"Rewards Obtained: Perception Ninjutsu"
"First-time teaching completed. Reward: Appraisal Technique"
"First A-rank lesson completed. Reward: Mastery of Fire Element Chakra Nature Transformation"
Makoto was pleasantly surprised as he received three rewards in a row. His mind was suddenly filled with memories, particularly about the mastery of Fire Element Chakra nature transformation. These memories felt so real that Makoto almost believed he was a seasoned fire-user, trained in the arts for decades.
"Mr. Hoshino, may I ask you something?" Shisui asked respectfully.
Makoto paused, intending to review his system panel again, but instead led Shisui to an isolated area behind the academy, scanning the surroundings with his newly gained Perception Ninjutsu. Sensing no strong chakra signatures, he relaxed.
With a smile, he asked, "Is it something from today's lesson that you didn't understand?"
Shisui shook his head. "No, it's not about the lesson. I have a different question."
"Teacher, you know that the Senju Clan and Uchiha Clan founded Konoha together. But why does everyone only remember the Senju, while barely anyone speaks about the Uchiha's contribution?"
Though still a child, Shisui was exceptionally mature and observant. Whenever he went out with his elders, he noticed the strange looks people gave when they saw the Uchiha crest.
Why were the Uchiha, once Konoha's co-founders, not only forgotten but seemingly disliked? Shisui couldn't comprehend it.
Looking at Shisui's confused face, Makoto internally sighed. Senju Hashirama is practically worshipped in Konoha, while Uchiha Madara is vilified. How can these two even compare?
"Have you only read history within the clan?" Makoto asked.
Shisui nodded. At his age, he had only been exposed to Uchiha-centered history.
"A lot of events happened to bring things to this point. It's a complex story that would be hard to explain quickly," Makoto said, his face showing hesitation.
Seeing his teacher struggle, Shisui felt guilty. Perhaps this was more complicated than he imagined, and he considered dropping the subject. But before he could, Makoto sighed and continued.
"If you're free after school, come find me. I'll tell you about the history that led to this situation."
Makoto sighed deeply. "Besides, I owe the Uchiha Clan a favor. Consider this my way of repaying it."
Shisui was puzzled. "How does the teacher owe our clan a favor?"
Makoto smiled and explained, "During the war, my parents were trapped by the enemy, but they were saved by a ninja named Uchiha Kagami. Although they eventually died in the later battles, I've always remembered that debt of gratitude."
Shisui's eyes widened in surprise. Uchiha Kagami was his grandfather. He hadn't expected such a connection with his teacher, and it stirred an odd feeling in him.
Though touched, Shisui wasn't one to use favors for personal gain, so he merely thanked Makoto quietly. Before leaving, however, Makoto used the Appraisal Technique on him.
"Name: Uchiha Shisui"
"Chakra: 500"
"Potential: SS-"
"Evaluation: Wielder of Six Paths Bloodline, highly suited for Fire Release and Genjutsu. Immense potential. Recommended for apprenticeship."
Makoto marveled as he walked back to his office. No wonder Shisui became so powerful. Two shining 'S' grades! Even the system recommends taking him as an apprentice.
Curious about his own evaluation, Makoto opened his system panel.
"Name: Hoshino Makoto"
"Age: 18"
"Chakra: 4,300"
"Evaluation: Master of Fire Element Chakra Nature Transformation. Your limited chakra is the only thing holding you back. With this weakness resolved, you'd be an elite among Jonin."
I've underestimated what 'mastery' truly means, Makoto thought. This level of Fire Chakra control might be comparable to the Third Hokage's.
Makoto wasn't skilled in much aside from two Fire Jutsus, the Body Flicker Technique, and basic Taijutsu, but with this new mastery and an increase in chakra, he could reach elite Jonin levels.
Elite Jonin… that's Kakashi and Asuma's level at the start of the series.
Feeling his newfound power, Makoto was thrilled, but his joy was tempered by the realization of his secret role in Root. The curse mark placed on him by Danzo was unsettling, and knowing that Danzo loved using his subordinates as pawns made him even more uneasy.
I need to recruit disciples quickly and gain strength. Even if I can't yet kill Danzo and walk away free, I need enough power to protect myself.
With this resolve, Makoto entered the teacher's office, where three other teachers were already gathered, complaining about their students.