THE UCHIHA ASCENSION

After refining his chakra, Uchiha Kiyo calmed his breathing and prepared to refine more.

For a first-time chakra refiner, it was crucial to gauge his limits to maintain precise control later.

Chakra, the foundation of ninjutsu, genjutsu, and taijutsu, is formed by merging physical and spiritual energy. However, unlike the life-force-enhancing Sage Chakra or Hashirama Senju's unique vitality, standard chakra depletes lifespan without offering regeneration.

In essence, every ninja's body constantly works overtime without compensation. Terrible!

Unlike the Uzumaki clan, known for their extraordinary longevity due to potent life force, regular shinobi wear down over time. Although their disciplined training keeps them fit and disease-free, chakra exhaustion shortens their lives, a reality masked by early deaths in combat. Meanwhile, civilians, frail and vulnerable, often succumb to illness before reaching their full potential lifespan.

Ultimately, while chakra grants formidable power, it comes at the cost of physical wear—a double-edged sword.

Despite this, Kiyo had different concerns. In a world where survival outweighed everything, power wasn't his sole pursuit—longevity mattered too. If he could minimize unnecessary chakra refinement, he would. He wouldn't push his limits unless necessary.

For four years, he had contemplated methods to mitigate the toll on his body, but now, having just refined chakra, he lacked time to experiment.

Focusing fully, Kiyo refined chakra until his body issued a clear warning—his limit had been reached. The chakra within his lower abdomen, visibly denser than a hair's breadth, surpassed the average Uchiha standard by nearly double. This realization confirmed his high chakra potential.

Feeling the post-refinement exhaustion, Kiyo sighed. Refining to the limit wasn't sustainable.

"No matter," he consoled himself. "I'll refine half the amount each time and, in the process, suppress my talent."

Before Kiyo could think further, Uchiha Takashi's voice broke the silence.

"Alright, five more have successfully extracted chakra today—not bad. But three hours have passed. Time for kunai-throwing drills. Those who haven't extracted chakra yet, keep working at it tomorrow."

Jealousy flickered in the eyes of those who had yet to succeed. Most were stuck fine-tuning their chakra ratios, a delicate balance between physical and spiritual energy.

Yet, if they knew Kiyo had mastered the fusion ratio within just two hours, their frustration would boil over.

The day's training concluded, and Kiyo returned home for a medicated bath, contemplating his long-term strategy.

"Konoha is in a relatively stable era. Though the Third Hokage has reigned for years, his grip on power has only recently solidified. Danzo, meanwhile, is still consolidating his influence and hasn't yet initiated full-scale suppression of the Uchiha clan."

Analyzing the political landscape, Kiyo recalled that Danzo's obsession with the First Hokage's cells had yet to manifest. Consequently, his aggressive acquisition of Sharingan and knowledge of Izanagi had not reached its peak.

For now, Konoha and the Uchiha clan weren't outright adversaries—merely on opposing paths. But history had proven that exceptional Uchiha were viewed as threats. Both the Hokage and Danzo would not tolerate rising stars capable of upsetting the village's balance.

The worst outcome? Danzo marking him as a recruit for Root. That would be disastrous.

Thus, suppressing his talents was imperative for survival.

Kiyo assessed himself objectively. His chakra reserves were impressive, but his true strength lay elsewhere—his comprehension of ninjutsu. Thanks to extensive reading and his past life's structured education, he grasped complex theories with ease. This indicated a natural aptitude for medical ninjutsu and sealing techniques—two of the most challenging fields in the shinobi arts.

Which made hiding his abilities even more necessary.

"Taijutsu is my weakest area… So, if I display mediocre ninjutsu talent but focus on taijutsu, I can create a misleading image."

Though naturally untalented in hand-to-hand combat, Kiyo's discipline set him apart. Unlike other children who slacked off, his rigorous training schedule would artificially inflate his skill level. Feigning taijutsu prowess was feasible.

To reinforce this illusion, he could emphasize medical ninjutsu and defensive techniques, aligning with a cautious, survival-oriented persona.

"Cough… It's not that I fear death—it's just… practical strategy."

Satisfied with his direction, Kiyo drifted into sleep.

---

Over the next week, the remaining students successfully extracted chakra.

Kiyo, meanwhile, ensured his chakra refinement appeared average.

After a month of kunai-throwing drills, the once-exhausting exercise no longer strained his arms.

Uchiha Shin had calculated everything precisely. Mornings were reserved for chakra control, while afternoons focused on combat. Now that everyone had chakra, practical sparring would begin.

"Starting today, we'll incorporate daily taijutsu battles," Uchiha Shin announced. "For the past month, I've given you tips on close combat. Let's see what you've learned."

Despite his words, he had low expectations—these kids had been pushed to their limits daily. Few likely retained his lessons.

Sure enough, the first few fights were disastrous.

Though better than aimless brawling, the battles lacked technique.

Sighing, Uchiha Shin called the next match.

"Uchiha Kiyo vs. Uchiha Tao."

Hearing his opponent's name, Kiyo hesitated. Uchiha Tao? Related to Uchiha Takashi?

Indeed, Tao was Takashi's younger brother. Unlike his formidable sibling, however, he was strikingly average.

As the match began, both combatants formed the Seal of Confrontation, then leaped apart to establish distance.

Despite receiving no special treatment during training, Tao had the advantage of a jonin mentor. Under Takashi's guidance, he had sharpened his combat instincts since childhood.

Without hesitation, he drew a customized kunai—a lightweight variant designed for swift slashes and stabs.

Closing the gap rapidly, Tao swung at Kiyo.

Caught off guard, Kiyo dodged the first strike and hastily retrieved a standard training kunai. Though unwieldy compared to Tao's weapon, it was better than fighting barehanded—he wasn't Neji Hyuga, capable of deflecting blades with pure taijutsu.

Blocking Tao's horizontal slash, Kiyo braced himself.

Tao's attacks came relentlessly—slashes, stabs, and cuts, executed with basic yet disciplined precision. Unlike the earlier matches, this at least resembled structured combat.

Observing the bout, Uchiha Shin frowned.

"His defense is solid… but why isn't he counterattacking?"

Kiyo, oblivious to Shin's thoughts, continued his defensive stance. Initially struggling, he gradually found a rhythm.

Shin's surprise grew.

"I didn't expect this kid to have a knack for taijutsu. His adaptability is impressive."

Yet, frustration lingered.

"What's the point if he only defends? He has potential, but will he just be a wall?"

After ten minutes, Tao began to tire. Having remained on the offensive throughout, his stamina waned.

Meanwhile, Kiyo, conserving energy, remained steady.

Another minute passed. Exhausted, Tao conceded defeat.

Kiyo had won—though barely by conventional standards.

After the Seal of Reconciliation, Kiyo returned to his spot, ignoring Shin's puzzled stare.

Despite his odd strategy, his victory warranted analysis. Shin commented on each match, but—perhaps assuming Kiyo's performance was a fluke—offered no corrections.

Then came intense physical training.

With that, the special training truly began.

Under Shin's guidance, Kiyo's taijutsu progressed rapidly—though his defensive focus created an unconventional fighting style…