After half an hour of combat, Gen and Fugaku stopped.
Both were breathing somewhat heavily. Gen's clothes were a mess, torn in several places, and his body had multiple wounds. None were serious, but his appearance was clearly disheveled.
Fugaku, on the other hand, barely had any visible signs of damage. Aside from his slightly heavier breathing, the only thing that revealed his effort was the sweat soaking his clothes.
It was evident that Gen had lost.
Although he had greater endurance and an impressive chakra recovery, which gave him a certain advantage, if Fugaku hadn't held back, he wouldn't just be injured right now—he'd be dead.
"Phew... Gen, I have to admit, I didn't expect you to have reached this level. Now I'm completely convinced that you have the strength to defeat a Jōnin."
After catching his breath, Fugaku approached Gen and spoke with excitement and admiration.
Even though he had won, the battle had made it clear that this boy had already reached the level of a Jōnin and was by no means a weak opponent.
"Fugaku-senpai, you're overestimating me. Compared to you, I still have a long way to go." Gen let out a light laugh, rolling his shoulders to ease the pain coursing through his body.
Fugaku couldn't help but laugh. "I don't even know how to refute that."
If a nine-year-old had strength comparable to his, maybe he was the one who needed to rethink his life.
Even so, Gen's talent and the speed at which he was growing were undeniable. Perhaps it wouldn't be long before he reached his level… or even surpassed him.
That thought gave him mixed feelings.
It wasn't jealousy. Not at all.
After all, they both belonged to the same clan. But Fugaku understood well the situation of the Uchiha within the village, and knowing that someone like Gen was getting stronger was, in a way, a relief.
Once he calmed his emotions, he continued the conversation in a more relaxed tone.
Gen, for his part, carefully observed each of Fugaku's reactions, and that left him quite satisfied.
Revealing his strength hadn't been his initial plan, but he didn't regret it either.
Now he was certain that he could no longer be manipulated so easily. Besides, every risk brought new opportunities.
It was true that standing out too much could attract problems and enemies. But at the same time, his position within the clan would rise, granting him access to more resources and possibilities.
After all, "the tree that stands out in the forest is the first to be cut down."
But it's also true that "only the mediocre provoke no envy."
If he truly wanted to free himself from any danger, the best way was to become strong enough that no one could threaten him.
This was a path filled with thorns. The only thing he could do was endure the risks and seize the opportunities.
...
"Did you hear? A monster has emerged in the Uchiha clan. A prodigy like no other seen in years."
"What are you talking about?"
"He just graduated from the academy, and he already defeated a Jōnin-level ninja."
"What?!"
"That's impossible. Jōnin are the elite of the village—not just any ninja can even face one and live. What's that boy's name?"
"Gen Uchiha. He graduated at nine years old, and before a month had passed since his promotion, he took down a Missing-nin from the Village of the Mist—an experienced Jōnin."
"Is this… the true power of an Uchiha?"
Just as Hiruzen did not dare to eliminate Gen Uchiha completely, in this world, there are no barriers high enough to contain the wind.
The day after Gen returned to the village, shocking news spread quickly: Gen's victory over Shibai.
As expected, this rumor sparked intense discussions among everyone. Some were in awe, while others doubted it.
After all, a Jōnin was no ordinary ninja. Both in strength and status, they were far above Genin and even Chūnin.
Moreover, according to the rumors, Gen Uchiha had just graduated from the academy and was only nine years old.
Skepticism was understandable.
However, those with reliable information knew the news was entirely true, making everyone who confirmed it turn their attention to Gen Uchiha.
The Uchiha clan had always been a powerful and noble family, but with the emergence of a prodigy like him, he not only surpassed Kakashi in fame and became Konoha's most outstanding genius, but he also revitalized the image of the Uchiha clan, whose influence grew significantly.
...
Hokage's Office
"Hiruzen! Are you really going to let that Uchiha brat continue to grow?! Have you forgotten the master's teachings?!"
Danzo, with his characteristic X-shaped scar on his chin, looked grimly at Hiruzen, who sat behind his desk.
Hiruzen's expression remained unchanged from beginning to end. "I haven't forgotten anything, Danzo. But the Uchiha are still part of the village. How would I justify eliminating one of our greatest talents?"
"Fine. If you don't want to get rid of him, then hand him over to me. Let me recruit Gen Uchiha into Root. I will take care of shaping him, sharpening him until he becomes Konoha's deadliest sword."
Danzo responded without hesitation—or rather, that had been his true intention from the start.
Just as when Kakashi had shown his astonishing talent and Danzo had immediately tried to recruit him, now that an even more prodigious Uchiha had appeared, there was no way he would let him slip away.
He distrusted the Uchiha clan, yes. But Gen Uchiha's potential was too great. If he could control him, if he could make him his, he wouldn't hesitate to try.
However, Hiruzen rejected his proposal without hesitation:
"That is impossible, Danzo. Not only because Gen Uchiha wouldn't fit in an environment like Root, but because the Uchiha clan would never allow one of their own to join your organization."
The environment within Root was no secret to the major clans.
The organization housed numerous prodigies born into civilian families and some notable members from different clans, but there wasn't a single Uchiha or Hyūga.
It wasn't that Danzo didn't want to recruit them, but that both families had categorically refused.
________
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