Early chapters: patreon.com/Reborn_noob
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The Uchiha clan was as renowned as the Senju, and its influence was equally significant.
At that moment, in a small forest within the Uchiha district, a young man was engaged in rigorous training.
This young man had short, black hair. While not conventionally handsome, he exuded a sense of calm and reliability.
Sweat trickled down his forehead, yet he maintained unwavering focus, repeatedly executing precise sword techniques.
"Huff!" The young man paused, wiping sweat from his brow, a warm smile gracing his features.
"I finally graduated. Tomorrow, I become a true ninja."
As he savored the anticipation of his ninja career, a cutting voice echoed from behind.
"A guy without his Sharingan is a loser even as a ninja. Just like his ridiculously stupid father, a traitor to the Uchiha."
Ignoring the taunts, the young man silently sheathed his dagger and departed, though a fleeting crimson glint in his eyes went unnoticed.
"Damn it, Makoto is too arrogant, isn't he?" The Uchiha who had delivered the insult, incensed by Makoto's indifference, prepared to intercept him.
"Alright, alright, why argue with a kid? He's a waste, he'll die soon enough."
"Tch! You're letting that trash get away with it." Hearing his companion, the Uchiha relented, directing his anger at Makoto's retreating figure.
Makoto, hearing their words, clenched his fists, his thoughts consumed by a single question: "Why? Why is this happening? My father sought to bridge the gap between the clan and the village. Why do they call him a traitor?"
…
The following morning, Makoto arrived at the classroom early, his anxiety palpable. He found his teacher, Fujita-sensei, standing at the podium, a welcoming smile on his face.
"Good morning, Fujita-sensei." He greeted his teacher respectfully, then took his seat, awaiting the team assignments.
By 7:30, all students had arrived. Fujita-sensei tapped the desk, silencing the room.
"Quiet!" He began announcing the team rosters.
"Morino Taro, Kaminaka Yuya, Yamashiro Aoba."
"Moonlight Ono, Shiranui Fujima, Wilderness Hsinchu."
…
"Uchiha Makoto, Toko, your team is incomplete. Another genin will be assigned later."
"Your leading jonin will arrive shortly. Train diligently and serve the village."
Fujita-sensei concluded the announcements. The teams were formed based on individual personalities, skills, and overall performance.
Talented students would be led by jonin, nurturing them into valuable assets for Konoha.
Those without potential or connections were randomly assigned, their survival left to chance.
The sole exception was the team of Uchiha Makoto and Toko, two outstanding students, who would be joined by a genin from outside the class.
"Seriously, I hope we don't get some weirdo on our team. Hopefully, the jonin is reliable." Toko glanced at Uchiha Makoto, her apprehension evident.
Given the choice, she would have preferred any of her classmates. Familiarity was paramount.
Uchiha Makoto smiled. "Hopefully. But don't worry, I trust the village's judgment."
Jonin arrived, one by one, escorting their respective teams. Those left behind looked disappointed.
"Uchiha Makoto, Toko, come with me. I, Yuta, will be your leading jonin."
A man with silver, tousled hair and a constant smile stood at the classroom door.
Toko and Uchiha Makoto exchanged glances, then followed Yuta. The trio moved swiftly, heading towards the village's training grounds, their journey marked by silent, rapid movement.
Yuta observed them, noting their basic competence.
They soon arrived at the training ground.
"Yuta, you're here?" A man with a bowl cut, green jumpsuit, and thick eyebrows ran towards them, his eyes brimming with excitement.
It was Might Duy, the third member of their team.
This was a condition Yuta had set for accepting the instructor position.
The previous day, while Duy cleaned Yuta's house, Yuta had informed him of his inclusion in the team.
Duy had wept with joy.
Seeing Duy's reaction, Yuta felt vindicated. Those who persevered deserved recognition.
Duy had arrived early, eager to make a good impression on his new teammates.
However, unlike Duy's enthusiasm, Toko was visibly displeased. "Seriously? He's our teammate? Are you kidding me?" Her tone was laced with disgust.
Uchiha Makoto remained silent, his furrowed brow expressing his dissatisfaction.
Yuta observed their reactions, noting Toko's bluntness, which had clearly embarrassed Duy.
Seeing the awkward atmosphere, Yuta maintained his smile, observing how they would resolve the situation.
Uchiha Makoto stepped in to diffuse the tension.
"Ahem! Hello, Duy-senpai. I didn't expect you to be our final teammate. Toko meant no offense, she was just surprised and spoke without thinking."
Toko, realizing her mistake, quickly nodded in agreement. "Yes, Duy-senpai, I was just too excited. I hope you'll forgive me."
Duy, previously embarrassed, now felt a little awkward at their apologies. "It's alright. I'll work hard to prove myself." He scratched the back of his head, attempting a casual demeanor.
However, before Uchiha Makoto and Toko could fully relax, Dai raised his thumb, revealing his gleaming teeth and exaggeratedly raised eyebrows.
"Because those are the summons of youth!"
"Pfft!" Despite hearing rumors about Duy, Toko couldn't suppress her laughter. Even Uchiha Makoto, known for his composure, twitched at the corners of his mouth.
"Is this teammate really reliable?"
Both of them couldn't help but feel a sense of unease.