Morning sunlight streamed softly through the paper windows of the Uchiha residence.
Ryuken slowly opened his eyes, sitting up with a calm expression. Without hesitation, he formed several hand seals, creating a shadow clone beside him.
"...You'll go to the Academy with Shisui today," he said, watching the clone nod before vanishing.
After breakfast, Ryuken dressed in his black training outfit and walked to the dojo behind the house — his personal training ground.
There are so many different kinds of jutsu I need to learn... he thought, tightening his gloves. But for now, I should focus on my Fire Release. There are countless flame-style techniques, but I should master the basics first.
He took a deep breath.Fire Style: Great Fireball Jutsu — C-rank. Simple, but essential. Once I perfect this, I'll move on to nature transformation.
Ryuken's eyes flickered with determination. I'll ask Fugaku-san about it later. Asking Hayato-sensei would only attract attention. Maybe I should also ask about Lightning and Water Release… so I can master all three elements.
Forming several hand seals, Ryuken inhaled and focused his chakra. A small flame burst from his lips — weak, unstable, and short-lived.
"Tch…" he muttered.
It's harder than it looks, he thought, furrowing his brow. It's not just about chakra control. I need to feel the chakra in my mouth — shape it while maintaining focus, and form the correct seals exactly as written in the scroll. Concentration… that's the key. With enough training, I'll make it work.
By noon, Ryuken left the house and bought a small water balloon from a shop near the Academy. Sitting under a tree, he placed it in his palm and began to rotate his chakra inside it — one layer clockwise, the other counterclockwise.
The balloon trembled but didn't burst.
He sighed, pausing to recover his chakra.The Rasengan... one of the greatest jutsus in history. If I can learn it early, I'll have a hidden ace for the future. But this won't be easy. I'll have to take it slow… step by step.
As the sun began to set, Ryuken switched to his physical training.
His movements flowed through the Uchiha Taijutsu Style, sharp and precise. He followed with Kenjutsu practice, then finished with Shurikenjutsu, his hands moving faster with each throw.
While I train my body, my shadow clone will practice hand seals, he thought, glancing at a clone forming seals beside him. Nothing too complicated — this young body can't handle too much mental strain. The more chakra and technique a clone uses, the more it burdens the mind after dispelling. I'll master the basics first... step by step.
Meanwhile, inside the Hokage's Office, the atmosphere was tense.
A knock echoed against the wooden door.
"Enter," said Sarutobi Hiruzen, the Third Hokage, his sharp eyes lifting from a stack of documents.
The door slid open, and Kichiro Hayato stepped inside, bowing respectfully.
"Forgive me for disturbing you, Sandaime-sama," Hayato said. "But there's something I need to report regarding one of my students."
Hiruzen exhaled a puff of smoke from his pipe. "Oh? Go on, Hayato. What's so important that it couldn't wait until morning?"
There was a short silence before Hayato spoke again.
"One of my students… he isn't as ordinary as he seems. His name is Ryuken Uchiha."
Hiruzen's expression sharpened slightly. "Uchiha, huh… continue."
"For the past two days, he's been sending a shadow clone to the Academy while his real body trains elsewhere. I sent my own clone to confirm it. The boy is constantly training. I believe he might be a prodigy — perhaps on the same level as Hatake Kakashi."
The Third Hokage's eyes narrowed.
Hayato continued, "At first I didn't think much of it, but Ryuken's behavior is strange. During every written test, he scores exactly fifty points. Not more, not less. I thought it was coincidence, but after repeated exams… it's deliberate. He's hiding his real ability."
Hiruzen took a slow drag from his pipe, his gaze distant.
"…I see. Is that all?"
"Yes, Hokage-sama."
"Good. Then for now, let him be. Don't confront him about this. Continue as usual."
Hayato straightened. "Understood, Sandaime-sama!"
With that, he bowed deeply and left the room.
When silence returned, Hiruzen reached into a drawer and pulled out a small crystal orb. Setting it on his desk, he infused it with chakra.
The orb shimmered, revealing a distant image of Ryuken — his real body training intensely, while his shadow clone practiced hand seals beside him.
Hiruzen's gaze softened slightly.
Is the Uchiha Clan secretly cultivating talent beneath my nose? he wondered. No… that boy's actions feel different. He's a genius, but he hides it. The clan's pride wouldn't allow them to conceal such a thing. This must be his own choice.
He thought of another young Uchiha — Shisui.
Kagami's grandchildren... Shisui has his cheerfulness, while Ryuken carries his seriousness. But both are exceptional. Still, I must be careful. If the clan is involved, this could turn into a political trap.
He placed the pipe down and leaned back in his chair.
For now, I'll simply observe. No ANBU. Danzo and the elders mustn't know — their mistrust of the Uchiha runs too deep. I'll guide these two boys carefully. If they prove themselves, I'll bring them closer to the Hokage's side… through the right teachers.
His eyes glimmered faintly in the dim light.
Let's give him two or three years…A boy like that — I want to see just how high he can soar.