Everyone followed the Uchiha elite, and after winding down the spiral staircase for what felt like an eternity, they finally arrived at a flat underground surface.
As they passed through a stone door corridor, Fang Yuan's eyes widened in surprise. The underground area revealed itself as a massive cave. His sharp gaze took in the pools of water on the ground and the stalactites hanging above. A glimmer of hope sparked within him. Was there potential here?
Fang Yuan quickly adjusted his focus and followed the group into the open space. Across from them stood the Uchiha clan elders, with Uchiha Fugaku at their head.
"Children, I am pleased to witness the emergence of new talents for our Uchiha clan," Fugaku began, his voice echoing in the cavernous space.
"By being here, you have already shown that you are superior to your peers and possess the potential to become true Uchiha ninjas."
"However, to become a qualified ninja, besides constantly striving to improve yourself, you must also honor and remember your clan members who are always watching over you. The Sharingan is a symbol of protection and memory—it should be your greatest pride."
Fugaku's gaze swept over the children, his eyes lingering on Uchiha Itachi. He saw in Itachi the same aloofness and rigidity that marked his own youth, coupled with an extraordinary talent and vision. Fugaku was deeply pleased with his eldest son, envisioning a future where the Uchiha clan might have its own Hokage, ushering in peace and prosperity for both the clan and the village.
However, Fugaku's thoughts turned somber when he considered Shisui. The recent transfer order from the Root had forced him to relinquish his hopes for Shisui. Despite Shisui's potential, Fugaku knew that confronting the village and dragging the entire clan into conflict was a risk he was unwilling to take. The Uchiha were still too weak to face the combined forces of Konoha's strongest.
As Fugaku's fingers tightened into a fist, he raised his head, addressing the gathered children once more.
"Fire Style and Sharingan are the symbols of our clan. An Uchiha who awakens the Sharingan is deemed worthy of becoming a Genin. Even elite villagers are no match for you if you possess the Three Magatama Sharingan. To unlock your potential, I will reopen this sealed trial. Do not disappoint me."
With that, Fugaku and the elders took their seats at a nearby observation point.
The children now faced the test's venue: a red puddle of water in the cave, in front of which stood a massive stone statue of an eye. The stone sculpture, engraved with three black magatama, was marked by time, with large sections of stone having fallen away, making it look imposing and disorienting.
Uchiha Huo, standing at the front, began explaining the trial rules.
"Once the trial begins, you will advance in turn. Halfway through, the ashes and water underfoot will heat up, testing your control over fire attribute chakra. Passing twenty steps will earn you Grade C qualifications."
"Advancing thirty steps will trigger the Sharingan stone sculpture to unleash its power and test your potential. Surviving this illusion earns you Grade B qualifications."
"Forty steps forward, and those who awaken their Sharingan will achieve Grade A qualifications. There's also a rumored possibility of resonating with the stone sculpture, but even Uchiha Chisato, who created this trial, couldn't achieve it. This is the fairest test, with no room for cheating."
Uchiha Huo glanced around, his gaze piercing.
"Achieving Grade A means the clan leader will personally train you in ninjutsu and the Sharingan. Grade B will allow you to be taught by the clan elders. Any questions?"
No one spoke up, and Huo, receiving Fugaku's nod, began calling out names to start the test.
"Uchiha Aiju!"
In the crowd, a small, nervous child stepped forward when his name was called. He removed his shoes and gingerly stepped into the red puddle, his face a mixture of fear and determination.
Fang Yuan observed silently, his thoughts drifting back five hundred years to echoes of disdain and mockery.
"It turns out Gu Yue Fang Yuan is a waste!!!"
"Gu Yue Fang Zheng is the one with true A-level qualifications!"
"Heh, you think you're so special with your C-rank?"
"They are indeed different; one was born from the same mother but not raised by her."
"Is Gu Yue Fang Yuan really not a genius?"
"We were deceived!"
...
"Mr. Fang Yuan, how many steps do you think this brother can take? The trial seems very difficult. The water is red and looks intimidating," Uchiha Quan asked nervously, noticing Fang Yuan's icy demeanor.
Fang Yuan smiled, squeezing Quan's hand reassuringly. "Don't worry. You've already awakened the Sharingan. This trial is just a formality. The key is to connect with the power left by our ancestors and improve your control over fire chakra."
Quan nodded, her confidence bolstered by Fang Yuan's words. "I will do my best. I want to be as strong as you, Fang Yuan-san. We will succeed together."
She looked at Fang Yuan's profile again, muttering to herself, "Fang Yuan-san, you have to work hard too!"