Uchiha Kanon's Obsession

The Mountain Graveyard.

Cold, clammy air filled the dim cavern. A few battered stone lamps were set into the surrounding rock walls, their flickering flames illuminating a massive, grotesque statue—the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path.

Madara Uchiha sat cross-legged on a stone seat, faint ripples of chakra lingering around him. He propped his forehead on one hand and idly leafed through the latest intelligence White Zetsu had delivered with the other.

"Hmph... that brat Shinichi really is getting more interesting."

Madara's pupils contracted slightly. Beneath his Sharingan, every record of Shinichi's battles lay bare. Ice Release, Sealing Jutsu, the development of Lightning Release Chakra Mode, and even those strange blue Sharingan...

"This boy might... become a new 'Madara' someday."

He slowly closed the report, an amused smile curling his lips.

Yet when he turned to the final page, his expression abruptly froze.

[White Zetsu's Special Observation Log]

—What exactly does poop taste like?

"..."

Rip!

The next instant, Madara mercilessly tore the report to pieces and flung it toward the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path!

"White Zetsu... have you grown tired of living?" A vein throbbed on Madara Uchiha's forehead, and the corner of his mouth twitched.

He suppressed his anger, took a deep breath, and forced himself to calm down.

"Who exactly gave him permission to waste time thinking about questions like this?!"

The nearby White Zetsu hunched their shoulders and quietly backed away, afraid they would become the next targets of those furious Sharingan.

One White Zetsu spoke cautiously. "Uh... well, Lord Madara, this is a very profound philosophical question... if you ever get sealed away, you'll have to consider digestive issues too."

Boom!!!

Before he could finish, Madara abruptly raised his hand. A phantom Susanoo flashed into existence and instantly slapped that White Zetsu underground!

"Useless trash."

Madara snorted coldly, then rubbed his brow in irritation.

He felt that even after living for over a century, he still could not get used to the agony of dealing with the White Zetsu.

"Every last one of you does more harm than good."

He let out a deep sigh, regained his composure, and returned to contemplating the intelligence on Shinichi.

The flickering flames lit Madara Uchiha's stern face. He quietly studied the intelligence in his hand, his lips lifting into a meaningful smile.

"This boy..."

He tapped the armrest of his stone chair lightly, his voice low and commanding. "His talent, his strength, and his rate of growth have all far exceeded my expectations."

Even he was surprised by how quickly Shinichi was growing.

From developing Ice Release and mastering Sealing Jutsu to now beginning research into Lightning Release Chakra Mode.

What did that mean?

It meant that Uchiha Shinichi might truly become the strongest person in the shinobi world someday!

However...

Madara narrowed his eyes slightly, his smile deepening.

"How exactly should I meet him?"

He pondered for a moment, then glanced at another detail in the report. His eyes flickered—

Shinichi seemed interested in Hashirama's granddaughter—Tsunade.

"Heh heh heh..."

Madara could not help chuckling, a peculiar note of mockery entering his voice. "An Uchiha falling in love with a Senju... how very interesting."

The Uchiha and the Senju had been mortal enemies since the dawn of the shinobi world. Although he and Hashirama Senju had once joined hands to establish Konoha, that hatred remained deeply etched into both clans' blood.

And now, the Uchiha's young clan heir had actually fallen for a Senju princess?

How utterly... ironic!

"Shinichi, oh, Shinichi..." Madara shook his head slightly, a cold gleam flashing in his eyes. "If that old fool Hashirama Senju knew, he'd probably laugh his head off."

Yet as he chuckled, Madara Uchiha suddenly burst into wild laughter.

"Ha ha ha ha ha!..."

His laughter echoed endlessly through the cavern, making the surrounding White Zetsu tremble and keeping them from approaching.

The White Zetsu exchanged glances filled with fear and confusion—just what was this Asura of the Ninja World plotting now?

Madara Uchiha's laughter gradually subsided into a murmur. "Interesting... this really is getting more and more interesting..."

The flames flickered in the cavern. Three tomoe slowly revolved in Madara Uchiha's eyes, radiating a chilling sharpness.

Perhaps it's time to have this brat come meet me in person...

The Uchiha Clan Compound, in the faint light of dawn.

Early sunlight filtered through Konoha's branches onto the bluestone streets. The morning mist had yet to disperse, leaving the entire Uchiha Clan Compound exceptionally peaceful.

As usual, Shinichi strolled down the street toward the Senju Main Residence.

He leisurely kicked pebbles along with a stalk of foxtail grass between his lips, wondering what he should research with old man Tobirama today—or whether he should keep slacking off and playing chess, then check on Tsunade's progress with the Strength of a Hundred Technique.

But just as he was about to leave the Uchiha Clan Compound, a graceful figure suddenly blocked his path.

