Will of Fire part 1

As the sun rose, it gleamed a ray of light into the window of Kazuki's home, signaling that it was time to get up and start training. However, Kazuki was still too tired from the entrance exam to get up.

"This damned sun," Kazuki muttered, lamenting his circumstances. Based on the position of his bed, window, and home, he was stuck getting sunlight in his eyes so early in the morning. He had noticed this early in his childhood, but it was really starting to drive him crazy. "I need to ask Mom for some curtains," he thought.

As Kazuki got up and stretched his limbs, he knew that today was the first actual day of school, something he had been dreading and looking forward to at the same time.

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I lay in my bed, not wanting to move. My body was still sore and tired. I haven't gotten used to this world or this life yet.

After a moment, I got up. There was no use in laying in bed now that I was awake. I slowly got dressed in clothing that was soft and comfortable. "Being an Uchiha has its benefits," I thought. Currently, the internal conflict within the clan wasn't seeking to rebel, but that was only for now.

After getting dressed, I went outside to meditate, something I had recently begun to do. I realized that if I wanted to survive in this world, I had to use every possible cheat I could to get stronger. My future enemies will fear me... and their wives...

I left my room and walked through my home. "It's so quiet and peaceful," I thought.

My thoughts drifted to the future, to a massacre I had to prevent. I was already tired thinking about what I would have to do.

I made my way through the home and into the Uchiha compound. Our home was located close to the home of the clan head, Fugaku Uchiha. He had recently become the head of the family, and his wife was pregnant.

"Should I kill Itachi before he's born?" The dark thought was intrusive but not an instant no.

I brushed off the thoughts as I went to my meditation spot. It was close by, on a large rock by the pond in our compound.

I climbed up and began to meditate. My thoughts drifted as I tried to empty my mind. It was much harder when I had so much to do.

---

As the sun rose higher, a warm feeling spread across Kazuki's back. It had been about an hour of meditation before the rest of his family awoke for the day.

Well, technically, Shisui got up and came to meditate with Kazuki an hour ago. As the smell of bacon drifted towards Kazuki, his stomach growled in hunger.

"Guess I should get ready to go to the Academy," Kazuki thought moments before his mother called for him to get inside and get ready.

As they sat down for breakfast, his mother, Akari Uchiha, expressed the importance of making connections with the kids in the class.

"I don't care if you like them or hate them. The people in the Academy will be your peers and teammates. You don't need to like everyone, but make a few strong, close bonds. They will help you when you can't help yourself," Akari expressed to Kazuki as she laid down his breakfast.

"Will do," Kazuki said, acknowledging that in this world, it would be suicide to try and run solo all the time.

Kagami coughed. "Don't forget you can always graduate early." That was another possibility to get stronger faster. Soon it was time to head to the Academy.

Kazuki, his mother, Kagami, and Shisui left the house and walked through the bustling streets of Konoha. The village was alive with activity, vendors setting up their stalls, and villagers going about their daily routines. However, the streets weren't all bustling markets and cheerful greetings. As they walked, Kazuki noticed the darker sides of the village—the slums where people struggled to get by, the somber faces of families mourning their lost loved ones, and the hardened expressions of shinobi returning from missions.

As they passed through a narrow alley, Kazuki overheard a conversation between two villagers.

"Another raid last night... lost three good men," one villager muttered to another, his voice filled with a mix of anger and sorrow.

A woman, clutching a faded photograph, whispered to a friend, "I just want him to come home safe. It's been weeks without any word."

Kazuki's mother glanced at him, her expression serious. "This world is harsh, Kazuki. Remember, strength isn't just for yourself; it's for those who can't protect themselves."

Kazuki nodded, his resolve hardening. "These aren't just stories. This is the reality of our world," he thought. "I need to be strong, for them."

As they continued walking, they passed by a group of shinobi discussing their latest mission. Their faces were stern, their voices low and filled with tension.

"We barely made it out alive. The enemy's getting bolder," one of them said, his voice rough from exhaustion.

Kazuki glanced at his uncle Kagami, who met his gaze with a knowing look. "This is the life we chose, Kazuki. Every day is a battle, and not just on the front lines."

Kazuki looked around at the village—the mix of hope and despair, the struggle for survival. "I need to be ready for anything. This world doesn't forgive weakness."

The sights and sounds of Konoha served as a stark reminder of the reality he faced. Every step he took, every decision he made would shape his future and the future of those he cared about. "I'll make sure we rise above this. I'll gain the power needed to protect my family and make a real difference."

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