Sharingan Evolution: Proficiency's Path

"Qingming, over here!"

On a street in Konoha Village, Liangjie waved at Qingming from a distance, with Mizutani Seiko standing beside him.

Hearing Liangjie, Qingming walked over at a leisurely pace.

As soon as Qingming approached, Liangjie complained, "Qingming, you're so slow! We agreed to hang out together, can't you come a bit earlier?"

Qingming knew that Liangjie wasn't genuinely upset; it was just his habitual way of complaining. So, he simply asked, "Where are we going first?"

Originally, given Qingming's personality, he wouldn't have wasted time wandering around. Konoha didn't have much to explore anyway. However, considering the tension he'd felt recently, he hesitated a bit before accepting Liangjie and Mizutani Seiko's invitation to relax a little.

It had been half a month since the effectiveness of the "Mind Reflection Technique" had diminished.

During these past two weeks, Furukawa had taken them on another C-rank mission. However, instead of fighting bandits, they were tasked with protecting a merchant caravan.

Although they encountered some trouble along the way, it was all within the scope of their mission and didn't pose any real danger. This made Qingming once again reflect on how nice it was not to have a protagonist's halo.

"Let's go over there! A new dumpling shop just opened, and it's supposed to be delicious," Liangjie pointed excitedly.

Qingming followed Liangjie's finger and saw a new store with a long line in front. The aroma wafting from the shop indicated that it must be good.

While thinking this, Qingming suddenly heard a few "familiar" names.

" Kakashi, hurry up! We need to make up for Rin's missed birthday today!"

"Ah, Obito, that's not necessary."

"No way! We absolutely have to make up for it. I heard a new dumpling shop opened up ahead that's really good. I'll treat you guys, so don't compete with me, Kakashi!"

"Kakashi, Obito, Rin…"

Quietly repeating the names in his mind, Qingming turned to look in the direction of the voices.

He saw three figures, small and not too far away, walking together.

The one in front had his back to Qingming, wearing a Uchiha clan emblem on his clothes, which he assumed was Uchiha Obito.

Obito was excitedly talking about something, seemingly unaware of the attention from the crowd around them.

The two behind him, one male and one female, were facing him, allowing Qingming to see their faces clearly.

However, one person's face was obscured.

The boy was around eleven or twelve years old, had silver hair, a short sword strapped to his back, and was wearing a mask. His expression was cold; it was none other than Hatake Kakashi, who hadn't yet stepped out of the shadow of his father's death.

Due to the mask, Qingming couldn't see his entire face, even at a close distance.

While Qingming was observing, Kakashi also glanced over.

'What keen perception!'

Qingming marveled at Kakashi's awareness, but as their eyes met, a chill ran through his heart.

It was a strange feeling, as if he were being eyed by some ferocious beast, sending shivers down his spine.

Quickly, Qingming averted his gaze.

"What's wrong, Qingming?"

Noticing Qingming suddenly stop with a pale face, Mizutani Seiko asked with concern.

"Just… nothing," Qingming exhaled deeply, slowly responding.

After speaking, he moved his feet and continued forward, his gaze inadvertently meeting Kakashi's once again.

However, this time, he no longer felt the fear he had before.

Indeed, at that moment of eye contact, he had felt fear.

He may have taken lives, but they were merely bandits and thieves, utterly defenseless. Kakashi, on the other hand, was someone who had truly seen the battlefield, having crawled through mountains of corpses and rivers of blood; they were simply not on the same level.

Thus, it was natural to feel fear, but all that mattered was overcoming it.

On the other side, Uchiha Obito noticed Kakashi looking back, confused, "What's wrong?"

As he spoke, he turned to look behind him.

Just one glance, and he instantly recognized Qingming's identity.

There was no way he wouldn't; that 'ping pong paddle' hairstyle was too eye-catching.

'A junior from the clan?'

Thinking this, Obito redirected his gaze and asked Kakashi, "What's up with him?"

From Qingming's outfit and age, Obito could deduce that he was likely this year's graduate.

Obito couldn't figure out why such a person would catch Kakashi's attention.

Hearing Obito's question, Kakashi simply shook his head, not elaborating further.

Soon, they all reached the dumpling shop.

Kakashi, Obito, and Rin lined up in front, while Qingming stood behind with his two companions.

In the queue, Obito and Liangjie chatted animatedly, while Rin and Mizutani Seiko chimed in occasionally, leaving Kakashi and Qingming in silence.

A few minutes later, Kakashi and the others bought their dumplings and left.

Qingming stood in line, watching their retreating figures, muttering to himself, "They must be back for the Chunin Exams."

Indeed, after a period of contemplation, Qingming had roughly guessed why Kakashi and the others were in the village.

Konoha holds two Chunin Exams every year, one at the beginning of January and another at the beginning of July.

Now it was late November, and the new Chunin Exam was approaching. Coupled with their ages, it wasn't hard to guess the reason for their return.

A month's time could be long or short.

If it were peacetime, it wouldn't matter; a month would suffice for anyone to return. However, during wartime, this timeframe felt a bit short.

Although the overwhelming majority of Genin on the battlefield served as cannon fodder, it did not apply to those recommended by Jonin to participate in the Chunin Exams.

And those Genin typically took on certain roles on the battlefield.

Bringing these people together couldn't be done haphazardly; it would require arrangements for replacements and ensure their safety, including assigning personnel to escort them.

To some extent, these Genin represent the future of the village. If anything happened to them on the way, it could potentially endanger the village's future.

Thus, for safety's sake, they would not return simultaneously.

With this in mind, it was no surprise to see them a month in advance.

If Qingming wasn't mistaken, the three of them were likely the first batch of Genin returning to the village, and there would be more coming back over the next month.

As for how accurate his guess was, it would be evident in the following month by counting the number of young Genin in the village.

However,

'The Chunin Exams.'

Qingming had a gut feeling that after the exams, this batch of newcomers might be sent to the battlefield.

In other words, the time he had left was limited.

The thought of this made Qingming itch to return home and train immediately.

But when he looked at his two teammates, he ultimately suppressed his restlessness.

Since he had decided to take a break, he shouldn't quit halfway.

As the saying goes, "Sharpening the axe doesn't delay the work of chopping wood."

A short rest now was meant to prepare for more intense training later.

"What flavor do you want, Qingming?"

Just as Qingming was lost in thought, Liangjie turned back and asked.

"Spicy," Qingming replied casually.

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