Exactly.
This is not ninjutsu or a secret art, but the ability of the Second Hokage, Senju Tobirama.
"Okay?"
Jingyi's chakra scattered, and he quickly sensed the darkness around him. There was a figure hidden in the shadows, but from his position, he could clearly observe part of the courtyard and even inside the house.
Anbu?
Kanda Keiichi didn't turn his head.
He knew the other party was likely staring at him at that very moment.
Looking farther out, he could sense another Anbu in a different part of his house but no more.
Two Anbu!
Jingyi retracted his chakra. After thinking for a moment, he understood.
I used to be just a Chūnin, and those above were very clear on my limits. After returning from injury, I've improved significantly both in power and physique.
The Third Hokage may have already noticed.
This current surveillance is partly a precaution and partly to confirm the situation.
Those two Anbu were probably following me since yesterday.
"The blood of the Senju…"
Jingyi narrowed his eyes in thought but ultimately said nothing, pretending not to notice the Anbu around his house.
But
He wasn't just considering the Third Hokage.
There was also Danzo.
Most of Konoha's shady dealings are tied to him, and nine times out of ten, he's rightly blamed.
That's why, in his previous life, Danzo was nicknamed "Kage of Scapegoats."
Before, Jingyi thought Danzo was just unfortunate blamed for everything Sarutobi did. But in Konoha, one must consider Danzo's influence
That old bastard is likely secretly researching Hashirama's cells at this point, isn't he?
Currently, only Tsunade remains with true Senju blood in Konoha, and she's so powerful and well-respected that Danzo wouldn't dare make a move.
However
I'm different.
The Kanda clan is down to just me alone Chūnin. If something happened to me in secret, no one would say a word.
The more Jingyi thought about it, the more danger he felt.
Now, with both the Third Hokage and Danzo in power, it's hard to predict what those two old schemers might do.
Fortunately, I've acquired chakra perception.
With that, I can at least anticipate my opponents' movements.
"Actually, if I had Hashirama's cells, it would greatly benefit me. But that would make me no different from Danzo… It'd be like asking a tiger for its skin."
…
"Class is over for today. Many of you still haven't mastered the Three Basic Techniques."
"Keep practicing when you get home."
Another day of class concluded.
Jingyii felt a little tired.
This class had a lot of talent, but many still lacked proper chakra control
Which is fine for students.
But
As Genin preparing for the battlefield, they're still far from ready.
Among them, Obito was progressing rapidly.
He could already tree-climb!
This kid really was talented. Unfortunately, he kept rambling about the Sharingan, as if awakening it would let him conquer the world.
Jingyi couldn't help but sigh internally.
After class, he left the school and discreetly scanned the surroundings using chakra perception.
The Anbu were gone.
"Left?"
Jingyi thought to himself.
If it were Root, they wouldn't withdraw so easily.
Seems like it was the Third Hokage's men.
That's a relief.
He let out a long breath, reached into his pocket, and sighed.
I was planning to get a sword forged.
But…
I'm broke!
He finally understood Kakuzu's philosophy.
Right now, he wouldn't mind hunting down a wanted criminal for the bounty.
A Chūnin's salary is just too low.
That's enough of that.
Time to train.
As for the sword, I'll revisit that once I get paid.
Jingyi began jogging toward the outskirts of Konoha.
However
Not long after, he sensed someone following him.
He kept walking calmly.
Shisui was trailing behind, just about to close the gap when suddenly, a cold kunai was at his throat.
The figure running ahead popped just a clone!
Shisui was shocked.
"Sensei, you noticed me?"
"You think it's hard to notice you? Don't you have class?"
Jingyi chuckled, then put his kunai away.
Shisui bowed slightly.
He seemed like he wanted to say something but hesitated.
"Wanna run together?"
"Yes!"
Shisui's face brightened when he saw that his teacher wasn't pressing for answers.
Then
He followed Jingyi, the two of them jogging down the path one after the other.
Once they were far from the village, Shisui caught up and whispered, "Sensei, I went home yesterday. The patriarch wants me to graduate this year and then… join the Anbu."
"Your patriarch? Uchiha Fugaku?"
Jingyi raised his brows at that.
No wonder the kid ran so far just to say this. He was also surprised Shisui would confide in him.
This kid...
Really trusts me.
"Hah, what does he know?"
"Huh?"
Shisui blinked in surprise.
His teacher...
He wasn't expecting that response.
"Shisui, you're sharp. I'm touched you trusted me enough to share this. Do you know what your patriarch's real goal is?"
"I can guess."
Shisui's tone dropped.
Though young, he was intelligent and mature. He already understood a lot.
For example
The clan wanted him to show off his talent early, signal loyalty to Konoha, and join the Anbu to serve Uchiha interests.
But
He didn't feel that was the right path.
"Shisui, have you had any unpleasant experiences at the Academy?"
"Unpleasant? Hmm... Not really. It's just that some classmates avoid us Uchihas."
"Do you know why?"
Jingyi smiled.
Shisui shook his head.
"You're still young. You don't have to understand everything right now. Just keep thinking for yourself. Observe more, question more."
"Like that problem you mentioned treat it as extra homework for today's skipped class."
With that, Jingyi picked up his pace.
Why?
Shisui was stunned for a moment, then quickly followed.
He started thinking as he ran.
But
How could he figure it out so easily?
Before, he just thought those classmates were cold. He hadn't paid them much attention.
Anyway, he was graduating soon.
But
To look into the reason…
Is it because of the Uchiha?
But why?
He kept thinking about it, finding the whole thing strange.
Unconsciously, he followed Jingyi for a while. Even though Jingyi had slowed down, Shisui was already out of breath.
Soon
They returned to Konoha.
"Alright, that's it for today. When you've figured it out, come talk to me."
Jingyi smiled.
Shisui wouldn't understand the deep-rooted conflict yet.
Better to let him realize it on his own.
Besides
He had a real-life case study right in front of him.
"Yes!"
Shisui nodded firmly.
As soon as Jingyi left, he turned to return to the Uchiha compound. But a glance caught his attention
Obito?
Why is he here?
This was a small neighborhood on the outskirts of Konoha, mostly home to civilians and a few elderly folks. Obito seemed to get along well with them, laughing and munching on fruit offered by the old ladies.
Why?