"This is the reward I promised you."
"Keep up the good work."
As he spoke, Setsuna Uchiha drew out a scroll and handed it to Shiro Gen.
"Much appreciated."
Shiro Gen smiled and took the scroll.
"You are a genius of the Uchiha. Nurturing you is my duty."
"I know your intellect far exceeds your peers."
"I also hope you can see the plight our clan is in."
Setsuna seemed poised to say more, but when his gaze fell on Shiro Gen's young face, he hesitated. After a brief pause, he let the rest go unsaid.
"Elder Setsuna, I understand your worries, and I know the Uchiha are in a bind."
"But right now I am too weak, and the Uchiha are too weak."
"Without enough strength, anything you say is wrong and anything you do is wrong."
"I will work hard to grow strong until I have the power to change everything."
"So I also hope you will support me with everything you can."
Shiro Gen spoke without servility or arrogance.
Setsuna met his eyes and held his gaze.
"You are not wrong."
"Without power, nothing can be changed."
"I will support you."
"Starting today, you will receive a secret tonic every month."
"I hope you turn from a prodigy into a true powerhouse as soon as possible."
"I will not let you down."
"Good. Off you go, then."
"This old man will not waste a genius's time."
"Farewell."
Shiro Gen headed home with the scroll.
Ten minutes later, Inaho Uchiha arrived with the secret tonic.
This tonic was part of the clan's hidden stock.
Taken regularly, it subtly fortified the body and raised both the quality and quantity of chakra.
It was extremely precious.
"It tastes a bit bitter, but my body feels warm and comfortable after swallowing it."
"A happy surprise."
"Not bad at all."
After downing the pitch black pellet, Shiro Gen unrolled the scroll.
"Dozens of genjutsu, plus Fire Release."
"As expected of the Uchiha, the heritage runs deep."
He smiled, a glint of anticipation flashing in his eyes.
So many genjutsu and fire techniques were enough to push [Yin Release Beginner (White)] and [Fire Release Mastery (Green)] up a tier.
It was even possible for [Yin Release Beginner (White)] to jump two tiers.
By then, he might awaken a three tomoe Sharingan.
"Time to study."
...
...
Meanwhile, at the Hatake home.
Kneeling on the floor, Kakashi said in a plea:
"Father, please train me strictly."
"I have a powerful rival I must defeat."
Sakumo Hatake studied his son. It was the first time he had seen Kakashi like this.
He had to admit, it pleased him.
Kakashi's talent was extraordinary, far above his peers.
At five years old he already ranked first in the academy, and he had even considered early graduation.
Sakumo was proud of his son's gifts.
Yet that same idea bothered him.
Time at the academy was not wasted. Why rush to graduate?
Becoming a ninja at five was nothing to celebrate.
Ninjas killed.
Sakumo had tried to convince Kakashi to remain in school, but Kakashi would not listen. He claimed the academy could no longer teach him anything and that he had no worthy opponents there.
Now things had changed.
Shiro Gen Uchiha had appeared, a mere new student, yet he had defeated Kakashi with ease.
This was the opponent Kakashi needed.
Knowing his son, Sakumo could guess the rest.
As long as Kakashi had not bested Shiro Gen, and as long as Shiro Gen did not graduate early, Kakashi would not seek early graduation either.
That was exactly the outcome Sakumo wanted.
"Since this is your request, as your father I will agree."
"Starting tomorrow, I will put you through special training."
"Do your best."
"I will, Father."
Kakashi clenched his fists. Shiro Gen's arrogant departing figure rose unbidden in his mind.
Elsewhere, in the Root base.
Danzo Shimura had taken note of Shiro Gen.
"A genius of the Uchiha, is it."
"It is not time yet. If I can secure him later, that would be best."
"If not, then create the opportunity and erase the threat."
A glint of ice slid through his eyes, and his face grew grim.
...
...
Genjutsu: Hell Viewing Technique, Genjutsu: Fox's Mind, Genjutsu: Tree Binding...
With the [Exceptional Intellect (Purple)] entry, Shiro Gen's learning ability was terrifying.
Combined with [Uchiha (Blue)], which greatly boosted Fire Release and genjutsu, the results were decisive.
In less than three days, he had mastered thirteen foundational genjutsu.
[Yin Release Beginner (White)] -> [Yin Release Mastery (Green)]
As [Yin Release Beginner (White)] rose to [Yin Release Mastery (Green)],
the [Uchiha (Blue)] entry shimmered. It did not advance a tier, but a derivative effect awakened.
Yin chakra poured into his eyes, a cool tide washing through.
When he looked in the mirror, his once black and white gaze had turned scarlet. In each eye, a single tomoe circled the pupil in a slow, steady orbit.
[Yin Release Mastery (Green): You gain a deeper, more complete understanding of Yin Release chakra. The power of your genjutsu increases, and your Sharingan abilities are enhanced.]
[One Tomoe Sharingan (Green): You can perceive chakra pathways and see through every minute motion and hand seal. Your vision improves. Your chakra's quality and quantity are strengthened and increased. The effects of your genjutsu are amplified.]
"So this is the Sharingan."
"The whole world looks different."
"Sharper. Clearer."
"And this is only a one tomoe Sharingan."
"It can evolve to two tomoe, three tomoe, Mangekyo, even the Eternal eyes..."
"Exciting."
"The Uchiha truly are blessed. As an Uchiha, [Uchiha (Blue)], [Yin Release Mastery (Green)], and [One Tomoe Sharingan (Green)] all boost my genjutsu."
"So even ordinary illusions, in my hands, can unleash tremendous power."
"With such an advantage, ordinary people are crushed."
"Not to mention the clan's Sharingan genjutsu that surpass common illusions."
"Genjutsu: Sharingan, Demonic Illusion: Shackling Stakes, Demonic Illusion: Mirror Heaven and Earth Change..."
"With a bit of study, I can reach jonin level in genjutsu."