth clung together like a stubborn beast. They dug with bare hands, pulling and pushing in vain, their movements frantic but futile.

"Please, save them!" Taro, the local farmer, cried as he tried desperately to lift a boulder, his strength failing him as the rain turned the dirt beneath him into muck. "The rocks are too heavy—there's no way we can dig them out in time!"

"Keiko!" Haruka!" The cries echoed, but still, no one could move the stones.

Panic spread like wildfire. People screamed for help, but the storm was merciless, drowning their voices in the downpour.

Then came the sound of something—someone—moving through the rain. A figure emerged from the mist and the chaos, the silhouette unmistakable.

Kurogane.

He had been patrolling nearby, and the noise of the landslide had drawn his attention. As he walked toward the scene, his expression was calm, almost detached—more out of convenience than concern.

"Idiots," he muttered under his breath, his irritation clear. "Just call in a few ninjas, get this done fast. I don't know why Mizukage-sama even thinks this is worthy of my time."

But when he saw the wreckage—saw Keiko and her daughter Haruka trapped under the rubble, he paused. Keiko's face, pale with fear, could barely be seen beneath the falling rocks and mud. Haruka, clinging to her mother in desperation, cried out, her voice barely reaching over the howling wind.

Kurogane felt a slight stir in his chest—a hint of responsibility, something unfamiliar to him.

"Ugh, fine. I'll deal with this." Kurogane scowled to himself, shaking off the uncomfortable sensation.

He quickly formed seals with lightning speed. His arrogance wasn't gone, but he was still a shinobi of tremendous skill. With a flick of his wrist, Water Style: Water Wall surged forward, forming an impenetrable barrier to hold back the flood of rainwater that threatened to worsen the situation.

Then, without pausing, he began forming seals again. "Earth Style: Mudslide Barrier!" Kurogane shouted, slamming his palms into the wet earth beneath him. A massive chunk of earth rose around the wreckage, blocking more debris from falling. The rocks around the trapped women shifted under the pressure of his jutsu, allowing the villagers to begin digging through more freely.

His chakra pulsed as he moved quickly and efficiently, unbothered by the frantic cries of the villagers around him. He was still the elite jonin—still the best of the best—but the storm seemed to mirror his inner conflict. A ninja had no business saving villagers. And yet, here he was.

After what felt like an eternity, Kurogane managed to clear the last of the rubble. He crouched down, pulling Keiko from beneath a pile of rocks. He checked her vitals, his hands moving swiftly, before doing the same for Haruka. Both were alive—shaken, covered in dirt, but alive.

He could hear the villagers' overwhelming relief—their gasps of joy, the exhalation of breath they hadn't realized they were holding.

"Thank you! Thank you!" Ayame cried, her voice hoarse. "You saved them! You did it!"

The tears were flowing now, not of fear, but of joy. Taro, his voice cracking with emotion, was already bowing deeply. "Kurogane-sama, I—I don't know what we would've done without you…"

Mika, a young girl who had been friends with Haruka, ran up, throwing her arms around his legs in a hug. "You saved her! You saved my friend!" she squealed, her eyes shining with gratitude.

Kurogane stood there, silent at first. He wasn't used to this kind of treatment—this kind of warmth. His usual cold demeanour was being chipped away with every word, every gesture. This wasn't just villagers thanking him for his strength—it was a deeper, more personal connection.

Days later, when Kurogane continued his patrol through the village, something had changed. He was no longer met with fear or distant stares. Everywhere he went, the villagers greeted him with smiles and words of gratitude.

"Kurogane-sama!" Ayame called out from her doorstep, handing him a basket of fresh vegetables. "Here, take this. For saving Keiko and Haruka."

He smiled sheepishly, taking the basket with a muttered thanks. He wasn't sure how to handle this newfound appreciation, but it felt different. And then, as he continued, Mika ran up to him again, this time with a homemade snack wrapped in cloth.

"Thank you, Kurogane-sama! I made these just for you," she said with a bright, innocent smile.

And there were more—Taro, and even others, stopping him to offer small gifts of food, words of thanks, and bright, genuine smiles. They were no longer the fearful villagers of the Blood Mist era. They had seen a different side of him, and they were grateful for it.

Kurogane's heart tightened, an unfamiliar warmth filling him as he realized the full weight of what he had done. He wasn't just a weapon—he was something more.

He wasn't just a ninja anymore. He was a protector.

"Mizukage-sama was right," Kurogane murmured. "Ninjas are more than tools of destruction. This is our true purpose."

Mist Ninjas, once accustomed to cold glares, now found joy in helping others. Many exceeded their assigned tasks, voluntarily taking on more missions. This respect and recognition gave meaning to their existence, slowly erasing the shadows of the Blood Mist.