The Uchiha bloodline surged within Seiji—his Sharingan's power sharpening, his chakra swelling.
The Uchiha were famed for their eyes, descendants of the Sage's gaze, but their chakra reserves were nothing to scoff at either. True, they couldn't quite rival the Senju or Uzumaki, heirs to the Sage's body, but they were far from weak.
Enhanced Uchiha blood, fused with fragments of a Senju physique… my chakra pool alone now rivals seasoned jōnin, Seiji mused. Not bad. My eyes are sharper, my body sturdier. This upgrade must've been modeled after Obito's potential.
He flexed his new strength, frowning despite himself. The reward still felt… lacking.
Ever since Shisui, Seiji had noticed the system wasn't generous. The rewards depended not just on how much he provoked someone, but on the target's innate talent and current strength.
Even wringing Shisui dry—dragging every drop of emotion out of the future strongest Mangekyō wielder—had only yielded his illusion talent and a double-tomoe Sharingan. That was Shisui's limit at barely five years old.
But Obito? He was a treasure mine waiting to be dug. Eight years old or not, he had far more to give than this.
Do I need to push him harder? Break him down more? Maybe he's still too young, talents unawakened. Or maybe… he's still hung up on Rin, clinging to some childish fantasy.
Seiji eyed Obito's frozen smile, the way he cowered as if afraid his new eyes would frighten Rin. The truth clicked.
It was both. Mostly the second.
Rin frowned, her voice soft but firm."Obito, calm down. Seiji-kun didn't hurt me. He fought me fairly, even healed me. Why would you think otherwise?"
Obito forced a pitiful grin, swallowing his anger.
Nearby, Umino Ikkaku amplified his voice with chakra, cutting through the chatter:"Quiet down! You're future shinobi, not gossiping children! Obito Uchiha—your awakening is impressive, but Konoha's first duty is obedience. Interfering with the exam is unacceptable. Reflect on this when you return."
Obito only nodded carelessly. Talent gave him leeway. Ikkaku could only sigh. In the shinobi world, strength always spoke louder than teachers. Obito with double tomoe was already worth more than him.
"Alright, the first match is done. Uchiha Seiji remains on the platform. Next challenger, draw lots!"
"I challenge Uchiha Seiji!" Obito strode forward, arm raised, eyes blazing.
"Denied!" Ikkaku snapped. "Rules are rules. You may have chūnin-level strength, but your discipline is lacking. Remember—Lord Third is watching."
At the mention of Hiruzen, Obito sulked back, glaring daggers at Seiji. You can dodge now, but not forever.
"Seiji, you're in trouble…" Tobirama's voice rumbled in Seiji's head. "That boy—since he awakened his eyes, I've kept watch. Mark my words: he's the kind of Uchiha with talent, and an obsessive, unstable heart. You think I was unfair to your clan? You'll learn why.
Maybe he won't fall into darkness, but he'll haunt you. A powerful madman shadowing your steps—that's the kind of danger that topples villages."
Seiji raised a brow. "Tobirama, are you worried about me? Relax. I'm training by your playbook. Teach me the Flying Raijin and I'll show you I can crush Mangekyō users with ease."
Tobirama rolled his eyes. As if I'd care about you, brat. I'd rather you died.Yet a faint smirk tugged his lips. The kid wasn't wrong.
"Hmph. Not bad. As long as it's not Madara, or even Izuna, no Uchiha could touch me."
"Exactly! So when do I learn Flying Raijin?"
"You'll die to that brat Obito first."
"Oh? Not trying to protect me, huh? Where's your Will of Fire?"
"…Shut it, brat."
Their bickering drew stares, but before it could continue, Ikkaku glanced at the drawn lot in his hand. His pupils shrank—he almost misread the name. After a pause, he forced the words out:
"Uchiha Obito!"
The arena erupted.
Obito cheered, fists clenched, bouncing toward the ring like he'd already won."Hah! Fate itself says I'll teach you a lesson, Seiji! And you, Kakashi—you dared threaten me? I'll show you what a real genius looks like!"
Ikkaku muttered to Kakashi, "Chūnin Hatake, ensure the students' safety."
He raised his voice. "Uchiha Seiji, Uchiha Obito—ready?"
Both nodded.
"Second match—begin!"