Today was different.
No clattering of wooden training weapons behind the orphanage, no rhythmic thud-thud of feet against the dirt, no grunts of effort echoing in the crisp morning air. Even the "Smiling Tyrant" herself, Kuroha, was nowhere to be found barking out another brutal drill.
Instead, the orphanage hallways hummed with a strange, tense energy. The older children whispered in corners, the younger ones fidgeted and tugged at their sleeves.
It wasn't a celebration day. No feast. No festival.
It was Decision Day.
The Choice
By Uchiha tradition, the moment a child reached the age of six, they were presented with a choice that would shape the course of their life:
Train within the Uchiha compound to join the Police Force, or enroll in the Ninja Academy to become a shinobi of the village.
Two paths, two futures — and in the eyes of many clan members, only one truly worthy.
The Police Force was more than a job. It was the clan's pride, a symbol of their authority and self-governance. Generations had upheld its legacy. Most children didn't even think twice about their answer.
But Kazuki wasn't most children.
The Gathering
The main hall was filled with rows of Uchiha orphans sitting cross-legged on the polished wooden floor. Shafts of morning light streamed in through the paper screens, catching the faint sheen of the floorboards.
At the front, three elders sat on low cushions.
Elder Setsuna was in the center — sharp-eyed, with a posture that radiated authority. To his right lounged Elder Rengoku, the faint curve of a smile always tugging at his lips. On the left sat Elder Yura, arms folded, gaze cool and assessing.
One by one, names were called.
"Uchiha Haruto."
The boy stepped forward without hesitation."Uchiha Police Force."
"Uchiha Sayaka."
The girl stepped forward and gave the same reply "Uchiha Police Force."
"Uchiha Renji."
"Uchiha Police Force."
The answers were automatic, almost rehearsed.
When Kazuki's name was called, he stood and walked forward, feeling every eye on him.
"Ninja Academy."
A murmur rippled through the room. Even among the orphans, this was rare.
Azula's name came next. She stepped up, arms folded, and smirked slightly.
"Ninja Academy."
That earned them more curious stares.
By the end of the list, only two names were on the Ninja Academy column: Kazuki and Azula. The rest were destined for the Police Force.
Why Kazuki Chose the Academy
For Kazuki, the choice hadn't been the result of deep research, political analysis, or clan strategy. It was far simpler than that.
I'm the same age as Obito, he thought. Which means I'll probably be in the same class as Kakashi, Kurenai, and some other future "canon" figures. Why not meet them? Might be fun to watch history in motion.
Besides, the Third Great Ninja War was looming. Whether he joined the Police Force or became a shinobi, he'd likely end up on the battlefield sooner or later.
So really, he mused, it doesn't matter which path I take. The war will find me either way.
When all the names were recorded, Elder Setsuna leaned forward, his gaze narrowing on the two who had chosen differently.
"The Academy will be your battlefield. Do your best, and crush every child from every other clan. And remember—never trust the old schemer Hiruzen, or the mad dog Danzō. One wants your loyalty, the other wants your eyes."
Kazuki met his gaze evenly and gave a short nod.
Azula smirked. "Sounds easy enough."
Rengoku chuckled softly, the sound warm in contrast to Setsuna's sharp tone. "Don't take Setsuna too seriously. Just do your best, both of you."
Kazuki hesitated, then spoke. "Elder Yura, should I hide my pure Yin chakra? Or is it fine to use it?"
Yura's eyes sharpened. "As long as you don't expose that your Sharingan might evolve automatically, they'll simply think you're a black sheep who can't use ninjutsu well. Let them underestimate you. It will be useful."
Kazuki allowed a faint smirk. A harmless black sheep… Sure. I can play that role.
As the meeting wound down, Kazuki's mind wandered.
It's not as bad now as it will be after the Nine-Tails incident, he thought. Right now, the clan and the village aren't openly hostile, but there's still a gap between us. It's in the little things — the way the villagers speak to an Uchiha with polite distance, the way the clan keeps to itself. It's funny, in a way. We helped found this village. The other founders were the Senju — and they're gone now. Tsunade's the only one left, and she's barely around.
The thought left a strange taste in his mouth.
Maybe that's why the gap will grow into a chasm. Without the Senju to balance things, we're just the "other" founding clan. And paranoia grows quickly when you already fear someone's power.
Later that afternoon, Kazuki and Azula made their way to the elders' residence for a follow-up discussion. The courtyard was quiet except for the rustle of leaves.
As they left the building, a boy with messy, spiky black hair came jogging up the steps. He looked their age, maybe a bit shorter, with bright eyes full of energy.
He stopped abruptly when he saw them. "Oh! Hey! You two are going to the Academy too, right?"
Kazuki raised an eyebrow. "We meet again Obito and you are late for the meeting."
The boy grinned widely. "I was helping a granny cross the road! My name's Obito Uchiha! Future Hokage!" He puffed out his chest proudly.
Azula gave him a flat look. "You? Hokage?"
"Yeah!" Obito beamed. "I'll be the first Uchiha Hokage, you'll see!"
Kazuki blinked, then bit back a laugh.
The village will never make an Uchiha Hokage, he thought. The top brass are too paranoid. They'd sooner put a rock on the Hokage's chair than one of us. Still… maybe I should help him try. It'd be hilarious watching the elders and the council lose their minds over it.
"Well," Kazuki said aloud, smirking, "let's see if you can back that up in class."
Obito's grin only grew wider. "I will! Just watch!"
Onward to the Volume 2 .....cough....cough... I mean Brainwashing camp.....cough....cough.....Onward to Ninja Academy
In next volume I will write about academy, kohana, and political tension between village and clan.
In few chapters the source of the Chakra that mc encountered will be found out who do you think it is?