Learning Sealing Jutsu

Although Konoha's official records still listed Uchiha Shinichi as a "Genin," everyone in Konoha—and anyone with a discerning eye in the shinobi world—knew that this nominal Genin could not be judged by ordinary standards.

His achievements had long since surpassed anything expected of a so-called "Genin."

During Kumogakure's ambush, he had rescued the Second Hokage Tobirama Senju, single-handedly tearing through the encirclement and bringing Konoha's core forces back from the brink.

During the Stone ninja's pursuit, he had reduced an entire elite unit to ashes with nothing but a fiery blade that burned all things to nothing, directly changing the course of the battle.

Even an elite Jonin might not have been capable of such feats, let alone a "Genin."

Yet Shinichi had never accepted a single official mission assignment. He had neither served in a regular ninja squad nor gone on record as carrying out missions under an instructor. In the village's official statistics, he was a thoroughly idle Genin whose basic mission points were still at zero.

But that was precisely what made his existence all the more intimidating. Just how terrifying was the true strength of a "Genin" who had never officially undertaken a mission, yet could work miracles on the battlefield?

Even more exasperating was that Shinichi himself did not seem to care. He still lived by the principle of never standing when he could lie down and never working hard when he could slack off.

Even when people privately remarked that Konoha's "strongest Genin" could easily be promoted straight to Jonin, or even join the upper ranks, Shinichi merely rolled over lazily and replied without a care:

"Ugh, too much trouble. You have to write reports after missions, too. Just thinking about it gives me a headache..."

And so the legend of Konoha's "laziest Genin" officially began to spread.

Uchiha Shinichi lay sprawled along the veranda, his hands behind his head as he gazed thoughtfully at the stars scattered across the night sky, a blade of foxtail grass between his lips.

Just then, he quietly posed a question to the System in his mind:

"System, how am I supposed to awaken my Sharingan?"

His tone was lazy, with little hint of obsession, but inwardly he was full of curiosity and anticipation.

"I really want Obito's ocular jutsu!"

Kamui—a Space-Time Ninjutsu with the ultimate defense and surprise attacks—was practically a cheat!

If I could awaken Obito's Mangekyō Sharingan, wouldn't that make me a walking glitch in the shinobi world?

The System fell silent for a moment before its familiar mechanical voice sounded:

[Ding—host's wish received. According to system analysis, the Uchiha Clan's Sharingan typically awakens in response to intense emotional stimuli. Pain, anger, or the loss of something important are particularly likely to trigger this kekkei genkai.]

Shinichi frowned slightly. Of course he knew about awakening through pain. After all, almost every Uchiha who awakened their eyes in the original story had gained the Sharingan's power only after losing a loved one or enduring some extreme shock.

That was also why the Uchiha Clan was known as a people whose hatred ran deeper the more deeply they loved.

Shinichi raised an eyebrow and remarked casually:

"System, you're not going to make me find someone to kill just to awaken it, are you? That would be way too much trouble. Not worth it."

System: [...In theory, the host may determine his own method of awakening.]

"Then is there a way to awaken it without suffering?" Shinichi narrowed his eyes, a faint smile hovering at his lips. "Like... giving me a Sharingan as a system reward?"

The System was silent for a moment, then replied coldly:

[Dream on, host.]

Shinichi pursed his lips. Sure enough, there was no shortcut.

But he was in no hurry. Now that he knew how the Sharingan awakened, he could "create the conditions" whenever he wanted, perhaps by setting himself an intense mental challenge—but he could not be bothered to seek out pain on purpose.

He had no desire to personally experience that unforgettable "awakening package" just to trade it for a pair of red eyes.

Shinichi yawned, rolled over lazily, and continued joking in his mind:

"Forget it. Ryujin Jakka is already ridiculously powerful. The Sharingan can awaken whenever it awakens."

He was not foolish enough to manufacture drama for himself just to awaken his eyes.

Still, if an opportunity really did come along...

"Kamui... tsk. Now that's a tempting ability."

The corners of Shinichi's mouth lifted slightly as he gazed deeply into the night sky, considering the possible paths his future might take.

Along the banks of the Naka River, a breeze brushed against their faces. Sunlight fell across the stream, making its rippling surface shimmer with a gentle glow.

Tsunade sat cross-legged on the riverbank, holding an entire grilled fish and eating with relish.

She showed none of the restraint expected of a young lady from a prestigious ninja family. Her mouth was stuffed with fish, her hands busily peeling away its skin, and her eyes looked as contented as a well-fed kitten's.

"Whew—so delicious! Shinichi, your grilled fish really is unbeatable!"

Beside her, Uchiha Shinichi looked entirely unsurprised. He leaned lazily against a rock with one hand behind his head, casually tearing off a small piece of fish with the other and popping it into his mouth, his movements relaxed and unhurried.

"Tsunade, if you keep eating like that, old man Tobirama's going to find out sooner or later. Then you can look forward to being banned from eating it."

Tsunade froze, her movements stopping abruptly with half a fish still bulging in her mouth. She stiffly turned to Shinichi and asked in horror:

"Y-you're not going to tell on me, are you?"

Shinichi chewed his fish slowly and gave her a meaningful smile.

"If I happen to 'accidentally' let it slip, the Second Hokage will definitely tighten control over your diet. Your grilled-fish days will be over."

Cold sweat broke out on Tsunade's skin. She hurriedly set down her fish and thumped her chest, declaring with righteous conviction:

"Shinichi! You can't do that! Trust is the most important thing between friends!"

