THE UCHIHA ASCENSION

Ten days had passed.

After finding a direction to solve the problem of lifespan, Uchiha Kiyo felt much more at ease. Each day, he spent an hour researching in the small courtyard.

His studies on sealing techniques weren't particularly hidden—he openly and systematically practiced hand seals in the yard, recording his observations. Since he wasn't making any grand movements, the small courtyard of the Uchiha residence was sufficient for his needs.

This behavior didn't raise suspicion. Many ninjas took notes while practicing seals, though not as frequently as Kiyo.

Following this, Kiyo would head to the training ground where he had previously undergone special training to practice kunai throwing for one to two hours.

This training ground was originally reserved for the younger members of the Uchiha special training program. Although the program had ended, no other ninjas used the space besides its former participants. Until the next special training began, it remained theirs. While smaller than the formal training grounds, it was well-equipped and sufficient for Kiyo's needs.

After kunai practice, Kiyo continued his Taijutsu training there.

His afternoons were dedicated to research in the clan's data room. Now that he had found a direction, he returned to his usual studies—spending half of his time researching medical ninjutsu and the other half on the foundations of sealing techniques.

Unfortunately, after ten days, he still hadn't found a way to control his body's energy. This left him feeling increasingly impatient.

Today was the opening day of the Ninja Academy.

The academy had been established by the Second Hokage to provide civilians with a path to becoming ninjas. However, major clans also sent their children there.

Since the academy was directly managed by the Hokage, students—whether from civilian backgrounds or prestigious clans—were heavily influenced by the ideology of the Will of Fire. This served as a method for the Hokage to maintain control over the ninja clans.

However, theory was just theory. Clan ninjas, having been raised within their families since birth, still primarily prioritized their family's interests. While they developed a sense of loyalty to the village, their allegiance to their clan remained dominant.

After all, the academy didn't provide them with any special resources—those came from their families.

Thinking about the academy's ideological influence, Uchiha Kiyo was reminded of a certain notorious traitor.

"How could such a smart person not see the bigger picture? Did he really have to become a tool?"

He sighed.

"Maybe I just don't understand the world of geniuses."

In truth, Uchiha Shisui was loyal to his clan, but he was too naïve. How could someone so devoted to Uchiha produce such an anti-clan figure?

Kiyo rubbed his temples.

"No wonder the world sees the Uchiha clan as a bunch of lunatics…"

But from firsthand experience, Kiyo knew that most Uchiha were normal—people with real emotions.

Only the so-called 'geniuses,' those who advanced rapidly from a young age, seemed unstable—perhaps because their Sharingan awakened too early.

Kiyo had mixed feelings about the reality of the Sharingan.

The eye's activation and progression required intense emotional upheaval, which inherently affected a ninja's psyche. Those who underwent rigorous mental training over the years could barely manage it, but young prodigies were different.

No matter how intelligent, they lacked life experience. Even the most precocious among them couldn't avoid the subconscious impact of their evolving eyes.

This created a paradox: The earlier a Sharingan awakened, the faster it evolved, making the user more talented. Yet, awakening too soon led to mental instability.

For this reason, Kiyo had no intention of unlocking his Sharingan prematurely. Without fully understanding its effects, he refused to take the risk. He would only consider awakening it once he could control it completely.

In his mind, the ideal example was Madara Uchiha.

Madara was extraordinarily talented and grew stronger rapidly. However, he didn't awaken his Sharingan at an extremely young age—he was around eight when it manifested. By then, he already had the strength of a Chūnin, and the power of his eyes never overwhelmed him.

Moreover, Madara never relied solely on his Sharingan. His Taijutsu and Ninjutsu were exceptional. He mastered his abilities as he grew, ensuring that his Sharingan always remained under his control.

This was why Madara reached unparalleled heights in the ninja world.

It was also why Black Zetsu chose Madara over other reincarnations of Indra. A true master of his own power had the greatest chance of awakening the Rinnegan.

Madara's development was the ideal path. He didn't grow up consumed by hatred like Sasuke, whose immaturity and arrogance frequently led to reckless decisions.

Comparing Madara to Sasuke, Kiyo had to admit—Madara was superior in both talent and wisdom.

…

Returning to the present, Kiyo woke early, exercised, had breakfast, and set off for the Ninja Academy with his packed lunch.

The academy's opening was an important event for all of Konoha.

On his way, he saw parents escorting their children to the school.

Upon reaching the entrance, Kiyo was taken aback by the bustling scene. Even though only a few hours had passed since morning, the school gate resembled a lively marketplace.

Thankfully, there weren't too many students—most of the crowd consisted of parents.

After ten minutes in line, it was Kiyo's turn to register.

The middle-aged ninja at the registration desk glanced at the Uchiha crest on Kiyo's clothes, gave him a meaningful look, and said,

"Your enrollment certificate."

Without hesitation, Kiyo presented it.

"Here is my enrollment certificate."

The middle-aged ninja seemed momentarily surprised by Kiyo's polite demeanor and gave him another look before proceeding.

"Name?"

Kiyo was slightly puzzled—wasn't it written on the certificate? Still, he responded respectfully.

"Uchiha Kiyo."

After stamping the certificate, the ninja gave further instructions.

"Alright, you may enter. You're in First Grade, Class 1. After entering, turn right and go straight—the building ahead is for first-year students. Class 1 is on the first floor."

Satisfied with Kiyo's manners, the ninja even pointed the way.

Kiyo thanked him and stepped inside.

Following the instructions, he turned right and walked straight toward the first-grade building.

Only two classrooms occupied the entire first floor, so finding his class was easy.

After confirming he was in the right place, Kiyo entered.

Since he had arrived early, only five or six students were present. In the middle of the room, a boy dressed in white sat with his head lowered, absorbed in a book. Judging from the forehead cloth and clan emblem, he was from the Hyūga clan.

Another student, with an unkempt appearance, was playing with a small puppy near the door—likely from the Inuzuka clan.

At the back, a chubby boy was sound asleep on his desk, next to an empty snack bag. Clearly, he belonged to the Akimichi clan.

The remaining two, who lacked any obvious traits, were probably civilians.

After making a quick assessment, Kiyo walked to the last row by the window and sat down.

He pulled out a book, The Fundamentals of Medical Ninjutsu, which he had borrowed from the clan's archives.

Initially, he thought clan records couldn't be removed. It wasn't until he tried to check out a book for school that he realized—everything was available for a price. No wonder the reference room was always so empty.

"So that's how it works. Guess I don't understand the world of the rich."

At the time, Kiyo had reluctantly handed over 1,000 ryō, his heart aching.

For a student without an income, every coin mattered.

That money could've bought him a week's worth of kunai for training…