Chapter 08: Motionless, Entering the Hatake Household
Just like that, Uchiha Tonan and Sarutobi Hiruzen spent the entire afternoon talking exclusively about the Will of Fire. For the most part, it was Tonan who spoke while Hiruzen listened patiently.
Truthfully, Hiruzen didn't fully understand some of Tonan's perspectives. But based on everything he had heard that afternoon, he could summarize Tonan in two simple words: loyal official.
Only when there were about ten minutes left before school ended did Hiruzen take the initiative to end their conversation. Tonan reluctantly left the office.
Back home, Tonan opened the envelope Hiruzen had given him and checked the amount inside. It was more than what his parents had left him—enough to elevate him from borderline poverty to a modest level of wealth.
This was the benefit of standing on Hiruzen's side.
Tonan stared at the money with calm detachment, showed no greed, and quietly placed the envelope into a drawer. Then, he sat down at his desk and began writing in his diary:
Today, I'm really happy. Sandaime-sama personally came to see me at the teacher's office. He had no airs about him—it felt like meeting my own grandfather. His care and kindness, like his firm, broad hand, made me feel warm inside.
At that moment, I suddenly thought of a word: "restraint." I never understood what it meant to live with purpose in this world, but I think I do now. From this day forward, the meaning of my existence is to follow in Sandaime-sama's footsteps.
I remember a line I once read in a ninja handbook: "A ninja is a tool without emotion."
But I'm still a living being—emotionless existence is impossible. Still, if necessary, I'm willing to become a tool in his hands… (20,000 words omitted)
Today, Sandaime-sama also gave me a lot of money. I haven't been able to afford meat for a long time, but I don't want to spend this. After all, this is his hard-earned money. I plan to save it and buy him a gift on his birthday—February 8th.
Also, I fought Kakashi today. He's truly strong. Even though I awakened my Sharingan, I still couldn't match him. I just hope the gap between us doesn't widen too much.
After finishing his diary entry, Tonan left his desk and headed to the kitchen. Tonight's dinner? Just vegetables—again.
The next day after school, instead of heading home, Tonan caught up with Kakashi, who was walking alone.
"Kakashi!"
Kakashi turned around lazily, glanced at Tonan, and asked, "What do you want?"
"Can I train with you? I want to get stronger and become a ninja as soon as possible. Please," Tonan said, bowing deeply.
Kakashi hesitated. Maybe he felt Tonan would be a decent sparring partner, because after a moment, he nodded and said, "Alright. Where do you want to train?"
Tonan's face lit up with a bright smile. "Let's go to your house. Since I'm the one asking you, I wouldn't want you to go too far out of your way."
Kakashi nodded and began walking home. Tonan silently followed behind.
They soon arrived at the Hatake residence.
There weren't many members in the Hatake clan. The courtyard was large, but the living quarters weren't overly spacious—after all, only Kakashi and his father, the White Fang, lived there.
The open space in the courtyard made for an ideal training ground. The two boys headed straight there. They faced each other, made a hand sign, and their sparring began.
The sound of clashing kunai echoed across the grounds.
Both of them were already well-versed in taijutsu. Before long, they started using ninjutsu as well. Kakashi lived up to his reputation as a genius, already having mastered several kinds of ninjutsu. In contrast, Tonan knew only one—the Great Fireball Technique.
After a while, Tonan took the opportunity to concede defeat, pretending he had exhausted his chakra.
"As expected of you, Kakashi… The gap between us has only grown wider," Tonan said breathlessly, both hands on the ground as he panted.
Kakashi was also breathing heavily, though he still had energy left. "You're much stronger than the others."
Tonan struggled to stand, bowed again, and said, "Thanks for training with me. Would it be alright if I came again in the future?"
"Do as you like," Kakashi replied, putting his hands behind his head, his lazy expression returning.
Tonan smiled, packed up, and waved. "That's all for today then. See you, Kakashi."
He left the Hatake household. Unfortunately, Sakumo wasn't home that day.
But Tonan wasn't in a hurry. Patience was the first virtue of a proper hunter.
When Tonan returned home, he was surprised to find the refrigerator stocked with meat and milk.
He was deeply moved. Without delay, he opened his diary and wrote:
The fridge was full of meat and milk today. I'm sure it was Sandaime-sama who sent someone to restock it. In this entire world, only Sandaime-sama treats me this well… (50,000 words omitted)
Also, at the academy today, I overheard Hyuga Sugata say that the frontlines are in an emergency state. It seems several supply lines have been cut off.
Sandaime-sama must be under tremendous pressure right now. I want to grow up quickly and share his burden.
My parents are out there too. I hope they're safe.
Days passed.
Perhaps due to the worsening war, Sakumo never returned home. But that was expected—he was a top-tier shinobi and likely involved in high-level missions.
When certain actions are repeated often enough, they become routine in people's eyes. That's why, for now, Tonan continued going to the Hatake household every day without pause or distraction.
It just so happened that during this time, he noticed something: Kakashi was growing stronger by the day.
At this point, even if Tonan went all-out, he couldn't guarantee a win against Kakashi. That meant Kakashi's strength had already surpassed the late Uchiha Teno.
For context, Teno had ranked sixth among the recent graduates. If theory scores weren't included, he might've ranked even higher. And that was without the Sharingan. With it, he would've been on par with Uchiha Tetsuma.
This meant Kakashi's current level could already rival the elite among the graduating class.
What a terrifying genius.
Tonan let out a sigh and pulled a book from the cupboard titled "Essential Disguise Skills for Spies."
He planned to take full advantage of this phase of growth to absorb as much knowledge as possible.