Chapter 2: Uchiha Shisui: You Want to Die? Not on My Watch!
Konoha Police Force Headquarters
Beneath the red and white Uchiha clan symbol—resembling a fan—a group of Uchiha shinobi stood in the Police Force's main hall, selecting missions.
A handsome young man wedged himself into the crowd, staring at a bulletin board covered with mission postings.
Normally, missions were posted at the Assignment Desk in the Hokage Building. But Tsukasa wasn't registered as an official Konoha shinobi. He was like the cannon fodder that the Five Great Nations hastily assembled during the Fourth Great Ninja War—a clan ninja belonging specifically to the Uchiha.
While he wore a Konoha headband, there were still some differences. For example, missions were mostly assigned directly from the village to the clan, then posted internally within the clan headquarters.
The main idea was to participate where possible and contribute what one could.
However, this clearly didn't meet Tsukasa's expectations.
"What the hell? Not a single mission even remotely related to the border?"
Tsukasa was dumbfounded.
During this period, the most dangerous areas were the regions between the Land of Fire and the Land of Wind—especially places like the Land of Rain and the Land of Rivers.
But the mission list surprisingly didn't include any tasks related to border patrol, cross-border supply escorts, or tracking and assassinating enemy officials.
All of them were tasks that could be completed within the country's borders.
There were even several D-rank missions posted as filler—finding lost pets, delivering messages, and helping with farm work.
Among the C-rank missions he could accept, the most dangerous was driving back a massive wild boar that had escaped from the Forest of Death near the village.
"Damn it! I thought I could finally leave the village and die!" Tsukasa cried out, tears in his eyes. "But how is this any different from before?"
Tsukasa's face went ashen as he shook his head helplessly. He had no choice but to reach for the most dangerous C-rank mission—the wild boar extermination.
He wanted to see if he could let the pig finish him off.
But just then, a slightly youthful hand snatched the mission scroll before he could grab it.
"Excuse me, please leave this mission to me."
A handsome young man in a black high-collared shirt and pants, carrying a tantō on his back, smiled at Tsukasa. His distinctive curly hair and kind eyes immediately identified him as the then-unknown Uchiha prodigy:
Uchiha Shisui.
Tsukasa stared in disbelief: "..."
Damn it, you're a registered Konoha shinobi, and you're trying to compete with me for a clan mission?
"Sorry, Tsukasa-kun. This mission will help me polish my swordsmanship. I can give you the reward, but please let me have this opportunity!"
Shisui smiled earnestly, his sincerity evident.
With such a genuine smile, Tsukasa had no reasonable grounds to refuse. It was only a C-rank mission anyway, with a low probability of death. And with the Third Great Ninja War breaking out soon, there would be plenty of opportunities for death later, so Tsukasa didn't mind.
Still, he was surprised: "You know me?"
Of course Tsukasa knew who Shisui was. But the fact that Shisui knew him was unexpected.
"Well, we did a D-rank mission together once. Have you forgotten?" Shisui smiled and lied smoothly.
"Maybe," Tsukasa muttered. He had completed so many missions that he couldn't remember them all.
He had no interest in befriending these characters from the original story. If this changed the future and caused Naruto to fail in saving the world, he would bear tremendous guilt!
Right now, he just wanted to die and go home early.
Not bothering to pay Shisui any more attention, Tsukasa continued examining the mission board.
In truth, Shisui had just looked up Tsukasa's name in the mission records. He was shocked by what he found:
Uchiha Tsukasa: Genin, 1 year of shinobi experienceCompleted missions: D-rank 855, C-rank 0
This relatively unknown peer was actually a mission maniac, completing an average of 2-3 D-rank missions daily without taking a single day off in an entire year.
It was simply terrifying!
Tsukasa had no idea his resume would shock Shisui like this. He'd been completing so many missions purely to see if he could die from overwork. But if he'd known this was how Shisui recognized him, he would have undoubtedly fallen to his knees and cried out: "What a terrible mistake!"
