Chapter 13: Uchiha's Bloodline Talent, Birthday Celebration

(T/N: There is now a p.atreon for this work, and any new work I add will be dropped there first. check it out for an early release of up to 30 chapters edited smoothly. https://www.p.atreon.com/INeedRest)

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Shisui had just returned from a classified mission outside the village.

The wounds marring his body were the desperate parting gifts of a felled enemy before their demise.

Shisui felt no surprise that Colt could discern his injuries. As it was known he was a doctor and quite good at that.

However, he did not expect the youth to be so 'helpful' in offering treatment.

Shisui's reputation among the Uchiha clan played a major role.

As the long-standing captain of the Konoha Military Police Force, entrusted with enforcing the village laws, this had made the Uchiha notorious within Konoha's walls.

Even during his ANBU tenure, his teammates kept their distance, with only a few considering him a friend.

Though his clansmen were aware, they showed utter indifference.

In the prideful eyes of the Uchiha, the strong need not pander to others' opinions.

Yet here Colt offered to heal his wounds.

This selfless gesture exceeded Shisui's expectations.

"Colt, what is your view on the Uchiha clan?" he inquired probingly.

The youth felt momentarily speechless - he simply wished to treat Shisui's injuries and perhaps gain something beneficial in return.

Why bring up opinions about the Uchiha?

However, the patient's needs must still be met.

"I'm just a child who has had no real contact with other Uchiha," Colt replied honestly.

"You're the first I've ever met. So far, my impression has been quite positive."

It was the truth - he had never encountered any other Uchiha clansmen before.

Even at the hospital, their paths never crossed.

Shisui felt a tinge of disappointment upon hearing this response.

'Sigh'

But then, what profound insight could be expected from a child?

"Enough talk, the time spent conversing has allowed your wounds to worsen further," Colt urged impatiently.

With an acquiescing smile, Shisui unbound his bandages.

"A minor injury - it would have healed within a few days regardless."

Colt paid no mind, focusing solely on the treatment to procure attributes.

Since Shisui insisted, he did not attempt to dissuade him.

Soon, the injury closed completely under Colt's expert medical ninjutsu.

[Cured Uchiha Shisui: Obtained Uchiha Bloodline Talent, Yin Chakra attribute.]

A glimmer of surprise flashed across Colt's eyes.

This was a veritable bull's-eye strike to his soul.

The two premier bloodline enhancements of the ninja world - the Sage Body and Sharingan Dōjutsu - were now within reach.

Shisui marveled in turn as he felt the wound's agonizing sting vanish without a trace.

This level of medical prowess was nearly on par with Tsunade-sama herself.

'Perhaps it even surpassed the Sannin's legendary skills?'

...

After parting ways with Shisui, Colt made directly for home without pause.

Today's haul was immense, and not solely due to unlocking the Sharingan's potential.

It was the discovery of a means to continuously augment his constitution.

Colt knew that so long as he persisted in harming the Forbidden Forest's beasts, his physical fortitude could eventually transcend any ordinary ninja's limits, eliminating his greatest weakness.

However, the required attribute points would be no meager sum.

Upon arriving at his house's door, Colt encountered two unexpected individuals.

"Lord Third Hokage...and Naruto?" he uttered, perplexed by the old man and youth awaiting him.

Naruto's excited shouts swiftly resolved his confusion.

"Colt! You're so mean, not even telling me your birthday! If Grandpa Hokage hadn't mentioned it, I wouldn't have known your birthday was today!"

Birthday?

Colt froze, stunned.

When he first traversed worlds, it had been the day of the Nine-Tailed Fox's rampage. Later, with his parents' demise, no one ever informed him of his actual birth date.

Was it truly today?

June 6th, an auspicious day indeed.

The Third Hokage smiled kindly at the bewildered youth.

For Colt's remarkable innate medical ninjutsu prowess and staggering chakra reserves alone, Hiruzen held immense satisfaction.

But above all, it was the boy's compassionate healer's spirit that truly impressed him.

For the past six months, rain or snow, Colt diligently attended to Konoha's hospital each morning without fail.

This selfless dedication alone was enough for the Third to groom Colt as Tsunade's future successor.

Were it not for the boy's tender age, Hiruzen would have eagerly taken him as an apprentice himself.

However, he would not miss this opportunity to forge a bond with the prodigious youth.

Tsunade's whereabouts remained unknown as she wandered the lands.

Yet Hiruzen believed when she learned of Colt's immense potential, she would never reject such a rare talent as her disciple.

And so, accompanied by the Third Hokage and Naruto, Colt spent his first birthday in this new world surrounded by caring company.

Before departing, Naruto presented his gift - a coupon for five free bowls at Ichiraku Ramen.

Colt accepted with a grateful smile.

Yet the Third's gift stunned him even more.

"Colt, your dedicated service to Konoha's Hospital alone is enough to warrant a promotion to chūnin rank," Hiruzen stated solemnly.

"However, you are still too young, and I believe that your aspirations reach far beyond a mere medical-nin's role."

The Third's voice took on an earnest tone. "Thus, I shall seal away all records of your accomplishments for now. Once you graduate from the Ninja Academy, I vow to unseal and acknowledge them in full."

"And here, this scroll contains the Shadow Clone Technique - consider it my birthday gift to you."

As mentioned, Colt held no particular attachment to attaining rank.

But the Shadow Clone Technique arrived just when he needed it most.

In a year's time, he would enroll at the Academy, leaving no opportunity to continue his hospital duties.

The clone technique solved this predicament handily.

"Thank you, guys!"

Seeing Colt's delight, Hiruzen felt satisfied his gift was well-received.

Simultaneously, he glimpsed the youth's budding interest in ninjutsu development.

From the sidelines, a dejected Naruto groused about learning new techniques too, only to be swiftly rapped over the head.

"First master the Transformation Jutsu I taught you properly, then we'll discuss further techniques!" the Third chided sternly.

With Naruto's whining fading into the distance, the two took their leave.

Now alone, Colt could barely contain his eagerness to study the Shadow Clone Technique.

Astonishingly, after only two failed attempts, he had mastered the cloning jutsu.

"Tomorrow I'll send a shadow clone to the hospital. If it can accrue points, I can be completely lazy from then on!"

Upon unlocking this miracle of laziness, Colt's true nature began to emerge.

Were it not for the grievous crisis he knew loomed ahead, he would never have pushed himself so diligently.

'Ah, the delicious life of a slacker awaited!'

The Third Hokage had gifted him the Shadow Clone Jutsu today - no need to fret.

When Orochimaru inevitably slew the elderly leader, Colt vowed to reclaim the man's bodily chakra.

Gazing up at the tranquil night sky, Colt made this solemn oath within his heart.

And not far away, within the Uchiha compound, two men also discussed the peculiar young ninja...