Chapter 12: Shisui Uchiha

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Konohagakure…

There was a reason why it was called the Village Hidden in the Leaves, a large part of why it bears this name was because lush green foliage covers nearly a tenth of the village's area.

It was no exaggeration to say it was a village built within a forest.

Colt was strolling through a forest on the outskirts of Konoha, clutching a handful of kunai.

His eyes scanned the area periodically, searching for traces of wild beasts.

Just yesterday, he had a peculiar thought.

Healing humans grants him attribute points, but what about healing animals?

He first purchased some fish from the market, returning home to experiment, only to find the [Healer's Benevolence System] did not respond.

But that did not mean Colt failed, it's also possible that the fish were too weak to provide any attribute value.

To verify his hypothesis, after his duties today, Colt ventured into the Konoha forests in search of suitable test subjects.

There were not many ferocious beasts lurking near Konoha, as ninjas were often tasked with driving them away.

But why not remove them completely?

On one hand, it helps maintain the forest's ecological balance.

On the other, during peacetime years when Konoha receives fewer combat missions, these beasts can provide combat experience for genin and even chūnin, killing two birds with one stone.

"Roar!"

A thunderous roar shattered the forest's silence.

Laying eyes on the giant grizzly bear before him, surprise flashed across Colt's face.

Good fortune smiled upon him to encounter a prime target so swiftly.

When the grizzly noticed the human intruder, instead of fleeing in fear, it eyed Colt with keen interest.

It suddenly became more aggressive, its massive paw swiping down violently.

A direct hit would undoubtedly prove tragic.

But Colt showed not an ounce of fear. Just as the bear's paw was mere centimeters away -

Swish!

The Body Flicker Technique activated, and he vanished from the spot.

The dazed grizzly seemed baffled by the human's abrupt disappearance.

"Foolish beast, don't look there, I'm behind you," came Colt's lazy drawl.

He followed with a powerful kick, sending the grizzly soaring through the air before it smashed against a towering tree, raining down a shower of leaves.

One has to wonder how Konoha's trees manage to grow so immensely tall and thick.

Set in his previous life, it would have taken several grizzly impacts to topple one.

Seeing the bear struggle to its feet, Colt wasted no time.

Two swift blows, and the mighty beast was knocked unconscious.

"Next step, treatment," he murmured, brandishing a kunai to randomly inflict two fresh wounds.

A verdant glow enveloped the cuts, and soon they vanished without a trace.

[Healed a beast: +1.3 constitution.]

Success!

Delight filled Colt - his guess proved correct.

Healing non-humans could also grant him attribute points.

And it was the constitution he desperately craved.

Ninjas were high-caliber existences, capable of unleashing ninjutsu that rends the heavens and scorches the earth, yet they can just as easily perish to a well-placed kunai or explosive tag.

Currently, Colt's attributes were grossly unbalanced, his chakra reaching an impressive level, while his constitution barely surpassed an average chūnin's.

But no longer would he fret, not with these forest dwellers as fortuitous attribute farms.

Sparing one last glance at the comatose grizzly, Colt swiftly moved on, continuing his hunt for other beasts.

One afternoon's efforts yielded three additional bears and two wild boars - a rather rewarding haul.

Just as he prepared to depart after treating the last boar, Colt suddenly sensed a presence.

Whoosh!

Without warning, the kunai in his grasp flew straight at a nearby towering tree.

A figure materialized, effortlessly deflecting the kunai skyward with a resounding clang.

"My apologies, I meant no harm in observing your training. I merely worried a young child might encounter danger."

After deflecting the kunai, the man made no further hostile moves, instead offering Colt a sincere apology.

And Colt clearly recognized his face.

The current strongest illusionist and top Uchiha master.

Not the infamous future fugitive, but Shisui Uchiha himself.

"No need for apologies. This was just my routine training," Colt replied evenly.

Relieved that Colt had understood him, Shisui relaxed slightly.

Casually spying on another ninja's training was considered quite rude.

Swish!

Colt's pupils constricted in shock at witnessing Shisui's instantaneous movement.

What a blistering speed for the Body Flicker Technique!

It was practically teleportation - he hadn't detected Shisui's movement at all.

"Greetings, I am Shisui Uchiha," the man smiled warmly, offering his hand in a respectful gesture unbefitting of Colt's youth.

"Hello, I am Kamiyo Colt," the young ninja replied, shaking Shisui's hand with neither distance nor intimacy.

Although Colt found the man somewhat addled for revealing his possession of the Mangekyo Sharingan's [Kotoamatsukami] technique, and even trying to use it to avert the Uchiha coup, at least he needn't worry about ill-intent from this particular individual.

"Ah yes, I know you well," Shisui's smile broadened jovially.

"Konoha's budding genius medic, with the promise to one day surpass even Tsunade-Sama's legendary skills."

He had witnessed Colt treating the beasts moments ago.

At such a tender age, who else in Konoha could wield medical ninjutsu except Colt?

"You flatter me, Shisui-senpai. Tsunade-sama is my idol - how could I ever surpass her?" Colt said with utmost modesty, his words utterly sincere.

With her transcendent wisdom, how could he ever compare?

Perhaps only a future Hinata might stand a chance.

Colt's humility only raised Shisui's esteem further.

Noticing the bandages wrapped around the man's torso, an idea sprouted in the young ninja's mind.

"Shisui-senpai, you appear injured. If you don't mind, I could treat your wounds."

As he spoke, Colt flashed an endearingly innocent smile, eyes brimming with hopeful expectation aimed at the renowned Uchiha.