This only made Shisui more certain that this peer was no ordinary Uchiha.
A genin had pushed himself to such extremes! He truly burned himself out for the village!
For this reason, Shisui didn't mind being ignored by Tsukasa. Instead, he stepped closer, almost shoulder to shoulder.
"W-what are you doing?!" Tsukasa let out a horrified cry.
Don't tell me that you, Shisui, despite your innocent appearance, have such interests at such a young age?
Shisui simply thought his new friend was a bit socially anxious. He smiled knowingly and whispered in Tsukasa's ear:
"Tsukasa-kun, I know what you're thinking."
Tsukasa's eyes widened in shock.
How do you know I'm trying to commit insurance fraud?
"The Great Elder will hold a mobilization meeting soon. There are two extremely dangerous missions," Shisui said solemnly. "But don't worry—I won't let you take them!"
Like a devil whispering in his ear, Tsukasa shuddered. He looked at Shisui in horror, wondering if this guy had some kind of mind-reading ability.
Does he want to expose me?
However, the mention of two dangerous missions made Tsukasa's eyes light up.
"What missions?" Tsukasa lowered his voice, not wanting others to overhear, making their conversation sound mysterious—like an underground transaction.
"Just as I thought—you're exactly that type of person!" Shisui was stunned, then filled with admiration.
He acknowledged Tsukasa even more in his heart! He secretly resolved that he would never let Tsukasa die in a dangerous mission.
Such talent should become a bridge between the village and the Uchiha clan!
At that moment, an elderly man with spiky gray hair, wearing a cold half-mask and dressed in the high-collared black robes of the Uchiha clan—but notably without a Konoha headband—ascended to the upper level of the headquarters hall.
His eyes were sharp as an eagle's, so piercing that people dared not meet his gaze directly.
Tsukasa was suddenly startled.
The man before him was none other than the last surviving Great Elder of the Uchiha clan: Uchiha Setsuna!
As a fierce individual who had once plotted to assassinate the Second Hokage and somehow managed to walk away alive, he naturally served as the hawkish leader of the Uchiha clan.
All the Uchiha present turned their attention to the elder, their expressions ranging from respect to hatred to indifference.
"I'm sure everyone present has some idea why you were summoned here," Uchiha Setsuna said calmly, his voice echoing throughout the Police Force hall.
"That's right! War is about to begin!"
"Following the disappearance of the Third Kazekage, the entire shinobi world has gradually descended into chaos."
"Here in the Land of Fire, border conflicts are becoming increasingly intense. The latest intelligence indicates that small-scale battles have already begun in the Land of Rain."
"In the wider world, Iwagakure and Kirigakure have harbored grudges for years, and it appears war is imminent. The brutes of Kumogakure are also unwilling to abandon their ambitions and have repeatedly attempted to force their way into the Land of Fields."
"The entire shinobi world will soon be engulfed in an era of war!"
"However—"
Setsuna paused, then continued in a cold voice: "We Uchiha have experienced thousands of years of warfare. Such enemies are nothing to fear!"
"The battlefield in the Land of Rain and the garrison at Hell Valley in the Land of Hot Water both require reinforcement."
"We need two shinobi each of genin, chunin, and jonin rank to form two teams for support missions."
"Genin participation is voluntary. Chunin and jonin will decide for themselves. If we don't have enough volunteers, I will assign personnel by force."
After he finished speaking, the hall fell completely silent.
Hearing the two location names mentioned by Setsuna, many faces turned pale with fear.
Tsukasa, standing in the crowd, wanted to immediately raise his hand and volunteer, shouting: "Restoring the glory of the Uchiha is our duty!"
Suddenly, his vision blurred and his entire body trembled. An emotionless voice suddenly echoed in his mind:
[Talent has been activated.]
[Heart of Steel (SSS-Rank): "Please, let me steel my resolve once more!" —From the Gate of Steely Determination]
With a deafening, crystal-clear sound, Tsukasa suddenly snapped back to awareness.
