"Okay, I have to admit, that last opponent was pretty strong. I'll crush you next time," said Uchiha Shisui with a grin.
Shisui had finished his match early and secured a solid victory. Just as he finished speaking, their homeroom teacher, Nakano-sensei, called out the next name. The next match was already being prepared.
Seeing that the area around them had quieted down, Shisui finally had a chance to speak properly. He turned to Ye Han and said with a smile, "Congratulations, Ye Han."
Ye Han shrugged, offering a faint smile. "Thanks, but honestly, there was no real sense of accomplishment. The opponent was a bit too easy." To be frank, Ye Han felt like he was bullying a child.
"Oh right, Ye Han—my mother wants to see you. And my father... he wants to talk to you about returning to the Uchiha compound. Do you have time?" Shisui asked.
(⊙_⊙)? Ye Han's smile stiffened. What the hell? This isn't how it's supposed to go... Aren't you guys supposed to leave me alone? Why are you looking at me like that? The Uchiha clan is huge, can't you forget about me? Obviously, they want me to return to the clan now... Guess I don't have much choice. The rebellion hasn't even happened yet, but it feels like I'm getting pulled into things.
Ye Han's thoughts raced, but Shisui simply stood there, looking expectant. After a moment, Ye Han forced a slightly awkward smile and asked, "Why are they thinking about me all of a sudden?"
"Because, Ye Han-nii-san, you're famous at the academy now. Mother heard about it from cousin Itachi, and then she spoke with Father. They think it's not right for you to be living outside the clan. They want you to move back to the compound."
I really don't want to go back... Ye Han thought, but he didn't say it out loud. After all, the Uchiha clan was one of the most prominent families in Konoha, responsible for the Konoha Military Police Force. Though there were Uchiha who lived outside the compound, it wasn't common. Ye Han was technically part of the Uchiha, but he'd always kept his distance.
"I'm used to living where I am now. I like the freedom. I don't think I'd be comfortable living inside the Uchiha compound," Ye Han said, waving his hand.
"So... you don't want to come visit at all?" Shisui asked.
"Of course I'll visit." Ye Han sighed inwardly. Well, sooner or later this was going to happen. If not for my connection to Shisui, maybe I could've avoided it longer. But now there's no dodging it.
Later that day, Ye Han faced his second opponent. Without much effort, he won again, securing another point. Then, defeating a third opponent, he earned one more point.
By the end of the sparring assessment, Ye Han had earned three points—a decent haul. There were seven students left standing, and Nakano-sensei announced the test was over. It seemed he didn't plan to rank them beyond that, perhaps so more students could feel encouraged to keep trying.
---
After class, Ye Han walked with Shisui toward the Uchiha compound. The Uchiha district covered a large area, distinct from the rest of Konoha. The clan's symbol—the fan—was emblazoned on the gates and walls.
The Uchiha were one of Konoha's two great dojutsu clans, alongside the Hyūga. The Uchiha's Sharingan and the Hyūga's Byakugan were both famous across the shinobi world. As the clan in charge of the Konoha Police Force, the Uchiha were both respected and feared.
Finally, they arrived at a large traditional house. Inside the yard were training dummies and equipment—Shisui clearly trained here often.
At the door, Shisui called, "Father, Mother, I'm back."
"Come in," came a calm voice from inside.
Ye Han followed him in and saw a beautiful woman seated in the room, her hand resting gently on her stomach from time to time. That must be Uchiha Mikoto, Ye Han thought.
Beside her sat a man with a stern face, no trace of a smile—Uchiha Fugaku, head of the clan.
"Father, Mother, I brought Ye Han-nii-san with me."
"Good. Come in," Fugaku said, his tone neutral.
Mikoto's expression softened when she saw Ye Han. "You're Mei Hui's child, aren't you? Come here and let me look at you."
Ye Han's mother had been Uchiha Mei Hui—Mikoto's sister. Ye Han hadn't expected such a close connection.
Ye Han stepped forward with Shisui. Mikoto looked at him kindly. "You've been through a lot, haven't you? I'm Mikoto, your mother's sister."
"I heard about you from Shisui, but my mother never mentioned this," Ye Han admitted.
Mikoto's smile turned a little sad. "Perhaps she still bore a grudge against me... Fugaku and I discussed it. You're still young, with no one to look after you. Why not live here with us? You could go to school together with Shisui."
"You should stay," Fugaku added, his voice firm.
"Uh... I'd rather stay where I am now," Ye Han said. He knew rejecting the clan head wasn't wise, but he had no intention of being drawn into clan politics or obligations. He needed his freedom to make his own choices.
Fugaku's sharp gaze fixed on Ye Han. "Why?"
Mikoto and Shisui also looked at him, waiting for his answer.
"I've lived there a long time. The people there know me. I like the freedom... I'm just not used to this kind of atmosphere," Ye Han explained.
Fugaku studied him for a moment, then nodded. "Very well. Since that's your decision, I won't force you."
Ye Han silently breathed a sigh of relief. Man, this guy is scary when he stares at you like that...
"Since you're here, stay for dinner. I'd like to talk more," Mikoto said warmly, rising to start preparing food.
In the room, Ye Han, Fugaku, and Shisui sat together. The atmosphere was a bit awkward, though Fugaku and Shisui seemed completely at ease.
Finally, Fugaku broke the silence. "So. How did the test go today?"
"I passed, Father," Shisui answered respectfully.
"Were you first?"
Shisui shook his head. "No. There were seven of us left when the teacher ended the assessment."
"Hmph. Ending it without a clear winner—what a weak teacher," Fugaku muttered, clearly dissatisfied.
Then he turned to Ye Han. "What about you? How did you place?"
Before Ye Han could answer, Shisui spoke up. "Ye Han-nii-san was first in the grade. It was easy for him."
Fugaku raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised. So this boy, without any guidance from me or the clan, outperformed Shisui? Interesting.
Fugaku regarded Ye Han for a long moment. "If you're that talented, then you should see how you match up against Shisui."
Ding! Temporary mission triggered: For your own safety, defeat Uchiha Shisui. Reward: 10 points. Failure or refusal: -3 points. Mission difficulty: B.
Ye Han inwardly cursed. Damn system... baiting me with 10 points but punishing me if I don't fight. I can't afford to lose those points. Besides, Shisui doesn't even have his Sharingan yet. This might be doable.
Shisui started to object. "Father, Ye Han-nii-san—"
But Ye Han cut him off. "No, it's fine. I know I might not win, but I'm not the kind of person who shies away from a challenge. Besides, a ninja's strength only grows through combat. It's a rare opportunity."
Fugaku's eyes narrowed slightly. This boy... he's got spirit. Maybe he's worth watching after all.