Opportunities Often Coexist With Risks

How much earlier could it have been?

Thinking of this, the three of them were rendered speechless and felt a sense of frustration, especially Tsunade and Jiraiya. This indicated that Uchiha Hikaru had possessed strength greater than theirs for a long time, yet they hadn't noticed it at all, foolishly believing that Hikaru's grueling training was meaningless.

While Hikaru was training hard, they had even been off to the side, bragging, sunbathing, and chatting.

At the thought of this, Tsunade and Jiraiya felt a wave of heat rush to their faces; they didn't need to look to know they must be blushing.

"However, since you awakened the Sharingan so early, why did you keep it so quiet?"

This was the point of confusion for the Third Hokage. If Hikaru had spread the news of his awakened Sharingan, he surely would have gained the attention of the Uchiha Clan and received increased resources for his development.

Yet Hikaru had done no such thing, walking his path in obscurity.

Excluding some of the slightly ambiguous topics between him and Tsunade, Hikaru had indeed remained remarkably low-profile.

Looking at the Third Hokage, Hikaru replied calmly: "If the Uchiha Clan only values me because I awakened the Sharingan, then I would rather not have it."

"..."

The Third Hokage was momentarily speechless. Where did a child of only a few years old get such strong self-esteem? But he wasn't wrong; when he had nothing, aside from the necessary subsidies, who had ever cared about him, Uchiha Hikaru?

To look at it from a broader perspective, Hikaru's deceased parents had performed meritorious service for the clan. Was it really so excessive for their child to receive a meager financial subsidy after they had sacrificed their lives?

Was it expected that because Hikaru took the Uchiha subsidy, he shouldn't acknowledge himself as an Uchiha or help the clan when he grew up?

"You child." The Third Hokage didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

Watching the stubborn-looking Hikaru, the smile on the Third Hokage's face slowly faded. He sighed and said, "Aside from your self-esteem, I imagine you also didn't want others to know that you had awakened the Sharingan so early, did you?"

"That's right." Hikaru nodded in admission.

If today's assessment hadn't been turned into this by the Third Hokage, Hikaru wouldn't have exposed his Sharingan. He could have passed a standard assessment without relying on it.

But no one expected the Third Hokage to integrate him into the squad, making him a teammate of the Sannin, and specifically testing him.

Otherwise, the secret of Hikaru's Sharingan would have remained hidden.

"I understand."

The Third Hokage stepped forward, patted Hikaru on the shoulder, and said solemnly: "Your concerns will not come to pass. Even if the Uchiha, or the Senju, or any other clan or major ninja village finds out, the result will be the same. Child, when you should strive for something, you cannot hesitate. Use your own hands to seize the opportunity."

"Danger is often accompanied by opportunity. Forbearance might buy you peace, but it cannot last forever. Do you understand what I mean?"

"..."

Hikaru looked at the Third Hokage, feeling a bit dazed. The Third Hokage was telling him to charge forward boldly, to have no fear, and to show his strength when it was time to do so.

Whatever happened, the Third Hokage would have his back; there was no need to be afraid of the wolf in front or the tiger behind.

Hikaru's worries were not unfounded. Even if the Uchiha Clan knew he had awakened the Sharingan and prioritized his training, they would also be displeased because Hikaru hadn't told the clan first.

This was the crux of the problem. Hikaru did not want to become a pawn in someone else's game, but unfortunately, today the Third Hokage had forcibly changed the path he was walking.

"Yes, I understand."

Looking at the earnest Third Hokage, Hikaru nodded. The entire assessment was a massive gamble. If he bet correctly, he, Uchiha Hikaru, would grow under the wing of the Third Hokage, and his progress would far exceed his past, growing at a rate that could only be described as rapid.

If he bet wrong, Hikaru would end up like Kagami Uchiha, slowly falling out of favor with the clan, even though he currently held no status within it anyway.

Both paths had their pros and cons, and it wasn't a matter of which was better. Compared to the clan's cultivation, Hikaru preferred that the Third Hokage take an interest in him. He did not want to become the second Uchiha Shisui or the second Itachi Uchiha!!!

"Alright, today's assessment is over. Children, your performance was excellent."

Hikaru's performance had shocked the Third Hokage, who then took the opportunity to conclude the day's assessment. At this point, the assessment had lost its meaning. Was he supposed to separate Hikaru and have Tsunade, Orochimaru, and Jiraiya take the test again?

To be honest, such assessments were just a formality, intended more to foster unity and trust within the squad. However, with the surprise that was Hikaru, the assessment had lost its purpose.

"Children, come to the Hokage Office Building tomorrow to collect your headbands. You may go back and rest now."