It was Uchiha Kanon!

This gifted girl of the Uchiha Clan was known as "Little Lady Madara." Exceptionally talented and hot-tempered, she had awakened her Two-Tomoe Sharingan at nine, excelled at Lightning Release and Fire Release, and aspired to surpass every other Uchiha and become the strongest ninja.

Now, she stood with her arms folded, looking firmly at Shinichi as she declared bluntly:

"Shinichi, fight me!"

Shinichi stopped, his brow creasing slightly and his mouth twitching.

"...Girl, aren't you being a little too persistent?"

How many times has it been now?!

From their days at the Ninja Academy until now, Uchiha Kanon had challenged him more times than he could count, only for him to casually brush her off every time.

At first, he had managed to fool her with shadow clones. Later, Kanon had seen through his tricks and even blocked his front door to challenge him, leaving Shinichi unsure whether to laugh or cry.

Shinichi sighed lazily, tucked his hands into his pockets, and looked at her helplessly. "Kanon, can't you find another hobby? Is challenging me every single day really that fun?"

At his words, Uchiha Kanon clenched her teeth in fury and glared at him. "Enough nonsense! You're the Uchiha Clan's young heir, yet you've never shown your true strength. Do you even know how to fight?!"

Shinichi nearly choked.

"Huh? I don't know how to fight?"

He was the man who had personally carried Tobirama Senju home, rushed a thousand miles to reinforce Tsunade, and fought Hiruzen Sarutobi!

But on second thought, he really had never properly displayed his strength in the Uchiha Clan Compound. To his clansmen, he was nothing but a young heir who spent all day slacking off and loafing around.

"Tsk... looks like you won't know how strong I am until I teach you a lesson." Shinichi shook his head helplessly, a mischievous smile curling his lips.

Shinichi gently loosened his neck, his lips lifting slightly as he drawled, "Fine, I'll play with you today... but you'd better brace yourself, Kanon."

"Because you're absolutely no match for me."

Uchiha Kanon's fighting spirit flared even higher. Without hesitation, she took a combat stance. "Hmph, I won't lose!"

"Come on! Let me see what you're really made of, young heir!"

A breeze swept past, and the air seemed to freeze.

A clash between Uchiha prodigies was about to stir up the clan compound!

The wind whistled, and a subtle pressure filled the air.

Uchiha Kanon's Two-Tomoe Sharingan shone scarlet as she stared intently at Uchiha Shinichi across from her.

She had never craved victory as badly as she did today!

"Here I come."

The next instant, Kanon shot forward. Lightning flashed, her chakra erupted, and she stamped hard against the ground, hurtling toward Shinichi like a bolt of lightning. The kunai in her hand sliced through the air straight toward his throat!

Lightning Release: Lightning Body Flicker!

Shinichi's blue Sharingan turned slightly. Rather than retreating, he shifted sideways and effortlessly evaded her attack. Then he reached out with one hand, caught her wrist as casually as if he were taking a stroll, and gave it a gentle twist—

Bam!

Kanon instantly lost her balance, and Shinichi effortlessly flung her away!

"Damn it!" Kanon quickly adjusted her posture in midair, planted both feet hard against the ground, and slid several meters before steadying herself. Her gaze grew increasingly grave.

This guy... is this strong even without the Sharingan?!

She gritted her teeth, unwilling to believe Shinichi could counter her attack so easily. Without hesitation, she charged forward again, rapidly forming hand seals.

Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique!

A blazing fireball hurtled toward Shinichi like a meteor. Waves of heat surged outward, warping the surrounding air!

Yet Shinichi merely lifted his eyelids and calmly extended one finger—

"Ice Release: Immaculate Ice Shield."

In an instant, a transparent shield formed from freezing ice crystals appeared. Frigid air raged outward, instantly freezing the incoming flames!

"What?!" Kanon's pupils contracted sharply. She had never imagined her Fire Release could be countered so easily.

But instead of retreating, she closed in on Shinichi again. Lightning gathered around her hands as she drove a fist forward!

Lightning Release: Thunderclap Fist!

"Taijutsu?" Shinichi raised an eyebrow slightly, his smile widening.

"Then let me show you... real taijutsu."

Shave!

Whoosh!

Kanon's vision blurred, and Shinichi suddenly vanished from where he stood!

"Wha—?"

She instinctively activated her Sharingan to track his movements, but unfortunately, her Two-Tomoe Sharingan could not keep up with his speed!

Six Styles: Finger Pistol!

Bam!

A finger touched her shoulder and pressed down gently—

Boom!!!

Kanon flew backward and slammed hard into a nearby stone pillar. A trace of blood spilled from her mouth, and her arm went numb, leaving her unable to move!

