**Chapter 17**

"Can't use the Sharingan, can he?" The Third Hokage's brow furrowed as he fell back into thought.

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The next morning, Sasuke pushed open the door to Satoru's room, only to find it empty. His eyes narrowed as he scanned the vacant space. "Where did he go?" he muttered. "It's enrollment day today. He wouldn't just run off, would he?" He considered the possibility of his brother sneaking away to the South Street Dim Sum Shop again.

But Uchiha Satoru was neither exploring the streets nor shirking his responsibilities. Instead, he found himself in the dimly lit hall of Naka Shrine, standing before a stone tablet that had been passed down through generations of the Uchiha clan. 

*So this is the stone tablet modified by Black Zetsu?* Satoru's eyes glimmered beneath his blindfold as he inspected the tablet with the aid of his Six Eyes. The surface of the tablet seemed ordinary enough, but through the layers of perception afforded by his unique vision, he discerned something remarkable.

This tablet, originally left by the Sage of Six Paths as guidance for Indra's reincarnations, had been manipulated by Black Zetsu to drive the Uchiha down a dark path. The altered text spoke of combining the powers of Uchiha and Senju to achieve a greater strength—an idea that would seed conflict for generations. The original intent was a lesson on unity, a far cry from the version that now stood before him.

A wicked smile curled at Satoru's lips. *This tablet has fooled too many,* he thought. *Time for a little mischief.*

With a deft use of his magic-infused chakra, he modified the second half of the inscription. "What should I write?" he mused aloud, tapping his chin playfully. "Uchiha, warriors of love? The Uchiha of compassion?"

His grin broadened. *Who will be the first to find this little surprise?*

After replacing the altered stone tablet, Satoru heard a familiar voice echoing through the shrine. *Looks like my break is over,* he thought, suppressing a sigh. Yesterday's events had earned him a proper scolding, and now he was expected to march off to school like a diligent student.

*Does school really suit someone like me?* Satoru mused. *Being a teacher would make more sense. I'd be great at teaching others the 'important' things.*

Emerging from the shrine, he found himself face to face with Sasuke, who was scanning the area. 

"Yo, Sasuke!" Satoru called, waving cheerfully. "What's up? Miss me already?"

Sasuke, accustomed to his brother's antics, didn't bat an eye. "Father said not to forget today's admission," he said coolly before turning away.

"Ah, so cold!" Satoru mock-sighed. "My little brother is growing up and getting rebellious. It's heartbreaking."

Sasuke, already walking away, caught the faint, melodramatic tone of Satoru's voice and rolled his eyes. He kept moving, resisting the urge to respond.

The playful air around Satoru faded as he turned serious. He quickly gathered his things, preparing for his first day at the Academy. *Well, at least Sasuke made sure I didn't push things too far this time,* he thought.

*Still, if you're going to force me into this, Dad, Third Hokage, you better be ready. The Academy is about to get interesting.*