However, upon hearing the name of this talent, Tsukasa's heart couldn't help but race with excitement.
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Chapter 3: Three Sentences to Awaken an Uchiha's Sharingan! Incredible!
Heart of Steel was a powerful ability from a certain strategy game.
Its effect was straightforward: the more damage you take, the stronger you become.
Tsukasa wasn't unfamiliar with this concept—he was a veteran player who specialized in tank builds, the kind who would charge headfirst into battle shouting: "You dare hit me? Fine, take my head, big brother!"
The more punishment he took, the stronger and more durable he became!
Now, just when he was about to die, this talent appeared.
It shouldn't—shouldn't—interfere with his insurance fraud scheme.
Tsukasa's face remained expressionless, but unease was already building within him.
However, he knew nothing about this talent's specifics, and Heaven's Law hadn't provided any instruction manual.
The most urgent matter now was to accept the mission from Great Elder Uchiha Setsuna.
Before this cheat ability could react, he'd send himself to the battlefield and have Iwagakure or some other enemy swiftly cut him down.
Complete his insurance fraud scheme! That was the most important thing!
But Tsukasa always felt somewhat uneasy, and when he turned around, he found that the source of his uneasiness was standing right next to him.
This guy named Uchiha Shisui—who was apparently a little devil—suddenly smiled gently in Tsukasa's eyes and whispered in a very confident tone:
"Tsukasa-kun, don't worry. I'll take on the missions the elder is about to assign!"
"You should stay in the clan and focus on training."
The hair on Tsukasa's neck instantly stood on end, and sweat dripped down his forehead. He thought to himself: Big brother, why don't you go check on the Fugaku family's eldest son instead of staring at me? What are you planning?
Without hesitation, Tsukasa leaped from the crowd. Before Shisui could react, he excitedly raised three fingers and swore to the heavens, his voice high and mighty:
"Elder!"
"Restoring the glory of the Uchiha clan is our duty!"
"I fear no danger! Please let me fight!"
Tsukasa stepped forward, shouting at the top of his lungs, his voice melodious and beautiful, its echo lingering in the air.
He raised his arms with a resolute expression, his face filled with determination:
"Neither the endless rain of the Land of Rain nor the treacherous hot springs of the Land of Hot Water can shake my resolve to sacrifice everything for the Uchiha clan!"
"If someone must be sacrificed, then I hope that person—"
"Must be me!"
As he finished speaking, everyone glanced at him with eyes lit with admiration.
Whose subordinate is this, and how can he be so brave?
"Tsukasa-kun! What's gotten into you?"
Shisui tried to stop him, but it was too late. A look of shock appeared on his face, his tone pierced with sorrow.
Though they'd only just met, he had already determined that Tsukasa was a comrade who shared his ideals—someone he could rely on!
But how could he just turn around and throw his life away like this?
Ah, is this what it feels like to lose a comrade?
This... this...
Shisui's face flushed red, and he felt the urge to drag Tsukasa back home, tie him up, and give him a good talking-to.
Shisui's eyes, already strained to a critical point, had turned crimson red before he even noticed.
A single tomoe spun rapidly within his crimson Sharingan, revealing a sense of deep anguish.
The trigger for awakening his eyes was: the loss of a comrade.
Like fate itself, it had been activated prematurely.
However—
"You can't handle it. You're nothing but trash."
Great Elder Uchiha Setsuna frowned, glancing down at Tsukasa dismissively. Where did this idiot come from?
He's just an unawakened Uchiha genin—what difference is there between him and garbage?
As soon as he finished speaking, the resolute expression on Tsukasa's face froze.
The sharp words seemed capable of cutting people to death!
The young man's embarrassment was deafening!
Did you hear that? Tsukasa was crying inside!
[Uchiha Setsuna has shown contempt for you.]
