Uchiha Shisui

Suddenly, the surrounding whispers came to an abrupt halt.

Across from Uchiha Yuan, the crowd suddenly parted, and a group of Uchiha arrived at the gates of the Ninja Academy.

The Uchiha Clan had always been aloof and arrogant. After the decline of the Senju Clan, the Uchiha Clan became even more overbearing, generally looking down on other ninja clans.

Facing the arrogant Uchiha Clan, everyone else dared not offend them and could only hide their dissatisfaction in their hearts.

Even though there were now rumors targeting the Uchiha Clan, when a large group of Uchiha appeared, intimidated by their might, everyone immediately fell silent, fearing they would attract the Uchiha's attention.

From the Uchiha who had arrived, Uchiha Yuan saw Uchiha Eiji. He stood with more than ten other Uchiha children, including his two companions, Uchiha Hayabusa and Uchiha Kotaro.

This group of Uchiha who had arrived were all from the main family of the clan.

Uchiha Eiji also noticed Uchiha Yuan standing opposite him. Beside Eiji stood a young man about sixteen or seventeen years old.

This young man wore a Police Force vest, and his entire being was like a drawn sword, exuding an oppressive aura.

He noticed Uchiha Eiji's gaze, and his sharp eyes also turned towards Uchiha Yuan.

"Eiji, he's the boy from the outer family who defeated you twice."

Uchiha Eiji lowered his head. "Yes, Big Brother, this is Uchiha Yuan."

The young man was Uchiha Eiji's elder brother, Uchiha Taichi.

Although Uchiha Eiji had been defeated by Uchiha Yuan without being able to retaliate, finding it unbelievable and frustrating, the awakening of his Sharingan quickly invigorated him, and he couldn't wait to show it to his family when he returned home.

Then, the bet between him and Uchiha Yuan was learned by his father and elder brother.

Uchiha Taichi glanced indifferently at Uchiha Yuan and then reached out and patted Uchiha Eiji on the head.

Uchiha Eiji couldn't help but tremble as he heard Uchiha Taichi say, "Eiji, the Sharingan is the pride of our Uchiha Clan. Since you've awakened the Sharingan, you are a true Uchiha.

This child, I hope you can defeat him in your next challenge. Your failure damages not your own face, but the dignity of our main family."

"I understand, Big Brother. I will definitely defeat him next time."

Uchiha Taichi smiled with satisfaction and said, "You awakened the Sharingan at this age, which is rare within the clan. It shows that the bloodline limit you possess has high potential.

In the future, you will surely be a powerful ninja, capable of upholding the clan's prestige."

Uchiha Taichi's words immediately made Uchiha Eiji's blood boil, and he became emotionally charged.

"Yes, Big Brother, I won't disappoint you. Once I'm fully familiar with the Sharingan, I will definitely be able to defeat Uchiha Yuan."

"Uchiha Yuan is nothing. Without awakening the Sharingan, you shouldn't even consider him."

"Taijutsu experts are no match for our Sharingan; the Sharingan can easily copy their moves.

You should consider Uchiha Shisui your opponent. He is likely the most renowned genius in the village these past few years.

Many seniors in the Police Force have praised his strength, believing he will be a pillar of the clan in the future.

Remember! Once we awaken the Sharingan, we represent the face of the Uchiha Clan. We must let other clans experience the might of our Uchiha. The Sharingan is the strongest kekkei genkai in the ninja world."

Uchiha Yuan's ears twitched slightly as the conversation between the Uchiha Eiji brothers reached him.

It was clear that Uchiha Eiji's older brother didn't consider him a worthy opponent.

Although the Uchiha Clan had main and branch families, unlike the Hyuga Clan, there wasn't a strict hierarchy with clear distinctions between the main and branch houses and their subordinate relationships.

Within the Uchiha Clan, strength was the only criterion for respect.

Therefore, Uchiha Taichi didn't see Uchiha Eiji's repeated defeats by Uchiha Yuan as an offense.

To Uchiha Taichi, the bet between him and Uchiha Eiji was merely child's play.

At this moment, a young boy arrived alone at the entrance of the Ninja Academy. A conspicuous Uchiha fan emblem was drawn on his back. He was also an Uchiha.

"That child is the Uchiha Clan's genius, Uchiha Shisui."

"My neighbor is a teacher at the Ninja Academy. When I was drinking with him, he mentioned that Uchiha Shisui might already possess Chunin-level strength."

"The Uchiha Clan might be jerks, but they are indeed Konoha's foremost noble clan."

Unlike other Uchiha clan members who always wore indifferent and arrogant expressions, making them seem unapproachable, Uchiha Shisui's face always carried a warm and sunny smile. His gaze towards others was gentle and courteous.

'Uchiha Shisui.'

Hearing the hushed discussions around him, Uchiha Yuan watched Uchiha Shisui enter the Ninja Academy, his gaze filled with complex emotions.

In his opinion, Uchiha Shisui was a truly pure-hearted individual who loved his clan and loved Konoha village.

But he was also a tragic and foolish person.

His greatest mistake was trusting the Konoha higher-ups too much.

He had awakened the Mangekyo, but he naively believed that if the clan knew he possessed the Mangekyo Sharingan, it would only fuel their ambition.

He failed to consider that with the Mangekyo Sharingan, his influence within the clan would significantly increase, and his opinions would sway many clan members.

Human hearts cannot withstand trials.

He informed the Konoha higher-ups about awakening his Mangekyo Sharingan, even revealing the ability 'Kotoamatsukami'.

The abilities of every Mangekyo Sharingan were top-secret information, yet Uchiha Shisui voluntarily leaked the power of Kotoamatsukami to demonstrate his loyalty to the Konoha higher-ups.

From then on, the Konoha higher-ups never met him alone again.

He probably wouldn't realize until his death that after learning about the power of Kotoamatsukami, he had already become feared by the Konoha higher-ups, even targeted for assassination.

He had become a destabilizing factor in their eyes.

Today was the first day of classes at the Ninja Academy. Before the official lessons began, all students had to gather on the training grounds to listen to the Hokage's speech.

Uchiha Yuan had his hands in his pockets, his face a mask of boredom.

On the high platform in front of the training grounds, the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, was giving his speech. Three out of every ten sentences he spoke mentioned the Will of Fire.

"...Wherever there are leaves dancing, fire will burn. The shadow of fire will illuminate the entire village, and new leaves will sprout.

When one wants to protect those they cherish, a ninja's power will truly manifest...

...Finally, everyone, remember: Where leaves dance, fire will also burn endlessly."

After being force-fed a large bowl of Hiruzen Sarutobi's brand of chicken soup, the students all showed excited expressions, especially the younger ones, who were all emotionally charged and looked at the Third Hokage with eyes full of reverence.

"Grandpa Third is so kind."

"I must become someone like Grandpa Third."

"I've decided, I will definitely become Hokage in the future."

"You want to become Hokage too? That's my goal, you're not allowed to steal it from me."

On the way to the classroom, Uchiha Yuan could occasionally hear the noisy chatter of some students.

Hearing their words, Uchiha Yuan couldn't help but sneer inwardly: What a bunch of naive children. To become Hokage, one must first become a disciple of the Hokage, or a disciple of a Hokage's disciple. This is a necessary condition.

As his thoughts wandered, several surprised gasps suddenly came from nearby. Uchiha Yuan couldn't help but look up.

Then, he saw on the open ground next to the teaching building ahead, the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, smiling and talking intimately with a young boy.

That young boy was Uchiha Shisui.