Chereads / Naruto: The Story / Chapter 4 - Library

Chapter 4 - Library

In the Uchiha Clan Library in Konoha, a young woman and a two-year-old child were roaming the shelves, looking for books. Although Yuna was mainly looking for leisure reading, Koji was focused on picking out books that would most help his growth. He knew that Chakra was the source of strength in this new world and that he needed to learn it quick if he wanted to survive in it. 

'Mom seems to be worried about my continued interest in the library, I guess it does seem out of place for a two-year-old to be looking to read books on history and chakra.'

Koji knew that it was best to heed his mother's advice, his experience in this world was still nothing compared to hers, even with his knowledge of the plot. His main source of concern was how accurate the plot was to this world. It was clear to him that an anime could only provide some information, the shinobi world had many things that were not portrayed in the anime. 

'It seems that Yuna is mainly worried about me attracting the attention of some of the Uchiha Clan elders. If they believed that I had potential, then they would invest resources in me, but she was probably worried that they could end up influencing me negatively due to my young age.'

Koji was also trying to be cautious of how he presented himself to the clan, but he was more worried about the village. He knew that even if the clan considered him talented, then all they would do is try to make me stronger while instilling me with their beliefs. However, the village would likely not take kindly to a potential talent born in the Uchiha clan.

'Well, there is no real way of knowing until I can experience firsthand the interactions between the clan and the village. During wartime, a talented shinobi was always welcomed. However, I don't even consider myself a talent, my early maturity might give the misconception of me being talented, but I doubt I am anywhere near the level of true geniuses.'

As Koji kept moving through the bookshelves, he had picked a few books that intrigued him. His goal was to pick books that could help in his foundational strength, whether it be in chakra or just a healthy body.

The books he picked out were 'Introduction to Chakra', 'How to properly set a Diet', 'The Basics of the human body', and 'How to throw a shuriken'. Although these books seemed basic, they were crucial to his plans. 

The book on chakra was self-explanatory, since he came from a world without chakra, there was no way for him to learn it without starting from step one. Although he could ask Yuna, he believed it would be better for him to learn from the book in case Yuna missed any details. This was his foundation and he didn't want to start off on a bad foot. 

As for the other books that related to the human body and nutrition, he chose these because he knew that growing up healthy would give him a huge advantage against those who were not as healthy. As he grew older, the benefits would truly show. 'The Basics of the Human Body' was more focused on anatomy and would help him understand the vital points of a human. If he was going to be a shinobi, he needed to understand the art of killing.

Finally, the book on how to throw a shuriken was picked because he believed it would complement his fighting style. Although it might have been smarter to get a shuriken Jutsu scroll which his clan was famous for, he thought that learning without the Jutsu was also important. That would set the foundation for when he actually learned Jutsu.

"Are you done Koji? Quite a selection you have there. No more coming to the library okay? These books are already quite advanced for your age." His mother chipped in once she saw that he seemed satisfied with his book selection.

These books would definitely not last long at the rate he was progressing, but he knew that instead of constantly trying to learn new things, it would be better to master the basics to level higher than most. 

"Yes, that should be all for now Mom. Thanks a lot!" He said with a smile on his face, clearly indicating that he was happy she complied with his request to visit the library.

Once they left the library, they made their way through the clan compounds until they reached a familiar house. 

"Mom, I heard that there is going to be a war happening soon, is that true?" He probed the question he had been meaning to ask her for a while now.

A look of surprise appeared on Yuna's face as she responded.

"War? Why are you talking about war all of a sudden, how did you learn about such things?"

She was quite upset with what her son just spoke, she knew that even if he was smarter than kids his age, there should have been no way for him to notice the unrest within the village. No shinobi would speak outwardly of things like war, it was a crime to do so.

"Well, I saw in the history books that before the beginning of the First Great Shinobi War, the Ninja Academy started doing early recruitment. And I heard some adults in the playground say they heard some rumors about the Ninja Academy and how it might start doing early recruitment again."

Although this wasn't a complete lie, Koji had definitely stretched the truth, but he wanted to gather information about the state of the village and the clan. Yuna could only furrow her brows and look at her son with a curious gaze.

'I knew he was smart, but this level of intuition is just abnormal.'

"Don't speak about such things to anyone, and although there is some unrest in the village, it still hasn't reached the point of a war. Koji, I hope the day never comes when you will have to fight in a war." She pulled him into a gentle hug as she spoke those words. 

"I know Mom, but if the Ninja Academy is doing early recruitment, I might have to apply for it soon." Koji responded.

"Don't worry, you are still only two years old, they won't accept you anytime soon. Also, early recruitment doesn't happen for everyone, only those who are recommended for it can get in it. You just focus on growing up slowly and enjoy your childhood." She gave him a kiss on the forehead before heading into the kitchen.

Koji merely smiled and headed to his own room.

"Time to start reading!"