Ever since his mentor became Orochimaru, Uchiha Ran's life settled into a strict and orderly rhythm.
Because a large amount of experimental equipment still needed to be ordered, Orochimaru spent most of his time teaching Ran the foundations of science and the essential knowledge required for scientific experimentation. In his spare moments, he also personally instructed Ran in swordsmanship and ninjutsu.
At one point, Orochimaru had even intended to gift Ran a Kusanagi blade—until he saw Ran's zanpakutō.
After that, Orochimaru gave up the idea entirely.
He openly admitted that he had never seen a blade so terrifyingly durable. Its toughness surpassed every Kusanagi sword he knew of, without exception.
Inside Orochimaru's laboratory, Ran underwent training across countless disciplines every single day.
When it came to genjutsu, Orochimaru taught him to view the world from multiple perspectives, allowing him to better understand the structure of illusions—and how to dismantle them. Snakes possessed extremely acute tactile perception, so Orochimaru frequently had Ran interact with serpents, guiding him toward the development of tactile-based genjutsu, a rare and dangerous variant.
For swordsmanship, Orochimaru demanded that Ran seek the optimal angle and force in every single swing. Power for power's sake was meaningless. He was not allowed to rely purely on the fusion of genjutsu and swordplay—each strike had to stand on its own, clean and decisive.
As for taijutsu, Orochimaru focused on excavating Ran's physical potential. Flexibility, strength, coordination—everything had to be pushed beyond its limits. During this process, Orochimaru brewed countless bizarre biological herbal concoctions. Every time Ran recalled those bowls of thick, green liquid, his head still spun in phantom dizziness.
In ninjutsu, Ran was thrown repeatedly into real combat simulations, honing his reaction speed and adaptability under pressure.
When it came to weapon manipulation techniques, however, Orochimaru had little to teach him.
For such fine, precision-based control, the Uchiha were simply born gifted. In this area alone, Orochimaru admitted that he couldn't compare to most Uchiha who had awakened their Sharingan.
Of course, such techniques were ultimately best suited for genin and some chunin.
After just half a month of training, Ran's growth was explosive.
His genjutsu became more intricate and deceptive.His swordsmanship sharper and more precise.His taijutsu lighter and more fluid.His ninjutsu cleaner and more refined.His weapon control smoother and more reliable.
Most importantly, the synergy between his abilities strengthened dramatically.
Orochimaru's teaching methods were truly extraordinary—allowing Ran to achieve massive progress in an astonishingly short time.
When Uchiha Mikoto was nearing her due date, Ran specifically asked Orochimaru for leave and stayed with Uchiha Fugaku.
Seeing Fugaku's tense expression, Ran smiled gently and reassured him.
"Brother Fugaku, don't be so nervous. Sister Mikoto is a kunoichi—believe in her. And believe in the child you're about to welcome. This is nothing they can't handle."
"I know," Fugaku replied, exhaling slowly. "Thank you, Ran."
His emotions steadied quickly. Realizing that Itachi's birth was not yet imminent, Fugaku began speaking with Ran about other matters.
Regarding Ran's recent actions—and Orochimaru becoming his instructor—Fugaku expressed deep satisfaction.
For the first time, he could truly see the possibility of the Uchiha being fully accepted by Konoha.
He also saw Ran flourishing after becoming a disciple of one of the Legendary Sannin, smoothly navigating the Hokage faction.
"Ran," Fugaku said, "you've done very well in the Public Relations Department. The Uchiha clan's reputation is steadily recovering under your guidance. Once your strength improves further, I plan to arrange for you to enter the Uchiha Police Force. The internal factions there are far too complicated right now."
He was still speaking when his brows suddenly knit together—then relaxed.
"She's here," Fugaku said. "Ran, I don't believe you've ever met her. One of the Uchiha's prodigies."
The moment Fugaku spoke, Ran already knew who he meant.
This Uchiha genius was legendary within the clan, though rumors said she had long been stationed on the border and rarely returned to the village.
Uchiha Ruka.
A mythical figure among the Uchiha.
Two years older than Ran, active along the borders between the Land of Fire and the Land of Earth. Despite her youth, she had already completed over a dozen S-rank missions, awakened the three-tomoe Sharingan, and earned a personal warning from the Third Tsuchikage: never engage her one-on-one.
"I'm here, Brother Fugaku. Where's Sister Mikoto?"
The one who entered was none other than Uchiha Ruka.
Having never met this prodigy before, Ran studied her with open curiosity.
She wore a blue-and-white casual outfit, the Uchiha crest embroidered on her sleeves. A cold, noble aura radiated from her body. That aloof dignity paired perfectly with her long, glossy black hair, creating a presence that was impossible to ignore.
Tall and slender, her long legs moved with elegant precision, each step exuding confidence and refinement.
She looked calm and composed—someone who rarely revealed emotion.
A noble, icy, composed Uchiha beauty… broad-minded, long legs included, Ran thought silently.I wonder if she's secretly a tsundere.
Ruka, meanwhile, had also noticed Ran's gaze.
In her eyes, Ran—wearing glasses, eyes half-lidded, smiling gently—looked unusually mild-mannered. That kind of appearance wasn't exactly popular within the Uchiha clan.
"So this is the newly famous Uchiha Ran?" Ruka said coolly. "You look… ordinary."
"Brother Fugaku, I'll go check on Sister Mikoto," Ruka added abruptly, completely mismatched with her calm exterior as she turned to rush inside.
"Wait, Ruka," Fugaku said, pulling a cushion from beneath the table. "Mikoto isn't able to receive visitors right now. Sit down and talk with us instead."
Knowing this wasn't the time to be willful, Ruka huffed, dragged the cushion over, and plopped down between the two of them.
From Fugaku's expression alone, she understood—Mikoto and the unborn Itachi were at a critical moment. No interruptions allowed.
"You're the Uchiha Ran everyone's been talking about lately, right?" Ruka said, lifting her cup and sipping calmly. "Interested in coming with me to the border on missions? Staying in the village won't help you grow stronger."
"Trying to send me to the border when I've barely graduated?" Ran chuckled. "Sister Ruka, you're awfully impatient."
Yeah, right, he thought. Going to the border now? By the timeline, the Third Great Ninja War is practically around the corner. I'd rather stay under Orochimaru, improve my strength—and research the Mangekyō Sharingan.
Seeing that Ran didn't respond further, Ruka understood his choice.
For a moment, the three of them fell into silence.