Shinichi glanced at her and drawled:

"Are you sure we're just 'friends'?"

Tsunade blinked, then flushed slightly. She turned away, stammering, and resumed eating as though nothing had happened. "Obviously! Of course we're friends!"

Shinichi smiled faintly at her reaction and did not tease her further.

"All right. Since you're so pitiful, I won't tell the Second Hokage."

Tsunade breathed a sigh of relief and gave Shinichi a grateful look. Then her expression changed, and she eyed him warily. "Wait, you're not planning to use this to blackmail me, are you?!"

Shinichi raised an eyebrow, the corners of his mouth curling upward. "Smart. Looks like you do understand me."

A vein twitched at Tsunade's temple as she spoke through gritted teeth. "...Fine. What do you want?"

Shinichi stretched leisurely and said with a smile:

"From now on, whenever we have grilled fish, you do the prep work, and I lie down and supervise."

Tsunade glared fiercely at him, but finally sighed in resignation. "...Fine. At least I can practice my Chakra Scalpel."

Shinichi nodded in satisfaction. "That's more like it."

The two continued eating their grilled fish amid bickering and laughter, the aroma of charcoal-grilled food filling the air.

Sunlight filtered through the leaves onto them, while the breeze swept across the river and stirred ripples over its surface.

And so they leisurely passed an utterly ordinary afternoon.

At dusk, the last rays of the setting sun spilled into the courtyard of the Senju ancestral residence, bathing it in a warm orange-red glow.

A faint woody fragrance lingered in the air. A breeze brushed through the courtyard's maple tree, sending several red leaves drifting onto the bluestone paving.

Uchiha Shinichi strolled leisurely behind Tsunade into the Senju ancestral residence, his hands clasped behind his head.

This was a place renowned throughout the shinobi world. Any other Uchiha setting foot here would probably have caused quite a stir.

But with his status as "Tobirama Senju's student," along with his occasional visits to cadge a meal, Shinichi had long since made himself at home.

When they entered the main hall, Mito Uzumaki was seated upright on the tatami, sipping a cup of hot tea. Her gentle gaze settled on Shinichi and Tsunade as they crossed the threshold.

Her presence was like a tranquil lake. Though the years had left faint traces on her face, they could not obscure her elegance and dignity.

"Grandma!" Tsunade ran over happily and threw herself into Mito Uzumaki's arms, nuzzling her shoulder as she said sweetly, "We practiced ninjutsu by the Naka River again today. Shinichi's grilled fish was as delicious as ever!"

Mito Uzumaki stroked Tsunade's hair affectionately, her smile gentle. "Really? Then I'll have to try Shinichi's cooking sometime, too."

Just then, Shinichi suddenly came closer, his hands behind his back and his manner obedient and harmless. Blinking his bright black eyes, he asked softly:

"Grandma Mito, could I learn Sealing Jutsu from you?"

As he spoke, he deliberately tilted his head slightly and wore an innocent smile. He looked like a little kitten begging to be cuddled, his eyes full of expectation.

Tsunade's mouth twitched at the sight, and she could not help inwardly ranting, Since when did this guy learn to act cute?! It's disgusting!

Seeing this usually lazy Uchiha boy put on such an expression, Mito Uzumaki smiled so broadly she could hardly stop.

She had always thought highly of Shinichi. Not only was he extraordinarily gifted, but his personality was nothing like the extreme temperaments of ordinary Uchiha. Instead, he was laid-back—perhaps even a little too laid-back.

Seeing him like this now, Mito Uzumaki could not help finding it amusing.

She narrowed her eyes and asked with a soft chuckle, "Oh? Shinichi, why do you suddenly want to learn Sealing Jutsu?"

A glint flashed in Shinichi's eyes. He immediately adopted the expression of a serious, eager student and said solemnly, "You're the greatest Sealing Jutsu master in the shinobi world. Learning your techniques would definitely be a huge help to me in the future. And besides..."

He paused, then added with a cheerful smile, "I heard Sealing Jutsu can preserve the flavor of food, too. That means my grilled fish could always stay at its best, and I wouldn't have to worry about it going cold!"

Tsunade: "..."

Mito Uzumaki paused, then could not help laughing. She raised a hand and lightly tapped Shinichi's forehead, chiding him with a smile. "You certainly have a unique reason for learning Sealing Jutsu, child."

She gently set down her teacup and looked at Shinichi with a gaze that was soft yet dignified. Her tone was gentle but carried a measure of seriousness. "The mysteries of Sealing Jutsu are unfathomably deep. It is far more than a simple technique for preserving food. If you truly wish to learn, I can teach you, but you must take it seriously."

A spark lit Shinichi's eyes at her words, and his lips curled slightly as he thought, Hehe, finally won her over!

He immediately straightened his back and patted his chest in assurance. "Grandma Mito, I'm a very serious person! Please teach me!"

Mito Uzumaki smiled faintly, her eyes shifting as though she had already seen through all his little schemes. But she did not expose him, merely nodding lightly. "Very well. Starting tomorrow, come see me every day. I'll teach you the basics of Sealing Jutsu."

Shinichi was delighted, his smile growing brighter as he began making plans inwardly. Sealing Jutsu is definitely going to be useful in the future!

Meanwhile, Tsunade watched him suspiciously from the side, muttering under her breath, "I just know you're up to no good..."

Watching the two children bicker, Mito Uzumaki's smile deepened, a trace of warmth and nostalgia entering her eyes.

Perhaps these peaceful, heartwarming moments were what she most wanted to protect...