Naruto: Extreme Bloodline Limit

"Yes. It seemed they had some verbal disputes at the academy. Afterward, the two of them cornered Uchiha Ronglin in an alley. The result was..."

The face beneath the mask twitched slightly as the Anbu Ninja helplessly recounted the entire incident.

This Anbu Ninja wearing a dog-faced mask had not appeared by chance. He had been following Uchiha Ronglin all along. As for why, it went back to when Ronglin's parents had passed away.

"That child... I was worried he would remain lost in despair forever. I didn't expect him to change so much."

A pleased smile appeared on the Third Hokage's face. He did not take his son being beaten to heart. A trip to the hospital for some medicine and an ice pack would be enough. Why make such a fuss over children fighting?

"Yes. It was as if he had become a completely different person. He also wishes to study in the academy library."

Kneeling on one knee, the Anbu Ninja reported everything he knew.

"Hmm..." The Third Hokage took a deep drag from his pipe. Smoke curled around his gradually aging face, obscuring his expression. After a long silence, he said, "Continue following him. Pass on the order: if Uchiha Ronglin needs it, he may enter and leave the Ninja Academy library freely. Also, give him some additional assistance."

The Third Hokage's voice was filled with emotion, making it impossible to discern the meaning behind such arrangements.

The Anbu Ninja froze slightly, stunned. "But, Lord Hokage, he is still an Uchiha..."

Waving a hand, the Third Hokage sighed. "He no longer belongs to either the Uchiha or the Hyuga. Back then, his parents asked me to look after this child, but I refused. All I can do is ensure that he grows up safely, along with making what little amends I can. That will be all. You may leave."

"Yes."

Holding his pipe, the Third Hokage rose and walked to the window. He looked through the glass at the outline of Konoha and sighed. All he could do was hope that the conflict between the Uchiha and Hyuga would not affect Ronglin's growth.

Without a doubt, Ronglin was a victim of that conflict.

"This is for me?" The sudden appearance of an Anbu member gave Ronglin quite a fright. He had thought his secret had been discovered, but it turned out the man had come to deliver something—Ninjutsu Scrolls, the thing Ronglin lacked most. Though they contained only low-level Ninjutsu, to Ronglin right now, they were no less than priceless treasures.

"Yes. By Lord Hokage's order. In addition, you may freely enter the Ninja Academy library. However, no books may be taken out. You may read them as you please."

The Anbu member came quickly and left just as quickly, departing after leaving behind a single statement and two Ninjutsu Scrolls.

If not for the two Ninjutsu Scrolls lying on the table, Ronglin would have thought he was dreaming.

Being allowed to enter the Ninja Academy library freely was still understandable, but the Ninjutsu Scrolls left Ronglin completely baffled.

The Ninjutsu inside the two scrolls were both ordinary C-rank Ninjutsu from the Fire Release series. If this had been within the Uchiha Clan, he could simply have gone to the Ancestral Hall to study them. However, Ronglin, who was unwelcome among both the Uchiha and Hyuga, had no such opportunity. Nor was he qualified to learn the Hyuga Clan's specialties, such as Gentle Fist and taijutsu.

Even though he possessed both the Sharingan and Byakugan, two Kekkei Genkai.

If necessary, Ronglin would rather reveal his Sharingan than casually display his Byakugan before others. If the Sharingan appeared, the Uchiha Clan would not develop any other thoughts about him. The Byakugan was different. Given the Hyuga Clan's strict family rules, if his Byakugan were discovered, he would definitely be taken back and branded with a Cursed Seal.

Ronglin had no desire to be branded with a Cursed Seal and have his life controlled by someone else.

Fortunately, when using the powers of both the Sharingan and Byakugan at the same time, the Byakugan did not show outwardly. Thus, as long as he did not deliberately reveal it, Ronglin could use the Byakugan's abilities without worry. The Sharingan was enough of a cover. Perhaps it might even attract attention and earn him some resources to strengthen himself.

Picking up the Ninjutsu Scrolls, Ronglin felt deeply confused. Yet no matter how hard he racked his brain, he could not figure out why that old man, the Third Hokage, had sent someone to deliver two Ninjutsu Scrolls to him.

After thinking it over and finding no answer, Ronglin simply gave up. Since they had been delivered to him—and were what he lacked most at the moment—he naturally had to cherish them. Still, today's events had been deeply engraved in his heart. Once the time was right, he would uncover the truth behind them.

Ronglin had originally planned to train after dinner, but he immediately abandoned that plan and began studying the two Ninjutsu instead.

"Ah-ha..."