CHAPTER 14

The Next Day

Uchiha Tunan arrived at the Konoha Ninja Academy wearing a crisp white shirt and gold-rimmed glasses.

Despite the assassination attempt yesterday, he had gained a crucial piece of information—Sakumo Hatake had returned to the village.

That meant his next primary target had appeared.

Sakumo Hatake, the "White Fang of Konoha," would take his own life in Konoha Year 44—just over a year from now. If Tunan could gain his recognition in advance, then after his death, he would have a solid guarantee of survival during the brutal Third Great Ninja War.

A Jōnin of Sakumo's caliber was equivalent to sacrificing countless Chūnin-level ninjas.

As he stepped into the classroom, his refined appearance immediately drew the attention of his female classmates.

Squeals of excitement erupted.

He had to admit, the Uchiha clan's genetics were exceptional—handsome faces and natural charisma were nearly a given. Well… except for Obito.

Previously, he hadn't received this kind of reaction because his attire was too plain, failing to accentuate his natural elegance.

Under normal circumstances, Tunan wouldn't have chosen such a flashy look. However, his carefully crafted persona required it.

Someone who had been deeply "indoctrinated" by the Third Hokage wouldn't behave like the average Uchiha, who grew arrogant the moment they gained a little power.

Instead, he had to be the opposite—polite, gentle, humble, and elegant. A person like that would stand out among the traditionally prideful Uchiha.

Appearance was the first step in making an impression.

"Good morning, everyone."

Tunan greeted the starry-eyed girls with a humble smile before calmly returning to his seat. As he sat down, he casually unbuttoned the top of his shirt.

A faint gulping sound could be heard.

Are kids in this world really this precocious?

Tunan smirked internally but didn't acknowledge the attention. He simply opened his textbook and began reviewing, his expression one of quiet focus.

This kind of attitude only made him seem even more attractive.

Ding! You have gained Hyūga Chiretsu's approval.

The sudden system notification echoed in his mind, causing the corners of his lips to lift slightly.

Charm really is a great tool for gaining recognition.

He glanced back subtly.

Behind him sat a timid girl in a white kimono—Hyūga Chiretsu. She was peeking at him from behind a textbook, but the moment their eyes met, she squeaked and hid her face behind the book.

She's looking at me… and she thinks I smiled at her.

Tunan observed her trembling shoulders for a moment before turning away.

Hyūga Chiretsu…

Her name wasn't familiar.

That meant she either died young or left the ninja world behind after getting married. But either way, most of the students here would perish in the Third Great Ninja War.

He vividly remembered how ruthless that war was. Konoha had been forced to drag every available shinobi onto the battlefield, even Academy students.

There's still a few years left. Hopefully, you can learn a few more jutsu before you die.

At that moment, a white dove flew through the open window and landed on Tunan's desk.

He reached out and gently stroked its head. The dove cooed in response, rubbing its beak against his fingers.

Under the golden sunlight, the scene was undeniably warm and picturesque.

"Animals really like Tunan."

"He's so kind..."

"I used to think he was as dumb as Obito, but he's actually really sweet."

A group of girls huddled together, whispering.

Ding! You have gained Matsushima's approval.

Ding! You have gained Uchiha Mina's approval.

Ding! You have gained Inuzuka Gami's approval.

Ding! You have gained Aburame Kaede's approval.

Tunan listened to the system notifications while casually glancing at the gossiping girls.

Maybe… I could become a scumbag.

If I built a harem and produced a bunch of Uchiha children…

They would naturally recognize me, and I could mold them into the perfect pawns before disposing of them one by one…

Cough. No, that's too inhumane. Even a tiger doesn't eat its cubs.

Besides, time was tight. Even if the Fourth Great Ninja War was still over two decades away, he was only six years old right now. Even if he married and had children in ten years, they'd still be too young to be useful.

He dismissed the thought and lightly tapped the dove's head. The bird flapped its wings and took off.

Anbu must be retrieving my diary again.

Sarutobi Hiruzen… those who spy on others' privacy don't die peacefully.

At that moment, Umino Iruka entered the classroom.

"Alright, everyone, settle down."

The students quickly returned to their seats. Iruka looked excited as he announced:

"I have some good news! The local war between Konoha and Kirigakure has officially ended! To celebrate, the Academy is giving everyone a three-day break!"

A cheer erupted.

"Vacation!"

"I can finally go out and play!"

Iruka smiled but then added in a heavier tone, "Additionally, the bodies of the fallen heroes have been brought back from the battlefield. The funeral will take place the day after tomorrow."

His gaze momentarily flickered to Uchiha Tunan.

Tunan's expression turned solemn, his head lowering as if mourning in silence.

"Their names will be forever engraved on the Memorial Stone, so that future generations may honor their sacrifice. Konoha will never forget them."

Iruka's voice carried deep respect. He then took a deep breath, forcing a smile.

"Alright! Class dismissed!"

"Yosh! Let's go train!"

"Kakashi, come burn your youth with me!"

"No."

Kakashi rejected Might Guy's invitation with his usual deadpan tone and started walking toward the exit.

As he passed by Tunan's seat, he slowed slightly and murmured:

"We should train during the break."

Tunan looked up, his face filled with a quiet loneliness. He took a deep breath, then smiled.

"Of course. My father and mother always wanted me to become a great ninja. I have to keep working hard to catch up to you."

A small smirk tugged at the corner of Kakashi's mouth under his mask. In his mind, Tunan was a good training partner—but no real threat.

Even with his Sharingan, Tunan had never beaten him in a spar.

Of course, that was intentional.

If Tunan won every time, he wouldn't have an excuse to keep visiting Kakashi's home and learning from him.

He couldn't afford to be too strong, or Kakashi wouldn't see him as an equal.

If he dominated every match, it wouldn't be "training together"—it would be outright bullying.

And that wouldn't do at all.