At this moment, a huge red target suddenly appeared over Setsuna's face in Tsukasa's vision.
Dark clouds covered the sun, almost completely obscuring Setsuna's expression.
But those eyes full of contempt were clearly visible, as if engraved on Tsukasa's heart.
It made him feel genuinely angry.
Sure, I might be a bit useless right now, but if you, Great Elder, tear open wounds like this, even I will get mad!
If you clip my wings, I'll destroy your paradise!
"Great Elder!" Tsukasa's face became serious as he took another large step forward and said sternly:
"This isn't a question of whether someone is trash or not!"
"I know my abilities are limited, and I haven't awakened my Sharingan!"
Tsukasa's voice rose as he declared:
"But genin participating in war aren't supposed to be responsible for defending the front lines!"
"Mostly they just operate around the edges of the battlefield, doing support work."
"Besides, the other clans are sending genin to the Land of Rain battlefield."
"And if we Uchiha don't, won't that make the other clans look down on us?"
Everyone was stunned upon hearing this, looking at Tsukasa with horror.
While there was truth to his words, the person he was challenging was the man who had attempted to assassinate the Second Hokage!
Furthermore, he was the leader of the Hawk Faction and Great Elder of the Uchiha clan!
His power within the Uchiha clan could best be described in four words: absolute and overwhelming!
You, kid, just went up against him like that? Who gave you the courage?
Setsuna's face darkened upon hearing this, wondering if he should put this brat in his place.
A worthless genin who hasn't even awakened his Sharingan dares to contradict me?
This is truly like a pig trying to climb a tree—overconfident.
However, Setsuna suddenly had another thought.
Isn't this exactly the kind of talent I need?
Setsuna narrowed his eyes and pondered for a moment. As the leader of the Hawk Faction, he was responsible for developing faction members within the clan—and this wasn't just about talent.
Character was paramount!
Especially the kind of person with an extreme personality and crazy determination, ready to risk his life for the Uchiha clan's future!
And the more stubborn this kid was now, the more loyal he was to the clan!
Wouldn't he be perfect for screaming and charging at Sarutobi Hiruzen's head during a coup?
For Setsuna, a professional coup specialist, he could confidently guarantee: No one understands coups better than me!
Someone like Tsukasa was prime cannon fodder for a revolution!
Therefore, they must never let such talent die in the ridiculous task of serving Konoha!
Thinking of this, Setsuna's expression suddenly changed from gloomy to bright, and he even smiled sinisterly.
Seeing Setsuna's smile, everyone present couldn't help but shrink back, feeling a chill down their spines.
Even Tsukasa felt a bit nervous.
It wasn't that he was afraid of this old man—he was just wondering: If this geezer chopped me down in anger, would it be covered by insurance?
[Yes.]
Heaven's Law immediately provided an answer in his mind.
Tsukasa's eyes lit up immediately.
Now he was no longer panicked. He stopped his heavy breathing, straightened his back, and stared right back.
Setsuna almost laughed at Tsukasa's defiant expression.
Setsuna forced himself to suppress the strong urge to string this kid up and beat him. Thinking of his long-term vision, he took a deep breath.
Deciding to give this kid one more chance to back down, he immediately glared back coldly and scolded:
"Naive! Ridiculous!"
If the battlefield were really as pleasant as Tsukasa described, the Uchiha wouldn't mind sending some genin to gain experience.
But reality is often crueler. Those sent to the battlefield can no longer be called shinobi—they're cannon fodder.
Setsuna stared at Tsukasa coldly: "You brat, don't you understand what people are telling you?"
However, Tsukasa grinned impudently, stretched out his neck and patted it, like a piece of meat on a butcher's block:
"What's the matter, Great Elder? If you've got the guts, just cut me down!"
"If you can't finish me off, let me go to the battlefield!"
As soon as he spoke those words, it seemed as if he had triggered something critical.
Tsukasa immediately heard a crisp sound in his ear—
[DING!]
End of Chapter 3
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