Sharingan

"After you used your Fire Release, I used the Substitution Technique to dodge your attack and threw in a Shadow Clone Jutsu to handle things. It wasn't a life-or-death lesson anyway, and it's a good chance to practice my Shadow Clone proficiency..."

Nanfeng's figure appeared from the side, not a trace of battle aftermath on him. His clothes were clean and neat, nothing like someone who had just finished a fight.

Sasuke, on the other hand, was a bit disheveled from the Substitution Technique and the Great Fireball Technique.

Seeing the gap, Sasuke's face instantly turned sour. A ninja from an ordinary family had talent this impressive—it dealt blow after blow to his pride as the so-called genius of a prestigious clan.

"I just have a lot of Chakra, and I listen to the medics at the hospital talk about battle details, but I've never had a chance to try them out. I don't even know the Great Fireball Technique you've mastered, so don't sell yourself short..."

"You know, the ninja world never lacks geniuses. The top student a year above us is also a genius from a big clan. Can you guarantee a total victory against him?" Nanfeng asked, looking at Sasuke's defiant eyes.

That question made Sasuke pause. He'd heard of the genius Nanfeng mentioned—after all, they were both from major clans and had crossed paths before.

Thinking of Neji Hyuga's cold face, Uchiha Sasuke felt even more irritated for some reason.

"Train hard. If you don't put in the effort to make the most of your talent, you might as well be an ordinary person," Nanfeng said bluntly.

During his internship at the ninja hospital, he'd seen too many cases of people slacking off because of natural talent, most of whom faded into obscurity. He knew Sasuke and Naruto wouldn't go down that path, but it was better to instill that mindset early.

"Um, Big Brother Nanfeng, can I train with you guys too?" Uzumaki Naruto spoke up then, his tone a little cautious.

Before this, he'd always trained alone. He didn't even have anyone to talk to, let alone friends. Now that he had this chance, Naruto treasured it deeply.

"Of course you can, but treating you guys to a meal will have to wait until next time..." Nanfeng shuddered, remembering Naruto's terrifying appetite.

Good thing he'd just gotten paid, or he might have ended up washing dishes at Ichiraku Ramen to cover the bill.

"So... we're friends?" A warm smile spread across Naruto's face, tears welling in his eyes.

"Naturally. Both this guy and I are your friends. Don't let his reluctant face fool you—he's probably happy to have friends too..."

Before Nanfeng could finish, a kunai whizzed past his cheek.

"Enough chatter. Let's start training," Sasuke said coldly, though it was hard to ignore the sudden reddening of his ears.

What interesting brats. To be like this now—maybe only kids could have such simple hearts.

With that thought, the three of them said nothing more and quickly started working on their weak points.

Earlier, when Nanfeng used the Shadow Clone Jutsu, there was another task he needed to complete. Using the commotion from the Great Fireball Technique, another Shadow Clone he'd created was furiously writing something down.

This was what Nanfeng knew about the truth behind the Uchiha Clan's Annihilation. He wasn't sure when that old man, the Third Hokage, would start watching him, so he had to pass on information this way.

"Still not strong enough. If I were powerful enough... I wouldn't have to worry about being watched. What a disgusting feeling." Nanfeng shook his head, forcing down that irritation.

Time quickly reached evening, and it was time for them to part ways.

As they said their goodbyes, Nanfeng slipped a note into Sasuke's hand. Seeing Sasuke's puzzled look, Nanfeng mouthed a few words.

Sasuke's pupils contracted slightly, then returned to normal.

Sure enough, everyone in the ninja world was a born actor, even if this guy was still a greenhorn.

"Is there anything serious about my injuries?" Sasuke asked.

"Not for now. Mentally, today's training proves your recovery is decent. You can be discharged for now. Remember to come back for a checkup in a week, and bring the payment. My monthly salary depends on how much you guys pay... Seriously, can you stop dragging out the medical bills for so long?"

Muttering to himself, Nanfeng grabbed his bag and headed home.

In the Hokage Office, Hiruzen Sarutobi, who had been watching the three of them, took a deep drag of his cigarette. Did this guy really have no problem smoking so much all day?

"Them getting mixed up together isn't a good thing. You should have done what I said—put Nanfeng and Sasuke under me. Root's training would let them better realize their potential as ninjas," Danzo said, appearing suddenly and speaking bluntly to Hiruzen Sarutobi.

"I've told you, this is not up for discussion. Besides, they're just training together. I watched the whole process—there's nothing wrong. If you have any other ideas, you can leave now." Hiruzen Sarutobi frowned, clearly annoyed, as he addressed Danzo.

Danzo's face twitched slightly. Without another word, he quickly left the Hokage Office. One day, he'd make this old man regret it.

"Nanfeng's Chakra reserves aren't low. Mastering the Shadow Clone Jutsu and Medical Ninjutsu in such a short time shows impressive talent. His combat experience seems decent too—at least top-tier among his peers. The only question is whether his stance on Konoha is genuine..."

"Let's put all three of them in the same squad. Kakashi can handle them. If they have any other intentions..." Hiruzen Sarutobi's expression suddenly turned grim.

Nanfeng naturally had no idea what was happening in the Hokage Office. Only after he got home did the feeling of being watched disappear, letting him breathe a sigh of relief.

Lying in bed, Nanfeng couldn't wait to open the System Panel. He still didn't know what this so-called "Sharingan (Modified)" really was.

"Ding. Does the host wish to activate the Sharingan (Modified) ability?" The system's mechanical voice echoed in Nanfeng's mind.