After reporting to the Hokage, Seiryu's days were finally peaceful.
The Police Force's recruitment of civilian ninjas went smoothly. After news spread that Seiryu had scolded the two advisors at the gates, civilian ninjas began to view the Uchiha more favorably. When they heard that the current Uchiha clan head was the very Seiryu who'd promoted gentle law enforcement, many came to apply.
Some recent ninja school graduates, who hadn't been assigned to teams, came directly to join the Police Force.
In less than a week, the Police Force doubled its numbers as Seiryu had ordered.
Meanwhile, Seiryu implemented his law enforcement throughout the Police Force.
Seiryu himself, under his clan's arrangement, moved into a luxurious mansion deep within the Uchiha compound. The first thing he did was set up an archery range in his new garden.
With things quiet for now, Seiryu spent his days drinking tea, making rounds at the Police Force, writing up Danzo's crimes for Shimura clan members in the interrogation room to sign, and then returning to practice archery.
One afternoon, after returning from the Police Force, Seiryu changed out of his ninja vest, put on a haori, and began practicing archery in the courtyard.
Holding his breath, Seiryu fired two arrows in a row, both right on target.
At that moment, the clan's steward, Uchiha Keiko, came into the yard. "Clan head, Hatake Kakashi is here to see you."
"Let him in," Seiryu said without looking back.
"Yes, sir."
Keiko soon returned with Kakashi, then tactfully withdrew, closing the gate to the inner garden.
"Hokage-sama's orders: The operation to capture the rogue ninja Orochimaru will begin the day after tomorrow," Kakashi said.
Seiryu didn't reply, only focusing on the target. He drew his bow and fired again—bullseye.
Kakashi said no more, just found a pillar to lean against and pulled out his beloved Make-Out Paradise.
For a while, only the sound of arrows flying through the air filled the courtyard.
After emptying a whole quiver, Seiryu finally stopped and spoke. "About White Fang... I'm sorry, but this is all I can do for now."
Kakashi put down his book and nodded seriously. "Thank you. It's enough."
Recently, the village launched a Will of Fire study campaign, and his father, Sakumo Hatake, was repeatedly mentioned as a hero who exemplified the Will of Fire. Some kids had only just learned that such a hero once existed.
"Want to give it a try?" Seiryu smiled, handing his bow to Kakashi.
"A bow? I'm not very good with those." Kakashi declined. "Besides, shuriken are more fitting for a ninja."
"Shuriken, huh?" Seiryu smirked, his hand flashing to his ninja pouch. Four black shadows shot out, colliding midair, and each struck the bullseye fifty steps away at impossible angles.
"Uchiha shuriken techniques are truly exquisite," Kakashi praised.
"Nothing special, just practice," Seiryu replied, wiping his hands and picking up his bow again. "Kakashi, whether it's a bow or a shuriken, they're both weapons made for killing."
He loosed another arrow, hitting the bullseye again. "But I still prefer the bow."
Kakashi looked puzzled. Bows were considered obsolete and only used by samurai. Shuriken was more convenient—surely the best choice for ninjas?
"Shuriken is convenient, but few can be recovered after use. Even the best steel ones are just easier to handle, that's all. The bow is different—if it's not damaged, arrows can always be restocked."
"And where an arrow flies is always determined by the bow."
Another arrow flew, crushing the shuriken in the target with chakra.
Kakashi pondered Seiryu's words.
"So, Kakashi—want to give it a try?" Seiryu turned to him.
"...I'll give it a shot." Kakashi nodded after a moment.
"Keiko, bring a new bow for Captain Kakashi," Seiryu called.
Soon, Uchiha Keiko brought a longbow and handed it to Kakashi.
Kakashi examined the bow, feeling unfamiliar. Although the Hatake family had once been samurai, from his father's generation on, only swordsmanship remained; they'd become pure ninjas. Kakashi had never touched a bow.
He nocked an arrow awkwardly, drawing and aiming at the target fifty steps away.
"Stand straight. Use your mind and spirit to link the arrow to the target—intention before action," Seiryu instructed. Kakashi adjusted his posture clumsily, aiming at the bullseye.
He held the pose, but couldn't release the arrow for a long time.
"Calm your mind," Seiryu said gently.
Kakashi took a deep breath, settling himself. Then he loosed the arrow.
As the arrow flew, Kakashi watched its path. It was his first shot—he knew it would miss. He couldn't help but look disappointed.
But just then, another arrow whistled by.
Kakashi turned and saw Seiryu's bowstring still vibrating.
In the air, Seiryu's arrow caught up and collided with Kakashi's, then both flew straight into the target—bullseye.
Kakashi stared in amazement, only to see Seiryu's meaningful smile.