Of course, Shisui didn't really understand. At his current stage, he couldn't truly comprehend what Kyōichi was saying, but he knew one thing - Sensei didn't dislike him for being an Uchiha student.
On the contrary, he was willing to communicate and share with him.
This was enough to make Shisui happy.
There was something Kyōichi hadn't mentioned.
The ninja academy was one of the few places where Uchiha could interact with other Konoha residents.
After graduating early, it would be much harder to connect with Konoha civilians - while the Uchiha seemed privileged, they were actually being segregated.
Kyōichi didn't agree with this but was powerless to change it.
He wasn't telling Shisui these things to change anything, it was just a spontaneous thought.
However.
Soon after, he received a prompt -
[You have gained Uchiha Shisui's initial trust.]
[You receive reward: Genjutsu Basics.]
Genjutsu?
This really touched on a blind spot.
Kyōichi's mind filled with new memories, and after careful consideration, he was quite satisfied.
He hadn't planned on becoming a genjutsu master.
But having solid genjutsu basics came with an additional benefit - improved chakra control.
"Sensei, can I come to you with more questions in the future?"
"Of course you can."
Kyōichi smiled warmly.
It wasn't just for show - he was genuinely happy.
Shisui was such a good kid!
Like a sheep walking right up to be sheared, with both the wool and scissors ready.
"Thank you, Sensei!"
Shisui bowed deeply.
He hadn't realized that in Kyōichi's eyes, his image had changed from being a good kid to a fat sheep ready for shearing.
"Let's go, I'll treat you to a meal."
Kyōichi smiled.
"Ah? No need, no need..."
Though Shisui felt embarrassed, he was still dragged along.
In the distance.
The shadow clone watched with a resentful expression as they left.
Well well!
All that talk about teaching students was fake.
He just purely didn't want to train and left his clone here to do the hard work.
The clone's morale was crushed.
The clone was practicing taijutsu techniques.
As for physical training... That could only be done through personal hard work.
He'd get back to it later, since his "injury" hadn't "healed" yet.
Plus... You need to eat well to have energy for training.
At Ichiraku Ramen.
"Boss, two bowls of ramen."
"Coming right up, sir, please have a seat."
The current Ichiraku owner was only in his twenties, looking very young, and his daughter Ayame had just been born recently.
Shisui looked around curiously.
He had heard of this shop - apparently Obito really liked coming here, but...
He had never eaten here before.
Shortly after...
"Rin, I really just slipped up during the day. If there's a next time... no, once I awaken my Sharingan, I'll definitely beat sensei until he's picking his teeth off the ground!"
Obito was bragging outside.
Before entering, he was gesturing wildly while talking.
Shisui held his head in his hands.
He had just thought about this fellow clansman, and unexpectedly he showed up the next moment, making such a surprising entrance.
Picking teeth off the ground... He couldn't believe Obito could say such things.
Even with a Sharingan, Shisui didn't think he could defeat Kyōichi - especially after witnessing the power of Kyōichi's water-style jutsu, he was even more convinced of this.
Shisui understood clearly.
In class, their teacher hadn't even been serious.
Kyōichi wasn't surprised at all.
There was a reason Kakashi called Obito "dead last."
This guy wasn't weak in terms of raw ability.
But... At this stage, he was like early Naruto - his battle intelligence was really poor.
Flanking maneuvers, teamwork?
He didn't understand any of that!
And he was arrogant, always talking about the "Sharingan" - though his gap with many Uchiha prodigies was really just a matter of having the Sharingan.
Upon entering, Rin immediately stopped in her tracks.
Obito's whole body trembled, and his first reaction upon seeing Kyōichi was...
Turn around and leave.
But...
That wouldn't work - he still had class tomorrow, and running now would count as fleeing.
The punishment later might be even worse.
Obito's face turned green.
Damn it.
He was just bragging a little, how could the timing be so unfortunate?
His mind went blank.
He forced a stiff smile and entered with a perfect deep bow: "I'm so sorry!"
"Obito, you're quite impressive - you apologize as quickly as you make mistakes."
"Yes, I'm really very sorry!"
Obito's face turned red.
"Alright, sit down.
Tomorrow we'll test the combined use of the Clone Technique and Transformation Technique. You can go first and demonstrate for everyone."
"What?"
"Pfft..."
Rin couldn't hold back her laughter.
How arrogant Obito had been bragging earlier, and now he was so timid.
She found it amusing.
"Sensei, I... I can't do it. My chakra control is among the worst."
Obito's voice became barely audible by the end, mainly because he had just bragged about being able to beat the teacher once he got his Sharingan, only to face him immediately after - the situation was truly awkward.
"Knowing your weaknesses is a good thing. Practice more while you're not yet on the battlefield. As for the Sharingan... bloodline limits are just external factors. True strength depends on yourself."
"Shisui, what do you think?"
Having self-awareness was good.
Kyōichi casually launched into a lecture.
Maybe he'd get lucky and earn some rewards?
Being a life mentor and all.
Keep trying, something would eventually work.
Conveniently, there was another Uchiha here.
Wasn't that fortunate?
"That makes sense."
After long consideration, Shisui finally nodded slightly.
No Uchiha didn't desire the Sharingan, but after hearing Kyōichi's words and thinking carefully, he realized his teacher was right - many strong shinobi had no bloodline limits yet were still powerful.
Like the Third Hokage and Third Raikage.
They had no bloodline limits but were still renowned powerful figures in the ninja world.
"..."
Obito felt uncomfortable but couldn't find any reason to argue.
At this time, the ramen arrived.
"Please enjoy, customers."
"Thank you!"
Kyōichi collected himself and, following local etiquette, went through the formalities before picking up his chopsticks.
Taking a mouthful of noodles.
Delicious!
The flavor was rich and the toppings were plentiful - no wonder they'd established themselves in Konoha for so many years.
Shisui felt complicated emotions.
Both nervous and happy - this was his first time eating outside the Uchiha district.
However...
It felt pretty good.
Obito sat on the side, depressed and withdrawn.
But...
As soon as the ramen arrived, he transformed into a devoted eater.
"Time to eat!"
During the meal, Teuchi's wife came out holding their child to help.
The shop was too busy.
Kyōichi's group came early so they had seats, but those who came later had to stand in line and wait.
This was during wartime - in peacetime, there would probably be even more people.
With good skills, you could make money even in the ninja world.
After eating, Kyōichi paid for everyone, then said goodbye to Shisui, Obito, and Rin before heading home.
He checked - no rewards earned.
But.
No big deal.
This was like fishing now - they'd take the bait someday.
Let the leeks grow strong.
When he got home, his shadow clone's chakra was depleted and the clone dispelled.
A wave of fatigue hit him.
That feeling was really... Intense.
But the results were definitely good.
Though physical training didn't transfer, the taijutsu techniques practice and training were effective, and he could roughly gauge what level his physical condition was at.
By rough estimation, his taijutsu alone would be considered among the stronger ones among jonin.
Of course.
This wasn't much, it just meant that if he went to the battlefield, he'd have some ability to protect himself.