Naruto: The Shadow of Uchiha

On the open training ground, Uchiha Ryosuke activated his Three-Tomoe Sharingan, eyes gleaming with excitement.

"Clan Head, then I'll go first."

"Come," Fugaku responded calmly.

He too activated his own Three-Tomoe Sharingan. It was time to see for himself how strong this younger clansman truly was.

Without hesitation, Ryosuke charged forward, launching a fierce and rapid assault.

Fugaku met him head-on.

From their very first clash, Fugaku's expression changed.

So fast. And heavy—his punches carried significant weight.

He hadn't expected Ryosuke's taijutsu to be this formidable.

It completely exceeded his expectations.

Even after exchanging blows for several minutes, Ryosuke's momentum showed no signs of slowing. His stamina seemed endless.

"This won't do," Fugaku thought, and quickly created distance between them.

With a rapid sequence of hand signs—

"Serpent - Ram - Monkey - Boar - Horse - Tiger"

—he gathered chakra in his chest and released a Great Fireball Jutsu, the blazing sphere the size of a small house, hurtling straight at Ryosuke.

Watching the technique, Ryosuke couldn't help but chuckle internally.

The Uchiha clan really did love their Fire Style ninjutsu.

Truth be told, after using it once himself, Ryosuke had come to like it too.

The Great Fireball Jutsu was flashy, powerful, and extremely in line with the Uchiha's prideful image.

He quickly formed the same hand seals, condensed his chakra, and spat out a fireball of equal size.

The two fireballs collided in midair, creating an intense explosion of flame that scorched the ground black.

Fugaku's eyes widened.

That wasn't a casual fireball. Ryosuke's chakra reserves were clearly immense—few could match that kind of output.

His strength had undoubtedly earned Fugaku's recognition.

Though Fugaku hadn't yet used his genjutsu, just seeing Ryosuke's vibrant crimson Sharingan was enough to confirm his visual prowess.

Ryosuke, on the other hand, was quite satisfied.

His base taijutsu alone was enough to pressure opponents on a high jōnin level—possibly even above.

With Eight Gates added into the equation, he could certainly defeat Kage-level shinobi.

Smiling, Ryosuke said,

"Clan Head, that's enough for today. I'll take my leave."

Fugaku nodded in agreement. Though he hadn't used his trump card—his Mangekyō Sharingan—he had learned from the Eighth Elder that Ryosuke had the Eight Gates as his own ace.

Eight Gates was a forbidden technique powerful enough to rival the Mangekyō Sharingan.

If they had fought seriously with everything on the line… it wasn't clear who would win.

But Ryosuke was much younger than him—his potential far exceeded Fugaku's own.

The next morning, Kakashi Hatake received a direct order from the Third Hokage.

He was to seek out Uchiha Ryosuke and invite him to join the Anbu.

Kakashi was perplexed by this request.

"Ryosuke? Join the Anbu? Serving under Lord Third?"

He just couldn't imagine someone like Ryosuke—so strong-willed and independent—agreeing to such terms.

Ryosuke wasn't like Shisui or Itachi. Those two were obedient, almost fanatically loyal to Konoha.

To be honest, Kakashi still remembered how Ryosuke had openly defied the Third Hokage's order about staying away from Naruto.

That moment had left a lasting impression.

After all, in Konoha, the Hokage's word was law. Very few dared challenge it so directly.

Even Fugaku wouldn't have gone that far.

It didn't take long for Kakashi to locate Ryosuke in the woods near the Uchiha compound—a place he often used for personal training.

Sensing someone approach, Ryosuke slowed his pace and turned.

Kakashi?

He narrowed his eyes. "What's he doing here again?"

If Kakashi had come, it could only be under the Third's orders.

Clearly, Ryosuke's strength had drawn the attention of Konoha's leadership.

He'd need to be extra careful from now on.

Even inside the Leaf, those old schemers wouldn't hesitate to eliminate a threat.

Kakashi got straight to the point.

"The Third Hokage would like to invite you to join the Anbu."

Ryosuke was momentarily stunned.

Did he really come off as that naive?

Did they think they could brainwash him into becoming another loyal dog who'd help destroy his own clan?

He flatly replied,

"I refuse."

Kakashi's expression didn't change—he had expected that response.

"I'll inform Lord Third of your decision."

He turned to leave—but Ryosuke's voice called out once more.

"If there's something like this again… don't bother coming."

Kakashi paused mid-step.

This kid really had no respect for the Hokage.

That last sentence was essentially a declaration:

He would never join the Hokage's side.

Kakashi swiftly returned to the Hokage's office and relayed the entire conversation—including Ryosuke's final remark.

The Third Hokage forced a calm expression as he listened.

But inside, he was furious.

"Not even a shred of respect."

Most shinobi considered it an honor to be handpicked for the Anbu. But this Uchiha brat acted like it was an insult.

Truly… what an evil clan, the Uchiha.

Even if Ryosuke had accepted the offer, who's to say he'd ever be as obedient as Itachi or Shisui?

"Forget it," the Third thought. "There are more pressing matters."

Konoha was preparing for peace talks with the Hidden Cloud Village—the war was coming to an end.

The Cloud's diplomatic delegation would soon arrive in Konoha.

This alone suggested sincerity on their part—choosing Konoha as the location meant they weren't looking for a fight.

The Third Hokage turned to Kakashi.

"Spread the news about the upcoming peace negotiations between Konoha and the Hidden Cloud. Prepare a proper reception for the envoy."

"Yes, Lord Third," Kakashi replied before departing.

Once alone, Hiruzen leaned back into his chair with satisfaction.

Once the war ended, a long era of peace could begin.

The Uchiha wouldn't dare stir up trouble during such a crucial time.

And naturally, the credit for the peace would go to him.

He'd make sure the textbooks praised his leadership.

He'd cement his legacy as a wise and benevolent Hokage.

As he thought this, his mind drifted to Danzo.

That old fox—his greatest ally and his greatest rival.

Always eyeing the Hokage seat, always pushing the limits.

But Danzo had no charisma, no ability to win hearts.

His reputation was garbage.

There was no way he'd ever pose a real threat to Hiruzen's power.

His methods were just too extreme.

Want to read +30 Chapters ahead? Support me on Patreon and unlock early access! patreon.com/Zefyrus