Uchiha

After his explosive performance on the first day, no one dared approach Kagami Uchiha for the next few days.

During the day, he feigned sleep while training his Rasengan in the Mental Space.

At dusk, he went home to practice Nintaijutsu. At night, he studied theoretical knowledge, then enjoyed seven hours of deep sleep every day.

Kagami Uchiha's life was quite fulfilling.

Kakashi had originally planned to graduate early, but after suffering a crushing defeat, he temporarily abandoned the idea.

He doubled his already inhuman training regimen, waiting until his strength advanced by leaps and bounds so he could wipe away the humiliation.

Taking advantage of the rare free time Hatake Sakumo had at home, Kakashi asked about the question that had long puzzled him.

"Father... Kagami Uchiha's Sharingan is very different. I've seen Uchiha shinobi use the Sharingan too... but..."

Kakashi still couldn't clearly express that inexplicable feeling.

Hatake Sakumo understood the situation. He smiled and rubbed his head. "It feels more vicious, right?"

Kakashi felt that wasn't quite right, but he couldn't think of a better way to describe it.

"I have Uchiha companions too. The eyes of their clan aren't as easy to awaken as the Hyuga's. It seems that only a special event and powerful mental stimulation can awaken them."

"That child called Kagami awakened his Sharingan at such a young age. He must have experienced something painful. Kakashi... you should help your companion and help him overcome his difficulties."

Confusion appeared in Kakashi's small, fish-like eyes.

That guy... doesn't look like the kind of character who has suffered a great deal, either...

Although Kagami Uchiha didn't cause trouble at school, his favorite pastime was bullying Uchiha Obito.

As a result, Uchiha Obito had stopped provoking him recently. Every day, he gathered with Asuma and the others to discuss how to get revenge on Kagami Uchiha.

With one less person pestering him, Kakashi actually felt somewhat relieved.

Casting aside these thoughts, Kakashi still stated his primary purpose.

"Father, I want to learn your swordsmanship!"

After ruffling Kakashi's hair, Hatake Sakumo felt deeply gratified.

In truth, he hadn't really wanted Kakashi to graduate early, but the Ninja Academy... indeed had nothing worth keeping Kakashi there for, so he had agreed to apply for his early graduation.

Now that Kakashi wasn't bringing it up, it seemed he planned to defeat that boy first.

His thoughts were much the same as the Third Hokage's. They both felt the two children could forge a bond through competition.

"Good. Your foundation is almost solid enough. I'll officially teach you the Hatake Clan's secret inherited taijutsu, Thousand Years of Death!"

"Haha, I'm joking. I'll teach you swordsmanship!"

Late that night, Kagami Uchiha had just walked out of the training grounds after finishing his taijutsu training when a member of the Uchiha Clan arrived using the Body Flicker Technique.

"Kagami, the elder wants to see you."

Unlike the Hyuga Clan, where several members of the main family held more authority than the clan head, the Uchiha Clan normally had the clan head as its highest authority.

However, Fugaku had only just become clan head and was still too young. Many matters within the clan were still decided by an elder from the previous generation.

It was somewhat like the future relationship between the Third Hokage and Namikaze Minato.

This clan elder was the head of the Hawk Faction, advocating the use of force to seize the position the Uchiha deserved.

This wasn't Kagami Uchiha's first time visiting the elder's courtyard. He waited in the reception hall.

Before long, a lean man who looked to be in his forties or fifties emerged. A hideous knife scar marred his face.

Uchiha Shinra, the leader of the Hawk Faction.

The Uchiha would not submit to the weak. If Fugaku had not awakened the Mangekyo, Shinra would now be the strongest member of the Uchiha Clan.

"Elder Shinra." After a simple greeting, Kagami Uchiha sat cross-legged with an indifferent expression.

Shinra nodded inwardly. He was very pleased with this junior of the Uchiha.

He was cold, decisive, arrogant—a perfect Uchiha cub in Shinra's eyes.

He greatly resembled the Uchiha Izuna he admired.

