Chapter 52 Retirement in Peacetime (1) The ninja world is in a period of peace...
Volleyball, basketball, soccer, diving, swimming...
Uchiha Osaka organized every sport he could think of, as long as it was feasible. Fortunately, for the ninjas who were physically strong and trained year-round, they only needed to remember the rules to quickly learn and adapt to different sports. They could also come up with all sorts of tricks and had a lot of fun.
The Uchiha clan, a terrifying ninja clan capable of writhing in their own hearts.
The final event of the Magnolia Games is the Grand Prix.
When Senju Take heard the Grand Contest, he immediately blurted out, "Treasure Dream."
Uchiha Osaka raised his chin and said, "Tell me, is being a ninja suitable or not!"
Ninjas possess various chakra natures, including water, fire, earth, lightning, wind, ice, yin, and yang, and these chakra natures have a clear system of mutual restraint.
Ninjas are known for their strong vitality, bravery in battle (they survived centuries of warfare), ability to create clones, dissolve in water (water transformation technique), and the ability to hide underground, in the sky, or underwater. Different regions have also developed and differentiated different types of ninjas.
Furthermore, ninjas originated from divine beasts from outside the universe (the Otsutsuki clan).
Senju Take also fell into thought, and then he understood everything. "Then..."
Uchiha Osaka: "Then?"
Senju Takeya also said, "Will Ogima turn the ninja world into that kind of world?" That beautiful utopia, although there are still bad people, selfish people, and crazy people, the underlying tone of the world is gentle and beautiful.
"Aren't your expectations of me a little too high?" Uchiha Senma's eyes widened. He spread his hands. "My goal is simply to let you all live a good life."
Thousand Hand Bamboo nodded in understanding.
"By the way, I upgraded the contract again." Uchiha Osaka revealed this great news. "We can now share the burden. We should thank the Sage of Six Paths. He spread chakra throughout the world, so everyone in the world has chakra. It's just that ordinary people can't actively synthesize chakra by mobilizing their spiritual energy and physical abilities. He really did a great thing."
Senju Takeru glanced at the nobles and daimyo in the audience and realized what Uchiha Senma was planning. Knowing this perfectly well, he said nothing, only responding with a flat "Hmm."
What could his best friend have done wrong? He just wanted to earn more and more stable money. Besides, charity projects are indeed money-devouring beasts, and his best friend's act of robbing the rich to help the poor is truly righteous.
Uchiha Ogima had already made his robbery intentions clear at the beginning of the sports meet. If they had just run away after robbing Ogima, they might have been able to hide for a while longer. However, Ogima organized the event so well and the Uchiha played such exciting matches that they managed to win over the hearts of these nobles who were used to a life of ease and boredom.
Watching the dazzling ninjutsu performances on the field and the exclamations of admiration from those around him, Nara Shikaku could see that this sports meet was a multi-pronged strategy.
Uchiha Senma made the most of the fame he and Senju Takeya gained in the Third Shinobi World War. He even demonstrated the dangers of ninjas to the daimyo nobles in a cross-country race. With a single wave of his fan, he could stir up the earth, and Takeya could create a living primeval forest in an instant.
A single fan can unleash a hurricane, a single thought can create a mad forest, a flick of the finger can cause a flood, a single punch can trigger an earthquake... Ninjas are living natural disasters.
Uchiha Osaka wanted to show the nobles what kind of monsters the ninjas, who were feared and resented by the common people, were, so that they would be wary of them, or even fear them, and shatter the nobles' contemptuous idea that "ninjas are nothing more than swords."
Then, other more friendly and sportsmanship-oriented competitions were used to ease the audience's emotions, and the grand finale was held to further change the stereotype that ninjutsu can only be used for killing and destruction. In this process, Uchiha Osaka took full advantage of the Uchiha's appearance.
Nara Shikaku sighed, "Uchiha Osaka is truly a genius; his cunning is terrifying."
At the closing ceremony of the sports meet, UCH7 made another appearance, this time with a stage raised, where the children led by Uchiha Shisui and Uchiha Itachi, along with all the participants, were present.
