6. Team 10

"Where did you hear about that?"

I couldn't tell if Minato was wary or simply curious. The reaper death seal was an S rank fuinjutsu from the Uzumaki clan. It's considered a kinjutsu- a forbidden technique. While it's not common to the ear, I on the other hand had known a bit from my embedded memories. Though it was not quite accurate, i was sure that this seal is actually the secret technique of the Uzumaki. Someone like me shouldn't have even heard of this without proper research and experience. It's no wonder that Minato seemed stupefied.

I was dumb to not think of an excuse earlier. I was hesitant to answer but he seemed to grasp the situation as he didn't wait for my reply.

"It's a pretty complicated technique and requires a lot more preparations than you think. But you got that one right. The soul sacrifice is equivalent to the chakra needed for the seal to succeed. Depending on the chakra- if the size is big, then one soul might not suffice."

What was i thinking? The kyuubi, Kurama's chakra was overwhelming. Anyone can tell. That was why Minato had to sacrifice himself to seal Kurama inside of Naruto. I didn't understand why hearing this disappoint me.

"I don't know where you heard of this but the seal is only used when in dire situations. The consequences for releasing and using it are big. Thus the reason it's called a kinjutsu."

"I see.. thank you Minato-san. I've learned a lot."

***

Usually one wouldn't unlock the sharingan until it's triggered by traumatic events or loved ones being killed. At the age of four, a miracle happened and fate has been siding with me yet. It's somehow awakened when i started to receive the dreams of my past life. Perhaps it was another side effect that i had to carry with me beside the memories.

I never really explained to my father about this- maybe that's another reason why he's wary of my surroundings. A child who rarely leave the compound and barely ever gain any friends at all suddenly manifests the sharingan. It's illogical. Or perhaps not really that impossible. Nevertheless, i'm glad it did because father wouldn't have allowed me to enter the academy otherwise.

I currently possessed two tomoe. It wasn't something to be proud about but i knew i was close to perfect it. Shisui has been supervising my training regime since the day after my birthday celebration. Unlike how it used to be, i had quite a few breaks between my schedule and he would repeat the same exact words everytime.

"Rest is important for your body. You have to balance between hardworking and a proper break since it'll help your muscle from breaking down. Many regard this as trivial matter but it's actually quite the opposite." Shisui would've made a perfect teacher if he was alive. He was far from an Uchiha Obito who's as reckless as i do. He's truly amazing, just like how Madara was as a child. "Also, you need to get a good sleep and enough nutrition." The boy smiled gently, earning a nod from me. He must've noticed the bag under my eyes from lack of sleep. It was unavoidable, i had nightmares and it was getting worse. I wish it would end already.

Shidui cleared his throat, "Your graduation exam is tomorrow, are you prepared?"

"Yes."

"Aren't you excited?"

"Not really." Was my simple answer. It's true that becoming a genin is the minor part of my plan, however there was something that has been bugging me all morning. Graduating and being a genin means that i'll be facing some lower rank missions before i can get out of the village to find Madara. I've not a clue to his whereabouts and it's rising my anxiety again. D-rank missions aren't even a proper shinobi's job or at least what i thought. But then again, it goes against my principles that what we're taught is necessary to take notes. At this point everything would go againts what i believed. A sigh escaped my mouth.

It was silence for a brief moment before Shisui decided to break it as he took a seat next to me, "I thought graduating is something you've been waiting for. What's wrong?"

"No, i'm just not feeling too great."

"Nervous?"

I looked at him, faking a smile without replying with words. I wished i would've given more thoughts earlier about how i should be facing the upcoming situation. Finding Madara after becoming genin or at least finding the one close to him, Zetsu.

"It's alright. You'll do great."

"Thanks Shisui."

I hope so.

"Are we done taking rest?"

"Alright, it doesn't hurt to start a minute early."

