Uchiha: Strongest Shura

It is the sixteenth year of Konoha, marking the fourth year since the beginning of the First Ninja World War. Thanks to the outstanding leadership of the Third Hokage, Konoha has outshone many other hidden villages during this turbulent time. If everything proceeds as expected, Konoha will emerge victorious and stronger from this war.

The First Ninja World War brought ninja into the forefront as the primary military force of nations. It is clear that after this conflict, the importance of ninja will solidify as a symbol of military strength, and Konoha is poised to enter a period of rapid development.

If it weren't for the eventual tragedy of the Uchiha clan, Renji would have found the idea of being reborn into this family quite appealing. This was not only due to the clan's strikingly good looks but also because of the deep familial bonds that the Uchihas demonstrated. Every evening after training by the Nanga River, Renji would be greeted warmly by clan members. Even as a former loner who once thought himself incapable of emotional connections, these acts of kindness began to affect him.

"Welcome home!"

Stepping into his Japanese-style home, Renji was met with the gentle smile of his mother. Unlike many other reincarnators, Renji had the rare fortune of not starting his life with dead parents or tragic circumstances.

"Kasan!"

"You're back! You must be tired. Let me get you something to drink. Dinner will be ready when your father returns," his mother said, wiping the sweat from his forehead before heading to the kitchen. Moments like these, filled with tenderness, touched Renji deeply, making him uneasy about the happiness he didn't feel he deserved.

---

Later that evening, his father, Uchiha Kira, returned. Wearing the Uchiha family crest proudly on his uniform, Kira addressed Renji, who was seated in the courtyard.

"The graduation exam is tomorrow, right?"

"Yes, Otou-san!" Renji replied respectfully.

"I only ask one thing—don't lose to the Senju!"

"I won't lose to anyone!" Renji declared with determination.

Satisfied, Kira patted his son on the shoulder and left without another word.

Before Renji could relax, a teasing voice came from behind him.

"Well said, you look like a proper Uchiha! You're indeed my little brother!"

It was his older brother, Uchiha Nobunaga, perched lazily on the courtyard wall. Ignoring the comment, Renji shouted towards the kitchen, "Kasan, Nissan didn't come in through the entrance again!"

Moments later, their father reappeared, glaring at Nobunaga.

"How many times have I told you to use the door? If I catch you doing this again, I'll break your legs!" Kira scolded sternly.

Renji couldn't help but smirk at his brother's embarrassment as he quickly left the scene to avoid further trouble.

---

The next morning, after a good night's sleep, Renji arrived at the Konoha Ninja Academy.

"Good morning!"

"Renji, good morning!"

"Yo, Renji!"

Renji smiled and greeted his classmates in return. Appearance and charisma often held power in any society, and the shinobi world was no different. As he made his way to the academy's training square, Renji noticed many students already gathered, preparing for the graduation exam.

The first class of the academy consisted of about 300 students, all of whom would be assessed today. Opposite Renji, a quiet boy with long black hair and golden eyes watched him intently. Renji quickly recognized the boy—Orochimaru.

---

Orochimaru was a genius and a future legend, but Renji was not intimidated. Despite being interested in Orochimaru's abilities, Renji had no intention of becoming too close to him or his eventual twisted ambitions.

The graduation exam would be conducted through combat. Students would be paired based on their abilities to ensure a fair fight, allowing teachers to better judge their combat performance. Given Orochimaru's reputation, Renji suspected they would be paired against each other.

In the world of Naruto, civilian-born students often lagged behind those from shinobi clans due to their limited training and resources. By contrast, clan children, like Renji, had already mastered foundational skills—chakra control, taijutsu, sealing techniques, and basic ninjutsu—before even enrolling. This disparity often relegated civilian ninjas to lesser roles on the battlefield.

Among the 300 students, only a few hailed from prominent clans, including the Sarutobi, Shimura, Hyuga, Nara, and Inuzuka families. However, none could match the dominance of the Uchiha clan. If there was any real competition for Renji, it would be Orochimaru or a rare prodigy from the Senju clan.

---

As Renji closed his eyes to relax, a familiar voice interrupted him.

"You're here early, Renji. First place might be tough this time!"

Without looking, Renji recognized the voice of another Uchiha. Clan members often had an easy camaraderie.

"It depends on how the examiner judges. I can only do my best," Renji replied.

"Ha! That doesn't sound like you. Usually, you're the one thinking, 'These guys are all amateurs!'"

Renji raised an eyebrow. "Oh? When have I ever said that?"

"Well, you didn't say it, but your face certainly did!"

Renji smiled faintly. He wasn't one to underestimate anyone, but he was confident in his abilities. His chakra reserves far exceeded those of his peers, thanks to his reincarnation. This hidden advantage made him a formidable opponent.

---

"The first match: Uchiha Renji versus Orochimaru!"

Hearing his name, Renji stood without hesitation and walked into the training ground. It was time to prove himself.