CHAPTER 32

Uchiha Tunan returned home, opened his diary, and began writing with a sorrowful expression. Though his hand moved mechanically across the pages, his mind was preoccupied with the image of the Sharingan, floating eerily in a test tube.

After finishing his entry, he stepped outside and sat under the eaves, his gaze distant as he watched members of the Uchiha clan occasionally pass by.

Now that the war had ended, the remaining Uchiha had returned to Konoha. If Orochimaru truly wished to obtain Sharingan, his only option was to target those within the village.

A three-tomoe Sharingan user who lives at the edge of the compound… quite the convenient target.

Tunan exhaled and rubbed his temples.

"The war is finally over… but peace feels more unsettling than battle itself," he muttered. "I should've accepted the Elder's offer."

When his Sharingan had awakened, the Great Elder had suggested moving him closer to the center of the clan for better protection. But Tunan had already aligned himself with Hiruzen Sarutobi, and with so many secrets of his own, he had refused.

"Now I have to rely on myself," he whispered.

With that thought, he stood up and made his way to the storage room.

A shinobi must always be prepared.

Uchiha Tunan had always followed one principle: If others do not harm me, I will not harm them. But if they do…

I will destroy them.

The Graduation Season

In the days that followed, life remained calm. Uchiha Tunan kept a low profile, focusing on his preparations.

The academy's graduation season was approaching.

"Nani?! Tunan-kun, you and Kakashi are applying for early graduation?" Obito Uchiha exclaimed in shock.

Uchiha Tunan nodded humbly. "I'm not certain I'll pass, but I want to try."

Might Guy, overhearing the conversation, immediately rushed to Kakashi, his eyes burning with youthful passion.

"Kakashi! You're graduating early?"

Kakashi gave a nonchalant nod.

Guy clenched his fists, practically trembling with excitement. "As expected of my eternal rival! If you're taking this step, then I must challenge myself as well!" He pointed dramatically at Kakashi. "Let's see who can graduate first! The loser will run 500 laps around the training ground!"

Guy's outburst drew the attention of the entire class.

Soon, a group of girls surrounded Kakashi and Uchiha Tunan, their voices bubbling with excitement.

"Kakashi is graduating early?"

"Tunan-kun too?"

"Tunan-kun is amazing! He's already confident enough to take the test!"

"He's mastered ninjutsu so quickly!"

"No way, Kakashi is still better!"

"Tunan-kun is the best!"

"Kakashi is the best!"

In an instant, the class was divided into two factions—one supporting Uchiha Tunan and the other, Hatake Kakashi.

Obito, noticing that Rin Nohara was among those admiring Kakashi, slammed his hand on the desk, his face twisted with determination.

"I've decided! I'm applying for early graduation too! The future Hokage can't afford to fall behind!"

However, his dramatic declaration was met with silence.

Rin turned to him with a gentle but concerned expression. "Obito… to apply for early graduation, you have to be proficient in the Three Basic Jutsu and have an A-grade average…"

"Nani?! The Three Basic Jutsu?!" Obito and Guy clutched their heads in despair.

Guy, always quick to recover, turned to Kakashi, his eyes filled with respect. "Damn it, Kakashi! You win this round!"

At that moment, Umino Naoto, their instructor, entered the classroom and cleared his throat.

"Quiet down, everyone.

"Tomorrow is the final exam. I expect you all to perform at your best.

"In addition, Kakashi and Tunan have both applied for early graduation. The two of you will take your test in the third-year classroom—don't be late.

"Classes will end early today, so use this time to rest and prepare."

Guy instantly dashed out the door. "Burn, my youth! I must train!"

As the other students left, chatting excitedly about the upcoming exam, Kakashi approached Uchiha Tunan and handed him a scroll.

"Take it. Everything's inside."

Tunan accepted it with a small smile.

These were valuable supplies—items that would greatly increase his sense of security.

"Thanks, Kakashi. How much do I owe you?" He pulled out his wallet, preparing to count the money.

Kakashi shrugged, his tone lazy. "Don't worry about it."

Tunan's expression grew serious. "Kakashi, do you consider me a friend?"

"W-what kind of question is that?" Kakashi turned his face away, slightly flustered.

"If we're friends, then please take the money," Tunan insisted. "Friends help each other in times of need, but they don't take advantage of each other. Even if these things aren't valuable to you, they are to me."

Without waiting for an answer, he firmly pressed a stack of ryo into Kakashi's hand.

Kakashi looked down at the money in his palm, momentarily stunned.

"If you don't accept it, I'll feel uncomfortable," Tunan added. "And I won't be able to ask for your help in the future."

Kakashi sighed and tucked the money into his pocket. "Fine. But don't show up at my house."

There was an odd, subtle invitation in his words.

Tunan chuckled. "No, I need to rest before the exam."

Preparations for the Future

That evening, Uchiha Tunan locked the gates of his courtyard before unrolling the scroll Kakashi had given him.

He formed a few hand seals and pressed his palm against the parchment.

"Release."

With a puff of white smoke, the sealed contents appeared before him.

He carefully checked each item:

Five waterproof, flameproof, and explosion-proof explosive tags

Four Wind-Style-infused shuriken

Two barrels of highly flammable oil

A spool of chakra-conductive metal wire

A barrel of quick-drying cement

Each of these was expensive and heavily regulated. Only shinobi with proper clearance could obtain them.

Most Genin wouldn't even be able to afford such tools. A single explosive tag was costly, and chakra metal wire was a luxury item, even for Chūnin.

Tunan had used nearly half of the pension left behind by his parents to acquire these materials.

He could have purchased them from the Uchiha clan's internal supply, but doing so might raise suspicions. If Hiruzen Sarutobi caught wind of his stockpiling, it could affect the delicate relationship between them.

Fortunately, with Kakashi as his intermediary, these supplies had likely come directly from Sakumo Hatake's private reserves.

Tunan spent the next hour attaching chakra metal wire to his Wind Demon Shuriken and kunai, preparing them for deployment.

Once everything was ready, he sealed the weapons back into the scroll.

By nightfall, he moved the remaining materials to the courtyard.

Meanwhile, hidden in the shadows, a flock of white doves perched on nearby rooftops.

Their eyes, now glowing red with the Sharingan, surveyed the area vigilantly.