It was already Year 63 of the Konoha Calendar.
Next year, the so-called "Nine Little Geniuses" would graduate, and the Chūnin Exams — along with Orochimaru's Konoha Crush plan — would begin.
According to the original timeline, the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, was fated to die at Orochimaru's hands.
That would mark one of the weakest moments in Konoha's history.
And when that time came, part-time staff like Sora would almost certainly be among the first to be let go due to budget cuts.
That's why he needed to visit Tenten's household — and more importantly, to strengthen his relationship with them.That was his true future.
What Sora didn't know, however, was that while he was on his way to Tenten's house, Hiruzen was watching him from afar through the Telescope Technique.
Seeing that Sora walked steadily, showing no intention of using chakra to travel faster, the old Hokage narrowed his eyes and spoke to the ANBU member beside him:
"You're sure he has chakra?"
"Yes, Lord Hokage. I'm one hundred percent certain," the ANBU replied.Though he wore a mask, his sensing abilities were sharp.
A civilian with no ninja qualifications suddenly awakened chakra?
And then came straight to meet the Hokage?
Naturally, that put Sora on the ANBU's radar.
"As I thought," Hiruzen murmured, puffing gently from his pipe.
"All these changes must have started when he gained chakra."
But despite the rarity of the situation, Sora's chakra reserves were minuscule.
He posed no threat.
And his family lineage? Practically nonexistent — three generations of ordinary Konoha citizens.
So while his chakra was interesting, Hiruzen cared far more about Sora's pen.
Especially in this fragile period for the village, stories could help soothe public unease.
Still, the concerns from his subordinates weren't baseless.
After some thought, Hiruzen said, "Who's currently on leave? Send someone to quietly follow him."
"Also… keep Root out of this."
The ANBU member listed several names. One caught Hiruzen's attention.
"She'll do. Tell her to approach him as a civilian if necessary."
"Understood."
—
Meanwhile, Sora arrived at the gates of Tenten's family estate.
With chakra now flowing through his body, his stamina and mobility had greatly improved — and he didn't bother hiding it.
He knew Konoha's sensory units would detect it anyway. Better to walk in the open with confidence.
He had nothing to hide.
His record was clean, his lineage loyal.
Why not embrace the role of a civilian rising to power?
He knocked on the door.
A moment later, Tenten's family butler answered.
The old man recognized Sora immediately and bowed respectfully.
Sora presented a letter and a box of sweets he'd bought at the pastry shop around the corner.
After explaining his purpose, the butler accepted both and told him Tenten was away on a mission.
Once she returned, he'd make sure she received the message.
This all went exactly as Sora had expected.
Based on his simulations, Tenten would return in three days.
And when she saw the blueprints he'd left, she wouldn't be able to resist coming to find him.
That was how their relationship would naturally evolve into something mutual.
In the simulations, Sora could stick around Tenten's house forever if he wanted.
But not in real life.
To continue his simulations and gain more talents, he'd need variety — more encounters, more opportunities.
If he focused only on Tenten, he'd just become a male version of her — and that wasn't enough to secure his future.
—
After leaving the estate, Sora returned home, calling it a day.
He continued writing, but also dedicated time to physical training and chakra refinement.
He had only brought back talent from his simulations — not actual strength.
So for now, his body still had to catch up the hard way.
Unless, of course, he could awaken new bloodline talents.
That would require more simulations.
And to get more simulations...Sora already had a few ideas.
—
The next morning, he went to the Hokage Tower to collect the Uchiha archives and his work documents.
His new title: Archive Clerk.
But Sora didn't stop there.
He asked his supervisor to draft an official statement confirming that he was writing The Legend of Uchiha Madara under Hokage authority.
The supervisor even checked with Hiruzen, who gave silent approval.
And with that, Sora had acquired the final piece of his "starter build."
—
That afternoon, he organized the Uchiha records while continuing to draft his manuscript.
Because most of it was already etched into his memory from the original timeline, this work was easy.
When evening came, Sora grabbed his new ID badge, his manuscript, and a bunch of pre-bought candies, and headed for the playground at the end of the street.
The park was lively with children's laughter.
Nearby benches held elderly villagers — some civilians, some retired shinobi.
These were Sora's true targets.
"Good evening, everyone," Sora greeted politely.
Many of the old folks already knew him.
Seeing how much he'd changed lately, they eagerly pulled him into conversation, asking all sorts of questions.
In the past, Sora might've excused himself quickly.
But now?He pulled over a wooden stool and joined them warmly.
When they learned he now worked at the Hokage's Office and was writing a biography of Uchiha Madara, they were stunned.
Even more so when he asked about Konoha's early years and the Uchiha's role back then.
It was as if someone had flipped a switch — every elder suddenly had stories to tell.
Sora listened earnestly, occasionally guiding their emotions.Some were moved to tears. Sora gently took their hands and offered comfort.
Just then, the system window that had been dormant for days lit up in his mind.
Most of the elderly here didn't meet the system's requirements.
But among them... he found a match.
An old woman in a formal kimono was holding his hand tightly, sharing tales of her Uchiha teammate from long ago.