Chapter 16: Learning Fire Release from His Uncle

As one of Konoha's prestigious clans, the Uchiha Clan boasted a profound heritage and mastery over countless jutsu.

Through generations, these techniques were passed down within the family, serving as both their strength and legacy.

Unfortunately, Obito's parents had perished on the battlefield.

If only they were still here...

Obito's expression darkened at the thought, but he quickly adjusted his mood, determination rekindling in his gaze.

Right now, if he wanted to learn ninjutsu, he'd have to seek guidance from someone else.

Navigating familiar alleys with ease, Obito soon arrived at a small courtyard.

There, a young boy squatted on the ground, intently observing ants.

When he noticed Obito, his eyes lit up with excitement. He stood quickly and ran toward him.

"Obito!"

A small smile tugged at Obito's lips.

If there was anyone in the Naruto world who devoted their life to protecting Konoha, it had to be none other than Shisui!

Obito ruffled Shisui's hair affectionately and asked with a grin, "Shisui, is Uncle home today?"

Before Shisui could answer, a deep voice called out from the house.

"Well, well, Obito! What brings you to visit your uncle today?"

A middle-aged man stepped out, sporting a signature spiky hairstyle, with gentle features and a spark of wisdom in his eyes.

(Everyone in the Uchiha Clan has spiky hair unless it's Itachi, who must use premium conditioner.)

Scratching his head sheepishly, Obito chuckled.

"Ahaha, well, it's been a while since I've seen you, Uncle! Thought I'd drop by to check on you... and, uh, maybe learn a jutsu or two while I'm here."

The man before him was Uchiha Kawa, his uncle.

Kawa chuckled in amusement.

"You sly little brat… Alright, I happen to have some free time today. Let's get started."

Obito pumped his fist in excitement.

"Yosh!"

Kawa guided Shisui back inside the house, then led Obito to the backyard.

The open space bore numerous small craters, evidence of intensive training.

Stopping in the middle of the yard, Kawa turned to his nephew.

"As Uchihas, our specialty lies in Fire Release. Today, I'll teach you a foundational Fire Release technique."

Obito hesitated. "Uncle… you're not talking about the Great Fireball Jutsu, are you?"

Kawa's amused smile confirmed his suspicion.

Ah, here we go again.

Obito couldn't help but sigh internally.

The Great Fireball Jutsu—a technique with legendary status for never actually killing anyone in 720 episodes.

Noticing Obito's strange expression, Kawa raised a brow.

"Something wrong, Obito?"

Snapping back to reality, Obito quickly shook his head.

"Nothing, Uncle. Please, go on."

After all, every great ninja starts from the basics. Build a strong foundation first, then aim higher.

Nodding in approval, Kawa began explaining the key points of the Great Fireball Jutsu.

"You'll need to perform the following hand seals....."

"Then, channel fire-nature chakra to your throat and release it at your target in one swift burst."

After the explanation, Kawa gestured.

"Alright, now it's your turn to try."

Taking a deep breath, Obito formed the hand seals clumsily and focused on gathering chakra in his throat.

"Haaah... tui!"

A small, pitiful flame sputtered out, only to be extinguished by the wind.

Obito: "..."

He tried several more times, but each attempt resulted in nothing more than sparks. He felt like a glorified human lighter.

Seeing his nephew's frustration, Kawa chuckled and patted his shoulder.

"Don't get discouraged, Obito. When I first learned this jutsu, it took me…"

He paused, reconsidering.

It had only taken him half a day, but admitting that might discourage the boy even more.

"...a lot of time and effort. Persistence is key in training."

Smiling kindly, he added, "I'll be inside with Shisui. Call me if you need help."

Grateful, Obito nodded.

"Thanks, Uncle."

As Kawa returned to the house, Obito steeled himself. He began practicing the seals repeatedly, focusing intently on the changes in his chakra.

He had a +5 Fire Release Proficiency bonus—there was no way he'd fail at learning this "non-lethal" technique!

...

An hour later, Kawa emerged from the house, stretching lazily.

"How's it going, Obito?"

Grinning from ear to ear, Obito replied, "Uncle, I think I've got it!"

Kawa nodded indulgently.

"Learning this technique takes time. It's normal if you haven't—"

Mid-sentence, Kawa froze.

"Wait. What did you just say?"

Obito smirked.

"Watch this."

"Serpent—Ram—Monkey—Boar—Horse—Tiger. Fire Release: Great Fireball Jutsu!"

A massive fireball erupted from Obito's mouth, its intense heat warping the air as it collided with the ground, leaving a significant crater in its wake.

Kawa's jaw dropped.

"This… this…"

The clan's so-called underachiever had mastered the Great Fireball Jutsu faster than he ever had!

Obito, brimming with pride, glanced at Kawa curiously.

"Uncle, how long did it take you to learn this jutsu?"

Kawa hesitated.

For the sake of his dignity, he decided to tell a harmless lie.

"Uh… about forty or fifty minutes. Maybe a bit faster than you, but not by much."

Obito nodded in admiration.

"My uncle is a genius… Truly worthy of becoming Hokage!"

However, a lingering question tugged at him.

If his uncle was this brilliant, why wasn't he famous in the ninja world?

Before Obito could delve further into the thought, Kawa coughed awkwardly, changing the subject.

"Ahem, Obito, now that you've learned the Great Fireball Jutsu, what's your next plan?"

"Uncle, give me a moment to think."

Looking ahead, three glowing options appeared in Obito's mind.

[Option 1: Continue practicing the Great Fireball Jutsu to perfect it and contribute to building a harmonious ninja world. Reward: +3 to jutsu power.]

[Option 2: Take advantage of your uncle's generosity and ask to learn another jutsu. Reward: A random jutsu based on your uncle's teachings.]

[Option 3: Leave and go home for dinner. Reward: "The Wise Knows When to Eat" Aura (+1 charisma during meals).]

"...What the heck is 'The Wise Knows When to Eat' Aura?!"

Pass!

Option 1? Also pass. The Great Fireball Jutsu never hits anyone anyway—what's the point of improving it?

The choice was clear.

"Option 2 it is!"

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