"I know what happened at the Ninja Academy. You did well, Kagami."

"You've also met the Third Hokage. What did you think of him?"

Kagami Uchiha was silent for a moment before speaking calmly.

"He's an outstanding shinobi with exceptional leadership ability."

"He's broad-minded and possesses tremendous strength as well."

"An objective analysis." Uchiha Shinra nodded. "Good. You haven't been influenced by those ignorant clansmen who think the Third Hokage is merely an incompetent old man."

Shinra's expression turned serious. "I have many grievances against Sarutobi Hiruzen, but I must admit that among our generation, he alone is worthy of the position of Third Hokage."

"Your grandfather originally had a chance as well... What a pity..."

Kagami Uchiha shook his head and passed judgment on the ancestor who shared his name. "Even if the ancestor Kagami hadn't died, he wouldn't have competed with the Third Hokage for the position of Hokage."

"...That's true. Kagami, you already possess the mindset of a clan head."

"Sarutobi Hiruzen has already begun considering stepping down. The Fourth Hokage may be chosen from among the Sannin. Given your age... we should be able to contend for the Fifth Hokage."

Shinra was just about to launch into a lengthy speech when Kagami Uchiha pushed himself up, bracing a hand against his knee.

"Elder, did you summon me just to discuss the kind of matter that belongs at a clan meeting?"

"During the First Hokage's era, you thought about contending for the Second Hokage. During the Third Hokage's era, you want to contend for the Fifth Hokage. You always place your hopes in the next opportunity, so in my view..."

Kagami Uchiha stared fearlessly into Shinra's eyes. "You aren't any different from Clan Head Fugaku."

"I'm leaving. Take your complaints to the clan meeting."

"Wait."

Uchiha Shinra's face remained expressionless as he said in a deep voice, "From the sound of it, do you want to contend for the Fourth Hokage as well?"

"No. I'm not interested in becoming Hokage."

Kagami Uchiha turned his head and said calmly, "When did the Uchiha Clan ever need the title of Hokage to prove itself?"

"Elder Shinra, I hate this cowardly attitude among our clansmen. Even you are like this."

"I appreciate your gift, but don't expect me to act according to your arrangements. And you don't need to lecture me."

With that, Kagami Uchiha turned away and continued walking without stopping. He had almost reached the entryway when Uchiha Shinra's voice came from behind him.

"Tomorrow, I'll wait for you at the training grounds and pass on all my ninjutsu to you."

"An old man like me indeed has no right to dictate your actions, but at least let me be of some use."

"For the future of the Uchiha!"

Kagami Uchiha halted.

"I understand."

By moonlight, Kagami Uchiha walked through the clan compound. Some shops were already preparing to close.

"Kagami! Are you enjoying school?"

"I heard about it. You defeated the genius of the Hatake Clan, right? Haha, as expected of Kagami!"

"Remember to pass by Auntie's shop tomorrow morning. I've prepared some red bean soup for you!"

Along the way, his clansmen greeted him warmly.

Kagami Uchiha smiled and responded to each of them, completely different from the coldness he had shown toward Uchiha Shinra.

Because of the influence of their Dojutsu Power, the stronger members of the Uchiha Clan became, the more solitary and cold they grew. But ordinary Uchiha were no different from ordinary people.

Counting those who had not awakened their eyes, there were more than two thousand of them...

Obito... Itachi...

Even someone as vicious as me couldn't imagine it.

How could I bring myself to attack these neighbors who shared my blood, these elderly, women, and children?

When he arrived home, his grandmother was still soothing little Shisui.

Shisui's parents had sacrificed themselves after giving birth to him, leaving only three people in the household.

Compared to the orphans of ordinary shinobi, Uchiha orphans had much better lives.

Kagami could still be adopted, and members of the clan also looked after one another when some families were struggling.

After all, even the Second Hokage had acknowledged that the Uchiha were a clan with more love than the Senju.

Lost love would turn into hatred...

Then why not ensure the Uchiha never lost their love?

I will protect this clan's fate!

"Grandma, I'm home."