Back at the Uchiha compound.
Mirai spotted a family clan ninja waiting in front of his door.
"Uchiha Mirai, the clan head has asked to see you."
"Understood."
After quickly washing up, Mirai followed the clan ninja to the residence of the current Uchiha leader, Uchiha Tajima.
"Clan Head Tajima."
"Mirai, have a seat."
As he looked at the aging Tajima, Mirai quietly sat down, waiting for him to speak.
Seeing Mirai's calm demeanor, a trace of approval crossed Tajima's face.
"A promising kid, no wonder even the Third Hokage has taken notice."
"The Third?"
"That's right. I called you here today because of that very matter."
Seeing the confusion on Mirai's face, Tajima didn't keep him in suspense.
"The Third Hokage sent a message requesting that, after you graduate from the Academy, you be assigned to one of the village's ninja teams."
"What do you think about that?"
Tajima's gaze settled on Mirai.
"I'm willing to follow the clan's arrangements."
Mirai replied straightforwardly. Right now, he was still in the early stages of his growth, not in a position to object.
He realized Tajima likely wasn't truly seeking his input, just assessing him. If he thought Tajima actually wanted his opinion, he'd be far too naive.
As for Hiruzen's intentions, he had a good guess. The Third likely wanted to groom him, perhaps even shape him into someone like Uchiha Shisui or Uchiha Itachi in the future—a double agent loyal to the village.
In that case, it worked to his advantage.
At least he wouldn't be immediately targeted by the village's higher-ups.
"Good." Tajima looked pleased. "As a reward, you may make one request, and the clan will try to fulfill it."
Mirai considered this carefully before responding. "I'd like for you to arrange a mentor, someone skilled, to train me when possible."
With his plunder system, sparring with stronger opponents would be beneficial for his growth. Powerful ninjas often had valuable techniques.
"Oh…" Tajima hadn't expected that. He'd assumed Mirai would ask for money or scrolls, not a personal mentor. A clever kid indeed—such guidance was far more valuable than any money or scroll.
"Fugaku!" Tajima called out.
A tall, broad-shouldered man with a square face entered the room.
"Yes, Father."
"When you have free time, give Mirai some training."
"Understood."
The next day, after classes ended at the Academy, Mirai dropped off a homemade bento for Kurenai to reheat at home, then headed to his meeting place with Fugaku.
"Show me what you've got," Fugaku said without any pleasantries.
Without holding back, Mirai activated his two-tomoe Sharingan. He didn't plan on hiding his skills—it would only make him appear weak if he tried to play it coy.
"Two-tomoe already?" Fugaku raised his eyebrows, clearly impressed. Achieving a two-tomoe Sharingan at this age, without external resources, was no small feat.
But as Mirai shifted into an offensive stance, Fugaku frowned slightly.
"You plan on fighting me bare-handed?"
"What about this?" Mirai pulled a wooden training kunai from his pouch. Most of his money went toward food, especially meat, so he couldn't afford more advanced equipment.
"Hmph. I don't have time for children's games." Fugaku tossed a steel kunai at Mirai. "Use this."
"Fire Style: Fireball!"
As soon as Fugaku moved, Mirai sprang into action, launching his attack.
He executed a Body Flicker, instantly positioning himself behind Fugaku. With a swift kick aimed at Fugaku's head, Mirai was just about to land his blow when Fugaku's arm shot up, catching Mirai's ankle mid-air.
"Crafty," Fugaku grunted, swinging Mirai down toward the ground.
Boom! Dust scattered as Mirai's body burst into a puff of smoke.
"A Shadow Clone?" Fugaku muttered, frowning.
"Earth Release: Double Suicide Decapitation Technique!"
(T/N: While lurking underground, the user grabs a target and drags them into the earth, leaving only their head above the surface. Because victims are rendered unable to move in this state, they are easily subjected to torture or decapitation.)
Two hands emerged from the ground, grabbing Fugaku's ankles and pulling down sharply.
Poof! Fugaku's body transformed into a block of wood, a classic substitution.
"Missed?" Mirai clicked his tongue, scanning for Fugaku's next move.
Suddenly, a dozen shuriken whizzed toward him. Mirai leaped back, grabbing the steel kunai Fugaku had tossed him earlier, and expertly deflected the incoming projectiles with his Sharingan.
In that moment, Fugaku appeared at his side, swinging a kick toward Mirai's head.
Bam! Bam! Bam!
They engaged in close combat, but Mirai quickly found himself outmatched. Fugaku was faster, stronger, and more skilled.
"Stop! I surrender," Mirai said, bowing out without hesitation. He'd exhausted all his techniques, and continuing would only result in a one-sided beating.
"Not bad," Fugaku remarked, genuinely impressed. Mirai's sudden attack, his strategic use of the clone jutsu, and his choice of the right moments to strike had all surprised Fugaku. The timing had been so precise that he'd genuinely felt pressured. If not for his quick reactions, Fugaku might have been caught off guard.
Fugaku now viewed Mirai with newfound respect. Though Mirai's raw strength wasn't impressive yet—he was still just a student at the Academy—the potential he showed was remarkable.
Without realizing what Fugaku was thinking, Mirai was caught up in his own thoughts.
[Ding! Congratulations to the host for successfully plundering: Uchiha Style Kenjutsu!]
Name: Uchiha Mirai
Physique: 8
Mental Strength: 21
Chakra: 7
Kekkei Genkai: Sharingan
Ninjutsu: …
Skills: Shuriken Throwing Technique, Trap Setting, Uchiha Style Kenjutsu.
As the system's voice echoed in his mind, a flood of knowledge surged into Mirai's thoughts. Besides techniques from the Leaf Sword Style, he gained invaluable battle experience and insights.
In just seconds, Mirai's swordsmanship skills were now on par with Fugaku's!
"Just what I'd expect from the system," Mirai muttered. "It's overpowered."
In this stage where his chakra was still limited, gaining these sword skills was a huge boost.
When he looked up, he noticed Fugaku watching him closely.
"Hm?"
"So, have you given any thought to what I asked earlier?"
"Huh? What was that?"
"You brat!" Fugaku clenched his jaw. "A true ninja should have a weapon of their own."
"What type do you want?"
Mirai grinned. There was no need to think about it.
"I'll take a sword!"
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