CHAPTER 10
Uchiha Tunan's Awakening and Recognition
Sarutobi Hiruzen looked at Uchiha Tunan's newly awakened Three-Tomoe Sharingan with an empathetic expression on the surface, but deep inside, he was ecstatic.
"This child… he's a gift from the heavens," Hiruzen thought.
Uchiha Tunan slowly stood up, took a deep breath, and forced a smile at the Third Hokage.
"Hokage-sama, please don't worry about me," he said in a steady tone. "I have already composed myself. I will inherit my parents' will and protect the village."
His gaze was determined as he continued, "The war is still ongoing, and I know you have many pressing matters. If there's anything I can do, please don't hesitate to order me."
Sarutobi Hiruzen smiled and nodded. "It's good that you understand, Tunan. When I first received this news, I feared you wouldn't be able to withstand the blow. The Will of Fire must be carried forward, and it will be in the hands of young shinobi like you."
As he spoke, he reached out and gently patted Uchiha Tunan's head.
Tunan's eyes shimmered with a mix of admiration and sorrow. He bit his lip as if holding back tears and whispered, "Hokage-sama..."
Sarutobi sighed. "Rest for the next few days. Don't neglect yourself, and if you ever need anything, you're always welcome here at the Hokage's office."
Uchiha Tunan nodded, then turned and walked out, his steps slow and deliberate, as if every step carried the weight of grief.
---
Sarutobi's Reflection
Once Uchiha Tunan had left, Sarutobi Hiruzen leaned back in his chair, lit his pipe, and exhaled a long stream of smoke. His eyes narrowed as he mused to himself.
"A six-year-old Uchiha awakening the Three-Tomoe Sharingan so soon... The potential of this child is immeasurable."
He then shifted his focus back to the war.
"The Uchiha clan has suffered heavy casualties on the Mist Village front. Should I consider rotating them out?"
He drummed his fingers on the desk. The Uchiha specialized in Fire Release and Genjutsu, which were naturally countered by Kirigakure's Water Release and Silent Killing techniques. The war had reached a critical point, and any misstep could be costly.
After careful thought, Sarutobi dismissed the idea of relocating the Uchiha forces.
"No, not yet. The Mist's resistance is weakening. This could be their last stand before the war ends."
---
Danzo's Demand
Suddenly, the door to the Hokage's office swung open. Shimura Danzo stepped in, his expression cold and calculating.
"Hiruzen," he said curtly, "I heard a new genius has appeared in the Uchiha clan—one who has already awakened the Three-Tomoe Sharingan."
Sarutobi frowned and took another drag from his pipe. "Danzo, don't do anything rash."
Danzo scoffed. "Root has suffered considerable losses in this war. We need replacements. When Uchiha Tunan graduates, you should hand him over to me."
Sarutobi shook his head firmly. "That child is not suited for Root."
Danzo's lips curled in disdain. "Are you doubting my methods, Hiruzen? You of all people should know—Uchiha blood is dangerous. Either we crush the seed before it grows or we keep it firmly under control."
Sarutobi's expression hardened. "Tunan will not be placed in Root. I have my own plans for him. You can find other candidates."
Danzo narrowed his visible eye. Sarutobi had always been soft toward the Uchiha. "Has the boy put you under some kind of Genjutsu? Don't forget what he is."
Bang! Sarutobi slammed his palm on the desk. "Watch your tone, Danzo. I am the Hokage."
Danzo knew when to retreat. He exhaled sharply, turned on his heel, and left, but not before muttering under his breath.
"You'll regret this, Hiruzen."
To Danzo, a mere potential genius was not worth arguing over. His real interest lay in one thing—the Sharingan.
---
Summoning to the Uchiha Ancestral Hall
After leaving the Hokage Building, Uchiha Tunan made his way back to the Uchiha compound.
As soon as he arrived home, he had barely taken a seat when a clan messenger knocked on his door.
"Tunan, the elders request your presence at the ancestral hall."
Tunan smirked inwardly. "They must have already heard about my Sharingan evolution."
The Uchiha were a proud and power-driven clan. Word of his achievement had undoubtedly reached the Great Elder and other leaders. He had intentionally kept his Three-Tomoe Sharingan active after leaving the Hokage's office—just long enough for the right people to notice.
At the ancestral hall, the Great Elder of the Uchiha sat on a raised platform, gesturing for Tunan to kneel before him.
"Tunan, you have given us a great surprise. Awakening the Three-Tomoe Sharingan at just six years old… Your talent is exceptional."
The elder unfurled a scroll, revealing a list of advanced Uchiha clan jutsu.
"According to our traditions, any clansman who awakens the Three-Tomoe Sharingan is entitled to choose three jutsu. Look through them carefully."
Tunan scanned the scroll. Most of the techniques were Fire Release, Lightning Release, or Genjutsu—the Uchiha's signature styles. After a moment of consideration, he pointed at three techniques.
"I choose these."
The Great Elder stroked his beard. "Hmm… Lightning Release: Lightning Needles. Genjutsu: Hell Viewing Technique and Mirror World Reflection... Interesting choices."
He eyed Tunan with curiosity. "You seem to have a natural affinity for Lightning Release, yet you only chose one Genjutsu technique. Then again, with your Sharingan, standard Genjutsu is unnecessary."
The elder retrieved three scrolls from the shrine behind him and handed them to Tunan. "Your parents' sacrifice was a great loss to our clan. Remember, no matter what, the Uchiha will always stand with you."
Tunan bowed deeply. "Thank you, Elder."
As he exited the hall, the elder sighed.
"This child… he doesn't feel like one of us. His bow was too formal. There's a distance between him and the clan."
---
Tunan's New Illusions
Back home, Uchiha Tunan immediately began practicing his new techniques.
Hell Viewing Technique was a basic but effective Genjutsu—widely known among Konoha Jōnin. It forced the target to experience their greatest fears, making them vulnerable in combat.
Mirror World Reflection had two unique properties. If Tunan's Genjutsu proficiency surpassed his opponent's, he could reflect their illusions back at them. Additionally, it allowed him to share his vision with anyone affected by the technique.
Tunan smirked.
"Perfect. I'll use this on my ninja beast—a white pigeon."
With this enhancement, his surveillance abilities would reach an entirely new level.
"When my parents' death benefits are paid, I'll train dozens of ninja pigeons."
A true shinobi always thinks ahead.
And Uchiha Tunan was planning something far beyond the expectations of either Sarutobi or the Uchiha clan.