chapter 2 Konoha Genin

Uchiha Yang looked up and said, "Uncle, I've decided to join the Guard Corps. I want to contribute both to our family and Konoha."

"Very well. Make sure you report tomorrow afternoon."

With that, Uchiha Nobunaga left, looking pleased.

"Thanks for the meal!" the guests said as they departed.

Meanwhile, Yang's father sat, drinking with a hint of frustration.

"Why didn't you join the mission team? I was giving you a chance to escape this. You've always been a smart kid, able to assess situations clearly. Can't you see what's happening around us? Don't you feel the coldness from the other villagers?"

"Enough!" His mother interjected. "At least the Guard Corps is safe. Yang will be with his own kin, protected by his brothers. That's far better than trusting those ungrateful people who might stab him in the back during a mission!"

Yang, sensing the growing tension, spoke calmly. "Father, Mother, I've made my decision after careful consideration. Please respect it."

Not wanting to prolong the discussion, Yang quickly retreated to his room. He closed his eyes, reflecting on his father's views. His father was kind but perhaps too naive. He believed joining the mission team would help integrate their family into Konoha, earning favor from the village leaders. But even if the entire Uchiha clan bowed before them, nothing would change.

The only way to protect the clan was to unite, grow stronger, and show the leadership that we couldn't be easily targeted. Only strength would ensure the stability of the Uchiha.

Tomorrow, the real work begins in Konoha!

---

The next day, Uchiha Yang stood in front of the Third Hokage.

"Lord Hokage, Uchiha Yang reporting as ordered," Yang announced, looking at the elderly Hokage, who still exuded a commanding presence despite his age.

"Ah, Yang. Good to see you. Are you joining the Guard Corps or the regular squad?"

Yang met the Hokage's gaze and answered, "Lord Hokage, I've chosen to join the Guard Corps. I wish to serve Konoha by protecting its peace and fulfilling my responsibilities."

"Very well," the Third Hokage said. "The Guard Corps has always been a fitting path for Uchiha. Under your clan's leadership, you'll adapt quickly. But always remember, no matter where you serve, you are part of Konoha. The Will of Fire will guide you. Where the leaves flutter, flames ignite, illuminating the village, and new leaves will sprout once again. Report to the Guard Corps."

"Yes, Lord Hokage." Yang bowed respectfully and left the office.

As he walked the streets, observing the busy villagers, Yang fell deep into thought. Sarutobi Hiruzen wasn't the benevolent, just leader depicted in the original story. The Second Hokage wouldn't have chosen him if he weren't sharp and politically savvy.

Sarutobi was a master strategist, skilled at maintaining his reputation while subtly manipulating others. Danzo, his rival, was nowhere near his level. In the end, Danzo became a scapegoat, all while still dreaming of becoming Hokage, using forbidden techniques like Izanagi to escape consequences. But how could someone so weak ever be Hokage?

The other elders had become little more than puppets to Sarutobi. He always ensured his actions seemed righteous, forcing others to make difficult decisions for the village while he maintained a virtuous image. Truly, Sarutobi was a political mastermind.

Yang now understood that approaching situations with knowledge of the original story wouldn't be enough. He'd need to tread carefully, especially around the Third Hokage, who was far more cunning than he appeared.

---

"Yang! You're here to report!" a familiar voice called out. It was his father, beaming with pride. "This is my son, reporting for duty today. He's the youngest Genin in Konoha! I've trained him myself since he was a child, though he still has much to learn. Let's celebrate with a few drinks later!"

Yang smiled at his father's boasting. "One step at a time, Father," he replied humbly.

"This is your team leader, Uchiha Ming," his father continued, introducing a tall man standing nearby. "He's an elite Jonin of our clan, with a three-tomoe Sharingan. He'll be your teacher. Also, your two teammates are Uchiha Rei, the grandson of the Great Elder, and Uchiha Yan, the grandson of the Third Elder. Your team's focus will primarily be on training, with patrols in the food district. Ming, take him to meet the team."

Uchiha Ming nodded and gestured for Yang to follow. They made their way to the Uchiha clan's training grounds. There, two boys were whispering to each other—Yang's new teammates, Uchiha Rei and Uchiha Yan.

Ming stepped forward and began, "Let me introduce myself first. My name is Uchiha Ming, an elite Jonin of the Uchiha clan with three-tomoe Sharingan. I specialize in kenjutsu, fire and lightning styles, and genjutsu. I collect swords and enjoy practicing swordsmanship. I hate losing to women, and my dream is to become the world's greatest swordsman. Now it's your turn to introduce yourselves."

Yang blinked, half-expecting to see a pirate crew. *Is this guy trying to be Zoro from One Piece?*

"My name's Uchiha Yan," said one of his teammates. "I'm a Genin, haven't awakened my Sharingan yet, and I'm skilled in fire and earth styles. I love food and cooking even more. I hate wasting food, and my dream is to become strong enough to eat every dish in the world."

*And this one sounds like Sanji!*

The next teammate, Uchiha Rei, introduced himself lazily, "I'm a Genin too, no Sharingan yet. I'm good at lightning and earth styles. I like sleeping, hate troublesome stuff, and my dream is to live a peaceful life."

*Is he from the Nara clan? Shikamaru, did you time travel?*

Yang introduced himself last. "My name is Uchiha Yang. I'm a Genin, and I haven't awakened my Sharingan yet. I'm proficient in fire, wind, lightning, and some earth-style ninjutsu. I enjoy training and hate anyone or anything that threatens my family. My dream is to become strong enough to protect them."

"Great," Ming said with a smile. "I now declare the formation of the 10th Squad of the 3rd Battalion of the Guard Corps! Let's go have some barbecue. Starting tomorrow, you'll be facing training so tough you might wish you were dead! Haha, enjoy this last bit of peace!"

And so, my career as an urban enforcer began…

(End of Chapter)