Chapter 14: Establishing Public Persona, War Ends
The next day, Uchiha Tonan strutted into the Ninja Academy wearing a crisp white shirt and gold-rimmed glasses. Someone had tried to off him yesterday, sure, but Tonan had also picked up a juicy piece of info: Hatake Sakumo was back.
In other words, his next target had just walked onto the stage. Sakumo had killed himself in Konoha at 44, and there was still a little over a year left on the clock. As long as Tonan earned Sakumo's respect before then, he was pretty sure he'd survive the hellscape that would be the Third Great Shinobi War after Sakumo's death.
How many chunin parents would have to bite the dust before Tonan could snag kage-level power? The moment he stepped into the classroom, all the girls turned their heads like he'd just dropped a Genjutsu.
The room buzzed with whispers of admiration. Gotta hand it to the Uchihas—their genes were damn near legendary. Most of them could outshine any other clan on looks alone.
Obito, well… not so much.
Before, Tonan hadn't gotten this kind of attention because his boring clothes didn't do his good looks any favors. Honestly, Tonan wasn't the type to crave the spotlight—he preferred low-key. But right now? He had to play the part and build his public image.
When someone average suddenly gains insane power, things change. Take the Uchiha: many were sweet kids until their Sharingan awakened, then boom—instant ego boost, arrogant and full of themselves.
Tonan wasn't about to wear that personality. Since he was brainwashed to side with the Third Hokage, he needed to stand out from the typical clan types. Better to go in the opposite direction: gentle, refined, elegant, cultured, and easygoing.
A persona shows in how you look, talk, and act—but looks hit first and hardest.
"Good morning, everyone," Tonan said softly, flashing a modest smile to the girls whose eyes basically turned into hearts.
Calmly, he walked to his seat and unbuttoned his collar like he owned the place.
Gudong—the sound of gulping filled the room.
Do all kids around here grow up this fast? Tonan thought, expression deadpan. He treated everyone like air as he flipped open his textbook, ready for class. His focused, serious eyes made him look about ten times more attractive.
Ding!
Gained Hyuga Chiryo's acknowledgment.
The notification pinged, and a tiny smirk tugged at Tonan's lips.
"See? Charm works like a charm. Winning hearts is a good strategy."
He glanced back and caught a little girl in a white dress trying to secretly watch him while hiding behind her textbook.
When she noticed him looking, she practically dove behind the book like a startled rabbit.
He's looking… and maybe even smiling at me…
Tonan sized her up. Hyuga Chiryo? No memory of that name. Probably someone who won't last long or got married and quit being a ninja. Then again, most here probably won't survive the Third Great Shinobi War.
He remembered how brutal that war was in the original timeline—Konoha pushed to the edge and every ninja dragged to the battlefield as cannon fodder.
Hopefully, you kids learn some ninjutsu and cultivate chakra before you bite it.
Just then, a white pigeon flew in from the horizon and perched on his desk. Tonan gently stroked its head, and the bird leaned into the affection, cooing softly.
Under the warm sunlight, the moment looked like a cheesy anime scene.
"Small animals really do flock to Tonan."
"He's so gentle~"
"I thought he was dumb like Obito, but nope, he's actually pretty chill."
The girls whispered excitedly among themselves.
Ding!
Gained Matsushima Mai's acknowledgment.
Ding!
Gained Uchiha Mina's acknowledgment.
Ding!
Gained Inuzuka Gabi's acknowledgment.
Ding!
Gained Aburame Kaede's acknowledgment.
Tonan heard the system chimes and glanced over.
"Maybe I should be a total scumbag. Build a harem, spawn a litter of Uchiha cubs, get their acknowledgment, then train and crush them into shinobi perfection…"
Cough cough.
Even tigers don't eat their cubs, that's just savage. Plus, time's tight. The Fourth Great Shinobi War is only twenty years away, and I'm six now. Even if I marry at ten, my kids will still be too young to matter.
Tonan tossed those daydreams aside, patted the pigeon once more, and watched it fly off.
"Did the Anbu come to steal my diary again? Hiruzen, if you're spying on my personal stuff, you won't end well."
At that moment, Umino Naoto burst into the classroom. The students snapped to attention, sitting up straight.
"I've got good news! The war between Konoha and Kiri is over! To celebrate, we get three days off."
"That's awesome!"
"Vacation!"
"Let's go play!"
Naoto's eyes flicked to Tonan, who wore his classic poker face—like he was quietly mourning inside.
"The remains of our fallen heroes have been brought back from the front. The burial's set for the morning after tomorrow."
Naoto's voice turned somber. He took a deep breath and forced a smile at the hyperactive students.
"Their names will be carved into the memorial stone for all future generations. Konoha will never forget them."
"So, no classes today."
"Race you out the door!"
"Yuuta, wait up!"
"Kakashi, wanna burn your youth with me?"
"No thanks."
Kakashi waved off Maito Gai's wild invitation, got up, and headed for the door. Passing Tonan, he slowed down.
"Wanna train with me?"
Tonan looked up, gave Kakashi a lonely, longing gaze, took a deep breath, and smiled.
"Of course. My parents want me to be an outstanding ninja. I'll do my best to catch up to you."
The corners of Kakashi's mouth, hidden beneath his mask, twitched into a smirk. But he kept up his lazy act.
Walking away, he said, "Hope you've gotten stronger."
To Kakashi, even though Tonan had awakened the three-tomoe Sharingan, he was still no match—because Tonan kept throwing training matches on purpose. Losing meant Tonan had an excuse to visit Kakashi's house every day.
If Tonan could beat Kakashi every time but still wanted to hang out at his place daily, that wouldn't be training—that'd be showing off and bullying.