The news of Eiji defeating Genji and instantly knocking out Inaho spread quickly among the younger clan members, stirring quite a commotion.
Shock turned to whispers and speculation.
How could the "clan's waste," bullied for years, suddenly unleash strength far beyond his past self? Many doubted the story, convinced there had to be some trick or exaggeration.
Eiji, however, ignored the chatter. He knew that despite his newfound power, he was still far from untouchable. Against a Jonin—let alone a Kage-level opponent—he would be crushed without effort. Even an Elite Chunin could probably overwhelm him for now.
And there were other risks. Genji's parents were both dead Jonin. Eiji, an orphan of the last war, had no one to shield him if the older generation decided to retaliate.
So he buried himself in training.
Every day, he went to the clan's public training grounds, repeating the basics: shuriken and kunai practice, taijutsu drills, and Chakra control training.
Even without his Sharingan copying ability, his progress was obvious. Seven or eight out of ten shuriken now hit the bullseye—an impossible feat for the "old" Eiji.
Yet peace never lasted.
"I heard you've gotten stronger. Even Genji lost to you?"
Eiji turned, spotting Uchiha Yoru—Genji's cousin—approaching with a few onlookers. Yoru's strength was close to Chunin, and his eyes gleamed with provocation.
'Here to avenge Genji, huh?'
"It was just a fluke," Eiji said evenly.
"A fluke?" Yoru sneered. "Then prove it. Let's see what this 'fluke' is worth!"
Eiji didn't refuse. Avoiding the fight would only invite more harassment. Strength, not retreat and weakness, was the language these people understood.
In the center of the training ground, they faced each other.
Yoru moved first. "Fire Release: Phoenix Sage Fire Jutsu!"
Multiple head-sized fireballs burst from his mouth, scattering like fiery blossoms toward Eiji.
Eiji's eyes sharpened—crimson light flickered as his One-Tomoe Sharingan spun to life. His body slipped through the gaps like a shadow, every movement fluid and precise. Fireballs brushed past his sleeves but didn't touch him.
"What?!" Yoru's face twisted in shock. He hadn't expected such agility.
Before he could react, Eiji closed the distance with a blur and drove a straight punch toward him—simple, direct, and frighteningly fast.
Bang!
A dull thud echoed through the training ground as Yoru staggered backward, forced seven or eight steps by the impact to his shoulder. His arm trembled, going numb from the sheer force.
'Such power…!' Yoru's eyes widened in disbelief. 'This strength… it completely crushes mine. We're not even on the same level!'
Across from him, Eiji didn't press the attack. He simply stood where he was, calm and cold, his gaze indifferent.
"Do you want to continue?" he asked lightly.
Yoru's face twitched between green and pale. His arm ached so fiercely he could barely lift it, and that single exchange had shattered all his pride. He no longer saw the bullied weakling from before.
'If I continue, I'll only humiliate myself…'
"Hmph. You've… got some skill," Yoru forced out through gritted teeth before turning away. With a final glare to save face, he retreated with his two followers, their backs stiff with embarrassment.
Once they were gone, Eiji exhaled quietly and returned to his training.
He knew this wouldn't be the last challenge. But each "test" only reinforced the image he wanted: the weakling who had awakened into a budding Uchiha genius.
If he wanted to change the clan's fate, he couldn't hide forever. He needed fame, recognition—and eventually, power. His next step was clear: join the military police. It would be his stepping stone to status, influence, and control.
A crisp chime rang in his mind.
'Status'
Strength: Low Chunin
Skills: Basic three Jutsu (Proficient), Great Fireball Jutsu (Proficient), Sharingan (One-Tomoe)
Clan Status: Regular Genin
Points: 75 (+25 for repelling Uchiha Yoru and increasing fame and upholding clan values.)
Eiji's lips curved into a faint, determined smile. Step by step, his foundation was growing stronger. The era of being looked down upon was over—now, he would rise.
Days passed, and the buzz around Eiji gradually died down.
While a few still whispered doubts, most had accepted the shocking truth: the "clan's waste" had awakened his Sharingan and turned the tables. After all, the Uchiha Clan's history held rare but real cases of dormant geniuses suddenly erupting in strength after a powerful emotional stimulus.
During this lull, Eiji threw himself into relentless training. He devoured every scrap of knowledge the original owner had from the Ninja Academy while sharpening his Chakra control and Sharingan.
