The Uchiha were born with gifts far beyond ordinary people.
Their heritage ran deep as the ocean.
On top of that, Shiro Gen had the blessing of countless entries.
His innate advantages were overwhelming.
"Now that my Sharingan is open, I can learn illusions that only a Sharingan can cast."
"These Sharingan genjutsu might push [Yin Release Mastery (Green)] up another tier, and the eyes would evolve with it."
"One tomoe is the eye of insight. Two tomoe becomes the illusion eye. With my talent, once I reach three tomoe, copying techniques will be inevitable."
"Then I can learn techniques at speed, gather more entries, and level them fast."
A bright future lay right ahead.
Shiro Gen smiled and turned toward school.
It was nearly time for class.
On the way, quite a few girls looked at him with admiration, some even with a hint of infatuation.
That made him think of the future Sasuke Uchiha.
"Girls in this world really do grow up early."
"Still, the Uchiha genes are excellent. Our looks are strong across the board."
"I am strong, and I know how to put on a show. Of course I draw in little fans."
"Speaking of which,"
"I have thought of a way to solve the extermination crisis."
"This world has no monogamy, and the Uchiha are full of handsome men."
"If we pushed a 'Neptune' curriculum in the clan and trained waves of clan playboys..."
"Then required each to take at least ten wives and have at least thirty children..."
"Once Uchiha blood mingled through every part of the village, unless the village itself fell, the clan would be hard to erase."
"As the numbers grew, the village would tilt toward us sooner or later."
"But my talent is too strong to need that plan."
He reined in his thoughts and stepped into the classroom.
No sooner had he sat than Kurenai Yuhi leaned in.
"Shiro Gen-kun, I made a tasty bento. Do you want to try some?"
He glanced at Kurenai, a little surprised.
He had not expected to draw little girls this strongly.
His fault for being too handsome, too strong.
Shiro Gen did not intend to waste time and energy courting girls who would one day become beauties.
But if they came to him, he would not turn them away.
"Sure."
Seeing him agree, Kurenai broke into a sweet smile.
Pale skin, delicate features, ruby eyes, and that sugared smile made for an undeniably cute picture.
She opened the bento in front of him.
Rice balls, fish, and beef glistening with soy-dark sauce looked pretty good.
He lifted a slice of beef with his chopsticks and tasted it.
Not bad.
"Shiro Gen-kun, how is it?"
Kurenai watched him with bright expectation.
Setting the chopsticks down, he looked at the young Kurenai, a thought sparking. He curved his lips and answered with a light laugh:
"If I say it's delicious, will you make one for me every day?"
Given a second life, Shiro Gen had no interest in being a saint.
So what if he used a little goodwill from a little girl?
It was not as if he would cast her aside when they grew up.
In the future, he would take responsibility.
Heavily.
Kurenai blinked, then flushed pink.
"T-that wouldn't be impossible..."
"Then it's a deal."
His smile turned even bolder. He even reached out and pinched her small chin.
Stamp it first.
Give little Kurenai a taste of sweetness.
Let her gladly cook for him.
That way he could save the time for training and study.
The class gaped at the scene.
No one had expected him to be so forward.
Many girls shot Kurenai looks of helpless envy.
As for the boys...
Aside from Asuma Sarutobi, they were just there for the show.
Asuma's face twisted with fury.
"Shiro Gen Uchiha! What do you think you are doing?"
In the next instant, Shiro Gen vanished from where he stood.
BOOM!!!
One kick sent Asuma flying, and Shiro Gen's contemptuous voice followed.
"Why are you barking?"
"What are you, to think you can question me?"
Pain hit home. Asuma scrambled up off the floor, staring at Shiro Gen with fear written plain on his face.
He was scared now, and held his tongue.
Instinctively, he looked toward Kurenai.
Her cheeks were scarlet. She was gazing at Shiro Gen with worship and fondness.
"No surprise, Shiro Gen-kun is really cool."
"Totally. He is too cool."
"Asuma is just weak."
"And Shiro Gen-kun is right. What right does Asuma have to meddle?"
"Like a clown."
"..."
Hearing them, Asuma felt his heart crack.
Head down, not daring to meet anyone's eyes, he clenched his teeth and bolted out the back door, fleeing like a beaten dog.
Shiro Gen did not care about Asuma's fragile, worthless pride.
He strolled back to his seat and gave Kurenai a gentle smile.
Ah.
That smile left Kurenai breathless.
So domineering to others.
So tender to her.
"Shiro Gen-kun... from now on, please leave your lunch to me. I will make the most delicious food and satisfy you."
So easy to sway.
Shiro Gen knew his behavior was downright scummy.
But he felt genuinely happy.
So be it, a bastard is what he would be.
Being a bastard felt great.
"I believe you."
He patted Kurenai's small head. It felt like keeping a kitten.
A kitten who cooked for him.
And someday,
that kitten would grow into a stunning beauty.
This feeling,
was a little bit bliss.
Before long, the teacher arrived.
He noticed Asuma was missing. After a quick check, he reported it up the chain at once.
He was a civilian shinobi. Asuma was the Hokage's son. Shiro Gen was a clan prodigy. He could not afford to offend either.
So he filed the report and taught as usual.
Shiro Gen, for his part, pulled out a borrowed library book and began to study.
Tobirama Senju truly was one of this world's rare research talents.
His works sparked insight after insight for Shiro Gen.
"Study chakra. Summarize its nature. Only then can you grasp its essence, and unravel the essence of jutsu."