Chapter 05: Zhewu's Execution, Scheming Against White Fang
The clan elders had already arrived at the scene when Uchiha Tunan released the Great Fireball Technique. Based on the situation and the exchange between Tunan and Uchiha Zhewu, they had more or less deduced what had happened.
However, Zhewu was still a member of the clan. They needed to conduct a proper investigation before coming to a conclusion.
Thus, the Great Elder ordered Zhewu to be treated for his injuries and detained in the ancestral hall, where he would personally question him.
Tunan had stayed behind to fight Zhewu because he suspected the elders were already nearby. After all, they were still within Uchiha territory, and he had shouted loudly at the start—he had done everything possible to pin the blame on Zhewu.
In the dim ancestral hall, the Great Elder sat in a high seat, looking down at the kneeling Zhewu.
"Do you admit to unintentionally killing Tianxiong?" he asked.
Zhewu clenched his teeth. His heart burned with frustration, but the Uchiha clan rarely expressed open dissent. He could only snap back angrily, "Who would've thought that trash was so useless—he messed up a simple C-rank jutsu and got himself killed?"
"You claim Tianxiong had awakened the Sharingan. Do you understand how valuable the Sharingan is to the Uchiha clan? And you tried to silence Tunan as a witness, didn't you?"
"Speak! Is that true?"
"…It is," Zhewu admitted.
"He's just six years old and has already awakened the Sharingan. He's a genius of our clan—more talented than either you or Tianxiong ever were."
Zhewu scowled in disbelief. "That's only because witnessing Tianxiong's death triggered his awakening. I don't even know why they were so close."
The Great Elder's expression darkened. He stood and walked out of the ancestral hall.
"Of the two geniuses who awakened the Sharingan, you killed one and tried to kill the other. The first time might've been accidental, but the second was clearly intentional. Once the investigation concludes, you'll be executed publicly before the entire clan."
Although Zhewu had confessed, anything could happen in the ninja world.
—
Meanwhile, in the Hokage's office, an Anbu suddenly appeared before Sarutobi Hiruzen.
"Reporting, Hokage-sama—a murder has occurred within the Uchiha clan."
"What happened?" Hiruzen asked, exhaling a ring of smoke as he reviewed paperwork.
"Two Uchiha students appear to have had a conflict, resulting in one accidentally killing the other."
When Hiruzen heard their names, he paused. "Tianxiong and Zhewu… both were close to graduating. What a shame."
He continued sorting documents. Clearly, neither held much importance to him—especially since they were from the Uchiha clan.
"There was a third Uchiha present—Uchiha Tunan, a first-year student. He was reportedly close to the deceased and awakened a one-tomoe Sharingan upon witnessing his friend's death. He then used the Great Fireball Technique to fight Zhewu, and they were evenly matched."
"Oh? Tunan… I didn't expect him to be a genius. Very well. You're dismissed."
After the Anbu left, Hiruzen set down his papers and narrowed his eyes, lost in thought.
—
The Next Day
Tunan awoke in bed to see the Great Elder smiling kindly at him.
"You're awake."
Tunan nodded, and as if remembering something suddenly, asked with concern, "What about Tianxiong-san?"
A strange look flashed in the elder's eyes. He gently patted Tunan's hand.
"Don't dwell on the past. This old man can see clearly—you're a capable child. Remember, the clan will never harm or take advantage of you."
With that, the Great Elder stood to leave. At the door, he added, "Tonight, I'll carry out the clan's judgment and execute Zhewu publicly. I've already arranged for you to be excused from school, so rest at home."
Without another word, he left.
Tunan curled up in bed, eyes downcast. His thoughts were unreadable.
After a while, a white pigeon landed on the windowsill, silently watching him. Tunan took a special feed from his pocket and held it out. The bird pecked at the food contentedly, then flew away.
This white pigeon was a trained surveillance ninja beast, raised by Tunan using the methods detailed in the Ninja Beast Training Record. It helped him detect if anyone was watching or following him.
