Chapter 59: Death Without Regrets, Visiting the Elder
Notes:
Summoning: Impure World Reincarnation is a forbidden jutsu that binds a deceased shinobi's soul to a living vessel, reviving them as they were in life to serve the summoner's will.
Kinjutsu means Forbidden Techniques — jutsu banned from teaching or use due to their dangerous nature.
After Uchiha Tonan stepped out of the courtyard with the medical-nin, Sarutobi Shinnosuke, who had been waiting nearby, asked curiously, "How's his condition?"
The medical-nin gave a subtle nod, signaling Tonan and Shinnosuke to follow him quietly down the street. Once at a discreet distance, he stopped, producing a scroll and brush to write his medical report. His voice lowered as he said, "His condition is grave. I suspect it's a severe psychological disorder. At this rate, he likely has only a few months left. You should prepare yourselves."
Tonan's eyes widened in shock but he slowly nodded, swallowing hard. "I understand…"
Shinnosuke clapped Tonan gently on the shoulder. "I'll ask Hokage-sama to grant you leave. You should spend whatever time remains with your grandfather."
The medical-nin sighed, asking, "Would you like me to provide a formal medical report?"
"No, thank you. I must return quickly — I fear if I delay, he'll notice." Tonan shook his head, bowed respectfully, and turned to leave.
Just then, from a distance, Sanbo Motoyoshi quietly withdrew his head and pushed his wheelchair back into the courtyard. Though unable to overhear their conversation, the solemn expressions and hurried actions spoke volumes.
Motoyoshi's heart sank, utterly resigned now. "I suppose… I truly cannot hold on any longer…"
After a short pause, Tonan returned, wearing a hopeful smile. "Grandpa, the doctor says you're in good health. I panicked for nothing. I'll cook us a proper meal."
Motoyoshi smiled faintly, nodding. "Cook less… we won't be able to finish it all anyway. Don't tire yourself out."
Half a month later, lying fragile as a withered leaf in Konoha Hospital, Motoyoshi had wasted away to skin and bones. Summoning his last reserves of strength, he cracked open his eyes and whispered, "Child… I left my will in the bedside cabinet. Don't be sad. Promise me… you'll live happily."
Tonan grasped Motoyoshi's frail hand firmly, his voice steady despite the pain in his chest. "Rest easy. I'll inherit everything and live well. If you're tired, close your eyes and rest — don't force yourself."
"Good child…" Warm memories of their time together flickered through Motoyoshi's mind: the smiles, the lessons, the quiet afternoons.
"Don't worry, grandpa. I'll keep your house clean."
"Grandpa, were you a shinobi?"
"Grandpa, I'm Uchiha Tonan. How should I address you?"
"An hour in the morning is worth two in the evening. I've always liked rising early — the early bird catches the worm."
"I want you to stay with me forever… after all, I'm ill-fated."
Reluctance lingered in Motoyoshi's eyes as his lids slowly shut for the last time. A faint smile crossed his lips as he passed away peacefully. The heart monitor beeped urgently.
A hospital attendant entered quietly, standing behind Tonan. "The patient's heart has stopped. My condolences, child. Your grandfather has reached the end of his days."
"I understand," Tonan said softly. "Please, let me stay with him alone for a while." He sat quietly by the bedside.
In Motoyoshi's final days, he'd tried to end his life several times, but Tonan stayed vigilant, never letting him have the chance. Tonan wanted to observe something important — the power gained from someone dying a natural death.
Now, a warm surge of energy coursed through Tonan's body, slowly spreading to every nerve and muscle. Examining it, he realized the chakra boost was minimal, and the spiritual power barely increased. However, he had gained many ninja experiences and about a dozen new techniques, including the Sanbo Style – Blade Technique.
"Although the effect is weaker than expected, it's not insignificant. Chakra mainly enhances endurance in battle. If chakra alone decided victory, wouldn't the reanimated shinobi summoned by Impure World Reincarnation be invincible?"
"Of course, I have a weaker chakra pool and need continuous supplements. I'll have to find ways to acquire stronger ninjutsu. But with this system, as long as I hunt steadily, chakra won't be an issue."
"Back to the important part: that old man had some intriguing skills in his youth."
Among them were several techniques Tonan considered nearly as valuable as kinjutsu. Beyond the Body Flicker Technique mastered by all Konoha jonin, Motoyoshi had also mastered the Shadow Clone Technique and the rare S-rank ninjutsu known as Reconstruction Technique.
The Reconstruction Technique was a secret nin-taijutsu that could alter one's height, appearance, and voice — but it took about ten minutes to activate and couldn't instantly transform someone into another person.
Its advantage was absolute concealment: no one could detect the change, and it had no effect in battle. After reconstruction, unless the user removed it voluntarily, even the Byakugan couldn't see through the illusion.
Tonan had already learned the Body Flicker and Shadow Clone Techniques, both stepping stones to mastering the Flicker Clone Technique.
He believed that with dedication, he could unlock its profound secrets and drastically increase his combat strength.
Two days later, Tonan found a tranquil spot to bury Motoyoshi. According to Motoyoshi's will, the land deed, money, and his chakra tanto now belonged to Tonan.
Once everything was settled, Tonan returned to the Uchiha district.
His first stop was the Great Elder's home, whom he hadn't seen for some time. The two sat facing each other in seiza.
The Great Elder studied Tonan, who had grown noticeably taller and carried the chakra tanto. He nodded approvingly. "Seems you miscalculated — that old man died faster than expected."
Tonan sipped tea calmly. "That's alright. I gained a lot from him."
The Great Elder smiled, lifting his cup. "True. I heard his name when I was a genin — a notorious miser who never left his house. Now, all his assets are yours, and that chakra blade is valuable."
Tonan shook his head. "Those are just material things. The real treasure was Senior Motoyoshi's careful guidance."
The Great Elder frowned, puzzled. "What could a commoner ninja possibly teach you?"
Tonan smiled faintly, setting down his cup leisurely. Slowly, he raised his right hand, focusing his wind chakra. A small sphere of condensed wind chakra formed on his fingertip and flew forward.
Puff.
An air bullet shot out, piercing the wall and leaving a neat hole. A ray of light streamed into the room through the gap, illuminating the Great Elder's face.
"This is… you have wind chakra?"
Adjusting his glasses, Tonan answered with a subtle smile, "I tested earlier. To my surprise, I possess all five chakra natures."