The Academy continued its relentless pace, a constant reminder of the gap between my current self and the power I needed to wield. Every lesson, every exercise, was an opportunity. While I still maintained my "average" facade, my internal training was anything but.
My nightly backyard sessions deepened. I could now hold the One-Tomoe Sharingan for nearly two minutes without debilitating headaches. The crimson vision was becoming less of a shock and more of a subtle, enhancing overlay. I was learning to control the chakra drain, to make it a manageable hum rather than a sucking void.
Skill Progress: Sharingan Control (D- -> D)
I also started experimenting with basic chakra exercises beyond tree walking. I attempted the Leaf Sticking Exercise, focusing chakra to make a leaf adhere to my forehead. It was clumsy at first, the leaf fluttering away, but with the subtle analytical power of the Sharingan, I could identify the precise amount of chakra needed, the specific pressure points. After several nights of frustrating failure, I finally managed to make a small, dry leaf stick, if only for a few seconds. Another small victory, another increment of growth.
Skill Progress: Chakra Control (E -> D-)
The "Peer Observation - Sasuke Uchiha" mission remained a priority. I continued to watch him, a silent, almost invisible shadow. He was always practicing, always pushing himself. His taijutsu forms were crisp, his shuriken throws unnervingly accurate. His loneliness was a palpable thing, a heavy cloak he wore even amidst the chatter of his classmates.
One afternoon, I found him alone in a secluded corner of the Academy training grounds, practicing the Great Fireball Jutsu. It was a signature Uchiha technique, and even at this age, his control was impressive. A small, but potent fireball erupted from his mouth, scorching the ground. He repeated it, again and again, each time slightly larger, slightly more focused.
I watched him from behind a cluster of bushes, my Sharingan activated. The crimson hue painted the scene in stark clarity. I could see the intricate manipulation of chakra within his body, the exact hand seals, the precise moment he converted his internal energy into elemental fire. It was a masterclass in miniature.
Observation Progress: 2/3 (Sasuke Uchiha - Elemental Affinity & Chakra Control).
Deactivating my Sharingan, a thought struck me. I had 10 EP sitting in my Shop account, exactly enough for the "Basic Fireball Jutsu Scroll." It felt like a direct invitation from the System. If I learned it, it wouldn't just be a step towards becoming a more capable ninja; it would be a symbolic connection to Sasuke, a shared heritage that he, in his isolation, fiercely clung to. It was risky, learning an Uchiha clan jutsu so openly, but the Academy was where Uchiha were expected to learn it. It would be less suspicious than developing a unique, non-Uchiha technique.
"System," I thought, "purchase Basic Fireball Jutsu Scroll."
Purchase Confirmed: Basic Fireball Jutsu Scroll (10 EP). Current EP: 10. New Skill Unlocked: Great Fireball Technique (Ninjutsu - Rank E)
A rush of knowledge flooded my mind, not just the hand seals, but the underlying theory, the precise chakra molding required. It felt innate, as if I'd known it all along. The System was more than just a menu; it was a direct conduit to power.
A few days later, during a basic ninjutsu class, Iruka-sensei announced they would be practicing the simplest E-rank jutsu: the Clone Jutsu. Most of the class struggled, producing weak, discolored duplicates. Naruto, predictably, produced nothing but a puff of smoke. Sasuke, however, created a perfect, if slightly translucent, clone.
When it was my turn, I replicated Naruto's failure – a pathetic puff of smoke. It was a careful, deliberate act. I needed to learn the jutsu, yes, but not to flaunt it. My Evolution System gave me an unfair advantage, and I couldn't risk revealing it so early.
As the class dispersed, I lingered, pretending to pack my bag slowly. Sasuke was also taking his time, observing his flawless clone before dispelling it. He was always last to leave, always focused on self-improvement.
I took a deep breath. This was it. The final observation for the mission. I needed a closer look, a different kind of insight.
"That was good, Sasuke," I said, my voice quiet, almost shy, as if I were just another awe-struck classmate. "Your clone was perfect."
He stopped, his hand pausing on his bag. He turned, his dark eyes meeting mine. For a moment, his usual aloofness seemed to waver. There was a flicker—a brief spark of something unreadable—before his gaze hardened.
"Hmph," he grunted, a dismissive sound, but he didn't turn away immediately. His eyes seemed to scan my face, searching, perhaps, for pity, or challenge, or something he couldn't quite name. Then, he simply finished packing and walked away, a silent shadow.
Observation Progress: 3/3 (Sasuke Uchiha - Interpersonal Reaction & Isolation). Mission Objective Complete: Peer Observation - Sasuke Uchiha. You have been awarded 15 EP. Current EP: 25. Insight (Sasuke Uchiha) Unlocked: Sasuke is driven by a profound need for strength born from intense grief and a desire for revenge. He actively pushes others away to maintain focus on his goal, but a deep-seated loneliness exists beneath his hardened exterior.
The mission complete, the insight resonated within me. It wasn't just data; it was a confirmation of everything I already knew, but felt more profound coming from the System. Sasuke's path was set, but now, I had a clearer understanding of the subtle levers I might eventually pull. The serpent's nest was proving to be a dangerous, yet enlightening, place. My evolution continued, unseen, in the very heart of Konoha.
Uchiha Namekaze has successfully learned the Great Fireball Jutsu and completed his "Peer Observation" mission on Sasuke, gaining valuable insight. His interaction with Sasuke, though brief, hints at a subtle shift in their dynamic.
What new challenges or opportunities might arise for Namekaze now that he has elemental ninjutsu at his disposal and a deeper understanding of Sasuke? Will he start using his new jutsu, and how will he continue to balance his secret training with public appearances in the Academy?
End of chapter 8