Konoha Village, Hokage Building
Kakashi, Yamato, and several Anbu under the Third Hokage's command reported last night's events with grim expressions.
"Lord Hokage, no one in the Uchiha clan survived except for a seven-year-old child, Uchiha Sasuke," one Anbu member stated solemnly.
"It's hard to fathom that even the non-combatant members of the Uchiha clan were mercilessly killed—all with fatal wounds to their throats and hearts, inflicted with terrifying precision."
"This was the work of that genius, Uchiha Itachi," Yamato added gravely.
Behind his Anbu mask, Kakashi's expression was heavy. As a former captain in the Anbu, he had worked closely with Itachi and had held the young prodigy in high regard. Last night's events, however, had completely shattered his perception of Itachi.
He thought he had known Itachi well, but now he realized how little he understood—not only about Itachi but about the enigmatic nature of the Uchiha clan as a whole.
The memory of another Uchiha, his former friend Obito, surfaced unbidden. Kakashi muttered quietly, "Obito… In the end, I didn't truly understand you either. Are all Uchiha so unpredictable?"
The Third Hokage, seated in his chair, exhaled deeply from his pipe. After a long pause, he said, "From now on, list Uchiha Itachi as an S-rank traitor. Put a bounty on his head and dispatch elite Anbu teams to pursue him. At the same time, ensure Uchiha Sasuke is cared for and monitored."
---
Meanwhile, at the Ninja Academy
Nanaya walked into class as usual, dropping into his seat and immediately dozing off. This was his routine.
Iruka stood at the podium, beginning roll call.
"Haruno Sakura."
"Present!"
"Yamanaka Ino."
"Present!"
"Hyūga Hinata."
"P-present…" Hinata answered softly, her face flushed.
When Iruka reached "Uzumaki Naruto," there was no reply.
"Nara Shikamaru?" Silence.
"Inuzuka Kiba?" Nothing.
"Akimichi Chōji?" No response.
Iruka sighed and rubbed his forehead. "Those four troublemakers…" he muttered, already imagining Naruto, Shikamaru, Kiba, and Chōji off causing mischief somewhere.
"Uchiha Sasuke," he called next.
Sasuke sat stiffly, his face pale and expression unreadable, but he didn't respond. Iruka glanced at him briefly but chose not to push the issue. He moved on.
"Uchiha… Uchiha Nanaya?"
Iruka hesitated, stumbling over the name. A puzzled look crossed his face. "Wait… Isn't Sasuke supposed to be the only survivor of the Uchiha clan? Who is this Uchiha Nanaya?"
It wasn't unusual for Iruka to be unaware of Nanaya's presence. After all, Nanaya was practically invisible, even to his classmates.
"Uchiha Nanaya!" he called again.
Nanaya's tablemate, Aburame Shino, nudged him. "Nanaya, Iruka-sensei is calling you."
Nanaya groggily opened his eyes, rubbing them as he stood up. "Present," he mumbled.
Iruka froze for a moment, surprised. Nanaya's height and demeanor were more reminiscent of a teenager than a seven- or eight-year-old academy student. Why is someone like this still in the ninja academy?
Realization struck him: I need to report this to Lord Hokage.
Sasuke, meanwhile, was staring at Nanaya in disbelief. He hadn't paid much attention to Nanaya before; the latter's lack of presence and unimpressive performance had rendered him invisible. But now, after last night's tragedy, Sasuke couldn't ignore him anymore.
"He's still alive? How did he survive that man's massacre?"
For the first time, Nanaya truly caught Sasuke's attention.
---
System Notification
Ding! Congratulations, Host! You've completed the achievement: 'Taking a 10-Minute Nap in Class.' All stats increased by 1 point, and Chakra capacity enhanced to Chūnin level.
Nanaya's eyes lit up. So sleeping makes me stronger?
He immediately checked his stats:
Name: Uchiha Nanaya
Age: 17
Status: Repeater at Ninja Academy
Attributes:
Ninjutsu: 6
Taijutsu: 6
Genjutsu: 6
Stamina: 6
Intelligence: 6
Speed: 6
Power: 6
Seals: 6
While these numbers weren't extraordinary, the sudden surge in his Chakra was undeniable.
This system really doesn't lie. If I can keep sleeping, I'll grow even stronger!
---
In the Hokage's Office
Iruka's shadow clone appeared kneeling before the Third Hokage. "Lord Hokage, I have an urgent matter to report regarding the Uchiha clan."
The room fell silent, and the Third Hokage gestured for him to continue.
"In addition to Sasuke, there is another Uchiha survivor—Uchiha Nanaya."
The Third Hokage narrowed his eyes. He vaguely recalled hearing the name from the academy, but he had dismissed it at the time.
The gathered Anbu and Jōnin exchanged uneasy glances. It was inconceivable that anyone besides Sasuke had survived the massacre.
"How did Uchiha Nanaya escape Itachi's slaughter?" one Anbu member murmured under his breath.
The Third Hokage leaned forward, his expression grim. "Investigate this matter thoroughly. Iruka, continue monitoring the academy as usual. The new generation is vital to the village's future."
"Yes, Lord Hokage," Iruka's clone said before dispersing in a puff of smoke.
In the corner, a masked woman from Anbu let out a soft sigh of relief. Nanaya… you're still alive.