Though Chiba was a member of the Uchiha Clan, he was also a transmigrator—and a transmigrator with a system.
Leaning on his cane and feeling his way along, he made it to the door.
Chiba didn't knock. He knew she was here.
Click.
The door opened, revealing a lovely young girl standing in the doorway.
Izumi Uchiha was a girl of the same age as Chiba.
Though she was only five, her delicate features already promised she'd grow into a beauty capable of bringing kingdoms to ruin.
The girl stood with her hands on her hips, her cheeks puffed out as she looked at Chiba, who was drenched in sweat. She was clearly annoyed.
"Chiba, tomorrow's our entrance ceremony! We agreed we'd have a proper celebration tonight, so why did you come back looking so filthy?"
Though the girl called him "Chiba," they weren't related by blood.
Her father and Chiba's father had been close friends despite their age difference. Three years ago, Chiba's parents died while on a mission, and from then on, he had lived with her family.
"Did you go spar with the clan head's little genius again?"
Chiba scratched his head sheepishly.
Since the Ninja Academy was opening tomorrow, he'd lingered to talk a little longer with Itachi. As a result, he'd come home late.
He'd assumed Koizumi was upset about that.
Unfortunately, he was wrong.
"So... who won in the end?"
"Obviously, I did!"
At that, all her displeasure vanished.
Koizumi's face lit up with a smile, her pretty eyes crinkling into crescents. She looked adorable.
"I knew it!"
"Chiba, you're the best!"
"I'm always hearing people in the clan go on about how talented the clan head's son is, how he's some incredible genius. But now that I've seen him, he's not all that!"
"My Chiba is way more impressive!"
"Chiba, you're just too modest. Otherwise, everyone would already know your name!"
At that, Chiba sighed faintly.
If only you knew, Koizumi. Your Chiba's name had already spread far and wide.
The blind Uchiha—who in all of Konoha hadn't heard of him?
Even those who'd never seen him had heard of someone like him.
His reputation wasn't exactly good, but he was famous all the same.
And—
Koizumi, you're seriously underestimating Itachi Uchiha.
It was only because he had the system that he could keep Itachi in check.
Itachi had already been absurdly powerful in the original story. But now, because Chiba had appeared, Itachi's growth was even more explosive than it had been in the original.
He was only five and hadn't even started school yet.
In Chiba's eyes, Itachi was already stronger than some Chunin.
"Okay, okay, Chiba, come inside and rest!"
Chiba nodded, felt his way into the house, and went straight to the bathroom.
After taking off his clothes, he lay back in the bathtub.
As soon as Chiba got in, Koizumi stripped naked and climbed in after him.
Splash!
Water sprayed all over the bathroom floor.
Chiba looked helpless.
"Koizumi, don't you think we should be a little more careful about this?"
"Careful about what? You can't see me anyway, Chiba."
Koizumi blinked her big, sparkling eyes. She didn't bother to cover herself, and her naked little figure looked adorable.
"Besides, I'm not embarrassed, so why are you? We've been doing this for years, haven't we?"
"You can't see, Chiba, so of course I have to take care of you!"
Koizumi didn't know why Chiba was so good at fighting despite being blind.
But she'd seen him feel his way around with his cane in daily life, so she knew he still needed her help.
As she spoke, Koizumi reached toward Chiba, intending to help him bathe.
Looking at the naked Koizumi, Chiba let out a long sigh and gazed up at the ceiling, feeling conflicted.
If she found out I could see, would Koizumi beat me to death?
At that moment, a transparent panel appeared before Chiba.
God-Level Template System Host: Uchiha Chiba First Template: Fujitora Issho Completion: 5.3% Every 5% increase in completion grants one template ability. Unlock the next template when completion reaches 10%. First Template Ability: 1. Observation Haki [Perfect] Daily Mission: Swing 1,000 times, reward: % completion [Completed]
Chiba really was blind.
But his Observation Haki had reached the perfect level.
What did "perfect" mean?
The beginner level was the entry stage; the intermediate level extended one's range; at the advanced level, one could sense good and evil and briefly see into the future.
Perfect was beyond the realm of Future Sight. It could replace one's eyes and see everything.
As long as Chiba used his Perfect Observation Haki to the fullest,
he could perceive every detail of everything within range.
It was even more impressive than the Byakugan. He could even pinpoint an opponent's weaknesses and flaws.
Because of his age, using his Perfect Observation Haki at full strength took a lot out of him.
So normally, he could only sense vague outlines, just like Fujitora Issho himself. He still couldn't see.
Chiba's Observation Haki had reached the perfect level thanks to the system's starter gift, which could raise one template ability to its peak.
And at that moment,
Chiba quietly activated his Perfect Observation Haki.
Looking at the naked Koizumi,
Chiba felt his life was complete...
Chapter 3
Cherry blossoms drifted down, lending the Uchiha Clan grounds a stern air.
Itachi Uchiha had been awake since early morning.
Today was his first day at the Ninja Academy.
For once, Uchiha Fugaku—the head of the Konoha Military Police Force, the leader of the Uchiha Clan, and Itachi's father—had stayed home.
He'd set aside all his affairs and quietly watched his son.
"Sit down, Itachi."
Uchiha Fugaku knelt on the floor and pointed to the cushion in front of him.
He'd set aside the authority he usually carried as the head of the Police Force and the clan. His expression was still stern, but there was also a hint of affection in it.
After all, today marked the first step on his son's path as a ninja.
"Father!"
Itachi knelt on the cushion as well and quietly looked at his father.
"Itachi, today is the first day of the Ninja Academy, and the first day you step beyond the Uchiha Clan."
"Remember, when you're out there, you represent the Uchiha Clan!"
The Uchiha Clan...?
There was not the slightest expression on Itachi's face.
But as he recalled what Chiba had told him the day before, a flicker of confusion passed through his eyes.
"Father."
"Yes? Go ahead."
"Can only fire... burn leaves?"
For an instant, shock appeared on Fugaku's face.
It lasted only a moment, but he was still surprised that Itachi would ask such a question.
He put his surprise aside, then smiled and patted Itachi on the head.
"Yes. The firelight will illuminate Konoha."
"That light is dazzling. It brings admiration, but also jealousy."
"In the future, you'll meet all kinds of people."
"Just remember, you belong to the Uchiha. You are nothing but Uchiha—"
Itachi nodded thoughtfully.
"I understand, Father!"
Nothing but Uchiha.
I understand. Do I really understand?
What Chiba and Father were trying to tell me seemed to be the same.
But...
Wasn't the Uchiha Clan part of Konoha?
Why couldn't I look at things from a broader perspective?
"After I let you see the battlefield, you decided to enter the Academy early. The war's duration is uncertain, and once you graduate, you may be sent to the battlefield."
"Can you tell me why?"
Uchiha Fugaku looked calmly at Itachi.
At that, Itachi fell silent.
As if he'd seen through Itachi's thoughts, Fugaku continued.
"What about that friend of yours? How is he?"
Itachi looked up at his father.