The weather had been pleasant lately, and the construction of the bridge was in full swing.
Without Gatō causing trouble, the atmosphere at the site was relaxed, and the villagers' faces were filled with long-missing smiles.
As the bridge neared completion, their enthusiasm grew even stronger.
This bridge was not only a passage connecting the two sides of the river but also a symbol of their hope for a better future.
At the same time, the Uchiha Merchant Association began carefully planning the area.
Following Genya's design, they methodically built playgrounds and leisure areas.
With each brick laid and each piece of timber set up, the land slowly started to flourish.
Even though the bridge was not yet finished, the constant flow of workers, merchants, and curious villagers already brought the place great vitality.
Time passed quietly, like a gentle stream.
Under everyone's efforts, the bridge gradually took shape.
Genya watched as everything fell into place, and with no more worries in his heart, he prepared to return to Konoha with Kurenai.
On the day of departure, thousands gathered to see them off.
The villagers looked at Genya with tears of gratitude in their eyes, full of reluctance to say goodbye.
After formally entrusting the affairs of the area to Uchiha Furin, Genya felt no attachment remaining.
He waved to everyone and began the journey home.
This time, without any obstacles, the group could fully relax, enjoying the scenery along the way.
Hinata looked at Genya, a hint of curiosity in her eyes, and asked seriously, "Genya, when do you think my Byakugan will finally evolve?"
In recent days, she had immersed herself in training.
She could clearly feel her strength increasing.
Her chakra flowed through her veins like lively spirits, and her body grew stronger under the intense training.
Yet, despite all this, her Byakugan had not yet evolved, leaving her a little anxious.
"Soon. You just need to feel it yourself," Genya said, looking at Hinata with eyes full of encouragement and trust.
He had seen her strength steadily increase, and with such continued progress, he was genuinely curious about the final evolution of her Byakugan.
And so, the group slowly made their way back to the village.
The scenery along the way was breathtaking. They would sometimes stop to admire it, and sometimes chat casually.
Most of their conversation was about trivial things, and it was very relaxing.
When they entered the boundaries of Konoha, Kurenai looked at Genya with a serious expression. Her tone became solemn as she asked, "The Chunin Exams are coming up soon. Do you want me to sign you up?"
For a ninja, the Chunin Exams were a crucial event. They were not only a test of individual skill but also a contest showcasing the strength of the younger generation from each village.
Each village would select their most outstanding ninjas to demonstrate their strength.
"Of course I'll sign up. I want to see the ninjas from each village," Genya said, a confident smile curling on his lips.
Although he already had a good idea of who would participate, he was still eager to see it with his own eyes.
Especially that kid Gaara—he should be coming too.
"I'll sign up you all. But whether the Hokage allows you to participate is another matter," Kurenai nodded seriously.
After all, the Hokage would consider many factors when choosing participants, not just individual strength.
"Don't worry, he will," Genya said confidently, nodding without elaborating.
With Sarutobi Hiruzen's sly personality, even if it was to make him look bad and show everyone that the Uchiha heir was useless, he would be allowed to participate.
This was a perfect opportunity for him—the so-called "useless one"—to make a name for himself.
As they continued talking, they walked into Konoha.
Just as they entered, they ran into Kakashi, Naruto, and their team returning from a mission.
They looked somewhat disheveled. Their clothes were torn in various places, and even Sakura seemed injured, a white bandage wrapped around her forehead.
But when Naruto saw Genya, the fatigue on his face instantly vanished, replaced by a bright, radiant smile. He shouted happily, "Genya! You're back too!"
His voice was full of energy, as if he hadn't experienced any battle at all.
"Did you have a big fight?" Genya asked, looking at them and finally focusing on Naruto, curious.
"Not really a big fight. We just cleared out a bandit's hideout. Didn't you see my great deeds?" Naruto immediately launched into a long, animated story, eyes shining as he recounted the mission. "You don't know, I still have this power inside me."
He spoke vividly, describing in detail how he single-handedly fought three Jonin and ultimately defeated them all heroically.
"Naruto, we should head back and report," Kakashi reminded him, glancing at the endless chatter.
Sasuke, standing nearby, prepared to walk away quietly. He wasn't in the mood to talk to Genya right now.
"This time on the mission, I met your brother." Genya said softly, looking at Sasuke, who was about to leave.
Those words hit Sasuke like a bomb, instantly stirring waves of emotion in his heart.
"What?" Sasuke stopped in his tracks, his eyes widening in shock. "Where is he?"
A flash of anger passed through his eyes as he asked, and there was even a trace of unhidden killing intent.
Over the years, his hatred for Itachi Uchiha had rooted deeply in his bones.
If Itachi hadn't done such cruel things, if he hadn't killed their parents with his own hands, perhaps Sasuke could have lived happily and carefreely like the other Uchiha.
He still couldn't understand why Itachi would commit such ruthless acts.
"Even if you know where he is, do you really think you could kill him?" Genya said calmly, looking at the agitated Sasuke. There was a hint of mockery in his tone. "Heh…"
He didn't mean to provoke Sasuke on purpose, but wanted him to face reality. With his current strength, Sasuke still had a long way to go before he could match Itachi.
"No. Even if I can't kill him, I will go to try. I need to ask him why he did it!" Sasuke's eyes burned with determination. He clenched his fists so tightly that his knuckles whitened.
The hatred in his heart blazed like an unquenchable fire.
Nearby, Sakura and Naruto were shocked at Sasuke's appearance.
When had they ever seen Sasuke lose control like this? Even in fierce battles, he had always remained calm. But now, his emotions had completely taken over.
"Then during this Chunin Exam, you can ask him yourself," Genya said calmly to Sasuke.
Of course, there was more he didn't say: this would also be the last time the brothers would meet. After revealing Sarutobi Hiruzen's crimes, he planned to eliminate Itachi once his beliefs collapsed.
Heh… he wanted Itachi to regret his past actions even in the Pure Land.
"Chunin Exam?" Sasuke was a little taken aback, but he still wanted to catch up and get clarity. "Genya, tell me what's going on!"
His eyes were full of urgency and confusion. He wanted to know more about his brother and what this Chunin Exam really meant.
"Sasuke…" Kakashi stepped in, his face serious as he looked at him. "Calm down."
Even as he said this, Kakashi's own heart wasn't calm. Itachi was returning to Konoha, and during the exam?
That was a lot of information at once. If that was true, the Chunin Exam wouldn't be peaceful at all.
In a flash of thought, he looked at Sakura walking across from the other side.
****
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