***

"Congratulations! Today marks the day that you become a full fledge ninja! The forehead protector is the proof and make sure it's kept safely. That's all, you can dismissed."

I didn't know becoming a genin was so easy and yet i had to wait years for it. Even having my father's objection about it. It might've seemed easy to me but i doubt the other kids feel the same. There are a few who failed but they'll have another chance, unlike me. I don't. I already wasted them in my previous life and i won't make the same mistake. Time is gold. Time is life. Time is worth every bit of my soul.

I walked out of the classroom, feeling nothing but a small accomplishment. My eyes glued on the shining metal plate engraved with the symbol of a spiral and forms the shape of a leaf- the hidden leaf village's symbol. I'm a shinobi of Konoha. Or what it was supposed to mean except that i had another goal in mind and this is just another tool used to achieve my goal.

"Hey, congrats. It seems like you made it."

I lifted my head to look at the figure standing at the entrance of the academy's building- it was Shisui. I thought the first one who would appear and wish me a congratulation was Obito. Then i recalled his remark yesterday- saying that he won't make it because of a mission outside the village. I didn't fret a bit but i also didn't expect that Shisui would come and greet me instead. Were we that close? Or Shisui is just an easygoing person? I'm not too sure. Either way, Shisui had become another person who entered this pity life of mine.

"Aren't you going to wear it?" Shisui tapped his head lightly- pointing to his own forehead protector with his index finger, "This."

I returned his gesture with a nod before tying it on my forehead, not too tight nor too loose. Perfectly. However, it felt a bit uncomfortable as if something was blocking the air hitting my skin. I thought wearing this wouldn't change anything but it gets a bit annoying. Nevertheless i pretended to be fine. Not that it's something important to complain about.

"Was it that easy?"

I wouldn't have said that but i guess he can tell that i didn't have difficulty passing the exam. He's sharp and i can't help but be amazed, "It was average."

***

Today i was assigned to a team of three genins. According to the sensei, we're set in a balance team where we're specialise in different fields. I was a top scorer in taijutsu while the others, named Togane and Uro were specialise in genjutsu and chakra control. Hence an equilibrium team 10.

Togane was an outspoken girl who constantly annoyed the other kid, Uro while Uro seemed like someone who'd lash out if he's angry. In short he's a bit grumpy and Togane is ignorant about it. Our sensei seemed the least bit extraordinary eventhough his appearance tell me otherwise. I would say he looked a bit bold but plain at the same time. Team 10 was unexpectedly consisted of childish people and i had to endure the loud noise of the bickerings. Being the only one who spoke less reduced the amount of noise produced. I wished we also had balance in manners.

"There's something i would like to check." Genji sensei lifted up a small piece of paper in his hand, "Lets find out your chakra nature with this."

"A paper? What're we going to do with that?"

Uro scoffed, "It's easy. You just need to let your chakra flow into it and the chakra induction paper will react based on your affinity. You talk a lot and you don't even know how to do this."

"Well, at least i'm honest about it."

Sensei clapped his hands together and brought the attention to him once again, "Uro's correct." Said the man as he gave two pieces of the papers to each of us. "The paper is sensitive towards the slightest bit of chakra. Make sure you don't force yourself and let it flow naturally. You may start."

"Sensei, my paper suddenly split in two. What does that mean?"

"Good, it means you have the affinity for wind. Wind is strong against lightning but weak against fire. I suggest you avoid fighting against a fire user."

Togane nodded, the sullen look on her face was clear. Did she not hope for it?

"You can try it twice. A person can have a minimum of one affinity and maximum of three. Who knows, maybe you're lucky enough to have more than one?"

Sensei's words had Togane smile in sheer delight. She immediately turned her attention towards the paper again.

"Sensei, mine turns wet. Does it mean my nature is water?"

"That's right Uro. Water is strong against fire but unfortunately you can't face an earth user."

"Right. And i guess my other nature is wind too."

Togane perked up, "What?! You have two? How did you do it? Mine keeps getting into half."

