NOVEL NEXT Chapter 5: Chapter 5
After his explosive performance on the first day of school, Uchiha Kagami became a figure no one dared to approach.
During the day, Kagami napped at school and honed the *Rasengan* in his spiritual training space. In the evenings, he trained in ninjutsu and immersed himself in theory before getting a full seven hours of deep sleep. His life was highly disciplined and fulfilling.
Kakashi Hatake, who initially planned to graduate early, abandoned the idea temporarily after suffering a humiliating defeat at Kagami's hands. Instead, he doubled down on his already intense training regime, determined to exact revenge when his strength reached a higher level.
One evening, Kakashi found a rare moment to speak with his father, Hatake Sakumo, and express his concerns.
"Father… Uchiha Kagami's Sharingan feels different. I've seen other Uchiha use it, but…" Kakashi hesitated, unsure how to put the feeling into words.
Sakumo smiled knowingly and ruffled his son's hair. "It feels fiercer, doesn't it?"
Kakashi nodded, though he still felt something was off.
Sakumo explained, "The Sharingan doesn't awaken as easily as the Hyūga's Byakugan. It often requires a deep emotional stimulus or strong mental shock. For Kagami to awaken his Sharingan at such a young age, he must have endured something painful. Kakashi… help your peers when you can. He might not show it, but he could need support."
Kakashi frowned, confused. Kagami hardly seemed like someone burdened by sorrow.
That same Kagami often amused himself by tormenting Uchiha Obito, though Obito had recently taken a step back, busy gathering with Asuma Sarutobi and others to plot revenge. With less interference from his classmates, Kakashi felt somewhat relieved.
Clearing his mind of these thoughts, Kakashi addressed the real purpose of his conversation. "Father, I want to learn your swordsmanship!"
Sakumo chuckled, proud yet slightly reluctant. He had never been fully comfortable with Kakashi's early graduation plans but knew the academy had little to offer his son anymore. Seeing Kakashi's determination to grow, he relented.
"Very well. We'll move beyond the basics. I'll teach you the *Chidori Blade Technique* passed down through our family. But first…" Sakumo grinned. "How about the infamous Hatake secret move—the Thousand Years of Death?"
"Father!" Kakashi groaned, though his lips twitched into a rare smile.
---
Later that night, after finishing his rigorous training, Kagami returned home when a clan member approached him.
"Kagami, the elder wishes to see you."
The Uchiha clan functioned differently from others like the Hyūga. The clan head, typically the most powerful member, wielded full authority. However, Fugaku Uchiha, the current head, was still young and relied on the guidance of an elder from the previous generation, much like the dynamic between Sarutobi Hiruzen and Minato Namikaze.
Kagami followed the clan member to the elder's courtyard. Waiting for him in the living room was Uchiha Shenhuo, a thin, scarred man in his fifties and the leader of the Hawk Faction. Shenhuo was a radical who believed the Uchiha should seize their rightful place in the village by force.
After Kagami greeted him briefly, Shenhuo studied the young prodigy and smiled faintly. "You've done well at the academy. Tell me, how did you find the Sandaime Hokage?"
Kagami paused before responding, "He's an exceptional leader. Kind, yet immensely powerful."
Shenhuo nodded approvingly. "A balanced assessment. I have my grievances with Sarutobi Hiruzen, but I won't deny his worthiness as Hokage. Your grandfather, Uchiha Kagami, might have had a chance at the title, but…"
Kagami interrupted. "Even if my grandfather had survived, he wouldn't have vied for the Hokage position."
Shenhuo smirked. "You're perceptive, like a leader should be. With the Sandaime preparing to retire soon, the next Hokage might come from the Sannin. But perhaps, by the time the Fifth Hokage is chosen, you could—"
"Enough," Kagami said coldly, rising from his seat. "Is this why you summoned me? To discuss endless schemes? First, it's the Second Hokage. Then, the Fourth. Always the 'next time.' You're no different from Fugaku."
Shenhuo stiffened, his composure cracking.
"Wait," he called after Kagami as the boy turned to leave. "Do you plan to aim for the Fourth Hokage yourself?"
"No," Kagami replied, his voice calm yet resolute. "The Uchiha don't need the Hokage title to validate their strength. Elder Shenhuo, I despise the cowardice plaguing our clan. Even you."
For a moment, silence reigned. Then Shenhuo's voice softened. "Come to the training grounds tomorrow. I'll teach you all I know. You're free to follow your path, but let me contribute to the Uchiha's future in some way."
Kagami paused at the door before murmuring, "I understand."
---
As Kagami walked through the quiet clan compound under the moonlight, familiar voices called out to him.
"Kagami! I heard you defeated Hatake's genius son! Excellent work!"
"Come by my shop tomorrow—I've prepared some red bean soup for you!"
Kagami responded with warmth, smiling at his neighbors. Unlike his indifferent attitude toward Shenhuo, he carried a gentler air among the ordinary clansmen.
Despite their reputation, the Uchiha were deeply familial. Even during times of strife, their bonds ran strong, a legacy Kagami silently vowed to protect.
Reaching home, he saw his grandmother soothing a crying baby Shisui. Orphaned at birth, Shisui was raised by his grandmother and Kagami, representing the clan's strong network of support.
As he stepped inside, Kagami thought of his future, the clan's fate, and the looming darkness that threatened them all. He clenched his fists.
"Lost love breeds hatred… Then we must ensure the Uchiha never lose what matters."
"I'll protect this clan's destiny. I'll protect them all."
"Grandma, I'm back."