The Uchiha clan—one of Konoha's founding pillars.
By all logic, even the Third Hokage had no grounds to destroy such a clan.
Yet, through a chain of political missteps, he gradually pushed them toward annihilation.
Before entering the Uchiha district, the path passed through a lively commercial street, modern and bustling.
But once within the clan compound itself, the scenery shifted—traditional buildings, classical architecture.
Every wall was adorned with the Uchiha's red-and-white fan crest.
The people walking by mostly wore clan uniforms; many others were dressed in the green vests of the Police Force—the Uchiha's pride and burden.
A sharp-eyed young man approached. His long black hair, stern gaze, and ninja blade at his hip made him stand out.
"Entering the Uchiha district, what business do you have, Genin Kaito?"
Yakushi Naono and Might Duy stiffened.
Ordinary citizens rarely entered this area—past this point was the Police Department, Konoha's law enforcement and detention center. Most people avoided it entirely.
"I'm here for a student. Her name is Uchiha Mikoto. Do you know where she is?"
Kaito's tone was even. He wasn't surprised the Uchiha knew him—anyone who had done nearly two thousand D-rank missions would have crossed paths with the Police Force countless times.
The young man studied him briefly, then introduced himself:
"I am Uchiha Fugaku, jōnin of the Uchiha clan."
Kaito's brows lifted slightly.
Fugaku…?
This must be Mikoto's future husband—and the father of Itachi and Sasuke. At this age, he was around eighteen or nineteen, already carrying himself with maturity.
"I've heard about Mikoto," Fugaku continued. "My father will personally speak with the Hokage about this matter. There is no need for you to come."
His tone shifted slightly, as if remembering something.
"And another thing, Genin Kaito. The Chūnin Exams begin in mid-July. Mikoto will pass on her first attempt. Two months of training under you is unnecessary. Leave her education to the Uchiha clan."
"I have received no such message from the Hokage."
Kaito met Fugaku's sharp gaze without fear.
"If you already have approval from the Hokage, please show the official handover documents."
Fugaku's eyes narrowed.
"You think you can teach her—what? Ninjutsu? Genjutsu? Shurikenjutsu?"
He glanced at the blade Kaito carried.
"Or… kenjutsu?"
Kaito remained calm.
He had known this would happen.
Reality's beating… capital's suppression… even in a ninja village, hierarchy is everywhere.
Around them, a cluster of Uchiha gathered—eyes gleaming with amusement.
If he fought here, he could easily obliterate a jōnin…
—But that would OUT him instantly.
—That would get him promoted.
—And that would drag him straight into the Second Great Ninja War's frontline.
A guaranteed death sentence.
Hold it in! My damn murder instincts—HOLD IT! Now is NOT the time to shine!!
Fugaku noticed the slight tremble in Kaito's fingertips and sighed internally.
As expected… just a genin.
"I'll give you a chance," Fugaku said coolly.
"Shurikenjutsu—our clan's fairest test. If you can tie with me… I'll take you to Mikoto."
"One condition," Kaito said. "You must keep your word."
"One word is enough."
Training Grounds — Uchiha District
Crowds gathered instantly.
"Is he crazy? Challenging the young clan head?"
"A genin? Really?"
"Embarrassing!"
Fugaku gestured to the equipment rack.
"Ten shuriken, ten kunai. We'll use the average score. Don't worry—I won't bully you."
Kaito picked up a kunai. Even their training weapons were high quality—about 1,000 ryō per piece.
"You first or me?"
He looked toward the target placed 150 meters away.
At this range, hitting anything required excellent chakra control.
A slight fluctuation in reinforcement would cause the projectile to sway.
"Such distance is basic for me," Fugaku said.
He grabbed five shuriken at once—
Swoosh—!
Five black streaks cut through the air.
Thud, thud, thud, thud, thud!
Five clean hits.
Cheers erupted.
The next five flew out in elegant arcs, landing precisely on the red-and-white rings.
"Average: seven rings."
"Shall I demonstrate the kunai too?" Fugaku said lightly. A chūnin could not do what he just did.
Kaito weighed a shuriken between his fingers.
"So to 'win,' I must average seven rings in one volley of five?"
Fugaku blinked, then chuckled.
"No need. Use whatever technique you want—as long as you don't cross the line—"
THUMP!
A streak of red-hot metal whizzed past the recording assistant—faster than his Sharingan could fully track.
A single shuriken hammered into Kaito's target.
Its edges were glowing faintly from friction.
"...Ten… ten rings?!"
The recorder shouted in shock.
The entire crowd went silent.
Even Naono and Duy—who were preparing themselves for total defeat just moments ago—were stunned.
Shuriken were cheap because:
poor material
limited attack range
poor long-distance accuracy
But this…
A perfect ten.
At 150 meters.
With one throw.
In the Uchiha's strongest domain, their heir had been overshadowed by an unknown genin.
Fugaku stared, unable to believe it.
After a moment, he activated his Sharingan.
He had seen something—
a brief flash of movement resembling a B-rank technique…
But that technique should NOT look like that.
"You…" he said slowly.
"Throw another."
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