In the depths of winter, bitter winds darted through Konoha's streets and alleys like mischievous sprites. Five-year-old Shisui walked steadily along the streets, his posture straight and confident.
Who would have guessed that at such a young age, he already stood five feet tall—far taller than other children his age?
He wore a purple-black high-collared shirt and a scarf around his neck. The fabric was soft and smooth, catching the sunlight with a subtle sheen.
On the back of his shirt was the unmistakable Uchiha Gunbai emblem, a silent declaration of his prestigious heritage and remarkable clan.
Shisui's steps were light, and his gaze was far more composed than his age suggested. Every so often, he glanced at the shops and passersby around him.
The stalls along the street were neatly arranged with all sorts of goods: finely crafted ninja tools, brightly colored fabrics, and sweet-smelling dango.
The commoners' reactions, however, were entirely different. When their eyes fell on the Uchiha Gunbai on Shisui's back, their previously relaxed or busy expressions froze at once.
Some people stopped in their hurried tracks. Others unconsciously paused what they were doing, all turning to look at Shisui.
Their eyes held a barely concealed hostility. Their gazes were like sharp needles, seemingly filled with deep resentment. Several children playing nearby were quickly pulled behind the adults, their eyes full of wariness.
Time passed quietly in Konoha. In the blink of an eye, five years had gone by.
Throughout those long years, Shisui walked the streets and alleys of Konoha every day. He had noticed that the way the commoners looked at the Uchiha Clan had never changed.
The complicated emotions in their eyes hung over the Uchiha Clan like a heavy, unrelenting gloom.
At that moment, Shisui strolled leisurely along Konoha's streets. His expression was calm, and his dark eyes were deep as an unfathomable pool as he quietly took in everything around him.
It's been five years, and the commoners still look at the Uchiha Clan the same way. Shisui murmured to himself, his tone full of resignation and understanding.
As someone who had crossed over and knew the story of Naruto, he understood that behind it all, the Hokage and that mysterious "Darkness of the Shinobi" were pulling the strings.
This force lurking in the shadows subtly influenced the balance between the village's factions and swayed the people's feelings and opinions.
Shisui didn't linger. He left the bustling, noisy street and headed toward the towering red, round building in the village: the Hokage Building.
The Hokage Building stood imposing and dignified, like a steadfast guardian bearing witness to Konoha's changing fortunes.
The area in front of it was packed with people. Shinobi in green flak jackets hurried back and forth, moving with agility and sharp eyes. Every step showed their disciplined efficiency; they were clearly carrying out important missions.
Looking up, Shisui occasionally heard the high-pitched cries of hawks overhead. Their swift silhouettes cut across the azure sky, lending the shinobi village an air of solemn menace.
Shisui seemed not to notice. He simply tightened the scarf around his neck, warding off the winter chill, then walked around the Hokage Building and through a grove of cherry trees that had already withered.
Once, the grove had been a riot of blossoms, as beautiful as clouds and rosy skies. When the breeze blew, petals drifted down like snow. Now, only bare branches remained, shivering in the cold wind—a remnant of its former glory.
Beyond the bleak grove, a lively building came into view: Konoha's Ninja Academy. Its gates stood open, seemingly ready to welcome every child with a dream of becoming a shinobi.
With steady, unhurried steps, Shisui entered the school grounds. The campus was already bustling with parents and children arriving to sign up.
The young parents wore eager smiles, their eyes following the children bouncing along beside them. They seemed to picture their little ones shining on the path of a shinobi someday.
The children were curious and excited. Clutching their parents' hands, they looked around and chattered about the school life that was about to begin.
A gentle breeze carried the fresh scent unique to Konoha. Shisui stood quietly, slowly scanning the crowd, his heart as calm as still water.
He thought of his beloved grandmother, who had passed away from illness when he was four. Those had been dark days. For the first time since crossing over, he had experienced the pain of losing someone dear—and awakened his Sharingan as a result.
His clan had begun taking his education seriously, too. The clan head personally arranged for an experienced jonin instructor to train their Uchiha prodigy. But Shisui had firmly declined the offer and chosen to attend the Ninja Academy instead.
The grounds were crowded, full of laughter and chatter. Rin Nohara stood among the people in a lovely pink-and-white outfit, like a blossoming flower—fresh and radiant.
She smiled sweetly and looked lively as she turned to Obito and said softly, "It really is lively here, isn't it, Obito?"
Her voice was clear and sweet, like a bird singing in the woods, and it went straight into Obito's ears. He froze as if under a binding spell. First he stared blankly, then his face quickly turned red, all the way to the tips of his ears.
Nervously scratching his head, he ran his fingers through his messy hair. His mind went blank, and it took him a while to stammer out a reply. "Ah... yeah! Rin."
As soon as the words left his mouth, he thought he'd spoken too loudly. People nearby turned to look, making him so embarrassed he wanted the ground to swallow him.
Seeing Obito like that, Rin burst into giggles. Her laughter rang like silver bells, especially sweet amid the hubbub of the schoolyard. Watching her smile, Obito was once again entranced.
Amid the noisy crowd gathered to sign up at the Ninja Academy, Kakashi's trademark silver hair stood out.
He stood straight and walked with steady steps, but wore a black mask that left only his dead-fish eyes visible. At that moment, he looked at Obito without the slightest change in expression and said, "Idiot."
His voice wasn't loud, but it easily cut through the surrounding noise and reached Obito's ears.
Obito was already annoyed with himself for making a fool of himself in front of Rin. Kakashi's jab made him flare up instantly.
How could he lose face in front of the girl he liked?
Obito flew into a rage. He whipped around, his eyes blazing as he glared at Kakashi, who was always at odds with him and never came over with good intentions.
"You white-haired bastard!" Obito yelled, his face flushed and the veins bulging in his neck as he waved his fists. "I'm not an idiot!"
He looked ready to charge at Kakashi and fight him the very next second. The parents and children nearby turned curious eyes toward them at the heated argument. The little confrontation made the already lively registration area even more boisterous.