Chapter 9: Growing Concern

By the time Chiya arrived at Uchiha Izumi's house, night had already fallen.

"Chiya-kun, you're too slow." As soon as Chiya stepped in, Uchiha Izumi greeted him like a caring wife, gently brushing off the snow on his clothes and helping him remove his scarf and coat.

"Sorry, sorry, something came up and delayed me." Chiya apologized with a smile as he took off his ninja boots.

Honestly, these boots were uncomfortable — they exposed his toes despite being somewhat comfortable.

Without the protection of his Tiangang Technique, he'd probably never get used to them.

"It's fine. I'm just glad you came." Izumi handed him a pair of slippers. "Go sit by the kotatsu and warm yourself up. I'll reheat the food."

As she spoke, Izumi carried the dishes back into the kitchen one by one.

Left alone, Chiya idly sat beside the kotatsu, circulating his Tiangang Technique, spreading his perception to ensure no one was monitoring him. Once confirming his surroundings were clear, he focused his attention on his system.

"System, open my personal panel."

[Ding! Opening LoliCon panel.]

[Host: Fujiwara Chiya

Gender: Male

Age: 11

Chakra Nature: Fire, Lightning, Earth, Yin, Yang

Chakra Reserve: 30 cards

Secret Technique: Tiangang Technique (Fourth Layer, grants protective qi and teleportation ability)

Ninjutsu: Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique, Fire Release: Phoenix Sage Fire, Fire Release: Dragon Flame Jutsu, Shadow Clone Jutsu, Three Basic Jutsu, Body Flicker Jutsu, Summoning Jutsu (no contracted beast)

Genjutsu: Kyoka Suigetsu (Can control five senses, even spiritual and chakra perception, without direct interference. Absolute dominance within Naruto's world.)

Taijutsu: Leaf Basic Taijutsu, Tiangang Technique Moves, Uchiha Shuriken Jutsu, Kunai Throwing

Chakra Nature Transformation: Fire, Lightning, Earth

Inventory: Kyoka Suigetsu (Zanpakuto), Kunai x15, Shuriken x11, Various Clothes, Space Storage Scroll, Substitute Logs x9]

Chiya blinked in surprise, murmuring to himself, "When did I gain Yin and Yang chakra attributes? And my chakra reserves… is this because of the Tiangang Technique?"

He stopped circulating his chakra, deactivating his Sage Mode. Instantly, his chakra nature reverted to Fire, Lightning, and Earth, and his chakra reserves shrank back to 3 cards.

"So the fourth layer of Tiangang Technique not only increases my base chakra but also multiplies my reserves by nearly ten times…" Chiya smirked. "Looks like I'll become a chakra powerhouse in no time."

His gaze then shifted toward Uchiha Izumi, who was still busy in the kitchen. His eyes briefly filled with a heavy sense of concern.

The Uchiha Massacre was less than two years away. Soon, Shisui Uchiha would return from the Kirigakure border and, naively, report his Mangekyo Sharingan's abilities to the higher-ups of Konoha.

Danzo would inevitably target him, steal his eye, and trigger the massacre.

Chiya clenched his fist. I have to act before that happens…

---

Seasons passed, and spring arrived once more.

Chiya was now in his sixth year at the Ninja Academy, and a new batch of students had just enrolled.

"Wherever the leaves dance, fire burns eternal. The flame illuminates the village, allowing new leaves to sprout. The Will of Fire shall never fade…"

On the stage, the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, gave his usual speech, instilling the Will of Fire into the new students.

Standing by the classroom window, Chiya looked down and scoffed internally.

Illuminate the village? More like burn down the entire tree just to keep yourself and your clan alive, huh, old man?

Having seen the Fourth Great Ninja War in his past life, Chiya knew how the Sarutobi Clan conveniently flourished while the rest of Konoha suffered under the guise of the Will of Fire.

What a parasite you've become, Sarutobi Hiruzen…

"Chiya-kun, what are you looking at?" Uchiha Izumi approached, noticing the deep, unfathomable look in Chiya's black eyes. She then smiled, "Oh, you're not a shadow clone today?"

Chiya smiled. "Yeah, thought I'd personally show up once in a while."

His gaze swept over the newly enrolled students — Naruto Uzumaki, Sasuke Uchiha, Sakura Haruno, Shikamaru Nara, Ino Yamanaka, Choji Akimichi, Hinata Hyuga, Kiba Inuzuka, and Shino Aburame.

The Twelve Konoha Strongest are all here now…Chiya thought, then returned to his seat.

"Chiya-kun… you've been really off lately, ever since the New Year. Is something bothering you?" Izumi asked with concern.

Chiya forced a smile. "I'm fine. Just lamenting how fast time flies. Six years have passed, and even Sasuke — sorry, I mean Ni-jou — is joining the academy now."

"Chiya-kun! That's rude!" Izumi pouted. "His name is Sasuke Uchiha, not 'Second Pillar.'"

Chiya chuckled mischievously. "Alright, alright. Uchiha Second Pillar it is."

"Sigh… just don't let the clan leader hear you." Izumi shook her head, then gently took Chiya's hand. "But really… if anything's bothering you, promise you'll tell me first, okay?"

Chiya's smile froze for a brief moment. His heart tightened as he looked at her concerned face.

I'm sorry, Izumi… but what happens next, I can't involve you.

That evening, Chiya did something unusual — he walked Izumi home.

"Chiya-kun, it's been so long since we walked home together," Izumi said, playfully walking backward in front of him.

"Yeah, it has been." Chiya smiled. "Starting today, I'll walk you home every day until graduation."

Izumi's eyes lit up with joy but also carried a trace of concern. "But… what about your training?"

"It's fine. Missing an hour won't kill me." Chiya smiled faintly.

From behind, a childish, proud voice rang out. "Hmph! Finally realized you can't catch up to my brother, huh? No matter how hard you train, you'll never surpass him!"

Chiya turned — it was Sasuke Uchiha, his face filled with smug confidence.