Chapter 3: Finding Goals and Gaining Acceptance
Time passed swiftly, and the holidays ended in the blink of an eye.
During this period, Uchiha Tonan had immersed himself in learning — mastering traps, assassination techniques, disguise, and poisons.
Yet, the system had not sent any notification. Clearly, Tonan's parents were still alive and well.
Tch… just two chuunin—how can they be this hard to kill?
This frustrated Tonan. He could no longer simply wait around for fate to unfold.
The political groundwork had been laid. Now it was time to prove his worth.
To gain true power, one needed recognition — and that came from killing.
In a direct fight, Tonan knew he couldn't even beat Obito.
That left only one path: assassination.
But the target couldn't be too strong… or too weak.
Ideally, it had to be someone without experience in dealing with assassination.
All things considered, students at the Ninja Academy were the perfect prey.
As a first-year student, Tonan would need to target someone in the second or third year.
The best candidate? Someone with strong practical ability but poor theoretical knowledge.
The strong stood out and were more likely to be noticed once he inherited their abilities.
Poor theory would also mean they were less likely to see through his assassination tactics.
His plan broke down into three clear steps:
Earn recognition
Execute the assassination
Handle the aftermath
Each step had to be flawless.
Recognition was essential to inherit abilities.
The kill itself would depend on his own methods.
Dealing with the aftermath, though, could be tricky—especially if the Anbu got involved. With his current means, Tonan couldn't guarantee he'd escape undetected.
A cold gleam flickered in Tonan's eyes at the thought.
The next day, school resumed at the Ninja Academy.
This time, Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't show up for the opening speech.
Word had it that the front lines had reached a stalemate.
During recess, Tonan quietly left his classroom and slipped over to the third-year class.
"Tenxiong-san!" he called out, waving eagerly at Uchiha Tenxiong inside the room.
Tenxiong was a third-year, ranked sixth overall.
The top student was another Uchiha—Tetsuo.
Hearing someone call his name, Tenxiong turned and froze slightly in surprise.
He immediately recognized Tonan—the infamous disgrace of the Uchiha clan, his reputation whispered from mouth to mouth.
He didn't want to respond, but Tonan's loud calling in public drew attention.
With a reluctant sigh, Tenxiong got up and walked outside, his tone indifferent:
"What do you want, brat?"
"I heard that Tenxiong-san is one of the top talents in the graduating class. Can I train with you?" Tonan asked eagerly.
"Oh?" Tenxiong responded flatly, though the slight curl at the corner of his mouth betrayed his pleasure.
After a brief pause, he said, "Zhewu's the top scorer, not me. Why not ask him?"
Tonan replied innocently, "Isn't it because his grades are mostly in theory?"
"You've got sharp eyes. As a ninja, strength is what really matters. I can't be bothered with those useless theory classes."
"I train every day at the martial arts field in the north of the clan compound. If you want to come, suit yourself."
"If I've got time, I might give you a few pointers."
With that, Tenxiong coolly stuck his hands in his pockets and walked away without another glance.
Tonan grinned from ear to ear and bounced excitedly back to class.
His childlike antics looked completely harmless.
Back in the third-year classroom, after Tenxiong returned to his seat, Uchiha Tetsuo leaned over and said coldly:
"Tenxiong, don't associate with that trash. He's the shame of the Uchiha clan."
"Hmph! That's none of your business," Tenxiong snapped, brushing him off.
"Hmph," Tetsuo snorted back, turning his head away.
After school, Tonan made his way to the northern martial arts field, and sure enough, there was Tenxiong—practicing Fire Style.
"Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu!"
Boom!
A massive fireball shot from Tenxiong's mouth and crashed into the pond beside the field.
"W-Wow… that's amazing…" Tonan stood frozen, eyes wide in awe.
Tenxiong smirked to himself. He had noticed Tonan's arrival long ago—the flashy jutsu was just to show off.
"You're here, brat," Tenxiong said, turning around coolly.
"Yes! Tenxiong-san is amazing! That fireball was so huge!" Tonan spread his arms wide, mimicking the size.
"It's just a basic C-rank Fire Jutsu," Tenxiong replied, clearly pleased by the praise. He pointed to a training post. "Your body's too weak. Start with physical training."
"Got it, Tenxiong-san!"
Tonan rushed to the post, expression full of excitement, and began hitting it diligently.
But his taijutsu was truly poor. Tenxiong corrected him multiple times, but the results were lackluster.
By evening, Tonan was sitting on the ground, gasping from exhaustion.
Tenxiong was tired too, but he kept up appearances, standing with hands in his pockets and saying with disdain:
"You've got a long way to go."
Tonan hung his head in disappointment, voice trembling:
"I'm sorry… I let you down, Tenxiong-san…"
"I've heard rumors about you from the clan. Why do you act that way?" Tenxiong asked seriously.
Tonan's voice cracked as he buried his face in his knees.
"It's because… I'm a failure. My parents don't care about me. The clan looks down on me. Only the Third Hokage ever smiles at me…"
"I feel like… the Third Hokage really loves this village. Loves us."
So that's it…
The weak naturally seek the protection of the strong.
Tenxiong understood. His tone softened slightly.
"In the future, put the clan first. If not… I won't teach you anymore."
"I'm sorry for disappointing you." Tonan stood up and bowed deeply.
But his tone carried a subtle distance, and Tenxiong caught it.
His face darkened. He turned and barked, "Leave."
"I'm sorry," Tonan apologized again, then pulled out a small book from his pocket and handed it over.
"This is for you, Tenxiong-san. Thank you for helping me today."
Tenxiong paused, glancing at the book.
"What's this?"
Tonan answered earnestly:
"Over the break, I studied the senior class theory. These are the key exam points I compiled. I hope Tenxiong-san can become the true number one graduate."
Tenxiong was taken aback.
Most Uchiha were arrogant and rarely showed emotion. Gifts were uncommon in the clan, especially among children.
He was no exception. As he stared at the book — something his junior had made just for him — his heart trembled slightly.
He snatched the book, turning away stiffly.
"Hmph. Just make sure you show up early tomorrow."
And with that, he walked off toward the clan compound.
Ding! Uchiha Tenxiong's recognition acquired.
Hearing the system notification, Tonan's lips curled into a satisfied smile.
He waved at Tenxiong's retreating figure.
"Thank you, Tenxiong-san! I'll do my best!"