Uchiha Yuan had just absorbed the foundational knowledge of the Xilan-style swordsmanship, and a wealth of sword-related techniques flooded into his mind.
These techniques covered basic sword handling and various combat applications—essentially, a form of taijutsu.
The Xilan style focused on speed, demanding excellent bodily coordination and dynamic vision.
Given that Yuan possessed the Sharingan, he naturally held overwhelming advantages in dynamic visual tracking.
Moreover, since Xilan-style was all about swift strikes, mastering it could potentially resolve Yuan's current shortcoming in attack speed.
This sword style was practically tailored for him.
It was a pity, however, that Yuan lacked lightning-nature chakra. Otherwise, he could imitate Sasuke's fighting style from the original work.
Sharingan + Lightning Release + Swordsmanship—an almost unbeatable combo in close combat.
"Shua-shua—" After absorbing the Xilan-style swordsmanship, Yuan twirled his sword twice, and it already felt much smoother than before.
All he needed now was to apply it repeatedly in real combat, gradually refining his mastery.
Satisfied, Yuan nodded and stored the horizontal sword back into his storage ring.
Next, he allocated his 20 attribute points, distributing them between chakra capacity and ocular power. His status panel now looked like this:
Chakra: 121
Constitution: 70
Ocular Power: 129
Vitality: 14
Nature Affinity: 4
Level: Lv20 (27/30)
Attribute Points: 0
After allocating points, Yuan checked his final reward: "Sixth Sense +1."
Previously, his sixth sense had a detection range of only 20 meters, and with Yamanaka Kagetsu's sensing range increasing, his sixth sense had gradually become less useful.
Now, after leveling up, his detection range expanded to 40 meters. While still less than Kagetsu's 60 meters, 40 was still quite useful.
Moreover, the improved sixth sense allowed Yuan to perceive living beings more clearly.
For example, the Zetsu lurking beneath the Uchiha encampment—previously, Yuan could only sense that something with strong life force was underground.
Now, he could vaguely make out the shape of Zetsu beneath the earth.
Zetsu, a remnant of the Infinite Tsukuyomi from the previous era, was originally sealed on the moon alongside Kaguya Ōtsutsuki, the Ten Tails' husk, and the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path.
When Uchiha Madara awakened the Rinnegan, part of the lunar seal was lifted, allowing him to summon the Ten Tails' husk from the moon.
Using the Demonic Statue as a catalyst, Madara cultivated Hashirama cells, which led to the reawakening of the Zetsu spores.
Since then, Madara had used Zetsu to gather intel and monitor changes in the shinobi world.
Following this logic, Yuan started analyzing Madara's current condition.
According to the timeline, Madara was already aged and frail by now, his body sustained only by the Demonic Statue's chakra infusion.
Furthermore, Madara had long implanted the Rinnegan into Nagato, a descendant of the Senju lineage, hoping Nagato would someday use the Rinne Rebirth Technique to revive him.
So Madara was likely clinging to life, while simultaneously searching for someone who could carry on his will and execute the Eye of the Moon Plan after his death.
At that thought, a chill ran down Yuan's spine.
Damn it—Zetsu hasn't left yet. Could it be someone here in Bear Country caught Madara's eye?
There were only a few Uchiha in the Bear Country camp. Who would Madara have picked?
Referencing Madara's eventual choice of Obito:
First, Madara would likely choose a Uchiha who was not yet an adult—easier to manipulate.
Second, the chosen one had to harbor deep love—someone with a deeply important person in their life.
Finally, they had to be gifted. Madara, after all, wouldn't choose someone who hadn't even awakened the Sharingan.
By this logic, there was only one candidate in Bear Country that fit the bill.
A thought emerged clearly in Yuan's mind: "The one being watched... is me?"
The realization brought immense pressure.
If Madara really had his eyes on Yuan, it would be a huge problem.
Even if Madara was now a dying man without his Rinnegan—
A toothless tiger was still a tiger. Even if he couldn't bite, he could still swat someone to death.
Yuan didn't think he was anywhere near qualified to handle Uchiha Madara.
Just as he was stewing in anxiety, the camp suddenly erupted into chaos.
Yuan rushed out and ran right into Uchiha Yin.
"Senior Yin, what's going on?" he asked.
"It looks like the Mist Ninja launched a surprise attack. A major battle is about to break out," Yin replied grimly.
Yuan's expression turned serious too.
"I'll go find Teacher Shibi. Please be careful, Senior."
"You too."
With that, the two ran off in opposite directions.
Yuan arrived at their usual squad rally point, and sure enough, Shibi Aburame was already there.
"Teacher Shibi, is it true the Mist are launching a full assault?" Yuan asked.
"Yes. It's a large-scale charge led by the Fourth Mizukage himself," Shibi replied.
"But weren't there only twenty Mist ANBU and the Fourth Mizukage on their side?"
"Just the Fourth Mizukage alone is enough to tip the balance. This is going to be a brutal fight."
As Shibi spoke, Hyuga Asana and Yamanaka Kagetsu arrived as well.
Seeing his squad gathered, Shibi quickly gave instructions:
"The Mist are launching a full assault. Lord Orochimaru has ordered all reconnaissance squads to mobilize. Our target: their water supplies and logistical bases."
"You mean we're infiltrating the Mist side?" Asana asked.
"Correct. But since they've deployed most of their forces, their rear guard should be minimal, making the initial part of our mission low-risk.
The real danger will come after we sabotage their supplies. The Mist will definitely pull back to defend.
If we don't retreat quickly enough, we risk being surrounded—or worse, colliding head-on with returning Mist units.
The only good news is that some Genin squads will help us distract the enemy. That's the key to our safe withdrawal.
Once our task is complete, we must escape at maximum speed. The faster we flee, the sooner those Genin can also leave the battlefield."
Hearing this, the three members of the squad all grew solemn.
(To Be Continued...)