Uchiha Tunan and Sarutobi Hiruzen spent the entire afternoon in the teacher's office discussing the Will of Fire.
For most of the conversation, Uchiha Tunan spoke passionately, while Sarutobi Hiruzen listened intently.
By the time their discussion neared its end, the Third Hokage had picked up on the recurring theme in Uchiha Tunan's words—absolute loyalty.
About ten minutes before school ended, Sarutobi Hiruzen took the initiative to wrap up the conversation.
Uchiha Tunan, reluctant to leave, eventually bowed respectfully and exited the office.
Upon returning home, he opened the envelope Sarutobi Hiruzen had given him. Inside was a sum of money—far more than what his parents had left behind before departing for the frontlines.
In an instant, Uchiha Tunan had gone from barely scraping by to living comfortably.
This is the advantage of standing on the right side.
Yet, his expression didn't reveal any excitement. He merely glanced at the money before quietly placing the envelope in a drawer.
Then, he sat at his desk, opened his diary, and began to write:
"Today was a great day. The Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, personally invited me to the teacher's office.
He carries no airs of authority, yet his presence is overwhelming. Like a wise and gentle grandfather, he radiates warmth.
His care for me is meticulous—his firm yet gentle hands remind me of what true kindness feels like.
I suddenly thought of a word: bonds.
I've never truly understood my purpose in this world.
But today, I finally do. My existence is meant to follow in the footsteps of the Third Hokage.
I once read in a book that a ninja is a tool devoid of emotion.
But I am human. I cannot be emotionless.
Yet, if necessary, I will willingly become a tool in the hands of the Third Hokage.
Today, the Third Hokage also gave me money. I haven't been able to afford meat in a long time.
But I hesitate to spend this money—after all, this is part of the Third Hokage's hard-earned salary.
Instead, I will save it and use it to buy him a gift for his birthday on February 8th.
By the way, I sparred with Kakashi today. He is unbelievably strong.
Even with my newly awakened Sharingan, I couldn't defeat him. I hope I don't fall too far behind."
After closing his diary, Uchiha Tunan stood up and made himself a simple meal—just a few boiled vegetables.
That was all for dinner.
---
The Next Day
Instead of going straight home after school, Uchiha Tunan caught up with Kakashi.
"Kakashi."
Kakashi turned around lazily and looked at him. "What is it?"
"Can I train with you? I want to become stronger as soon as possible. Please."
Uchiha Tunan bent at the waist, bowing deeply.
Kakashi hesitated for a moment, but seeing Uchiha Tunan's serious expression, he gave a small nod. "Alright. Where do you want to train?"
Uchiha Tunan smiled. "Let's go to your house. That way, you won't have to travel too far just because of me."
Kakashi shrugged and continued walking toward his home, with Uchiha Tunan silently following.
When they arrived, Uchiha Tunan took a moment to observe the Hatake residence.
Although the Hatake clan was small, the yard was spacious. The house itself wasn't very large—after all, only Kakashi and his father, Sakumo Hatake, lived there.
A wide open space in the yard made for a perfect training ground.
The two boys took their positions, facing each other.
They exchanged a quick nod before forming hand seals.
The sparring match began.
The sharp clang of kunai echoed through the clearing.
Both of them had already mastered the Three Basic Jutsu—Clone, Transformation, and Substitution—so their battle quickly escalated beyond mere taijutsu.
Kakashi, a true prodigy, had already learned several advanced ninjutsu.
By comparison, Uchiha Tunan's arsenal was more limited, with his strongest attack being the Great Fireball Jutsu.
As the battle dragged on, Uchiha Tunan seized an opportunity to end the match.
Feigning exhaustion, he let out a heavy breath. "I'm out of chakra… I surrender."
Kakashi, though still panting, had noticeably more energy left.
"As expected of you, Kakashi. The gap between us is growing again…" Uchiha Tunan panted, his hands resting on his knees as if drained.
Kakashi didn't respond immediately. Instead, he studied Uchiha Tunan for a moment before saying, "You're better than most of them."
Uchiha Tunan forced a weak smile. He stood up unsteadily and bowed.
"Thank you for training with me. Would it be alright if I came again sometime?"
Kakashi put his hands behind his head in his usual lazy manner. "Do whatever you want."
Uchiha Tunan beamed. "Then, I'll see you next time. Goodbye, Kakashi."
With a casual wave, he left the Hatake residence.
It was a pity that Sakumo Hatake wasn't home today.
But Uchiha Tunan wasn't in a rush.
A skilled hunter always waits for the right moment.
---
When he arrived home, he opened his refrigerator.
To his surprise, it was stocked with fresh meat and milk.
Uchiha Tunan froze for a moment before a smile crept onto his face.
Without needing to guess, he already knew who had done this.
Only the Third Hokage would be so kind to him.
Hurriedly, he grabbed his diary and wrote:
"There is meat and milk in the refrigerator.
I don't need to ask—I already know.
It must have been placed there by the Third Hokage.
Only the Third Hokage treats me with such kindness.
(50,000 words omitted.)
By the way, I overheard Hyuga Yoshin at school today mentioning that the war is intensifying. Several supply lines have been cut by enemy forces.
The Third Hokage must be incredibly stressed right now.
I wish I could grow up faster… so I could ease his burdens.
I also remember that my parents are stationed on one of those battlefields. I hope they make it through safely."
---
Time Passed
As the war escalated, Sakumo Hatake had yet to return home.
It wasn't surprising—after all, a ninja of his caliber would have countless missions to complete during wartime.
For Uchiha Tunan, the days followed a strict routine:
He went to the Hatake household daily.
If something is done consistently, it becomes normal in the eyes of others.
But one thing caught his attention.
Kakashi was growing stronger at an alarming rate.
Even if Uchiha Tunan gave his all, he could barely keep up.
If this continued, Kakashi would soon surpass even Uchiha Amao, who had been one of the top-ranked graduates in past years.
At this rate, Kakashi's strength would rival that of elite Uchiha clan members.
What a terrifying genius.
Uchiha Tunan sighed, then pulled out a book from his cabinet—
"The Art of Psychological Manipulation for Spies."
If I can't match him in strength, I will surpass him in something else.
With that thought, he immersed himself in the pages, taking another step toward his carefully laid plans.