He offered special training beyond the academy curriculum and "slightly" special equipment, but the price was absolute loyalty and obedience.
For children like Shun and Entetsu, it was hardly a choice at all.
He took them to the Secret Base and showed them just the tip of the iceberg.
Those glowing runes, strange devices, and "Scientific Ninja Tools" far beyond their understanding...
The two youngsters' eyes lit up instantly.
It was more than a thirst for power. They had glimpsed "another possibility," a ray of hope that they could "survive, and live better."
Of course, Uchiha Makoto still wasn't entirely at ease.
Once they had reached a preliminary agreement and chosen to pledge their loyalty, he used the power of his Four-Tomoe Sharingan, combined with the Cursed Seal ability manifested by the system, to quietly plant an extremely subtle "heart seed" while their minds were at their least guarded.
It wasn't complete mind control. It was more like a deep-seated anchor of loyalty and a psychological suggestion, ensuring they wouldn't readily betray him.
For Uchiha Makoto, who intended to build his own team and do things that couldn't stand the light of day, not a single necessary safeguard could be skipped.
Now, his core team was more or less assembled.
Uchiha Makoto looked at the three children before him, all close in age and all acquainted far too early with the world's kindness and cruelty, and began planning their roles.
Nako, nine years old: logistical support, medical assistance, and intelligence organization.
She was still a little soft, but she could get things done. She had already mastered basic first aid and equipment operation. Later, he could train her in specialized medicine and poison identification, while making her a dependable little housekeeper on the side.
Shun, ten years old: a promising