The first rays of sunlight streamed through the small window, bathing the guest room in a soft glow. Shiro stirred awake, blinking a few times before stretching. His black hair, now slightly messy, fell into his eyes as he sat up on the futon. He groaned softly, brushing his hair back in an attempt to fix it.
This had been one of the most peaceful sleeps he'd had in recent memory. Perhaps it was the quiet of the Uchiha district or the rare sense of safety he felt within these walls.
Yawning, Shiro rose to his feet, smoothing the fabric of his clothes before heading out of the guest room. The enticing aroma of freshly cooked food wafted through the air, drawing him toward the kitchen.
As he stepped into the warm, sunlit room, he found Mikoto Uchiha bustling about, placing dishes on the table. Her gentle demeanor and serene smile reminded Shiro of what a mother should be—kind and nurturing.
"Good morning, Shiro," Mikoto greeted warmly as she turned to face him. "Come, sit down and eat. I made plenty for everyone."
Shiro hesitated, his expression neutral but polite. "No, thank you. I'm not hungry."
As if on cue, his stomach betrayed him with a loud growl. His cheeks flushed a light pink, and Mikoto chuckled softly at the sound.
"Well, your stomach says otherwise," she said with a playful grin, gesturing for him to take a seat.
Feeling slightly embarrassed, Shiro relented and sat at the table, waiting for the others to join. Mikoto's laughter was lighthearted, filling the kitchen with warmth.
Soon after, Fugaku entered the room, his stoic presence commanding attention even in such a relaxed setting. He gave a small nod to Shiro before taking his seat at the head of the table.
Next came Itachi, who offered Shiro a small, polite smile as he sat down beside him. The young prodigy seemed as calm and composed as ever, his dark eyes reflecting an intelligence far beyond his years.
Finally, little Sasuke waddled in, rubbing his sleepy eyes. He climbed into his seat with a pout, clearly still waking up.
The table was now complete, and Mikoto began serving the food.
The breakfast spread was a testament to Mikoto's skill in the kitchen. There were perfectly grilled fish, bowls of steaming miso soup, freshly cooked rice, and small plates of pickled vegetables arranged neatly. Tamagoyaki slices sat on a platter, their golden-yellow hue glistening in the morning light.
In the center of the table was a large bowl of fresh fruits, their vibrant colors adding a touch of brightness to the meal. Everything was meticulously prepared, reflecting the care Mikoto put into her cooking.
The family began eating, the quiet sounds of chopsticks tapping against bowls filling the room. Shiro took a tentative bite of the fish, savoring the perfectly balanced flavor. Despite his initial resistance, he couldn't deny that the food was delicious.
As the meal came to an end, Fugaku cleared his throat, drawing everyone's attention. His tone was firm and authoritative as he addressed Shiro.
"After breakfast, you'll be heading to the Hokage's office. From this day forward, you'll officially be a ninja of the Leaf Village."
Shiro blinked, processing the sudden declaration. He didn't recall agreeing to this arrangement but chose not to argue. Fugaku had offered him shelter and food—a kindness he couldn't ignore. If becoming a ninja was the price to pay, so be it.
He gave a small nod of acknowledgment.
Itachi turned to Shiro, his voice calm and measured. "I have business with the Hokage as well. We can go together."
Shiro met Itachi's gaze and nodded again. "Alright, Itachi."
After a few minutes, Shiro and Itachi left the Uchiha compound, walking through the village toward the Hokage's office. The streets were lively, with villagers going about their day. Children played by the roadside, their laughter echoing through the air, while shopkeepers called out to customers.
Itachi glanced at Shiro, breaking the silence. "Shiro-san, why did you train me? Was it really just to thank my family for dinner?"
Shiro's lips curled into a faint smile. "Who wouldn't want to teach a genius like Itachi Uchiha? Besides," he added, his tone slightly teasing, "you have potential. It'd be a shame to waste it."
Itachi regarded him with a contemplative expression but said nothing more.
The Hokage's office was an imposing structure, its design reflecting both the authority and history of the Leaf Village. The two entered the building, and Itachi approached the assistant seated at a desk.
"We have a meeting with the Hokage," he informed her.
The assistant scanned through some papers before nodding and gesturing for them to proceed. "You may go in."
Itachi opened the door to the Hokage's office, and Shiro followed him inside.
Behind the large desk sat Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage. His weathered face bore the lines of age and experience, and his eyes, though kind, held a sharpness that spoke of his wisdom and power. He wore the traditional Hokage robes, the white and red fabric draping over his shoulders, and the Hokage hat rested on the desk beside him. A pipe hung loosely from his lips, thin tendrils of smoke curling into the air.
Itachi immediately knelt, bowing his head in respect. Shiro sighed inwardly but followed suit, lowering himself to one knee.
"You may rise," Hiruzen said, his voice calm but firm.
The two stood, and Shiro forced himself to suppress the disdain he felt toward the man. Masking his emotions, he spoke with measured politeness.
"The patriarch of the Uchiha Clan sent me to you, Lord Hokage," Shiro said evenly.
Hiruzen studied Shiro for a moment, puffing on his pipe before speaking. "So, you are the grandson of Izuna Uchiha?"
"Yes, Lord Hokage," Shiro replied.
Hiruzen nodded slowly. "You'll take the genin exam. If you pass, you'll become a genin and receive the headband of the Leaf Village. Advancement beyond that will require a personal evaluation of your strength. Do you understand?"
"I understand, Lord Hokage," Shiro said.
"Good," Hiruzen said. "Go to the ninja academy. The instructor there will test you on three basic jutsu. If you fail, you'll have two more attempts. You are dismissed."
"Yes, Lord Hokage," Shiro said, bowing slightly before turning to leave.
As he walked out of the Hokage's office, Shiro glanced back briefly at Itachi, knowing full well why the prodigy was here—to report on the clan's meetings and assess any signs of rebellion.
After exiting the building, Shiro paused and approached the assistant once more. "Can you tell me where the ninja academy is?"
The assistant gave him directions, and Shiro headed toward the academy, his thoughts swirling with the challenges that lay ahead.
Progress: 25.31%
Template: Madara Uchiha
[System Status]
Strength: 54
Endurance: 56
Speed: 52
Reiatsu Control: 55
Intelligence: 53
Battle Instinct: 57
[Abilities]
Sharingan (3nd Tomoe):
Enhanced tracking of fast movements, with greater accuracy.
Can cast basic genjutsu, manipulating the opponent's perception
Can copy techniques such as Zanjutsu, Hakuda, and Kidō with near-perfect accuracy, adapting them for personal use.
Hollow Detection: Sense the presence of
Hollows.
[Techniques Unlocked]
Water Style: Water Prison Jutsu
Shunpo
Byakurai
Shō
Reiatsu Strengthening
Moeru Danmaku
Water Style: Water Shark Bullet
Kaidō
Shadow Clone Jutsu
Bakudō: Sai
Bakudō: Hainawa
Wind Style: Gale Palm
Earth Style: Mud Wall
Fire Release: Ash Pile Burning
Summoning Jutsu to Kitsune's
Lightning Style: Chidori
Fire Release: Great Fire Annihilation
[Shikai Release Progress]
Current Bond Level: 2%