Kazuki finally stood at the threshold of the research building, the cold air outside a sharp contrast to the sterile, warm room he had been confined in for two long days. His muscles still ached from the relentless tests, and his mind buzzed with the endless scrutinizing eyes of the elders. But now, it was over — at least for today.
He was just about to turn and leave when a soft voice called out behind him.
"Kazuki," Mikoto's gentle tone stopped him. She approached quietly, her warm smile like a balm to his bruised spirit. "May I have a moment?"
Kazuki nodded, wary but relieved for a break from the endless interrogation.
She sat beside him on the bench outside, folding her hands neatly in her lap. "I wanted to check on you," she said softly. "I know the tests were harsh… and I've been thinking about how you must feel."
Kazuki glanced at her, uncertain. What could she possibly understand?
"Most children," she continued, "dream of mastering ninjutsu—the flashy techniques, the fireballs, the elemental blasts. It's understandable. But... not everyone's path is the same."
Kazuki's eyes flickered with a hint of surprise.
She smiled gently. "I imagine being told you can't do ninjutsu would be hard to accept. Especially for a child."
Yeah. Hard might be the understatement of the century.
"But listen," Mikoto said firmly, "You have strengths that many do not. Your genjutsu talent, your taijutsu potential… combined, they make you a formidable ninja. You don't need to throw fireballs to be powerful."
Kazuki tilted his head. If only she knew... I wasn't bothered by the lack of ninjutsu like she thinks. I've lived in a modern world before. Genjutsu isn't just tricks and illusions—it's war, it's control, it's absolute dominance over the battlefield.
Mikoto reached into her bag and pulled out several scrolls, handing them to Kazuki.
"Here," she said, "These are manuals on taijutsu, genjutsu, kenjutsu, and Uchiha-style shurikenjutsu. They're some of the best guides I could find. Study them. Master those arts. You'll be more than fine."
Kazuki accepted the scrolls, feeling a rare flicker of warmth. "Thank you, Mikoto," he said quietly.
Mikoto's eyes twinkled mischievously as she reached out and playfully pinched his cheek. "You should respect your elders, you know."
Kazuki blinked, rubbing his cheek, then quickly corrected himself, "Thank you, Auntie Mikoto."
Her eyes narrowed, and without warning, she pinched his ears sharply. "Call me 'Mikoto onee-chan'!"
Kazuki yelped, hands going to his ears. Great. So much for subtlety. Why did respecting elders suddenly feel like dodging a barrage of pinches? He gave a sheepish grin. "Alright, alright… Mikoto onee-chan."
Two days later, Kazuki stepped onto the worn path leading back to the orphanage. The weight of the scrolls was comforting in his satchel, but more than that, his mind hummed with power—limitless potential wrapped in invisible chains.
I feel stronger, sharper than ever. But still... limited. Like having a fancy sports car with a lawnmower engine under the hood.Genjutsu and taijutsu? Cool. But no ninjutsu? So basically, I'm a wizard who can't throw fireballs — great. Guess I'm the fancy, expensive wand that only knows how to wave itself around.At least I've got style. And maybe that's enough to make some noise.
The compound bustled as he approached. Laughter, chatter, and the familiar sounds of children returning from their chakra awakening training filled the air.
Ahead, Azula's unmistakable voice rang out, sharp as ever.
"Kazuki! There you are! Where were you hiding these past two days?" she called, eyes narrowing suspiciously.
Kazuki grinned weakly, rubbing the back of his neck. "Just… busy."
Azula stepped closer, scrutinizing him with a mix of relief and accusation. "Everyone was wondering why you disappeared."
Kazuki chuckled softly. If only she knew where I really was.
Azula paused, then added with a tired sigh, "Honestly, I forgot to ask the director about you. I was too wiped out from boiling alive." She smirked, eyes gleaming with mischievous exhaustion.
Azula puffed out her chest dramatically. "Oh, just casually awakened my chakra on the second day and now I'm basically unstoppable."
At that moment, Kuroha appeared, her ever-watchful gaze locking onto Kazuki like a hawk spotting its prey.
"Kazuki," she said, voice calm but serious, "Tell me everything. What happened?"