As the music began to play softly, the children's innocent voices slowly opened the curtain: "Life gives brilliance; life gives hope; life gives all impermanence..."
Uchiha Iwagawa's singing voice flowed naturally into the song: "I've been intoxicated by the fragrance of the earth, exchanging the tenderest moss for a ray of sunlight, and then let's grow old naturally, without any more lingering farewells..."
The other members' voices joined in slowly, like a soft whisper.
As the accompaniment gradually builds to a climax, the rhythm becomes increasingly clear. Led by Uchiha Iwaka, the diverse yet equally resolute voices of the other singers create a chorus that is both firm and gentle.
"We endured silently, the shattered mountains, the sobbing darkness, and after this long night, a new universe coalesced, the sun still shining, illuminating the embryo, illuminating the tombstone, drifting with countless lives, growing towards the sun—"
Finally, accompanied by stirring and soul-stirring music, their emotions were released to the world through their songs:
"We huddle together and sing."
"hope--"
"Look, in the desolate land, there is that one."
"sun--"
"Regardless, despair has been sown in the world."
"hope--"
"Don't cry, you will always be mine."
"sun--"
When the last part was repeated, everyone in the audience joined in the chorus, singing along with Uchiha Iwaka. Those who had personally experienced the suffering of war even choked up, experiencing the charm of music for the first time. The singers in the stands were all so dazzling.
The sun had already set, but the lights were still dazzling. Uchiha Iwato felt his heart pounding and his emotions surging as he brought the Games, which symbolized the opening of a new era, to a close: "I see the sun—it shines brightly!"
It doesn't matter if you're not a ninja, and it doesn't matter if you can't become a ninja anymore. There's no longer just one path to take in this world!
He found his value, his belonging, and his passion.
The lights were blinding, and the light made Uchiha Iwagawa's eyes glisten slightly. Through the blurry light and shadow, he saw the figure of that person, the silent and gentle Wood Release user, clapping for him.
happiness.
The emotion that was surging within him at this moment was undoubtedly this.
The first Xinyi Games have come to a successful conclusion, and the song "Born Towards the Sun" has become the official closing song of the Xinyi Games.
The stage fell down again, and a speech platform was used instead.
Uchiha Osaka stood on the podium, "Next, let's invite the Third Hokage to speak."
Hiruzen Sarutobi stepped onto the podium. "As the Third Hokage, I have witnessed Konoha's decades of history. Flying leaves will burn into fire to illuminate the darkness, and falling ashes will nourish the land, giving the next generation better nutrients. For a better future for Konoha, I, who can no longer serve Konoha, should step down and pass the throne to a more worthy successor. Through the votes of the various ninja clans and the voice of the people, the Fourth Hokage has finally been established as—Minato Namikaze!"
Minato Namikaze stepped onto the podium, and Hiruzen Sarutobi removed his Hokage hat and placed it on Minato's head, announcing the transfer of the Hokage position. After expressing his gratitude, Minato briefly explained the goals and achievements he would make as the Fourth Hokage. People noticed that the goals Minato mentioned were almost identical to the subtitles displayed at the bottom of the screen during the previous cross-country race.
This generation's Hokage undoubtedly stands with Uchiha Osaka.
Uchiha Senma and Senju Takeya each stood on one side and clapped first. Almost immediately after them, the audience unanimously applauded for the new Hokage, and the succession of the Hokage was thus confirmed and recognized.
The Fire Country Daimyo, who was completely skipped in the Hokage transition, could only applaud despite his frustration at not receiving the news, because Uchiha Osaka was already smiling and looking over.
Yes, newbies have no voice or choice in Konoha right now.
Finally, Uchiha Ogima gave the closing remarks for the sports meet. The young boy's gaze was sharp and firm, and his words were powerful and resonant. His still somewhat immature voice possessed a firmness that was hard for ordinary people to match: "Let us celebrate the successful conclusion of the first Xinyi Sports Meet, and let us also celebrate the beginning of a new era!"
The audience was stunned. The beginning of a new era?
Yes, the era of Uchiha Osaka and Senju Takeya has begun. So, what should this era be called?
