There's Such a Good Thing?

Jonin?

Uchiha Aoba's heart skipped a beat, and he was on the verge of refusing.

He had no desire to be targeted by that "Pot-Hiding" schemer. Although, as a member of the Uchiha clan, he had likely been under the man's radar ever since he entered the Ninja Academy.

However, casual observation and focused scrutiny were two entirely different matters.

Twelve years old, Uchiha clan, Three-Tomoe Sharingan.

Each of these traits might seem unremarkable on its own, but once pieced together, they landed squarely on the "Pot-Hiding" schemer's trigger points. He feared he would have very few peaceful days ahead if that happened.

In Uchiha Aoba's ideal scenario, until his own safety was fully guaranteed—meaning, until he awakened the Mangekyo Sharingan—being a Chunin was the most suitable role for him, and he intended to stay one for a long time.

A position that was neither too high nor too low would allow him to pass through his growth period steadily.

In fact, if circumstances hadn't forced his hand, Uchiha Aoba would have preferred to remain a Genin indefinitely and never seek a promotion.

Yet, at this moment.

Even as the refusal reached his lips, Uchiha Aoba found he couldn't say it.

On second thought, given Sarutobi Hizashi's level of control over Konoha, any intelligence regarding him was likely already sitting on the Hokage's desk.

If he refused the promotion to Jonin now and deliberately concealed his strength, there was a high probability it would backfire.

So, after a quick deliberation, Uchiha Aoba changed his tune and agreed.

Seeing this, Uchiha Aoba's face lit up with satisfaction. He then produced a storage scroll, performed a quick hand seal to break the seal, and ten ninjutsu scrolls appeared between them.

"This is the second thing I wanted to discuss with you."

Uchiha Aoba gestured to the scrolls and said, "The clan will never treat those who have contributed unfairly."

"You may choose any five of these ninjutsu to learn."

"Thank you, Clan Head."

Uchiha Aoba's eyes brightened. Although he didn't lack ninjutsu after merging with the Madara template, there were some techniques he couldn't use openly.

He was delighted by the reward offered by Uchiha Fugaku, as it would allow him to unlock certain techniques under the guise of learning them.

After expressing his gratitude, he picked up the scrolls one by one to examine them.

As he looked, the smile on Uchiha Aoba's face widened, and his impression of Uchiha Fugaku shifted.

It had to be said that while Uchiha Fugaku had many shortcomings—such as being rigid, indecisive, and lacking in leadership—he was exceptionally generous when it came to cultivating promising juniors.

The ten scrolls contained only Fire and Lightning Release techniques. One was a C-rank, while the remaining nine included seven B-rank techniques and even two A-rank techniques.

With this, Uchiha Aoba could directly unlock five high-level techniques from Madara's repertoire.

At that moment, he truly wanted to say to Uchiha Fugaku: I'd go through fire and water for you, Brother Fugaku.

Soon, Uchiha Aoba made his decision.

Uchiha Fugaku glanced at his choices, put away the remaining scrolls, and nodded. "Four B-rank techniques and one A-rank. Remember to destroy the scrolls once you have finished learning them."

"Also, if you run into any difficulties while practicing, feel free to come and ask me directly."

"Yes."

Uchiha Aoba nodded in agreement, planning to drop by and put on a show of asking for advice whenever he had some free time.

He then prepared to take his leave.

"Wait a moment."

Seeing him move, Uchiha Fugaku assumed Uchiha Aoba was eager to start practicing and hurriedly stopped him with a wry smile. "I have something else to tell you. Given your current status, you are qualified to know a few things."

"Ah, my apologies."

Uchiha Aoba awkwardly sat back down.

"It still concerns the war," Uchiha Fugaku sighed. "Although the village's conflict with Sunagakure has ended, there is no sign of the other fronts closing, especially the war against Iwagakure."

"The Third Tsuchikage, Ōnoki—that old man used human-wave tactics to not only repel Kumogakure's offensive but also take down the Third Raikage. While he suffered significant losses, he no longer has to fight on two fronts."

"So, Aoba, you must prepare yourself mentally. Once you are successfully promoted to Jonin, there is a high probability that the Hokage will dispatch you to the front lines of the war against Iwagakure."

There's such a good thing?

Uchiha Aoba was stunned. He had wondered what Uchiha Fugaku wanted to discuss, and it was just this?

For others, participating in the war was a last resort.

But for him, someone who wanted to rapidly increase his template synchronization rate, he was secretly hoping for it.

One had to realize that Uchiha Aoba had already prepared himself for the possibility of not being able to participate in the war for a while.

He had thought he would have to wait until next year—the 47th year of Konoha—when Kirigakure entered the war and the Uchiha clan was deployed as a primary force, before he could continue farming his synchronization rate on the battlefield.

He had even planned to gather some men and start raising his synchronization rate through missions.

He hadn't expected Uchiha Fugaku to give him such a pleasant surprise.

Had he known that being promoted to Jonin came with such perks, Uchiha Aoba wouldn't have hesitated for a second to accept.

Then again.

No matter how happy he felt inside, Uchiha Aoba could not show it on his face.

On the contrary, he had to put on a troubled expression, falling into deep thought for a while before finally speaking with difficulty: "It is all for the clan; I am duty-bound."

"I understand your predicament, but I am truly gratified that you have agreed."

Uchiha Fugaku spoke with a heavy tone: "Since that is the case, just as I said before, the clan will never treat a hero unfairly. As long as you return safely from the battlefield, you may choose any ninjutsu in the clan's archives."

"Very well." Uchiha Aoba nodded. Not caring for the empty promises laid out before him, he stood up to take his leave.

"If there is nothing else, I shall take my leave now."

"No rush." Uchiha Fugaku waved his hand to decline.

"It is getting late; stay and have lunch at my home."

"Fine."

Not having to go back to cook and getting to mooch a meal at a wealthy household, Uchiha Aoba was happy again.

Uchiha Fugaku was truly a decent man.

Lunchtime.

To host him, Uchiha Mikoto cooked a grand feast, allowing Uchiha Aoba to eat to his heart's content.

At the dining table, Uchiha Aoba also saw the three-year-old brat and future "filial son," Uchiha Itachi.

Facing the little face that looked at him with curiosity, he could not help but reach out to pinch the boy's cheeks, laughing inwardly as he watched Uchiha Itachi look completely unwilling yet unable to dodge.

No matter how "filial" you become in the future, right now you are still being toyed with in the palm of Uchiha Aoba's hand.

However, since he had come to this world and obtained the Madara template.

Some tragedies simply could not be allowed to happen again.

Some regrets were things Uchiha Aoba decided he would do his utmost to remedy.

Otherwise, wouldn't his arrival have been in vain?