The funeral ceremony lasted until the evening.
Throughout the process, Uchiha Tunan maintained a composed demeanor, ensuring that his emotions appeared appropriate.
The groundwork was laid successfully—especially considering that his parents had few meaningful relationships within the village.
If they had close friends present, those people would have likely been moved by Uchiha Tunan's display of grief, immediately believing in his sincerity.
In response, Uchiha Tunan could only shake his head internally.
Weak strength, poor connections—what a failure.
The Next Morning
Dressed in a crisp white shirt and adjusting his gold-rimmed glasses, Uchiha Tunan arrived at Hatake Kakashi's house early in the morning.
From a distance, as he sent out a messenger dove, he noticed Kakashi standing at the entrance, eyes fixed toward the intersection.
However, the moment Uchiha Tunan appeared, Kakashi immediately feigned indifference, lazily shifting his gaze away and staring at the morning sun—as if admiring its beauty.
He sees me as a close friend.
If history remained unchanged, Kakashi would one day obtain Kamui—only to ultimately fall during the Pain invasion.
But what if…?
Kamui was an extraordinary ability, vastly enhancing both survival and assassination techniques.
If he played his cards right, he might not need to wait for history to repeat itself.
With this thought, Uchiha Tunan's eyes flickered with interest, and a small smirk appeared on his lips.
Kakashi, catching Tunan's "affectionate" gaze, felt a strange warmth spread in his chest.
Unconsciously, he smiled slightly beneath his mask before speaking in a casual tone:
"You're here early."
Uchiha Tunan adjusted his smile, his expression gentle as the morning sun.
"Yesterday, I promised my parents at their graves that I would work hard to become someone they could be proud of.
My father always told me—a man must keep his word."
Kakashi nodded slightly and led him into the courtyard.
As they walked, Kakashi suddenly pointed at Tunan's glasses and asked, "I've been meaning to ask—why are you wearing those? Do you have eye problems?"
Uchiha Tunan pushed up his glasses with two fingers before replying:
"Every night, I study and analyze the teachings of past Hokage.
It's possible the dim lighting at home caused some minor nearsightedness."
Kakashi frowned slightly. "Does it affect your combat ability?"
His words carried a hint of concern—unfiltered and sincere.
Uchiha Tunan gave a reassuring smile.
"It doesn't hinder my battles.
As long as I activate my Sharingan, the myopia disappears entirely.
But thank you for your concern, Kakashi."
Kakashi's shoulders relaxed slightly. Realizing he had let his emotions slip, he quickly turned his head to the side.
"Tch. It's not like I care or anything."
The wind chimes under the eaves jingled softly in the morning breeze.
At that moment, a voice called out:
"Tunan-kun, you're here."
Sakumo Hatake, dressed in a loose-fitting kimono with his signature White Light Chakra Sabre resting at his side, sat cross-legged on the porch, his eyes carrying a warm smile.
Uchiha Tunan immediately knelt, placing his hands on his thighs, and bowed respectfully.
"Lord White Fang, I apologize for disturbing you so early in the morning."
Sakumo chuckled, waving off the formality.
"No need for that. I'm glad Kakashi has a friend like you.
And honestly, I should be thanking you for keeping him motivated in training when I'm away on missions."
As Sakumo spoke, he noticed Uchiha Tunan's gaze lingering on the short blade at his side.
"Do you have an interest in swordsmanship, Tunan?"
"I have some knowledge of it," Uchiha Tunan admitted, adjusting his glasses.
Sakumo removed the blade from his waist, running a hand over its hilt.
"If you'd like, I could teach you some Hatake-ryū kenjutsu."
Uchiha Tunan immediately shook his head, his expression serious.
"I couldn't possibly accept such a gift.
The Hatake-ryū sword style is an heirloom of your clan, Lord White Fang.
It wouldn't be right for an outsider like me to learn it."
Sakumo's respect for the young Uchiha grew.
"A talented shinobi like you, who is also Kakashi's trusted friend—I don't mind sharing it with you.
With your Sharingan's dynamic vision, you'd benefit greatly from this style."
Yet, Uchiha Tunan still declined, his tone unwavering.
"I appreciate your kindness, but as a member of the Uchiha clan, my Sharingan is my greatest asset.
I should focus on developing my dōjutsu.
That is the path best suited for me."
Sakumo's admiration deepened.
Such maturity at his age… Kakashi is lucky to have a partner like him.
However, the White Fang was not one to give up easily.
"In that case, I won't teach you the essence of Hatake-ryū.
But I will teach you some fundamental sword techniques.
That way, you and Kakashi can train together, improving both of your skills.
How about that?"
Kakashi turned to Uchiha Tunan, anticipation clear in his gaze.
To him, Uchiha Tunan was more than a classmate—he was a trusted comrade.
Even though the Hatake-ryū style was a family legacy, Kakashi didn't mind sharing it with someone he considered a true friend.
In fact, he wanted to help Tunan improve.
Faced with Sakumo's generosity and Kakashi's eager expression, Uchiha Tunan hesitated before finally nodding.
"In that case… thank you, Lord White Fang."
Learning the Hatake-ryū kenjutsu is valuable.
When Sakumo eventually dies, I can use it freely without arousing suspicion.
And by then, my mastery of it may even surpass the White Fang himself.
Sakumo stood up, blade in hand.
"Good. Come with me."
Leading them into the backyard, he handed each of them a wooden practice blade.
At this point, Kakashi had only begun learning the Hatake-ryū sword style.
Thus, Sakumo started from the very basics.
"The Hatake-ryū style originates from the ancient samurai traditions and is learned in three stages.
The first stage focuses on basic strikes and precision.
You will practice these movements countless times until your blade becomes an extension of your body.
The second stage involves adapting to real combat, using the sword to handle various types of opponents.
This requires extensive sparring and experience."
As Sakumo was about to continue, Uchiha Tunan suddenly interrupted.
"Lord White Fang, please don't explain the third stage in my presence.
That knowledge should be reserved for Kakashi alone."
Sakumo paused before nodding approvingly.
"Understood."
What a proper young man.
Sakumo's respect for Tunan increased further.
"Alright, then. Watch my movements carefully.
You will repeat these basic strikes until they become second nature."
With that, Sakumo demonstrated the precise cuts of the Hatake-ryū style.
Meanwhile, Uchiha Tunan activated his Sharingan, his crimson eyes absorbing every detail of the White Fang's movements.
Then, mimicking his motions, he slashed at the training post.
From the corner of his eye, Sakumo caught sight of the tomoe spinning in Tunan's Sharingan.
He couldn't help but be impressed.
The Sharingan truly is an incredible dōjutsu.
At the very least, when it comes to learning techniques, he is already far ahead of his peers.