Kazuki met her steady gaze. No point hiding it now. One glance from any Sharingan or Byakugan, and my chakra type would be an open book—and I somehow trust Kuroha.
He took a deep breath. "I was used as a lab rat by the clan elders. They ran tests—lots of them. They wanted to understand how my chakra works."
Kuroha's expression didn't waver. "And the results?"
Kazuki looked down for a moment, then up again. "I have pure Yin chakra. No Yang at all. That means I can't do ninjutsu, but I have strong genjutsu and taijutsu potential."
Kuroha nodded slowly, absorbing the news. "That's… quite rare."
Azula, overhearing, raised an eyebrow. "So, you're basically the clan's wildcard."
"Something like that," Kazuki admitted, shrugging.
Azula gasped, then laughed. "Looks like I'm not the only special snowflake. Guess we're both going to be legends."
Kuroha smiled softly. "Kazuki, you're rare, but here, you're family. We'll support you."
Kazuki felt a rare warmth. Family. Maybe this time, it's not just a word.
Azula elbowed him. "Now, don't look so touched. We've got training to crush, and I'm still the best around."
Kazuki grinned. "Yeah, yeah. Keep dreaming, 'Unstoppable Azula.' Just don't trip over your own feet."
Azula laughed. "Watch it, or I'll genjutsu you into a frog."
Kazuki smirked, feeling lighter than he had in days.
Maybe being the weird lab experiment isn't so bad if I've got crazy teammates like these.
Private Meeting – The Elders' Chamber
The room was dimly lit by a single paper lantern, its soft glow flickering over the walls decorated with ancient Uchiha scrolls and clan relics. A heavy wooden table sat at the center, where four elders gathered in low voices, their faces etched with a mixture of curiosity and calculation.
Fugaku sat at the head, his posture rigid, eyes sharp beneath furrowed brows. Across from him, Elder Setsuna leaned forward, fingers steepled, his hawk-like gaze never leaving the man he discussed. Beside Setsuna, Rengoku adjusted his hair thoughtfully, while Yura lounged casually, arms crossed, radiating his usual air of reluctant interest.
Setsuna broke the silence first, voice low but intense. "I don't care much for the details of his chakra balance. Pure Yin, pure Yang—those are terms. What truly matters is whether this boy's Sharingan will evolve naturally… to Mangekyō Sharingan."
Rengoku nodded slowly. "Setsuna is right. The true power of the Uchiha lies in that evolution. If Kazuki's Sharingan can reach Mangekyō without the usual emotional trauma, it would be unprecedented."
Fugaku's jaw tightened. "The potential is extraordinary. Most awaken it through deep suffering, loss. Kazuki's ability to awaken it with pure chakra control might redefine everything we know."
Yura yawned, breaking the tension. "Great. So, he's some kind of prodigy destined for drama and eye-pain. But what about his actual combat skills? Eyes won't win battles alone."
Rengoku smiled gently. "On that point, Kazuki is impressive. His genjutsu aptitude is high, and his taijutsu shows promise. Even without elemental ninjutsu, he could become formidable."
Setsuna gave a rare, almost grudging nod. "True. But the clan's strength has always been the balance—fire, lightning, wind. Without ninjutsu, he might struggle in long-term conflict."
Fugaku leaned back, steepling his fingers. "We must prepare for that. If his Sharingan evolves naturally, it will compensate for many weaknesses. The question is—how fast? And at what cost?"
Setsuna's eyes narrowed. "Cost is always part of power. But if this boy can bypass the usual emotional triggers, perhaps he can avoid the madness that consumes many Mangekyō wielders."
Yura smirked. "Or maybe he's just a ticking time bomb waiting to blow. Either way, watching will be interesting."
Rengoku chuckled softly. "I'm curious about the 'pure Yin' aspect. It's first in our clan. It may grant unique abilities we haven't seen before. Perhaps even new forms of genjutsu or perception."
Fugaku's gaze hardened. "Then we watch. We train. And we ensure Kazuki's potential benefits the clan—not endangers it."
Setsuna stood, voice final. "I want regular reports. Monitor his progress. Especially his ocular development. The future of the Uchiha may depend on him."
The others nodded in silent agreement as the meeting concluded, the elders dispersing into the shadows of the estate, each carrying a spark of anticipation.