A mere Chunin-level boost wasn't enough.
'System, check my next mission and rewards,' Eiji commanded silently.
Mission : Join the military police as an official member.
Promotion Reward:
– Complete Elementary Mastery of Fire Release Ninjutsu
– Chakra and body constitution upgraded to Elite Chunin Level
Eiji's breath quickened.
'Complete elementary mastery of Fire Release… Elite Chunin body and Chakra!'
The Uchiha Clan's pride was its Fire Release. With this mastery, his combat strength would leap to a new tier. And Elite Chunin-level power was enough to have a position in the Military Police—maybe even dominate it.
'I need to join it as soon as possible and secure a high position. Low Chunin level is not enough.'
According to clan rules, graduates of the Ninja Academy could either serve as Konoha ninjas taking village missions or join the Police Force, the clan's power core. The original Eiji, weak and ridiculed, had never dared to dream of joining the police force.
But for him now, it was a necessary step.
'A proactive move… yes.' His eyes gleamed. 'If I can get the reward for this as a credit, like the beginner's gift pack.'
"System," Eiji focused his will, "can I get the reward in advance?"
A pause. Then—
Ding!
'Host shows an urgent need for strength and a clear path toward the police force's higher echelons.'
'Issuing one-time reward in advance…'
Eiji's heart leapt. 'It worked!'
A flood of knowledge surged into his mind—pure, overwhelming. Fire Release secrets unfolded before him:
From the basics of fire nature chakra training to advanced hand seals, counters, and strategies…
Great Fireball
Dragon Fire
Phoenix Sage Fire
Fire Dragon Flame Bullet
Ash Pile Burning
The essence of Uchiha Fire Release etched itself into his soul.
Simultaneously, Chakra roared through his tenketsu like an unsealed river, expanding and strengthening every chakra pathway. His body grew stronger, his chakra denser, his movements lighter.
By the time the surge subsided, Eiji could feel it—his Chakra reserves had doubled, and every part of his body pulsed with new strength.
The era of weakness was truly over.
Ding!
Congratulations, host! You have acquired [Fire Release Ninjutsu Complete Mastery (Elementary)!
Congratulations, host! Chakra volume and constitution enhanced. Overall strength: Elite Chunin!
"Elite Chunin…" Eiji clenched his fists, feeling the surge of power coursing through his body. His blood seemed to boil with excitement.
'With this strength… even against a standard Jonin, I can hold my ground. At the very least, I won't be cut down instantly.'
He noticed the label on his new skill—Elementary.
'So it can evolve further…'
He inhaled sharply, molded his Chakra, and swiftly formed hand seals.
"Fire Release: Great Fireball Jutsu!"
Whoosh—!
A massive fireball, more than six meters across, erupted from his mouth like a miniature sun. Its heat distorted the air as it roared across the training ground and smashed into a boulder in the corner.
Boom!
The rock sizzled and cracked violently. By the time the smoke cleared, its surface was charred black, half-melted, with thin rivulets of molten stone still dripping from its edges.
Eiji's crimson eyes gleamed. 'The same jutsu… but this power is ten times stronger than before.'
This—this was the true might of Uchiha Fire Release!
A confident smile tugged at his lips. 'With this strength, I can rise quickly through the ranks.'
Decision made, he planned his next move. Tomorrow, he would walk into the police headquarters and submit his application. That was the first step toward stepping into the clan's core of power.
But he couldn't be reckless. In Konoha, the taller the tree, the stronger the wind that tries to break it. He needed to display the talent of a prodigy—not the menace of a monster.
A twelve-year-old Elite Chunin, proficient in Fire Release—that alone was enough to shock the clan. Combined with calm and tactical awareness, it would ensure the other Uchiha took him seriously without drawing Danzo's venomous attention too soon.
The night passed in quiet resolve.
At dawn, Eiji slipped into a crisp, half-sleeved black shirt, the small Uchiha fan emblazoned proudly on his back. The mirror reflected a sharp, composed figure—a far cry from the frail boy he once was. In his place stood a tall preteen, 5'8 and solidly built, his body thrumming with quiet strength and power.
Today, he would step onto the Uchiha's stage of power.
Eiji's Status:
Strength: Elite Chunin
Skills: Basic Three Jutsu (Mastery), Fire Release Ninjutsu Complete Mastery (Elementary), Sharingan (One Tomoe)
Clan Status: Ordinary Genin