CHAPTER 5

The Great Elder and several other clan members had already arrived at the scene when Uchiha Tunan first unleashed his Fireball Jutsu.

By examining the battle's aftermath and listening to the exchange between Uchiha Tunan and Uchiha Tetsuo, the elders were able to reconstruct most of the incident. However, since Tetsuo was a member of the Uchiha clan, they needed to conduct a more thorough investigation before making any conclusions.

The Great Elder ordered that Uchiha Tetsuo be treated for his injuries and then confined to the ancestral hall, where he would be personally interrogated.

Tunan had deliberately prolonged his fight with Tetsuo, suspecting that other clan members would arrive soon. Given that their confrontation took place within Uchiha territory and began with loud shouting, it was inevitable that someone would take notice. His goal was clear—he wanted to ensure that Uchiha Tetsuo would be convicted.

The Ancestral Hall Interrogation

In the dimly lit ancestral hall, the Great Elder sat in his seat, gazing down at the kneeling Uchiha Tetsuo. His voice was calm but firm.

"So, you admit it. You accidentally killed Uchiha Tianxiong."

Tetsuo gritted his teeth. Though he felt wronged, as a member of the Uchiha clan, he knew he couldn't show weakness. Holding back his frustration, he muttered,

"Who knew that weakling would mess up a simple C-rank jutsu?"

The elder's expression darkened.

"According to your testimony, Tianxiong awakened the Sharingan. Do you realize how precious a newly awakened Sharingan is to the Uchiha clan?"

He then narrowed his eyes.

"And you still intended to kill Tunan, didn't you?"

Tetsuo hesitated but ultimately replied, "Yes."

The Great Elder's gaze remained cold.

"Tunan awakened his Sharingan at just six years old. He has more potential than both you and Tianxiong combined. A true prodigy of the Uchiha."

Tetsuo scoffed. "That's only because he saw Tianxiong die and was emotionally triggered. I still don't understand why he was so close to that guy."

The elder stood, his expression grim.

"Two young Uchiha with awakened Sharingan—one dead by your hand, and the other nearly assassinated. Even if Tianxiong's death was unintentional, your intent to kill Tunan was undeniable."

He turned to leave. "After a few days, when everything is clear, I will execute you publicly before the clan."

Though Tetsuo had confessed, the elder knew that in the ninja world, nothing could be taken at face value.

Hokage's Office

At that moment, in the Hokage's office, an Anbu operative suddenly appeared before Hiruzen Sarutobi.

"Hokage-sama, there has been a murder within the Uchiha clan."

Hiruzen exhaled a ring of smoke, continuing to review documents as he listened. "What happened?"

"It appears that two young Uchiha clan members had a conflict. One killed the other by mistake."

Hearing the names, Hiruzen briefly paused before speaking.

"Uchiha Tianxiong and Uchiha Tetsuo... Both were recent graduates. What a waste."

He resumed working, showing little interest. It was clear that even these so-called "geniuses" were not significant enough to warrant his attention—especially considering the nature of the Uchiha clan.

The Anbu continued, "Another Uchiha was present at the time—Uchiha Tunan, a first-year academy student. He was close to the deceased. After witnessing the murder, he awakened a single-tomoe Sharingan and engaged in battle with Tetsuo using Fireball Jutsu. The two were evenly matched."

Hiruzen's eyes flickered with mild interest.

"Uchiha Tunan... So, another genius emerges."

He exhaled another puff of smoke. "Very well. You may go."

As the Anbu left, Hiruzen set down his documents, deep in thought.

---

The next morning, Uchiha Tunan awoke in his room. The gentle smile of the Great Elder greeted him.

"You're awake."

Tunan nodded before suddenly remembering something. His expression grew urgent.

"Where is Tianxiong-san?"

The elder's eyes darkened for a brief moment. He gently patted the back of Tunan's hand.

"Do not dwell on the past. The clan sees you as a strong and promising child."

His voice softened slightly. "Remember, the Uchiha will never harm you or exploit you."

With that, he stood up and walked toward the door.

"Tonight, we will hold a public execution for Tetsuo. I have arranged for you to take a day off from the academy. Rest well."

Without another word, the elder left.

Tunan sat in silence, curled up in bed, deep in thought.

A few minutes later, a white dove landed on the windowsill, staring at him.

Tunan reached into his pocket, pulling out special feed. The bird eagerly pecked at the grains before flying off.

This dove was no ordinary bird—it was a reconnaissance ninja animal, trained according to the Ninja Beast Training Manual. By using subtle Genjutsu and constant feeding, Tunan had conditioned it to recognize him as its master.

Unlike crows, which carried a sinister reputation, doves symbolized peace. Tunan preferred it that way. It made for better deception.

"A good hunter must wear the right disguise before baring his fangs."

---

The Night of Execution

Tunan did not attend Tetsuo's public execution. Instead, he stayed home, writing in his diary.

"Tianxiong-san is gone. Killed by Tetsuo-san. I am heartbroken."

"I remember something the Third Hokage once said…"

(Thirteen thousand words omitted.)

"Tonight, the Great Elder will execute Tetsuo-san before the clan. I hope Tianxiong-san's soul can rest in peace."

After closing his diary, Tunan walked into the kitchen. He opened the fridge, staring at the remaining vegetables and weeds.

After a pause, he took out all the weeds and cooked them.

That night, he paid the price for his decision—visiting the bathroom more than a dozen times.

---

The Next Morning

Despite his exhaustion, Uchiha Tunan prepared for the academy, putting on a weary expression.

As he walked through the Uchiha district, the clan members no longer looked at him with contempt. Instead, their gazes carried warmth and respect.

"So this is the power of potential," he thought.

Upon arriving at the academy, Umino Iruka noticed his haggard appearance but said nothing, only placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder.

During morning theory class, Tunan rested his head on the desk, feigning deep grief. In reality, he was carefully planning his next move.

He needed to think ahead. His parents were still alive, but he couldn't rely on them forever.

He searched through his memory, recalling Naruto's storyline. He needed to find someone with a tragic fate—someone whose demise he could manipulate to his advantage.

Then, a name surfaced in his mind.

"Konoha's White Fang—Hatake Sakumo."

Kakashi was still in his first year, but based on the timeline, he would graduate early. Sakumo's suicide wasn't far off.

"Perhaps, I can use this opportunity."

Recognition was key. But emotional bonds and pure strength were unreliable.

Instead, he would seek ideological recognition.

He had to plan carefully. If he played his cards right, he could secure his future for the next twenty years.

At that moment, Uchiha Obito poked his arm.

"Hey."

Tunan lifted his head, his eyes still red with "tears."

"I heard what happened… Don't be sad," Obito said awkwardly.

Tunan nodded weakly. "Thank you."

Obito grinned. "From now on, the future Hokage will guide your training!"

Tunan whispered, "I appreciate it."

But his real thoughts were elsewhere.

"I have a bigger target in mind."