Shisui the Prodigy

"Grandma, I'm home."

Obito pushed open the door of the shabby wooden house and stepped inside.

In the middle of the living room, dishes were laid out on the dining table.

It had been dark for quite a while, yet Grandma was still eating, holding her bowl and chopsticks.

"Obito!"

Beside Grandma sat another small figure, also eating at the table.

He was Obito's distant relative and younger cousin, Shisui Uchiha.

"Hey, Shisui, you're here too." Obito chuckled and walked over to inspect the table.

Braised pork with winter melon, tomatoes and eggs, stir-fried eggplant-the three dishes were barely touched, as though they had only just started eating.

"Grandma, Shisui, why are you only eating now?"

Grandma glanced at Obito, a hint of reproach in her voice. "You have the nerve to ask? We were waiting for you. The food's already gone cold. Why are you only getting home now?"

"Huh?" Obito scratched his head awkwardly. "Grandma, I ate out with my classmates and forgot to tell you. I'm sorry."

Normally, Obito came home for dinner every evening after school.

Today was the first time he had broken that routine to eat ramen with his classmates.

No wonder Grandma had waited for him all this time.

"Honestly, next time, let Grandma know beforehand. Don't be so careless." Grandma sighed.

Obito nodded. "I understand, Grandma. If it happens again, you don't have to wait for me."

"Grandma, I'm full." Shisui put down his bowl and chopsticks.

He trotted over and grabbed Obito's arm. "Obito, let's go train together. I learned a new Ninjutsu these past few days, and I want to spar with you."

Shisui was only four years old.

Over a year ago, Obito had deliberately approached Shisui, hoping to latch onto someone powerful, and the two had grown quite close.

Every now and then, Shisui would come over for a meal just like this, then drag Obito off to train with him.

The little guy was practically obsessed with practicing Ninjutsu.

He had only started attending the Ninja Academy this year.

But before he had even enrolled, he had already mastered Shuriken throwing, and had even learned the Great Fireball before Obito.

Some gifted people really were freaks.

Our boy Obito had trained like mad every day after school just to master the Great Fireball Technique.

For a little prodigy like Shisui, it barely took any effort at all.

"A new Ninjutsu? Which one?" Obito asked curiously.

Shisui scratched his little head and smiled earnestly. "The Phoenix Flower Jutsu. Come on, Obito, I can't wait to spar with you."

"What..." Obito was speechless.

Seriously? This little guy had already mastered Phoenix Flower Fire?

You're only four! Where's the justice? How's anyone else supposed to keep up...?

"What's wrong, Obito? Don't you want to?" Shisui's eyes filled with confusion.

Obito ruffled his hair. "It's nothing. Let's go. I'll show you the new Ninjutsu I've learned too."

You might have outstanding talent, but your buddy Obito has a cheat.

There's no way I'd let a little guy like you outdo me.

Still, having a little prodigy like Shisui around was definitely a good thing for Obito.

Shisui and Obito were very close.

In a few years, once Shisui had truly developed his abilities, Obito would be able to copy Ninjutsu directly from him.

I wonder if the system can copy Shisui's ocular technique, Kotoamatsukami?

If I could copy Kotoamatsukami on top of already having Dual Kamui, just thinking about it feels ridiculously overpowered...

"Grandma, we're heading out. I'll be back later."

Obito draped an arm around Shisui's shoulders and headed outside, looking back to speak to Grandma.

Grandma nodded. "All right. Don't stay out too late. Come home early for your bath. I'll get the hot water ready for you."

In the blink of an eye, three months passed.

It was time for Obito, Rin, and the others to graduate from school.

Quite a few things had happened over those three months.

For instance, Obito and Kurenai Yuhi had slipped off into the woods together almost every day after school, and their relationship had progressed rapidly.

For instance, Konoha's White Fang, Hatake Sakumo, had taken his own life not long after the rumors began spreading, using his death to prove his integrity.

Before Hatake Sakumo died, Obito, Rin, Kurenai, and the others had arranged to visit his home as Kakashi's classmates.

Obito had offered Hatake Sakumo some words of encouragement, hoping he would pull himself together.

But Obito was only a child, after all, and adults were unlikely to give much weight to his words.

In the end, nothing changed. Unable to withstand the mental torment of public condemnation, Hatake Sakumo chose to take his own life.

For instance, the two teachers, Liangtian and Keiko, had been dismissed by the Third Hokage and reassigned to patrol duty for the village's defenses.

For instance, that old man Danzo still sent his subordinates to deliver gifts to Obito.

Naturally, Obito accepted every last one, but he never showed the slightest intention of agreeing to join Root.

For instance, within the Uchiha Clan, the clan leader Uchiha Fugaku's wife was pregnant.

Fugaku's wife was Uchiha Mikoto, the mother of Uchiha Itachi and Sasuke Uchiha.

Barring any surprises, the child Mikoto was carrying should be Uchiha Itachi.

Another little Uchiha prodigy was about to be born...

Inside the second-floor office of the Hokage Office Building.

Hiruzen Sarutobi sat behind his desk, puffing away on the pipe in his hand.

Before long, a ninja wearing a green vest entered.

He was a blond-haired, blue-eyed man with a gentle smile on his face.

He was the future Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze.

Minato stopped in front of the desk. "Lord Third, I'm here."

War continued throughout the Shinobi World, with constant friction between nations.

Minato had only recently returned from an assignment, and he had not expected the Third to summon him after barely two days of rest.

"Minato, have you been resting well lately?" Hiruzen Sarutobi asked with a smile.

Minato nodded. "Yes, Lord Third. Did you call me here about the Ninja Academy's latest graduating class?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi set down his pipe. "Minato, you guessed correctly. That is indeed why I called you here."

"The latest class officially graduates this afternoon. I hope you'll help me guide those children properly."

Minato had already been notified upon his return that he would serve as a team leader for the new graduates.

But the other team leaders had received their student rosters long ago.

Minato had yet to receive his roster, and he had not expected Hiruzen Sarutobi to summon him personally today.

Confusion flickered in Minato's eyes. "Which children do you mean?"