"Morning already?" Uchiha Ryuuji muttered as he peeked out the window, squinting against the morning light filtering through the village's trees. The sky was a soft pinkish-orange, and the world was way too bright for a kid who'd just been given a grown man's workout. He glanced at the clock and sighed with relief.
"There are still two hours left before the Academy orientation."
With a sharp inhale, he turned his attention inward. "System, open the Quest Window."
[DING!]
A blue screen popped up, and Ryuuji narrowed his eyes to read the details.
***
[Quest: Gaining Strength]
- Rank: D
- Description: This Quest has been specially created for you to elevate your currently insignificant level of strength. For now, at least try not to embarrass yourself.
Requirements:
- 100 push-ups
- 100 squats
- 100 sit-ups
- A 10-kilometer run, every day for an entire month
Reward:
- Mid-level Genin-stage in Body Cultivation, Gaining Strength Part 2, ???
Penalty:
- Death
***
The word "death" seemed to stand out in bright, bold letters, as if mocking him.
"Thanks for the vote of confidence," Ryuuji muttered, running a hand through his hair. "Who designs these penalty systems anyway?"
Shaking his head, he cracked his knuckles. "Alright, let's start with 100 push-ups." He dropped to the floor, muttering, "Just a little kid-friendly warm-up. Should be a breeze..."
***
One Hour Later
"Haah… haah… that… haah… wasn't so bad," he gasped, wiping sweat off his brow. His arms felt like noodles, and his shirt was soaked through. He glanced around his small room, mentally crossing off the list of exercises he'd done.
"Just the 10-kilometer run left," he mumbled with a groan.
If anyone was wondering how a six-year-old could manage such a workout, the answer was simple: he wasn't just any six-year-old kid.
He was a Genin-stage whippersnapper!
And while it took normal kids six years to reach Genin, he had achieved it from the moment he reincarnated. Because, you see…
*Knock, knock!*
"Enter," Ryuuji said, snapping out of his thoughts.
The door creaked open to reveal a tall, handsome young man with a calm, slightly amused expression. A short sword was strapped to his back, and the red-white fan emblem of the Uchiha Clan adorned his shirt.
It was Uchiha Shisui of the Body Flicker.
He raised an eyebrow. "Why are you sweating?"
"I was training... brother," Ryuuji replied, forcing his face into a look of nonchalance.
"That's good. But don't push yourself too hard." Shisui gave him a quick smile. "Grandfather's waiting for you downstairs for breakfast."
"I'll be there," Ryuuji said, nodding.
"Don't take too long," Shisui added, closing the door behind him.
As soon as the door clicked shut, Ryuuji's face softened.
'This time,' he thought with a strange determination, 'I'm going to protect you, not just as a brother but also as a fan of the original series.'
Uchiha Ryuuji was shocked to learn that Uchiha Shisui was his brother when he went through the memories of the previous owner of this body. And while Ryuuji had to admit it was a little weird seeing Shisui in the flesh, alive and smiling, it gave him an extra layer of purpose. Shisui was also the one who trained the original Uchiha Ryuuji.
Yet something was off. Ryuuji knew that, in the original story, Shisui hadn't really had a family. The only known relative was Kagami Uchiha, who had died years before Shisui was born. But here he was, not just alive but Ryuuji's brother, as if this world were slightly twisted from the one he knew.
Ryuuji shook off his thoughts. "First, let's get through the day without collapsing," he muttered, heading toward the bathroom.
***
Five Minutes Later
Freshly showered and dressed in a black turtleneck emblazoned with the Uchiha Clan's emblem, Ryuuji walked downstairs. As he entered the dining area, he caught the eye of his grandfather, Uchiha Jima, seated with an air of practiced patience.
"Where is Ryuuji?" Jima asked, his voice low and rumbling.
"He should be here any minute now," Shisui replied.
"I see." Jima nodded, and after a pause, he turned to Shisui with a questioning look. "Actually, I wanted to ask you something."
"Go ahead," Shisui answered politely.
"Why didn't you attend the clan meeting yesterday?" Jima asked, voice laced with mild reproach.
"I was… on a mission," Shisui said calmly.
"Ah. And what was this important mission?" Jima asked, his eyes glinting.
"It was to eliminate a few bandits terrorizing the merchant caravans." Shisui's expression didn't change, as he continued. "Nothing too exciting."
Jima leaned back in his seat, apparently satisfied. "Well, you weren't hurt, I hope?"
"No, I'm fine," Shisui answered.
Just then, Ryuuji entered the room. Shisui and Jima turned toward him, and Jima's face broke into a grin.
"Ah, there he is! Ryuuji, sit down. We were just about to discuss something… significant."
Ryuuji raised an eyebrow as he sat across from Jima. "Significant?"
Jima nodded, a glimmer of pride lighting up his eyes. "Something that made not just me, but the entire clan proud." He looked at Shisui. "Your little brother here has just made history by unlocking the Sharingan—at his age!"
Shisui's eyes widened in disbelief as he turned to Ryuuji. "What?" he asked, concern evident in his voice. "Ryuuji, are you… alright? You didn't get hurt, did you?"
'Hmph. That's why everyone loves Shisui,' Ryuuji thought, his heart warmed by his brother's reaction. While anyone else might have just celebrated the news, Shisui's first concern was his brother's well-being.
"I'm fine, brother. You don't have to worry," Ryuuji replied, shaking his head.
Shisui exhaled a breath he didn't know he'd been holding, his expression softening. "Good… but how did it happen?"
Jima smirked, clearly pleased with his grandson's achievement. "He unlocked the Sharingan… because of a dream."
"A dream?" Shisui asked, his eyes narrowing with incredulity. He knew well that the Sharingan only awakened under intense emotion. "What kind of dream?"
Jima's smirk widened. "He dreamed I died," he said, as if it were a casual observation about the weather.
Shisui was silent for a moment, processing. "Ah… well," he said, his voice softening. "Congratulations, Ryuuji. I'm proud of you."
"Thank you, brother," Ryuuji replied with a small nod.
"So," Shisui continued, "is there anything you'd like as a reward?"
Ryuuji blinked, caught off guard. "A reward?"
Shisui smiled. "Yes, as your brother, it's my duty to get you something for such an accomplishment."
Ryuuji paused, unsure. "Can I… tell you later?"
"Of course. Just let me know," Shisui said.
"Hmph!" Jima grumbled, mock-annoyed. "That should've been my line! Ryuuji, tell me what you want, and I'll get it for you."
Ryuuji chuckled, feeling slightly embarrassed by the attention. "I'll think on it," he promised.
Jima nodded. "Fine. But remember, we Uchiha are a proud clan, and we care for our own. Shisui will take you to the Academy for your orientation today."
"Alright," Ryuuji replied, heart pounding with anticipation. The thought of meeting the main cast—the friends, rivals, and challenges awaiting him—was enough to make his stomach flip with excitement and nerves.
'It's time,' he thought, eyes gleaming. 'Time to meet the legends of this world and… hopefully not embarrass myself in the process. This is going to be fun.'