The Headquarters of the Uchiha Military Police Force stood as a monolith of authority, a majestic structure rooted in the heart of the clan's ancestral territory. It was the symbol of their pride, and for some in the village, the symbol of their isolation.
Uchiha Yao drew a long, grounding breath, centering his spirit before stepping through the towering main entrance.
The lobby was a hive of activity. Clad in the dark, high-collared uniforms of the Force, several Uchiha moved with the brisk efficiency of those who held the village's peace in their hands. Behind the reception desk, a young officer looked up, his brows knitting in a flash of surprise as he took in Yao's youthful frame.
"What's your business, kid?"
"My name is Uchiha Yao. I am here to submit my application for induction into the Guard Team," Yao stated clearly. He reached into his tactical pouch and withdrew a meticulously prepared application form.
"Uchiha Yao?" The officer blinked, the name triggering a flicker of recognition. Rumors of the "Awakened Waste" had been circulating through the barracks. He took the parchment, his eyes scanning the lines. "According to protocol, one generally needs the baseline strength of an Elite Genin to even apply."
"I am well aware of the regulations." Yao's voice was steady, his gaze unwavering. "I am confident in my capabilities and request the opportunity for assessment."
Deterred by the sheer gravity of Yao's presence—an imposing aura that felt far too heavy for a twelve-year-old—the officer hesitated. "Early assessment usually requires a recommendation from a Platoon Leader or higher... unless you can demonstrate overwhelming potential in the preliminary strength test."
"I choose the test," Yao said without a moment's hesitation.
The procedure was a known quantity: a binary check of Chakra volume and foundational Ninjutsu mastery. For an Elite Chunin hiding in a Genin's skin, it was a formality.
"Fine. Follow me." The officer nodded, leading him to a specialized testing annex adjacent to the main hall.
Inside, a man with the sharp, capable air of a veteran leaned against the wall, his eyes closed in a moment of stillness. He wore the insignia of a Squad Leader.
"Platoon Leader Tekka, this boy is Uchiha Yao. He's requesting early assessment," the officer reported respectfully.
Uchiha Tekka slowly peeled his eyes open. His gaze was hawkish, cutting through the air to scrutinize Yao from head to heel.
"Uchiha Yao?" Tekka repeated, his voice a low rumble. "The one causing the stir in the training grounds?"
"Yes, sir."
Yao met the veteran's gaze with a calm, practiced neutrality.
[Uchiha Tekka | Strength: High-tier Jonin | Loyalty: 70% (Clan) / 5% (Host)]
Five percent, Yao noted inwardly. A start.
"Kid, this isn't a game," Tekka said, his voice hardening. "If you're relying on a bit of cleverness and a lucky awakening, go home. The Guard Team isn't a nursery for the overly ambitious."
"Whether it is luck or substance is for the test to decide," Yao replied, a faint, confident smile touching his lips.
"Haha! The brat has spine." Tekka pushed off the wall, gesturing toward a large, crystalline orb in the center of the room. "Infuse your Chakra. Let's see the size of your 'luck'."
Yao stepped forward. He placed his palm against the cool surface of the crystal and allowed his energy to flow—not a trickle, but a controlled surge.
Buzz—!
The crystal erupted. A brilliant, dazzling blue light filled the room, its intensity far outstripping the flickering glow of a Genin. It was a roar of energy that surpassed even many veteran Chunin.
Tekka's eyes narrowed into slits. Elite Chunin reserves? In a twelve-year-old? In the long history of the Uchiha, such a feat was the hallmark of a true genius.
"Not bad," Tekka admitted, his disdain shifting into a professional curiosity. "Now, show me your flame. Your most proficient technique."
Yao took a sharp breath. His hands moved in a blur, the seals snapping into place with rhythmic perfection.
"Fire Release: Dragon Fire Technique!"
A concentrated, ferocious serpent of fire erupted from his mouth. It didn't just billow; it bored through the air with predatory intent, circling in a tight, agile arc before slamming into the distant practice target.
Boom!
The target was disintegrated, reduced to charred splinters in a singular explosion of thermal force. The precision and form were flawless—a level of Katon mastery that most Chunin spent a decade trying to achieve.
The reception officer stood open-mouthed, his earlier skepticism reduced to ash.
"Excellent," Tekka said, a genuine glint of appreciation finally surfacing. "Your strength warrants a place in the trials. I've approved your application. The formal assessment is in three days. You will be notified of the details."
"Thank you, Platoon Leader Tekka." Yao bowed with measured respect.
"Don't thank me. The Force only respects results," Tekka waved him off. "I'm looking forward to seeing what other 'surprises' you're hiding during the official exam."
Yao nodded and turned to leave. The first gate had been opened.
As he walked back through the streets of the compound, his mind was already weaving the next layer of his deception. He had to be surgical.
The Sharingan is fair game, but the mental-intrusion Genjutsu must stay buried. My Fire Release should be impressive, but I cannot reveal 'All-System Mastery'. My Taijutsu must stay within the 'Elite Chunin' bracket, relying on awareness rather than raw speed.
He knew the stakes. In Konoha, a "monster" like Itachi or Shisui was either a tool to be used or a threat to be neutralized by Danzo's Root. Many Uchiha geniuses had vanished during "routine missions" over the years.
Yao had no intention of being a martyr. He would grow in the shadows, nourishing his power until the day his roots were deep enough to overturn the village itself. Once he reached the peak, even the Third Hokage would have to swallow his pride.
And Danzo? He was merely a debt waiting to be collected.