"That means you only have one."

"What about you, Guren?"

I looked up at sensei, lifting the paper that has turned to ash on my palm. The smell of burnt paper pierced through my nose, "It's fire." It's not like it has ever changed. I used to have the same nature as well and i never really minded having only one.

"I guess you and i don't have that much luck." Togane chortled, earning a frown from Uro.

"When are we going to start a mission, sensei?"

"Tomorrow, lets pick up a job and start slowly."

***

I was getting irritated. I knew it would happen eventually but i never expected myself to be this annoyed. A D rank mission and like every other genin who'd experienced this- finding and catching the same cat all over again. I was able to accept this when it only happened twice but the third time is like intentionally getting on my nerves- trying to bring up the rage deep inside of me. I admitted having a few times cursing under my breath and it went unnoticed gladly. I've never been so infuriated while trying to put on a composed facade. I could burst out any moment and i was trying my best not to let it out.

It wasn't the only reason. It can't be. I knew i couldn't tolerate children below my mental age. I tried. I was lucky enough to meet Shisui or team 7. They're wise. Wiser than these children who know nothing about teamwork- resulting a mission failure. They would literally argued in the middle of finishing a simple task. Every. single. time.

Kakashi and Obito were way better. They were reasonable, far from these children who never learns. If only they could at least cooperate, we could've caught the troublesome cat and go for another worthy mission. We were wasting too much times and it has been a week without progress.

They were too lax. Irresponsible and nowhere near the beliefs of an Uchiha. It was stressing me out slowly. When the sensei said we should start slowly, he wasn't joking.

I kicked the dummy hard. THUMP. I can feel the rising heat inside of me as i continuously sent a blow towards the unmoving doll. THUMP.

A small amount of dust fall as it created an almost blinding sight. THUMP

"You don't look too well these days."

"Do i look that way?" I sent another kick within a second to the right as the dummy fell from the impact. "The dummy is unstable. Is this the only one here?"

"It's not like it's unstable but you're abusing your strength." Shisui walked up to me, setting the dummy into position again as he huffed, pushing it further into the ground. "What's on your mind?"

"Nothing."

"You're usually unfazed even if storm comes through."

It was a bit of an exaggeration though. I wiped the sweat from my hairline with the back of my fist as i panted, "Isn't there a way to get a higher ranked mission?"

"You're getting impatient again? You just graduated, it's normal to start from zero."

I know. I knew that from the start.

"You have to at least wait for another year to proceed for a higher ranked quest."

I lowered my eyes, my hands formed into a fist as i clenched it tightly. If only there was an alternative way.

"Is there another reason you're unsatisfied?"

"Yes."

"Is it about your teammates?"

A frown made its way to my face as i grunted, "Was it that obvious?"

"No, i figured out that you might not like them. You don't seem like someone who would get too comfortable with newcomers."

I couldn't help but to force myself to cool down despite the rapidly rising rage, "They're my classmates. Not really that new." I paused, "But the longer i know them, the longer it seems like i can't tolerate their behavior."

Shisui's sudden laugh caught me off guard. I casted him a curious look as he patted me on the head, "Guren, you are aware that they're not Uchiha and they're definitely not you."

"Is that an excuse to be ill-mannered?"

"No, i'm saying that you're special Guren. You're born in a special clan and raised in a special belief of the Uchiha. I understand why your father is worried about you now."

I didn't understand what he was trying to tell me. However i managed to calm myself and that was an achievement as i dislike getting angry. Having a conversation with another wise Uchiha was something i didn't and will never regret.

I realised long time ago that my time was limited. It was getting shorter and shorter. I only have this short one year to leave Konoha and find either Madara or Zetsu. My last option- if i failed any of these attempts- was to somehow follow team 7 for the mission at Kannabi Bridge. I didn't care if they'll allow me or not. I didn't care if it's dangerous. I needed to see Madara.

***