UCHIHA LIBERATOR (NARUTO X MALE UCHIHA OC)

Chapter 17

3RD POV

The sun hung high in the clear sky as Ryuichi perched atop a tree, a scroll spread across his lap. The scroll detailed advanced techniques for the Shunshin no Jutsu, a teleportation-like movement skill that relied on raw speed and chakra control. Though Ryuichi had managed to incorporate it into combat—a feat typically reserved for Jonin—he still hadn't mastered performing it without handseals. It was an accomplishment he took pride in, but his perfectionist streak often left him unsatisfied.

Below him, his teammates, Fuyumi and Haru, stood under the same tree, deep in conversation. They were discussing ways to infuse fūinjutsu into their kunai and shuriken, their quiet chatter occasionally punctuated by Fuyumi's measured tone and Haru's more enthusiastic exclamations.

Ryuichi sighed and leaned back against the tree trunk. His mind wandered to his recent training. Combining his burgeoning chakra-enhanced strength with Shunshin had elevated his combat prowess to high-chunin speeds, something he was immensely proud of. However, his monstrous strength—though remarkable for a genin—was laughable when compared to Tsunade's raw power. Knocking down a tree with a single punch was currently his limit, and the thought of comparing himself to the director of the Konoha hospital made him cringe. Still, Ryuichi excelled in ninjutsu, with a particular focus on combat and medical techniques. His three C-rank Fire jutsu were reliable, and his newly acquired B-rank Lightning jutsu, Electromagnetic Murder, was almost unheard of for someone his age.

As he mulled over his progress, two blurs streaked toward the team at impossible speeds, one red and one green. The commotion pulled Ryuichi from his thoughts, and he watched as the two figures came to an abrupt halt before Fuyumi and Haru.

"Good morning, everyone!" Kushina Uzumaki greeted cheerfully, her red hair fluttering in the breeze. Beside her stood the green blur, a man whose appearance caught everyone's attention.

"This is Might Dai," Kushina said with a broad smile, gesturing to the man beside her. "He's a genin of the village."

Ryuichi jumped down from the tree, landing gracefully beside his teammates. He raised a skeptical eyebrow as he studied Dai, a towering figure who looked closer to his father's age than a genin's. Dai had thick, high cheekbones, a prominent nose, dark hair cut into a bowl style, and a moustache that framed a beaming smile. He wore an eccentric green jumpsuit, orange-striped leg warmers, and a yellow scarf. His entire demeanor radiated a strange mix of energy and sincerity.

"A genin? he looks thirty!" Ryuichi asked, incredulous.

"I AM MIGHT DAI!" the man declared, giving them a sparkling smile with an enthusiastic thumbs-up. His voice was loud, booming with genuine excitement. "IT IS A PLEASURE TO MAKE YOUR ACQUAINTANCE!"

"Right," Ryuichi muttered, still eyeing the man suspiciously.

Kushina, ever the cheerful sensei, clapped her hands to grab their attention. "Guess what, team!" she said, her grin widening.

"What is it, sensei?" Haru asked eagerly.

"I bagged us a C-rank mission!" Kushina announced proudly.

Ryuichi and Haru shared a high-five, their excitement palpable. Even Fuyumi, usually composed, allowed herself a small smile, her eyes betraying her satisfaction at finally embarking on an actual mission.

Kushina continued, "And Dai here will be accompanying us on this mission!"

Dai gave them another enthusiastic thumbs-up, and his radiant smile was unyielding.

Ryuichi leaned toward Haru, whispering, "How is he a genin? He looks like he's my father's age."

Haru elbowed him sharply in the ribs. "Don't be rude, Ryuichi."