CHAPTER 5

c5 - Weird Eyes

Kazue's eyes gleamed with killing intent. This time, her attack was even more ruthless. The moment she threw a kunai, her figure flickered forward with impressive speed, her movements sharp and deliberate.

However, when she caught sight of Yuuji standing before her, her expression faltered for a split second.

"How can you be so ruthless to your classmate, Kazue? This isn't like the usual you." Yuuji casually flicked the kunai away with just a finger.

Kazue reacted instantly, dropping to the ground on one hand before executing a swift sideways kick. But the moment her foot made contact, a sudden force repelled her, causing her to stumble back with a suppressed groan.

With a backflip, she widened the distance, her gaze filled with wariness and disbelief.

"Why are you here? And your strength…?" Kazue's voice was tight, gripping another kunai.

This place—this secluded training ground—was the reason she had grown so strong in the past year. It was here that she had defied the fate of mediocrity, earning recognition from her clan. She could not allow an outsider to uncover her secret.

"You really worked hard," Yuuji mused, his gaze sweeping over her. "The leaps and bounds of your improvement… So this was the method you used. Over the past year, you've devoured an entire layer of earth, haven't you? If I hadn't arrived an hour earlier today, I might never have found out."

His piercing stare unsettled her. This was the first time Yuuji had truly studied this Uchiha—analyzing her, searching for abnormalities.

'Well… at least there's no obvious genetic mutation. No extra limbs or anything unnatural,' he thought wryly.

"To manipulate this kind of dangerous energy so precisely… Kazue, they all underestimated you. You're not just talented—you're a true genius." His voice carried an undeniable sincerity.

Kazue, still radiating hostility, stiffened. Her pupils dilated, and for the first time, she looked genuinely shaken.

"How do you know about this?"

"The reason is simple…"

Yuuji formed a seal with his hands. Under Kazue's vigilant and angry gaze, he crouched and suddenly slammed his palm against the ground.

Pa!

A faint wave of energy rippled out as he absorbed the radiation buried deep underground—erasing any lingering traces of what had been feeding Kazue's growth.

Even if someone noticed something strange in the future, there would be no evidence left behind.

"I admire your determination and willingness to push yourself. But if you truly want to grow stronger, then come find me… At the very least, I won't let you eat dirt anymore." Yuuji smiled, turning his back on the stunned Kazue as he walked away.

Kazue remained rooted to the spot, her mind in turmoil. The strange power—the energy that had been refining her body—had completely vanished.

"Who the hell… are you?" she whispered.

---

Ninja Academy

The moment students stepped through the academy gates, they were met with the sight of Might Guy sprinting tirelessly around the playground. His father, Might Duy, stood outside the fence, shouting encouragement.

As Yuuji arrived, the scene before him played out like a comedy routine.

"Guy, you fool!"

Duy suddenly leaped forward and, with a powerful punch, sent his son flying.

"Wuuu! I'm sorry, Father! I've failed again! I'm almost eleven, and yet I still can't complete a thousand laps around the playground! I'm a disgrace!"

Might Guy collapsed to his knees, his eyes streaming with tears.

"Guy, my son! You mustn't give up so easily! The sweat you shed today is the proof of your youth! Youth never deceives!"

"I understand, Father! I will do 800 push-ups immediately! If I fail, I will jump rope 1,500 times!"

"Guy!"

"Father!"

The father and son embraced, sobbing dramatically.

Yuuji sighed, rubbing his temple. He finally understood why he hadn't seen them earlier in the morning.

"Oh! Yuuji! It's rare for you to arrive so early today!"

Might Duy beamed at him with genuine respect.

"Still working hard as always, Mr. Duy. But Guy already graduated, didn't he? Why are you back here again?" Yuuji asked, ignoring the whispered mockery of passing students.

Among their generation, Kakashi had graduated at five, while Might Guy had left the academy at eight.

Duy proudly adjusted his forehead protector. "That's right! Guy and I received a mission from the village to assist with security. Until the competition begins, we must not waste time! Fighting is youth!"

"Yuuji-san, thank you for everything! After the war ends, I will work hard to repay you!"

Duy and Guy bowed deeply, eyes glistening with gratitude.

"The Will of Fire burns brightly within you both. But if you mention repaying me again, I'll be offended. We are all Konoha ninja—it's only natural to support one another." Yuuji nodded in approval.

Guy clenched his fists. "Yuuji-san, with your strength, you could graduate early too if you worked hard!"

At that moment, laughter erupted from the surrounding students.

"Yuuji? Graduate early? Yeah, right!"

"He's good at theory, but what use is that in real combat?"

"Tch. I still can't believe the village let Guy graduate early. Kakashi, sure, but Guy? He's just a taijutsu meathead!"

Yuuji shook his head. He patted Guy's shoulder and walked toward the classroom.

---

Might Guy watched Yuuji's retreating figure.

"Yuuji is a great man. He never looked down on my father or me. He's always encouraged us… He's not a fighter, so I'll protect him with everything I have!"

With determination blazing in his heart, Guy clenched his fists.

Ahead, Yuuji smirked, sensing the intensity of Guy's resolve.

'Good. That's the look I want to see. One day, Guy… you'll burn all your youth for me.'

---

Actual Combat Lesson

When Yuuji entered the classroom, students were murmuring excitedly.

Today's combat lesson wasn't just about practice—it was a test.

Graduation loomed on the horizon. The six-year academy system was about to be compressed into four years, and soon, the village would be forcing their entire generation onto the battlefield.

Yuuji leaned back in his seat, indifferent. His Nuclear Release abilities had already reached a preliminary stage, and he could defend himself if necessary.

"You look oddly relaxed," a quiet voice remarked.

It was Gekkou Hayate. The pale-skinned boy coughed lightly, watching him with mild curiosity.

"There's no use worrying," Yuuji replied with a smile. "I just need to give it my all."

Hayate shook his head. He couldn't understand Yuuji's confidence.

As members of minor Konoha clans, both the Gekkou and Shiranui families lacked influence. Hayate's clan had its kenjutsu techniques, but Yuuji's Shiranui family? Their only notable ability was their mastery of Senbon throwing.

If anything, Yuuji would likely end up as an assistant to Shiranui Genma in the future. He could never become a true powerhouse.

---

At that moment, Uchiha Kazue walked into the classroom. She kept her eyes forward, completely ignoring Yuuji's presence.

Soon, their instructor, Yoshino-sensei, arrived and led them to the training grounds.

When the first match was announced, the crowd stirred in excitement.

"Uchiha Kazue versus Hyuga Iroha!"

Kazue and Iroha faced each other.

The Hyuga activated his Byakugan. "I won't lose to you, Uchiha genius."

Kazue smiled coldly. "Byakugan? A fine set of eyes… but in front of mine, your pride is meaningless."

When she reopened her eyes—her Sharingan was active.

Yoshino's breath hitched.

"Kazue awakened the Sharingan? When did this happen?!"