Chapter 5
At the end of the first day at the Ninja Academy, Uchiha Makoto bid farewell to Tenten, who cheerfully waved at him, and walked back toward the Uchiha compound.
He felt he had hardly learned anything practical today. In the so-called Ninja Knowledge, Ninja Tool, and Basic Ninjutsu classes, there was almost no real content. The lessons mainly introduced what would be studied later, with "Will of Fire" ideology subtly interwoven at every step.
Makoto found himself irritated at the lack of substance but quickly adjusted his mood. After all, this was the Academy, designed to build a foundation before real missions. It was also only the first day, so there was no reason to be restless.
Better to train quietly than waste energy being annoyed, he thought. He still had the backing of the Uchiha clan—though he knew that support might vanish soon enough.
Makoto walked toward Fugaku's residence. Strangely, he noticed how few shinobi were present around the compound. It surprised him. Not every Uchiha was an active ninja or possessed the Sharingan, but even so, the streets felt too quiet. Most of the people he saw were older relatives; young adults and active ninja were absent.
"Makoto Uchiha? What are you doing here? Father isn't home right now!"
The voice came from behind Fugaku's house. Sasuke appeared, clothes disheveled from training, sweat still visible on his face.
Is he planning to pick a fight right after practice? Makoto chuckled inwardly. Kids really were amusing.
"Sasuke—may I call you that? We're only a year apart, so you can just use my name. I wanted to ask if Patriarch Fugaku is around."
Makoto spoke gently, though guilt tugged at him. Approaching a child with ulterior motives, even for survival, felt wrong. Yet if he lived long enough, perhaps he could look after Sasuke, filling in the role of an older brother. After all, if Shin's own brother slaughtered his clan, he couldn't imagine how he would endure it.
Be my little brother, Sasuke! he almost blurted, before mocking himself. It reminded him of another manga where the hero claimed siblings everywhere. Then he thought of Uzumaki Naruto—Sasuke's future rival—who was about the same age. If both "Hokage protagonists" became his little brothers, wouldn't he be walking sideways like a crab? Bah, stop it. I should rely on myself. No one knows what will happen to those around the main characters.
He ended his idle fantasies.
"Hmph! Don't think that just because you're being friendly, I'll ever admit you're better than my brother…"
Sasuke scowled, then hesitated. "Anyway… I don't know where Father and the others went. But every once in a while, they all disappear. Nobody ever tells me what they're doing."
There was an awkward pause.
"That… you can tell me—ah, forget it!"
Sasuke cut himself off abruptly, face tense, then turned and ran, leaving Makoto staring blankly after him.
So Sasuke is really a tsundere brat, Makoto mused. He must feel overshadowed by his brother, starved for recognition, and tries to seek approval from his peers. He probably stopped halfway because of pride. And since I've beaten him before, admitting anything to me must sting.
Makoto couldn't help laughing. Who came up with this kind of tsundere-heroine script? If this were my old world, I'd hunt down the author and give him a beating.
He chased after Sasuke, deciding he should strike while the iron was hot to build trust with him.
Yet his mind circled back. Why do the Uchiha disappear every so often? What business takes all the men away at once?
Makoto had originally planned to ask Fugaku about the clan's position with Konoha, but now it was clear—things were not nearly so simple.
"Sasuke! Wait a minute!"
"What did you want to say just now? Just say it directly.
After all… we're friends!"
Makoto Uchiha boldly pushed the idea of friendship, even though he and Sasuke had barely exchanged words before.
He forced the brightest smile he could manage.
Sasuke, caught off guard, flushed slightly.
"Who's your friend? We've hardly even met… you're strange!"
Makoto took a deep breath. Now it was time for his performance.
"So… we're not friends yet? Sorry… I must've been selfish." His face twisted into regret. "I thought we already were. When my grandmother passed away, my Sharingan awakened. If she were still alive, I'd rather not have these eyes."
"I'm not a genius… just someone who lost family. For two days my world was colorless—until you appeared. Even though we only met in spars, even though you always tried to surpass me, I felt acknowledged by you."
"I thought we were rivals… and friends. But I was rude. Forgive me."
He bowed, clenched fists trembling, then turned away.
1… 2… 3…
"Wait… I'm sorry. I didn't know you felt like that. Fine, I'll… I'll be your friend." Sasuke muttered awkwardly.
Makoto wiped his eyes quickly. Success! Though this tear's from biting my tongue, not acting.
"Come, Sasuke." He extended a hand in the seal of reconciliation—an Academy ritual that symbolized recognition, rivalry, and bonds between shinobi.
"Tch… troublesome." Sasuke huffed, but clasped his hand anyway. "Even so, I'll defeat you one day!"
Makoto laughed. "Then I'll be waiting!"
...
"Well done, you two. And Makoto, remember—you're never alone. The Uchiha clan is your home."
Startled, Makoto turned. Standing at the gate was Fugaku, stern as ever, with gentle Mikoto beside him.
"It's painful losing your grandmother," Mikoto said softly. "But look—you've made a new friend, right Sasuke?"
"Mom! Don't say it like that!" Sasuke reddened instantly.
Mikoto smiled at Makoto. "Come over often. If you don't mind… you can even call me 'Mother.'"
Makoto forced a laugh. "T-thank you, Auntie. I'll visit more."
Her eyes softened further at his words.
But Makoto's heart jolted. He hadn't sensed Fugaku and Mikoto at all. Too weak… I need to improve fast.
"By the way, Makoto," Fugaku said, his gaze sharp. "What brings you here today?"
"Yes," Makoto replied, regaining composure. "There's something important I'd like to ask you."