Chapter 2: The Serious Diary and Buying Books
Back in his bedroom, Uchiha Tonan opened a drawer and pulled out a plain notebook. With a pen in hand, he began to write.
"July 1st
Today, the Third Hokage visited the academy to speak about the Will of Fire.
At first, I didn't really get it.
But as he broke it down with simple words and examples, it started to make sense.
I've written a summary of my understanding… (3,000 words omitted)
Also, my parents left a note saying they've gone to the battlefield.
I hope they return safely."**
Tonan shut the notebook and set it down in a very visible spot on his desk.
This diary would be important later.
Whether or not this body's original parents would actually die on the battlefield… well, that remained to be seen. But Tonan couldn't leave things to chance. He had to make backup plans—even if it meant taking a few risks.
The next day, Tonan headed to Konoha's largest bookstore, wallet in hand.
The shopkeeper, an old man with glasses, looked up as the boy entered. "Welcome, little Uchiha. What can I help you with?"
"Hi. I'd like to buy as many books about ninja as possible."
The shopkeeper raised a brow. "You're in the Academy, right? We don't sell actual ninjutsu scrolls here. What we do have are books on ninja conduct, history, tactics, and spy stories. But they might be too advanced for a kid like you."
"As long as they're about ninjas, I'll take them all," Tonan said calmly.
The old man stroked his chin, pleased. "All of them, huh? Just so you know, no returns."
He then began pulling books off the shelves, sweeping a wide variety into a pile—some useful, some not.
"Oh, and we've got some storybooks too. Interested?" the owner added, taking full advantage of a big spender.
"Do you have any books on the Hokage?" Tonan asked, still composed.
"Sure. We've got volumes on the First and Second Hokage, and this one's all about the Third. Oh—and here's a copy of The Will of Fire, signed by Lord Hiruzen himself. Want it?"
"I'll take everything."
A little while later, Tonan walked out of the shop with a huge bundle of books strapped to his back.
"Thanks for the business, kid! I'm sure you'll grow into a fine ninja one day," the shopkeeper waved cheerfully.
And thought: That little guy made me a fortune…
Back home, Tonan sorted the books into categories.
First, he placed The Will of Fire right on his desk—easy to see.
Then, all the biographies of past Hokage went on his bedside shelf.
The more technical books, like Trap Arrangement Manual, went into his cabinet—except one, which he immediately opened to begin studying.
In the ninja world, staying alive comes first.
Right now, Konoha was peaceful, but you could never be too careful. Choosing the wrong team or offending the wrong person could get you killed in your sleep.
Sticking close to Sarutobi is the safest bet. That's political survival.
And to earn his favor, Tonan would need to consistently show loyalty and belief in the Will of Fire.
He read more: how to spot a trap, how to set one.
Even if he didn't use these tricks, knowing how to counter them could save his life.
As the child of two absent shinobi, Tonan lived alone. Occasionally, clan elders came by to check in on him. But the first thing they saw when entering was The Will of Fire lying prominently on the desk.
Most would scold him and leave.
Some lingered, spotting the stack of Hokage biographies beside the bed.
They'd offer the usual Uchiha-style lectures, stern and cold:
"You shouldn't idolize the Hokage like that, Tonan."
"Hokage-sama deserves respect," Tonan would reply, eyes unwavering. "You're not allowed to speak badly of him."
One elder sighed. "Tonan, you're Uchiha. Family comes first."
Even so, he couldn't sway Tonan, whose stubbornness made the elder snort and storm out.
Once the door shut, Tonan returned to his diary.
**"I don't understand why the clan refuses to accept the Will of Fire.
Have they even read the book?
Maybe Lord Hiruzen's thinking is just too advanced, and the clan too impatient.
If they'd only sit down and study seriously, they'd see how brilliant his governance is.
In just a few days, I've already learned three core values from studying the past Hokage:
The First taught unity.
The Second taught diligence.
The Third taught protection.
These are the true lights of Konoha.
Especially Lord Hiruzen—his ideals have changed the way I see the world.
From now on, I'll hold firm to these beliefs.
I won't be swayed by gossip or rumor.
My duty is to protect the village and follow in Lord Hiruzen's footsteps.
With his Will of Fire… (10,000 words omitted)
By the way, my mother wrote me a letter today. She told me to take care of myself. I will."**
Luckily for Tonan, the Uchiha were too proud to snoop through other people's things.
If anyone ever read what was in that diary, he'd probably be roasted alive by a Fireball Jutsu on the spot.
The Uchiha had big mouths.
Once they caught wind of something disgraceful, they'd make sure everyone heard about it.
And sure enough, after a few days, rumors began to swirl:
"That brat from the Yanbu family just sits around all day reading the Third's Will of Fire."
"Hmph, weakling. Doesn't even know that strength is everything."
"I heard he ranked bottom in the academy exams. Just like that Obito kid."
"Both of them are humiliations to the Uchiha name."
"We should ask the elders to kick him out of the clan."
"They won't. His parents are still fighting on the frontlines."
"When they get back, I'm gonna tell them just what kind of idiot their son turned into."
"Yanbu and Nanako have been stuck as Chunin for years. Trash raising trash."
"Careful. If the elders hear you say that, you'll be in trouble."
Of course, all this eventually made its way to Sarutobi Hiruzen's ears via the Anbu.
In the Hokage's office, the old man exhaled a puff of smoke as he listened to the report.
"Uchiha Tonan… so that's the boy. Enlightened already, huh?"
He pulled out a stack of exam results from the ninja academy.
"Tch. Bit of a one-trick pony."
Tonan was first in theory—but bottom-ranked in taijutsu and ninjutsu.
Even Uchiha Obito scored better in hand-to-hand combat.
"Well… what a shame," Hiruzen murmured. He slid the papers back into the drawer and dropped the subject.
A weakling with no talent—at best, he'd grow into a loyal Konoha civilian.
His only future value… might be cheering on the real heroes from the sidelines.
Let me know if you want Chapter 3 cleaned up too.