"And I want to name this era—" Without any embellishment or abbreviations of any allusions, Uchiha Senma's words were simple and straightforward, "The Era of Peace."
Senju Take once again took the lead in applauding his best friend.
Everyone followed Senju Take's lead and burst into thunderous applause.
The tone of this era was thus set, and no one could question or change it until someone stronger than Uchiha Osaka and Senju Takeya appeared, or until these two passed away.
After coming off stage and removing their makeup in the dressing room, the UCH7 boys walked along the staff corridor, laughing and joking. Their hearts were surging with excitement that they couldn't suppress for a while. Although they didn't know where the little clan leader found the lyricist and composer, it was really a good song that perfectly suited the lives of the ninjas who had struggled in the war.
Upon seeing the person standing in front, UCH7 immediately stood up straight and said, "Clan Chief, Wood Release Master."
"A absolutely perfect performance," Uchiha Senma said with a smile. "Are you happy?"
"Happy!" the seven of them exclaimed in unison without hesitation, and then chattered about their feelings.
Uchiha Senma nodded. "Then are you interested in continuing?"
"have!"
"May I?!"
"Yay!"
The boys' faces were filled with anticipation and joy. The confusion that had arisen in their hearts when they practiced endlessly in the practice room was swept away when they stood on the stage and received applause and cheers from the crowd.
“Then take a week off, and I will arrange work for you afterwards.” Uchiha Senma said happily, then looked at Senju Takeya beside him.
Thousand Hand Bamboo also stepped forward and presented the bouquets he was pulling on the small cart behind him to the seven boys of UCH7 one by one. They were all customized according to the boys' style, and the flowers were all taken from the land of the Thousand Hands tribe.
Uchiha Iwakawa was the first to receive the bouquet. The lazy boy holding the bouquet lowered his eyelids, fiddled with the main flower, the red rose, and couldn't help but smile. The other boys saw through it but didn't say anything. They all knew that Uchiha Iwakawa, who secretly envied the genius ninja, was special to the Wood Release user.
It wouldn't be an exaggeration to describe it as a white moonlight falling from the sky, but that's normal. They also particularly like Wood Release users. It would be perfect if Wood Release users could change their surname to Uchiha and join them. After all, Wood Release users are very beautiful and don't have the ruggedness of Senju at all.
Uchiha Senma and Senju Take did not linger, as they still needed to give flowers to the other members of the choir.
“We’re going to the shrine to celebrate later, Takeya, come along too,” said Uchiha Osaka.
"The Uchiha shrine... Is it alright for me to go?" Senju Take also asked.
"What nonsense are you spouting, ancestor?" Uchiha Senjiro looked at Senju Takeya in astonishment. "We Uchiha were created by you in the origin story, weren't we?"
“That’s true.” Senju Take also thought of the Uchiha triplets that he had personally grown and raised, and his expression softened. “I will take Indra with me.”
The Uchiha clan originated from the Senju clan, which is truly a huge source of amusement due to the time paradox.
“I’ve been too busy lately, and I haven’t seen my beloved ancestor in a long time.” Uchiha Senma nodded. “But it’s still better not to let others know about Indra’s existence.”
The significance and value of Indra's sublime resurrection are beyond words. What's most terrifying is that this resurrection can be completely replicated by Senju Takeya, since the Tree of Life is still quietly encircling his wrist.
Uchiha Senma hesitated for a moment, but still couldn't resist the urge to live off his best friend: "Takeya—"
"Shut up." As soon as his best friend opened his mouth, Senju Takenori knew what kind of nonsense this guy was going to spout without him even finishing his sentence.
After delivering flowers to the choir and contestants, Uchiha Osaka said, "I'll take my brothers home to change their clothes, and then I'll pick you up in my new car to go to the shrine!"
"See you later, Takeya-nii!" Uchiha Shisui and Uchiha Itachi hugged Senju Takeya.
Senju Takeya watched his best friend and his right-hand man leave, then returned to the Senju clan's territory. At the entrance, he saw the retired Sarutobi Hiruzen and the boy with lifeless eyes beside him.