Though the pigeon itself was quite ordinary, Tunan had used genjutsu to imprint his presence into its mind and fed it regularly to build loyalty.
He preferred pigeons over crows. Crows looked suspicious—villainous. A white pigeon symbolized peace. No one would expect anything devious.
A true hunter must wear the right mask before baring his fangs.
Tunan didn't attend the execution that night. He stayed home writing in his diary.
Tianxiong-san is dead. Zhewu killed him. I'm very sad.
I remember what Lord Sandaime once said… (13,000 words omitted here.)
Tonight, the Great Elder will execute Zhewu before the whole clan.
I hope Tianxiong-san's soul can rest in peace.
After finishing his diary entry, Tunan went to the kitchen and looked through the refrigerator—only vegetables and some weeds were left. He threw all the weeds into a pot and cooked them.
That night, he made over a dozen trips to the bathroom, just as planned. He nearly passed out from the ordeal.
—
The Following Morning
Tunan gathered his belongings and returned to the Ninja Academy, maintaining a visibly sorrowful appearance.
On his way there, he noticed that clan members no longer looked at him with disdain. Instead, their gazes were warm with goodwill.
Was this the power of potential?
When he arrived, Umino Naoto noticed his haggard look. Assuming he was mourning, he said nothing and just patted his shoulder gently.
During the morning theory class, Tunan kept his head on the desk, eyes lost in thought.
He looked grief-stricken, but in truth, he was already planning his next move.
His parents had lived difficult lives. Even as chunin, they'd managed to survive for years.
Now that he had some strength, he couldn't put all his eggs in one basket. The plot of Naruto began to play out in his mind—particularly the fates of minor characters.
Suddenly, one name surfaced: Konoha's White Fang, Hatake Sakumo.
Kakashi was still a first-year, but according to the timeline, he'd graduate in a year. That meant Sakumo's suicide was fast approaching.
If he could seize the opportunity, perhaps he could gain something big.
There were many kinds of recognition. Emotional wasn't an option—Sakumo wasn't family or a friend. Recognition through strength was unrealistic too; even if his parents died now, he wouldn't grow powerful enough in time.
That left belief-based recognition. If he could plan carefully, maybe he could pull it off.
And if he succeeded, that would be his foothold for survival over the next twenty years.
—
During recess, Uchiha Obito came over and poked Tunan's arm.
"Hey, hey."
Tunan lifted his head, tear stains still visible.
"I heard what happened. Don't be sad," Obito said awkwardly, scratching his head.
Tunan gave a small nod and buried his face in his arms again.
Obito smiled sheepishly. "Don't worry—Tianxiong-san might be gone, but I, the future Hokage, will train you from now on!"
"…Thank you," Tunan replied softly.
Obito grinned and returned to his seat.
"Obito, what happened? Tell us."
"Yeah, why is Tunan crying like that?"
"Did something happen to his parents…?"
Obito caved under the gentle pressure of the surrounding girls. "A clan member who was close to Tunan died. He'd just graduated from the Academy—Uchiha Tianxiong."
—
Combat Class, Afternoon
Led by Naoto, the students gathered at the training grounds.
"Today is one-on-one sparring. Choose your own opponent—everyone must participate. The winner gets bonus points at the end of the term."
"Tunan, do you want to sit out today?"
All eyes turned to Tunan, who still had his head lowered.
He shook his head, then slowly raised it, revealing his one-tomoe Sharingan.
"No need, Teacher Naoto. I've already pulled myself together. I will honor Tianxiong-san's last wish and become an excellent ninja."
To awaken the Sharingan under such emotional distress… This child had clearly suffered a major blow. Yet to recover so quickly spoke volumes of his mental fortitude.
Naoto smiled warmly. "In that case, you may choose your opponent first."
"I'm ready!" Obito shot his hand up. "Challenge me!"
But Tunan's gaze moved past him and settled on a white-haired boy.
He bowed deeply. "Kakashi—I look forward to your guidance."