Enrollment

Uchiha Chuan's "lying-flat plan" had finally seen a glimmer of hope.

The next day, an idea struck him: he could use a Shadow Clone to deal with Obito Uchiha's invitations to train. There was no way he would train himself. Even if he sent a Shadow Clone over, it would only use the Clone Technique to put on a show.

As for where the Shadow Clone Technique had come from? Naturally, Uchiha Chuan would not ask the clan head or the elders to teach him. He was a "genius"—how could he let others know he did not even know the Shadow Clone Technique? So, after giving it some thought and combining the principles of the Transformation Technique, Clone Technique, and Substitution Technique, he came up with a "False Shadow Clone Technique" himself.

Though this "False Shadow Clone Technique" could not compare to the real Shadow Clone Technique, it was more than enough to fool a hot-blooded youth like Obito Uchiha. To be safe, Uchiha Chuan even had his clone use the Clone Technique as a smokescreen while training. Put simply, the clone just stood there making hand signs as if it were training, while actually doing nothing at all.

As for why the Clone Technique could pull off something like that? Uchiha Chuan's answer was simple: "Anyone with hands can do it."

And so, Uchiha Chuan finally got to lie flat comfortably for another three months. Every day, his clone was dragged off by Obito Uchiha to train, while he himself lounged at home, enjoying the system's "grow stronger by lying flat" benefits. Life was sweet.

However, good times did not last.

That day, Fugaku Uchiha suddenly came to his door with an exquisite scroll in hand. Wearing a pleased smile, he looked at Uchiha Chuan and said, "Uchiha Chuan, this is your admission notice from the Konoha Ninja Academy. You have been specially approved for early enrollment."

"What?!" Uchiha Chuan nearly fell out of his recliner. His eyes widened as he stared at the scroll in Fugaku Uchiha's hand, wailing inwardly, It's over, it's over. My lying-flat days are completely finished!

Fugaku Uchiha clearly failed to notice Uchiha Chuan's breakdown and continued, "Chuan, today is one of the most important days of your life! With your talent, the Ninja Academy's classes should be easy for you. But you must still take them seriously. After all, that is where Konoha's future ninja are nurtured. I believe you will become the pride of the Ninja Academy! The Ninja Academy is Konoha's future, and you will be Uchiha's future!"

"Clan head, do I really have to go?" Uchiha Chuan looked helplessly at Fugaku Uchiha, grumbling inwardly, What does Uchiha's glory have to do with me? I just want to lie flat...

"Of course you have to go!" Elder Uchiha Aoki said with a beaming smile, leaning on his cane. "Chuan, you are Uchiha's hope. How could you not attend the Ninja Academy? We must let everyone know just how dazzling the Uchiha Clan's genius is!"

"That's right!" Second Elder Uchiha En snorted coldly. "Uchiha's glory must be displayed by you!"

"Enough nonsense. Let's go." Third Elder Uchiha Gen spoke coldly, his tone carrying unquestionable authority.

Uchiha Chuan sighed and could only steel himself as he followed the fanatical elders toward the Ninja Academy. He knew full well that there was no escaping today's "show."

Along the way, Fugaku Uchiha and the elders held their heads high, as though announcing to everyone, "Look, this is Uchiha's genius!" Meanwhile, Uchiha Chuan kept his head lowered, quietly figuring out how to muddle through this period without attracting too much attention.

The moment he arrived at the Ninja Academy entrance, Uchiha Chuan sensed an unusual atmosphere. Everyone's gaze was fixed on him, and whispers filled the air.

"That's Uchiha Chuan? I heard he's a genius who learns any ninjutsu after seeing it once!"

"Really? Aren't all Uchiha arrogant as hell?"

"Who knows? Anyway, I heard even the clan head and elders have high hopes for him..."

Uchiha Chuan felt his head throb as he grumbled inwardly, Uchiha's sense of superiority really hurts everyone around them...

Just then, a tall figure approached. He wore a white ninja uniform and had a gentle smile on his face. It was the White Fang of the Leaf—Hatake Sakumo.

"Clan Head Fugaku, elders, good morning." Hatake Sakumo greeted them with a smile before lowering his gaze to Uchiha Chuan. "This must be Uchiha Chuan. Quite an impressive young man."

"Lord White Fang, greetings." Uchiha Chuan nodded politely, though he was somewhat surprised. He had not expected anyone to come over and greet him first.

"Kakashi, come here." Hatake Sakumo beckoned, and a little boy wearing a mask walked over. He looked a year or two younger than Uchiha Chuan, yet his eyes carried a certain maturity.

"This is my son, Kakashi," Hatake Sakumo introduced. "Kakashi, this is Uchiha Chuan. You will be classmates from now on, so say hello."

"Hello, I'm Kakashi Hatake." Kakashi nodded, his tone somewhat aloof. "My dream is to become a ninja as powerful as my father."

Uchiha Chuan looked at Kakashi and sighed inwardly, As expected of the future Copy Ninja. He was already this cool as a child...

Following the words Fugaku Uchiha and the elders had taught him, he put on a solemn expression and said, "Hello, I'm Uchiha Chuan. My dream is to uphold Uchiha's glory and restore Uchiha's splendor."

"Uchiha's glory?" Kakashi raised a brow, his voice carrying a hint of disdain. "That sounds boring."

"Kakashi!" Hatake Sakumo frowned and rebuked him softly. "Do not be rude."

"It's all right, Lord White Fang." Uchiha Chuan smiled, though he grumbled inwardly, Kakashi is right. Uchiha's glory really is boring...

Not far away, the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, stood beneath a tree, silently watching everything. Upon hearing Uchiha Chuan's words, his brows furrowed slightly, and a trace of worry flashed through his eyes.

"Uchiha's glory... Has this child already been influenced by Uchiha's obsession?" Hiruzen Sarutobi murmured softly.

Farther away, within the shadows, Shimura Danzō watched Uchiha Chuan coldly, a vicious glint flashing in his eyes.

"The evil Uchiha... As expected, Uchiha's ambitions have never disappeared!" Danzo clenched his fists, calculating inwardly, This Uchiha Chuan must be eliminated as soon as possible. Otherwise, he will bring endless trouble!

Uchiha Chuan had no idea that he had already become a thorn in certain people's sides. Looking around, he discovered that apart from Hatake Sakumo and Kakashi, not a single person had come over to greet him.

Uchiha's "popularity" really does live up to its reputation... Uchiha Chuan laughed bitterly inwardly.

"Chuan, do your best!" Fugaku Uchiha patted Uchiha Chuan on the shoulder, his tone full of expectation. "Uchiha's future depends on you!"

"Yes, Clan Head." Uchiha Chuan nodded, but inwardly swore, What does Uchiha's future have to do with me? I just want to lie flat! Starting today, I'll keep a low profile in both word and deed. I absolutely won't stand out again!

However, Uchiha Chuan did not know that his "low-profile plan" was destined to fail. Uchiha's glory had already pushed him into the eye of the storm...