Seeing Senju Takeshi approach, the boy bowed deeply first, then said expressionlessly, "Hello, I am the only successful case of combining the First Hokage's Wood Release cells in the Wood Release experiment. You can call me A."
“I think this child is more suitable to be placed under the Senju clan’s care,” Hiruzen Sarutobi sighed.
Thousand Hand Bamboo nodded slightly: "Okay."
Hiruzen Sarutobi was relieved. He said no more, nor did he explain the cause and effect, because he knew that none of that mattered to Takeya Senju.
After Hiruzen Sarutobi left, Takeshi Senju glanced at Kaname, nodded to the boy, signaling him to follow, and then walked into the clan.
Jia followed Senju Takeya without hesitation. His lifeless eyes reflected his indifference to his future. He didn't care if he was considered a stain or eliminated. After all, compared to a true Wood Release user, he was a defective product. Just surviving was already a huge effort for him.
Soon after, Jia was surrounded by the old men of the Thousand Hands.
Seeing Jia, who was flustered and at a loss under the care and concern of the old man, just like her former self, Qian Shouzhu calmly took a sip of the tea brewed by Grandma Huixin with Grandpa Aoki's tea leaves, ate a small cookie baked by Grandma Sakura, and then very politely put a piece of senbei made by Grandpa Junhara into her mouth.
Isn't this still a normal relationship?
Even if A wasn't born into the Senju clan, the fact that he could successfully withstand Hashirama Senju's Wood Release cells proves that he does indeed possess Senju blood. A thin bloodline isn't a problem, as long as the old Senju members acknowledge it.
"Then I'll be going now." Ignoring Jia's pleading gaze, Senju Take turned to Grandpa Aoki and said.
"Alright, you can leave this child to us with peace of mind." Grandpa Aoki smiled and nodded.
And so, under Jia's helpless gaze, Qian Shouzhu turned and left without a second thought.
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The author's note: The last song we sang together was "Born Towards the Sun (Japanese Edition)," sung by Hua Chenyu. I heard it on Japanese Twitter and was absolutely blown away. It felt so perfect, so I immediately decided that it would be the final song for the sports meet.
Uchiha Iwakawa is the epitome of an ordinary Uchiha. He has no ninja talent and it is impossible for him to awaken his Sharingan. However, the Uchiha bloodline is a curse to him. For those who hate the Uchiha extremely, having the Uchiha surname is a sin (a typical example: Shimura Danzo).
What Iwakawa embodies is his almost unconditional devotion and love for Senju Takeya. As those who have read the previous chapters know, the Uchiha triplets who formed the Uchiha clan in this story were raised and nurtured by Takeya. The deity that their shrine has worshipped for hundreds of years has always been Senju Takeya. Indra and the triplets' love for Takeya flows in their blood and chakra, so deep that it continues like a curse. Even if their lifespan is limited, as long as the Uchiha clan exists in this world, and as long as Takeya is willing to interact with the Uchiha clan in the human world, he will not be alone.
[Mini Theater]
Edo Tensei Madara: Hahahaha, I'm back! The Ninja World! It's time for things to get lively!
Edo Tensei Hashirama: Madara! Turn back before it's too late!
Edo Tensei Madara: You don't actually think you still hold any weight in my heart, do you?!
Edo Tensei Hashirama: War brings no smiles. Didn't we agree to move towards peace together?
Edo Tensei Madara: But your so-called peace is nothing but a reflection in the water, easily shattered! It's nothing but a laughable failure!
Uchiha Osaka: (Eating sunflower seeds) Tsk tsk tsk, this is the love and hate of the founding group of Konoha!
Senju Takeya: ...A subtle unease, how come the First Hokage looks so much like Ashura.
Edo Tensei Madara: Hashirama! I can't be bothered to talk to you! You don't deserve to listen! Besides, I know how troublesome your current lineup is (capturing Senju Takeru is just a hundred-meter sprint), so I have to deal with this Wood Release technique separately from you!
Uchiha Senma: Damn it! This guy's coming for me! (Throws away the melon seeds, picks up his Flame Fan, and chases after him)
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