Chapter 4: 3 years

A few days later, the team returned to Konoha, and Uchiha Natsu added another prestigious S-level mission to his record. Naturally, the task details remained confidential, with no detailed records filed.

Exiting the Hokage's office, Natsu Uchiha made his way back to the Konoha Medical Department, specifically the Corpse Disposal Division. Each day brought unique challenges as the remnants of the ninja war persisted, resulting in the frequent transportation of enemy corpses. However, most acquired enemy bodies were Genin, with rare occurrences of Chunin. Research and investigations were conducted, and if no valuable information was found, the bodies were promptly disposed of.

In contrast, Konoha's fallen ninjas from their ranks were not discarded but given a proper burial. The nine-member Corpse Disposal Team, led by a Jonin, had a crucial role. Witnessing Uchiha Natsu's unique corpse-handling techniques, the Jonin entrusted him with all enemy corpse disposal, while the remaining team members dealt with fallen comrades.

Pre-burial rituals, including stitching and makeup, were performed daily on two or three corpses. After completing their duties, they returned to the Uchiha clan to further their ninjutsu training, utilizing the Sharingan.

Life in the Corpse Disposal Division was humble and monotonous.

...

—Corpse Score: 20 points

Successful recycling; obtained trade items: Physical Enhancement.

—Corpse Score: 15 points

Successful recycling; obtained trade item: Advanced Ninjutsu.

—Corpse Score: 19 points

Successful recycling; obtained trade items: Increased Chakra Control.

—Corpse Score: 21 points

Successful recycling; obtained trade items: Improved Response Ability.

...

Time passed swiftly. In the blink of an eye, three years had elapsed since the Nine Tails Rebellion. Uchiha Natsu concluded his daily routine of handling corpses, exiting the corpse room to enjoy his bento in the lounge.

Before other members of the Corpse Disposal Team arrived, Uchiha Natsu found a seat and opened his lunch box. A classmate, Rena Hyuga, approached and asked, "Natsu-kun, can I sit here?" Uchiha Natsu nodded casually.

Rena, a white-eyed Hyuga Clan member, sat beside him, her gestures inadvertently pointing toward Uchiha Natsu. He skillfully dodged, maintaining an air of nonchalance. Observing him, Rena blushed, captivated by Natsu's handsome side profile.

Uchiha Natsu, aware of the Hyuga clan's internal conflicts, had kept a safe distance from Rena. Despite this, Rena consistently approached him, seemingly oblivious to the clan dynamics.

Sighing, Uchiha Natsu contemplated his unremarkable talent within the Uchiha clan, wondering why someone as seemingly naive as Rena would rely on him.

Deciding not to dwell on it, Uchiha Natsu finished his bento, bid farewell to Rena, and left the lounge. Exiting the village and summoning his giant bear, "Big Grey," he embarked on a practice session.

Urging Big Grey to unleash its full strength, Uchiha Natsu felt a mix of nervousness and excitement. However, before the confrontation began, he reminded himself to warm up. After half an hour, with preparations complete, Uchiha Natsu faced the towering Big Grey.

"Come on!" he exclaimed, initiating a clash of titanic forces. The training ground echoed with the impact of their blows as the ninja and bear engaged in an intense battle, pushing each other to new limits.

After what felt like an eternity, both combatants stood panting, acknowledging each other's strength. The training had provided valuable insights, preparing Uchiha Natsu for the challenges that lay ahead as he contemplated the journey that awaited him.