Uchiha: Strongest Shura

A cold voice echoed from the shadows, "Fire Release: Phoenix Sage Fire Technique!"

Caught off guard, the wandering ninja fell into the trap. As the fiery projectiles descended upon him, he realized his error too late. The shadow clone's surprise attack, combined with the fiery assault, was fatal. The flames consumed his figure, marking the end of his resistance. Renji, drenched in his own blood, collapsed to his knees. His body trembled as he tried to reach for the shuriken embedded in his leg but found his strength failing.

Just as another wave of enemy ninjas arrived at the entrance to the passageway, Renji's vision began to blur. Closing his eyes, he murmured weakly, "Is this... the end?" His consciousness began to fade when the sound of familiar footsteps reached his ears. A flicker of hope stirred within him. They're here... just in time.

---

When Renji woke up again, he found himself lying in the embassy's infirmary, staring at the celestial design of the wooden ceiling. He sighed in relief, realizing he had narrowly escaped death. His lips curled into a faint, bitter smile. If the enemy had been even slightly more intelligent, his story would have ended in that dark underground passage.

Before he could dwell on his failures, Uchiha Kagami entered the room, his expression a mixture of concern and reproach. "How are you feeling?" he asked.

Renji forced a smile and replied, "Terrible. My whole body aches, my wounds burn, and I feel like I could eat an entire cow. Also, my throat feels like sandpaper."

Kagami handed him a glass of warm water and helped him sit up. "Considering the state we found you in, you're lucky to be alive. Thanks to you, our mission was a success."

Renji took a small sip, savoring the warmth. He waved his hand dismissively, "The plan's success is mostly due to you, Sensei. If you hadn't arrived when you did, I wouldn't be here. How are the others?"

Kagami's expression softened. "You really don't act your age. They're fine, but seeing you in that state yesterday hit them hard. They cried until late into the night and are still sleeping it off."

Renji's gaze drifted to the snowy scene outside the window. His voice was calm and detached. "There's no need to cry over it. Death is a ninja's destiny."

Kagami's expression hardened. "Renji, never forget this—those who can't cherish their comrades will never become great ninjas. They'll become nothing more than machines for carrying out orders. Fighting and killing will never be everything in life."

Renji listened silently, his expression unreadable. He wasn't entirely convinced by Kagami's words, but he nodded out of respect.

Later that afternoon, Naoki and Marina burst into the room, their faces a mixture of joy and guilt. Both had red, puffy eyes, evidence of their earlier tears. They clumsily fussed over Renji, peeling apples with trembling hands and insisting he eat. Renji, touched despite himself, ate the fruit to appease them, though his stomach protested. He eventually feigned exhaustion, using sleep as an excuse to escape their overbearing care.

When the room finally emptied, Renji stared thoughtfully at the pile of apple peels in the wastebasket.

As night fell, Renji noticed a significant increase in the embassy's security. Guards patrolled every corner, their expressions tense. Outside, the townspeople moved about nervously, their fear palpable. Clearly, the events of the previous night had thrown everyone into a state of high alert.

From his room, Renji overheard a tense conversation at the entrance. A sharp voice demanded, "Mr. Uchiha, where were you last night?"

Kagami's tone was calm but firm. "I don't understand your meaning."

The interrogator hesitated, then continued, "This is a routine inquiry to maintain security. However, if you refuse to cooperate, even as an envoy of Konoha and a member of the Uchiha clan, we won't hesitate to act."

Kagami's voice carried a hint of disdain. "Such bold accusations. If you doubt me, feel free to test your strength against mine."

Before the situation could escalate further, another voice, softer and more conciliatory, intervened. "Please, let's not escalate this. An important figure's residence was attacked last night, resulting in significant casualties among the guards. We were hoping someone of your caliber might have noticed something unusual."

Kagami responded sharply, "So now I'm a suspect because I possess such abilities? This is absurd. Your methods of investigation are laughable."

Renji, lying in bed, smirked at his teacher's convincing performance. Kagami's feigned outrage was so genuine that even Renji felt momentarily guilty. His acting skills could win awards.

As the commotion outside settled, Renji turned his thoughts inward, replaying the events of the previous night. He couldn't shake the bitter truth—his strength was sorely lacking. Facing four wandering ninjas had nearly cost him his life. His offensive techniques were decent, but his lack of defensive capabilities left him vulnerable.

If only I knew defensive ninjutsu... he thought, frustration bubbling within him. Unfortunately, with fire and lightning as his chakra natures, defensive techniques were rare. Fire Release lacked any practical defensive applications, and the only defensive Lightning Release technique he could think of was the Lightning Armor used by the Third Raikage.

Renji recalled the Raikage's legendary technique, which enveloped the body in lightning chakra, drastically enhancing defense and speed. It had even withstood Naruto's Wind Release: Rasenshuriken. While the technique was awe-inspiring, Renji knew it was far beyond his reach. The chakra cost alone was staggering, not to mention the immense control required to maintain it.

He sighed, his thoughts shifting to the Uchiha clan's ultimate defensive technique—Susanoo. The thought of the monstrous construct filled him with equal parts awe and dread. Without the Mangekyō Sharingan, it was impossible to manifest, and the toll it took on the user's body was devastating. No thanks, Renji thought grimly. I'd rather not die young.

End of the Chapter.