Konoha Year 32, Pre-Second Shinobi World War
Sunlight filtered through the gaps between leaves, casting scattered patches of light on the training grounds of Konoha Village. The Third Hokage stood on a high platform, facing the shinobi who were about to depart for war. His gaze was firm and filled with confidence.
"Shinobi of Konoha!" The Third Hokage's voice was loud and powerful. "Today, we face a severe trial. But I believe that the shinobi of Konoha are the strongest! We have unwavering faith, fearless courage, and the spirit of unity! We will surely defeat our enemies and protect our home!"
The Third Hokage's speech was filled with passion and strength, stirring the blood of every shinobi present. They clenched their weapons tightly, ready to fight for the honor of Konoha Village.
At this moment, a shinobi leaning against a tree while standing and sleeping suddenly frowned. The sound of the Third Hokage's speech and the cheers of the villagers shattered his sweet dream.
He slowly opened his eyes and looked at the Third Hokage on the stage. I'll sleep a little longer, he thought. I stayed up all night watching Naruto anime and finally finished it. What are these people making so much noise for, disturbing my sleep?
Then he heard the words: "Where the leaves of Konoha dance, the flames of will burn eternal! Everyone, prepare yourselves. We will surely win this battle!"
The shinobi's eyes widened. He looked around. What the hell? Where am I? Wasn't I just at home watching anime before falling asleep in bed?
Who was that on the stage? He focused his gaze and saw a young Sarutobi Hiruzen dressed in black combat attire. What the—? The shinobi rubbed his eyes. A young Third Hokage?
Then he looked down at his own outfit. Sure enough, he was wearing Uchiha combat attire and tactical gloves. In an instant, he was dumbfounded.
Then, memories surged into his mind like a tidal wave. His head felt like it was being torn apart. His body curled up involuntarily.
Since he was in the shade of the tree and everyone's attention was on the Third Hokage's speech, no one noticed his abnormality.
After about five minutes, the pain gradually faded. Uchiha Ryun's pained expression slowly calmed.
Information surfaced in his mind: Uchiha Ryun, the infamous failure of the Uchiha Clan.
At eighteen, he still hadn't awakened his Sharingan, possessing only Genin-level chakra. The only jutsu he knew were three C-rank techniques: Great Fireball Jutsu, Phoenix Flower Jutsu, and Dragon Fire Jutsu.
Uchiha Ryun was furious. Damn it! I transmigrated into this Naruto world, eighteen years old with no Sharingan, only three C-rank jutsu, and Genin-level chakra? And now I'm about to join the Second Shinobi World War? How is this any different from suicide?
Then, resentment from his past life as a 21st-century college student surged.
Immediately after, a red light flashed in Uchiha Ryun's eyes. His pupils turned red, and a single black tomoe rotated within them.
Uchiha Ryun felt a sharp pain in his eyes, followed by a sense of weightlessness. Just as he was about to lose consciousness, a flash of yellow appeared before him. In an instant, he blacked out.
Tsunade, one of Konoha's greatest geniuses of this era, a disciple of Sarutobi Hiruzen, and inheritor of the Senju bloodline, had not yet fought Hanzō of the Salamander and did not bear the title of Sannin.
After listening to the Third Hokage's speech, she felt her fighting spirit burning. She had also heard that she, Jiraiya, and Orochimaru would serve as squad leaders, leading villagers and shinobi into battle. The thought alone excited her.
As she prepared to return home to gather more ninja tools, she suddenly sensed a cold, sinister chakra. Tracing its source, she spotted a person under a tree—Uchiha Ryun.
Uchiha Ryun was radiating resentment as he stared upward. Then, blood began flowing from the corners of his eyes, and his pupils turned from black to red.
This is the Uchiha Clan's eye awakening! Tsunade was shocked. She knew about the Sharingan, but this was her first time seeing it awaken up close. Curiosity took over.
As if guided by fate, she found herself walking toward Uchiha Ryun. Just as Uchiha Ryun lowered his head, she noticed he was about to collapse.
She quickened her pace and caught him before he hit the ground.
Tsunade frowned. This guy… what was his name again? Uchiha Ryun, right? The dead-last of this year's Ninja Academy class.
Eighteen years old and just awakening the Sharingan? His talent is… well, hard to describe. She initially thought of sending him back to the Uchiha Clan, but then she remembered something unpleasant.
It seemed this guy was seen as a disgrace by the Uchiha Clan. Even his fellow Uchiha classmates often bullied him.
Thinking this, Tsunade sighed. Fine, I'll take him back to the Senju Clan's ancestral home.
She shook her head, picked up Uchiha Ryun—who had exhausted his physical and mental energy from awakening the Sharingan—and carried him toward her clan's compound.
At this moment, Tsunade didn't realize how much this decision would affect her.
After Tsunade left, a figure slowly appeared—Shimura Danzō in his younger years. His expression was gloomy as he stared at Tsunade's retreating figure—no, at Uchiha Ryun.
"Tch. A naturally evil Uchiha brat," he muttered before heading toward the Hokage Building.
He needed to inform Sarutobi Hiruzen. The Uchiha Clan was scheming to get close to the Senju Clan. This was definitely part of some plot!
Tsunade carried the unconscious Uchiha Ryun and reached the Senju Clan's ancestral home in just a few breaths. Though she hadn't inherited her grandfather's Wood Release talent, she had perfectly inherited his physical prowess.
No one could clearly see her movements. It was as if a gust of wind had passed by.
Tsunade knocked on the door. Knock, knock, knock.
The door was opened by a dignified-looking woman. She was beautiful, though the years had left faint traces at the corners of her eyes.
She smiled. "Tsunade, you're here." Then she noticed the Uchiha boy in Tsunade's arms.
Though she frowned briefly, she said, "Come in first."
"Yes, Grandmother!" Tsunade hurried inside and laid Uchiha Ryun on the floor.
The woman glanced at a nearby tree before closing the door.
The shinobi (Anbu) in the tree broke into a cold sweat. There was nothing he could do. The Hokage had said the Jinchūriki's safety was paramount. He had tried his best to hide, but Mito-sama had still spotted him effortlessly!
He sighed and continued observing the Senju Clan's compound.
Inside the house, Tsunade used chakra to assess Uchiha Ryun's condition. Finding that he had only fainted from exhaustion, she relaxed.
Uzumaki Mito walked in slowly. She glanced at Uchiha Ryun and said, "Tsunade, this boy and you…"
Tsunade froze. "Grandmother! You've misunderstood! During Sensei's speech today, Uchiha Ryun suddenly awakened his Sharingan and collapsed from exhaustion. That's why I brought him here."
"Then why didn't you send him back to the Uchiha Clan? They would understand the Sharingan better." Uzumaki Mito smiled.
"Grandmother, it's like this…" Tsunade explained Uchiha Ryun's situation. Uzumaki Mito's teasing expression faded into calmness, then pity.
"It seems the Uchiha Clan has regressed. Back when Madara was around, even if they admired strength, they never looked down on any of their clansmen. But now…" Uzumaki Mito said coolly.
Then she stood up to prepare some restorative medicine. Though she appeared stern, she was actually soft-hearted.