Why Revealing the Sharingan?

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"Fire Style: Great Fireball Jutsu!"

With a swift series of hand seals, Renzo unleashed a massive fireball. The flames expanded rapidly, growing to a diameter of six or seven meters, completely engulfing the pile of corpses and setting them ablaze.

Maintaining the jutsu for over ten seconds, Renzo ensured the bodies were reduced to ashes before cutting off his chakra supply. As the fire gradually faded, all that remained was a deep crater, six or seven meters wide.

Despite its reputation in the original series for often missing its target, the Great Fireball Jutsu was undeniably powerful.

"Damn!"

Asuma inhaled sharply, his face full of disbelief as he looked back and forth between Renzo and the crater. "Did you get stronger again? Just a few days ago, your fireball wasn't this big or this intense!"

Even from several meters away, he had felt the overwhelming heatwave wash over him. It was obvious—the fireball's temperature was far more intense than before.

"Yeah, you have improved a lot." Kurenai nodded seriously, feeling a growing sense of urgency.

"Not only his Sharingan but even his ninjutsu has improved so much... I need to work harder!" she thought to herself.

"Damn it! Renzo's progress is way too fast! No way—I need to train even harder!" Asuma clenched his fists, making a silent vow in his heart.

Just then, Yūhi Shinku appeared before them in a flash, his eyes scanning the group before he smiled in approval. "Not bad! For your first combat mission, you handled it cleanly and efficiently. You deserve praise!"

"Hehehe! You're too kind, Sensei!"

Asuma scratched the back of his head, grinning smugly. He was proud of his performance today.

But Shinku's face immediately darkened. "Don't get cocky! You need to push yourselves even harder. You don't have much time to grow—missions will only get more dangerous from here. Understood?"

This kid was already getting carried away after a single compliment? No way—he needed to set him straight.

"Yes!"

Asuma immediately straightened up, his expression turning serious, which made Renzo and Kurenai chuckle.

"Alright! Once we escort these villagers back home, we'll return to the village."

"Understood!"

With that, Renzo and his team set off once more, escorting the rescued villagers to a nearby settlement. Shinku then handled the mission payment with the village chief.

"It's already late. We'll stay here for the night and head back in the morning."

Looking up at the dark sky, Shinku made the decision. Renzo and the others had no objections.

After dinner, Kurenai and Asuma approached Renzo.

"Renzo, did you awaken your Sharingan today?"

Although they had already seen it, they wanted confirmation.

"Yeah. When I killed that bandit leader, it just... activated somehow." Renzo gave a reasonable excuse, nodding in explanation.

He had planned on revealing his Sharingan for a while now. With the Third Great Ninja War beginning, showcasing some of his talent would ensure that the Third Hokage and the Uchiha clan took him more seriously, investing more resources into his development.

Hiding everything wasn't a good strategy. Not only would it slow his growth, but if he was ever exposed, people might label him as overly secretive and scheming, which could hinder his future prospects.

After careful consideration—and with his "golden finger" ability already in effect—Renzo had decided that showing some of his potential wasn't a big deal. As long as he kept a few trump cards hidden, he would be fine.

Besides, he was eager to see Eevee's future growth and the arrival of the next 'Renzo'

When that happened, his strength would skyrocket once again.

"Man, you're so lucky..." Asuma grumbled enviously.

He had heard that awakening the Sharingan depended on both talent and luck. Those with strong talent and good fortune could awaken it easily—like Renzo, who not only awakened it but started with two tomoe right away.

On the other hand, unlucky Uchihas with poor talent were practically doomed to mediocrity. "Hmm! Like that loser from my class, Uchiha Obito."

Too bad Asuma didn't know what Obito would become in the future. If he did, he wouldn't be thinking like this right now.

"What do you mean, 'luck'? Renzo's Sharingan is clearly the result of both talent and hard work!"

Kurenai frowned, standing up for Renzo.

Asuma: "..."

Shinku: "..."

"Kurenai... you're so biased!" Asuma wanted to cry.

Shinku, too, felt a strange sense of unease, as if his precious daughter was being stolen away right before his eyes. But he kept his emotions in check.

"It's just a Sharingan. It's not a big deal. You and Asuma are both strong, too! Let's all keep working hard together!" Renzo smiled.

Kurenai was someone he genuinely liked, so naturally, he wanted her to grow stronger. At the very least, she needed to be able to protect herself.

As for Asuma—he was a teammate, so the stronger he was, the less likely he'd become a burden.

Besides, if anything happened to Asuma on a mission, the Third Hokage would definitely hold Renzo responsible.

"Mhm!"

Kurenai's cheeks flushed slightly, her eyes sparkling as she looked at Renzo with admiration.

Ah... girls at this age, huh?

"Renzo, you bastard!!!"

Seeing Kurenai's reaction, Asuma felt an unexpected mix of emotions. He had just started feeling touched by Renzo's words, but now that feeling was gone—thrown straight into the Land of Water.

"Renzo! I challenge you to a duel!"

"Huh? You sure?"

"Uh this..."

"Hahaha! Asuma, you're embarrassing yourself!"

The night passed peacefully.

— — — 

The next morning, Renzo and his team set out once again, heading back to Konoha. It took them most of the day to return to the village.

While Shinku went to report their mission, Renzo and the others waited outside the Hokage's office. After all, Shinku had promised to treat them to barbecue today—to celebrate their successful first combat mission.

Meanwhile, inside the Hokage's office, the Third Hokage read through Shinku's mission report while listening to his verbal summary, nodding occasionally.

When Shinku described Renzo's tactical awareness during battle, the Third Hokage looked pleased. "This kid has a good grasp of the bigger picture."

Upon hearing that Renzo had awakened his Sharingan mid-battle—and that it was already at two tomoe—the Third Hokage's eyes widened in surprise.

"Are you certain? He really awakened the Sharingan?"

"Yes, I confirmed it multiple times. Renzo himself also acknowledged it. The kid has great potential." Shinku nodded firmly.

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