Chapter 14
"Sure, big brother Fugaku. If I ever have any questions, I'll definitely come to you. Don't find me too much of a bother, okay?" Haneda stuck out his tongue playfully and smiled.
He was giving a friendly heads-up, making things easier for when he actually needed help in the future. Of course, when most people say things like this, it might be annoying, but a cute little kid doing it? That's a different story.
"Uh, yeah, sure," Fugaku replied awkwardly. He glanced at the sky, feeling a bit troubled but unable to refuse with his father right there.
Once Haneda's figure completely disappeared, the clan leader pulled Fugaku back into the house.
"So, what do you think of this young man named Haneda?" the clan leader asked slowly.
"He's a very talented member of the clan... and, uh, kind of cute, father," Fugaku replied honestly.
"Hmm, you should start referring to him as your younger brother. Awakening the Sharingan at four years old—this kind of talent stands out even in the long history of the Uchiha clan."
"Also, don't underestimate Haneda. He's very clever. His act is well done, but children's performances always have small flaws."
"But it's clear that he genuinely likes you, Fugaku."
Hearing this, an image of Haneda's smile involuntarily flashed in Fugaku's mind.
"Is that so, father?"
...
Back at home, Haneda placed his shoes neatly by the door, calling out habitually, "I'm home!"
There was no response from inside—just silence—but Haneda was used to it by now. He took out the scroll containing the Shadow Clone Technique and walked over to his desk, unfurling it.
The text on the scroll was neatly written, with small notes on the side detailing the original practitioner's training experiences.
The Shadow Clone Technique was invented by the notoriously devious Tobirama Senju. Unlike regular clones, shadow clones were real and could act independently with their own will.
Since shadow clones divide the user's chakra evenly, using this technique requires a sufficient amount of chakra. Otherwise, the clone might shatter with just a touch. Forget fighting—it wouldn't even be useful for basic training.
"I should have around one chakra card now, right?"
With that thought, Haneda mentally triggered a command, and a faint blue screen appeared in front of him.
**[Uchiha Haneda]**
**Strength: Chūnin (13/100)**
**Chakra: 1.3 cards, Affinities: Fire, Wind, Lightning, Yin**
**Kekkei Genkai: Single Tomoe Sharingan (73% Three Tomoe), Sage Body (Unawakened, Primary 76%)**
**Special Abilities: None**
"1.3 cards, not bad..."
"Even if Kakashi's a bit weak, creating three or four clones for training should be manageable, right?"
"The real challenge is whether my mind can handle it."
Haneda glanced at the stats again, a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.
"Hmm. I've reached chūnin level. Being a chūnin at five years old qualifies me as a small genius."
"Both the Three Tomoe and Sage Body are close to completion. The next step is the Mangekyō Sharingan..."
"I wonder what my Mangekyō ability will be."
"The Sharingan reflects the heart, and the ability it grants is based on one's deepest desires."
"So, what is my deepest desire?"
Haneda pondered for a moment before snapping his focus back to the scroll in front of him.
His talent wasn't exactly superb. Learning the Shadow Clone Technique would take at least a week. And then there was the Chidori to master as well.
The system only provided the methods and insights into the techniques. For Haneda, learning was easy, but truly mastering and using them in battle required practice.
Haneda's plan was to first master the Shadow Clone Technique, then use the clones to practice the Chidori. This would speed up his training.
...
Late at night, deep in the Forest of Death, there was a hidden underground base.
Danzo sat high on a stone chair as three masked ninjas kneeled before him, reporting the latest developments.
"Lord Danzo, after school, Uchiha Haneda visited the home of Clan Leader Kenji and had a friendly conversation with young master Fugaku."
Hearing this, Danzo narrowed his eyes and asked in a deep voice, "What about Sakumo's current state? Especially Kakashi after he returned home in the afternoon."
A ninja wearing a fox mask replied, "Lord Sakumo and Kakashi went out around eight in the evening and ate at the BBQ Q restaurant. They seemed happy, and Lord Sakumo drank quite a bit."
"However, unlike before, Lord Sakumo didn't seem to mind the villagers' gossip as much."
After finishing his report, silence filled the room.
Tap. Tap. Tap.
Danzo's fingers tapped rhythmically on the stone table as he murmured, "It seems he's moved on…"
After a moment, Danzo's gaze fell once again on the ninja kneeling before him.
"The rumors surrounding Sakumo should end tonight. By tomorrow morning, I don't want to hear another word of slander against Konoha's hero."
"As for Uchiha Haneda…"
Danzo glanced towards the dark, deep passage that led to Konoha.
"For the sake of the village, for Konoha's future, that Uchiha boy must belong to the Root!"
"But for now, just keep an eye on him. Don't alert him prematurely."
"Yes, Lord Danzo."
"Dismissed."
Danzo waved them off, his eyes still fixated on the passage's shadowy depths, as if he could see a distant light at the end.
Old memories surged in his mind once again.
"Hiruzen… Sensei… I will prove that I was right…"
"I'm the one who should be Hokage!"
...
The next morning, as the sun rose, Haneda finished breakfast and got ready for school.
This time, he didn't bother waiting for Obito. His path to school was way too chaotic, and Haneda didn't want to risk being late and tarnishing his reputation.
When he arrived at the classroom, a quick glance confirmed that Obito hadn't shown up yet. But Kakashi was already there, reading a book.
Noticing Haneda's gaze, Kakashi lifted his head and lowered the book slightly, flashing a bright smile.
"Good morning, Haneda."
Seeing Kakashi greet him, and even briefly removing his black mask to smile, Haneda was a bit surprised for a moment but quickly smiled back.
"Good morning, Kakashi."
After greeting each other, Haneda walked over to his seat. He glanced at the book Kakashi was holding, noticing the cover was labeled "Sixth Grade." It seemed to be a Konoha textbook.
Curious, Haneda asked, "Kakashi, why are you studying a higher-grade book? We're only in first grade."
Hearing this, Kakashi put the book down. His black mask had somehow slipped back on.
"I'm used to it. I was planning to graduate early—by the end of this school year."
"You're planning to graduate early?!" Haneda asked, feigning surprise.
***
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