The training grounds were buzzing with awe and disbelief, the air thick with whispers from the spectators who had just witnessed Ryuuji's match. Many of them couldn't hide their astonishment.
"By the Sage of Six Paths… he actually won," an elder whispered, his voice low with reverence. The phrase traveled quickly, catching on like a spark in dry leaves.
"Is this real? Did Ryuuji really just take down Xia Yu... no... Bob with only taijutsu?" another elder murmured, eyes wide with shock. Yes, they heard the conditions for the bet. Ryuuji wasn't exactly being silent.
"Am I seeing things?" a middle-aged clan member questioned, rubbing his eyes as though trying to dispel a genjutsu. "To win with nothing but his bare hands… he's beyond prodigious!"
A younger member of the clan let out a laugh, his eyes gleaming with pride. "This is it! A new era for the Uchiha! With Ryuuji in our ranks, the clan will rise to new heights!"
Around them, the crowd grew even more animated, some thrilled by the prospect of a new golden age for the Uchiha, others stunned into a dazed silence.
"I must train harder… I'm his rival, after all," Sasuke muttered, clenching his fists as he stared at Ryuuji with determination. Seeing Ryuuji's prowess lit a fire in him that burned hot and fierce. "One day, I'll be strong enough to stand on his level."
Meanwhile, the elders exchanged looks of excitement and anticipation, their voices bubbling with enthusiasm.
"Can you imagine what our clan will look like if Ryuuji grows into his potential? This is only the beginning of what the Uchiha are capable of!" an elder exclaimed, his voice rising with exhilaration.
"Elder Jima has truly raised a prodigy," another said with admiration. "Not just one prodigy, but two—the legendary Shisui of the Body Flicker and now Ryuuji! What exactly is the secret behind Jima's training?"
"Ahahaha! We Uchiha are a clan of geniuses!" laughed an elder, his voice filled with pride. "With Shisui, Itachi, and now Ryuuji… our clan's brilliance will shine brighter than ever!"
The elders nodded in agreement, barely able to contain their joy as they watched Ryuuji, a boy who embodied the hopes and dreams of the Uchiha's future.
Just then, a chime sounded in Ryuuji's mind, a subtle ring only he could hear:
[DING!]
[Congratulations! You have successfully completed the quest: Gaining Strength Part 2!]
[Rewards will now be distributed:]
[1: New Quest Unlocked - Gaining Strength Part 3]
[Difficulty: B]
[Description: This quest has been specifically crafted for you to further enhance your abilities. Do not disappoint. Exceed your limits and show your worth.]
[Requirements: Learn 4 C-Rank Jutsu or 1 B-Rank Jutsu within 15 days.]
[Reward: Elite-level Genin Stage in Body Cultivation, Peak-level Genin Stage in Energy Cultivation, Gaining Strength Part 4, ???]
[2: Leaf Rising Wind Technique]
[3: High-level Genin Stage in Body Cultivation]
[Would you like to accept?]
[Yes / No]
A floating panel appeared in front of Ryuuji, his rewards gleaming in the soft blue light of his system's interface. He considered accepting them on the spot but remembered how his body had changed visibly the last time he'd advanced.
'Better not to draw any more attention today,' he thought.
***
The next morning, Ryuuji sat at the family table for breakfast with Elder Jima and Shisui, who had returned late the night before. The meal was quiet—too quiet. Ryuuji sensed a tension in the air, an unusual heaviness hanging over his grandfather and older brother. Though Elder Jima wore his usual stoic expression, Ryuuji could tell something was amiss.
Shisui finished eating first, setting down his bowl and murmuring, "Gochisousama." He rose, walking toward the door with a slow, contemplative pace.
"Shisui," Jima's voice came from behind him, calm but heavy. "If there's something on your mind, remember, you can always come to me."
Shisui paused, his shoulders tensing slightly. He hesitated, almost as if he wanted to say something, but instead, he walked out in silence. As he stepped outside, Ryuuji saw a glint on Shisui's cheek—tears he was trying to hide.
"Liar," Shisui whispered under his breath as he closed the door, his voice breaking.
Ryuuji looked over to his grandfather, his curiosity piqued by the rare display of emotion. "Grandfather, is something wrong?"
Jima avoided Ryuuji's gaze, his expression growing harder. "Ryuuji, starting today, your training will become far more rigorous. Prepare yourself, because I won't be holding back."
Ryuuji noticed his grandfather's evasion but chose not to press further. "Understood, Grandfather."
"The training will be intense and prolonged," Jima continued, fixing Ryuuji with a serious look. "We'll be away for months, so if you have anyone you need to say goodbye to, now is the time."
"Months?" Ryuuji's eyes widened in disbelief. "Just what kind of training are we doing?"
"That will become clear when we begin," Jima said, his voice as firm as steel. "We'll have all we need, so don't concern yourself with the details."
Ryuuji nodded, trying to keep his expression neutral as his mind raced. 'Months of intense training… If I push myself to my limits, maybe I'll be strong enough to protect the clan. Maybe I can save Shisui from whatever burdens he's carrying… or even change the fate of the Uchiha altogether.'
Suppressing a smile, Ryuuji rose from his seat. "I'll go meet my friends now. I'll be back shortly."
Elder Jima watched him go, his eyes softening for a moment. Once Ryuuji had left, Jima sighed, gazing around the quiet room.
"I'm going to miss this place." Jima said with melancholy in his voice.
***
At the park, Ryuuji's friends were gathered around, listening intently as he explained his plans.
"So, you're going away to train with your grandfather?" Shikamaru grumbled, hands behind his head. "What a drag."
"Hey, don't forget to bring back some snacks!" Choji chimed in, grinning at the thought of new treats.
"Special training, huh?" Naruto's eyes lit up. "Can I come with you, Ryuuji? Let me train too!"
Ryuuji laughed. "Maybe next time, Naruto."
"Fine, but I'll hold you to it!" Naruto said with a pout.
Sasuke crossed his arms, smirking but unable to hide his envy. "Special training or not, it won't matter. I'll still become stronger than everyone else."
Sakura spoke up, a hint of worry in her eyes. "Just… be careful, Ryuuji. Don't push yourself too hard."
Ino nodded eagerly. "And make sure to bring back souvenirs!"
'Ino, Sakura.' Ryuuji thought with affection.
In this Naruto Universe, Sakura and Ino held affection for him instead of Sasuke. Why? It was simple. He was not only handsome but also stronger than Sasuke by a large margin. Although the affection was still at the level of a crush, he planned to grow it after he was done with his problems.
Ryuuji's gaze softened as he looked at his friends. 'These people mean the world to me. One day, I'll protect them all.'
He waved goodbye as he turned to leave, his friends' voices following him.
"Stay safe!"
"Don't forget our gifts!"
"Train hard, but don't overdo it!"
"See you soon, Ryuuji-kun!"
***
Back at the house, Ryuuji returned to find Shisui's shoes missing again. It had been like this for over a week now. Ryuuji's brow furrowed in concern. "It's been hours. Where is he?"
He approached his grandfather's study and raised his hand to knock, only to hear Jima's voice from inside. "You can come in, Ryuuji."
Startled by his grandfather's uncanny awareness, Ryuuji entered the room. Elder Jima stood by the window, his face shadowed with a rare seriousness.
"Ryuuji," he began, turning to meet his grandson's gaze, "the time has come for you to truly understand what it means to bear the weight of the Uchiha name."
Ryuuji's breath caught. This training wasn't just about strength—it was about something far deeper, something woven into the fate of their clan.