"How is that possible..." She stared at Shinichi in disbelief. "You haven't even awakened your Sharingan, so why..."

Shinichi stood leisurely in place, his hands in his pockets and a faint smile on his face.

"Don't get the wrong idea, Kanon."

"The Sharingan has never been the only source of strength."

"You rely on it too much. That's why you think you can't become strong without awakening it."

"Unfortunately for you... I'm an exception."

Kanon's face flushed. She refused to accept this! She refused to lose to Shinichi like this!

She stared fixedly at him, her teeth clenched. Frustration and anger kept building inside her, her blood boiling as chakra surged wildly!

"Damn it... how could I lose to you like this... I have to win..."

At that very moment—

Vmmm!!!

Her eyes trembled violently, and the tomoe deep within her pupils began spinning madly!

Her Two-Tomoe Sharingan slowly evolved!

Her Three-Tomoe Sharingan fully took shape!!!

In an instant, Kanon's vision became incredibly clear. She could clearly see the flow of air and even perceive Shinichi's smallest movements!

"So this is... the world of the Three-Tomoe Sharingan..."

She abruptly raised her head, a brilliant red light blazing in her eyes!

"Shinichi, I won't lose this time!"

Shinichi paused, then could not help laughing. "Oh? You're really giving it your all."

He raised a hand and lightly patted his forehead, saying helplessly, "Never mind. Let's stop here for today."

Kanon froze. "What do you mean?"

Shinichi spread his hands with a smile. "I mean... I don't want to keep picking on a little girl who's only just awakened her eyes."

"Consider today my gift for your advancement."

Uchiha Shinichi stood quietly in front of Kanon, then slowly crouched and gently helped her up.

He slowly extended his other hand. A soft green glow appeared in his palm, and warm chakra enveloped Kanon's wounds, bringing a gentle, soothing warmth.

Mystical Palm Technique!

Kanon stared blankly at his faintly glowing hand, her heart filled with conflicting emotions.

Her pride, her obsession, and all her hard work had been casually shattered by Shinichi in this fight.

She was frustrated and furious. She refused to simply admit that she had fallen far behind him!

Yet beyond that disappointment, there was something more... a strange feeling she had never experienced before.

He's supposed to be my sworn rival, yet he's healing my wounds so gently?

Kanon bit her lip. Her scarlet Three-Tomoe Sharingan slowly revolved, reflecting Shinichi's relaxed smile.

"...Why?" Her voice was slightly hoarse as she suppressed her emotions. "Why are you helping me?"

Shinichi glanced up at her, a faint smile curling his lips. "Hmm? Did you think I'd just leave you here?"

Kanon froze and lowered her head to look at her steadily healing wounds, while her fists quietly tightened.

"...I don't need your pity," she said softly, her voice stubborn.

Shinichi could not help chuckling at that. "Come on, I'm not pitying you," he drawled.

He tilted his head slightly, looking calmly at her as he teased, "You're the pride of the Uchiha. How could I bear to let you die at my hands?"

Kanon froze, her heart skipping a beat.

The pride of the Uchiha...?

A flicker of conflicted emotion crossed her eyes.

Ever since she was little, the glory of the Uchiha had been drilled into her. Her grandfather Uchiha Setsuna's teachings had instilled in her an unparalleled devotion to the Uchiha name.

She trained hard and challenged Shinichi again and again, all to prove she was stronger than him—to prove that she was the Uchiha's true genius!

Yet now, the man she had always regarded as her rival had defeated her with ease, then healed her wounds with such tenderness...

It was as though a crack had opened in her pride and her obsession, letting a tangle of emotions quietly spill out and leaving her at a loss.

"Shinichi..." she murmured, her fingers curling slightly as though trying to grasp something.

Shinichi thought nothing of it. He patted her shoulder and rose with a smile, withdrawing his hand as the green glow gradually faded.

"All right, your wounds are healed. Time to head back and rest," he said, turning to leave.

Kanon watched his retreating figure as a subtle emotion grew stronger within her. Finally, she took a deep breath and looked up at Shinichi, a trace of defiance in her voice—

"Next time... I'll win!"

Shinichi stopped and glanced back at her, raising an eyebrow slightly, a hint of amusement in his eyes.

"Oh?" He chuckled. "Then I'll be waiting."

With that, he left the Uchiha Clan Compound using the Body Flicker Technique.

Kanon stood rooted to the spot, her gaze fixed on the direction Shinichi had gone, her heart inexplicably beating a little faster.

She lowered her head to look at the fingers she had just curled, biting her lip lightly as her Three-Tomoe Sharingan slowly spun.

"Uchiha Shinichi... you..."

Beneath the night sky, a faint blush rose to her cheeks.

And White Zetsu had recorded the entire battle.