To achieve his dream, Xingliu knew he'd have to do a lot. The workload might even surpass the infamous 996 work culture. He remembered how Naruto, as the Seventh Hokage, was so busy he had to use shadow clones.
And if he reached that point, it wouldn't be just Konoha's affairs he'd handle. The thought sent a shiver down his spine. He didn't want to live like that again.
*Isn't there a way to have it all?*
As he pondered, a flash of inspiration struck him. "I could be a hands-off leader."
He wanted to be Hokage without the stress. The solution? Delegate. Tsunade, the Fifth Hokage, was capable, despite her flaws. And Orochimaru, who founded the Sound Ninja Village, was another option.
Konoha was full of talent. The Legendary Sannin, White Fang, the Fourth Hokage Minato Namikaze, and Kakashi Hatake—all could manage the village.
So, once he became Hokage, he could leave the mundane tasks to others. He'd just steer the ship and back it up with his strength.
Like how the First Hokage, Hashirama Senju, founded the village and ended the Warring States period. Back then, anyone opposing him and Madara Uchiha was silenced swiftly.
Xingliu's goal was to be unbeatable, a force that could stand against nations. With the system, that throne was practically reserved for him.
In a few years, maybe even sooner, he'd reach an unmatched level. But first, he needed to spread his vision and gain allies. Without support, even overwhelming power was meaningless.
He couldn't just rely on brute force. He needed the Sannin and White Fang on his side. Otherwise, he'd end up like Naruto, working overtime with shadow clones.
That wasn't the life he wanted. Though it wouldn't be hard for him, he needed to act to make progress.
Imagining a future where he left the work to others and spent his days with Tsunade, Xingliu sat up straight, determined to make that dream a reality.
He picked up the Great Fireball scroll and studied it intently. The sky darkened, and the light in his room flickered on, illuminating his resolve.
---
Time flew by. It had been over two weeks since Xingliu awakened his ambition to become Hokage. In that time, he barely left his home, except to buy groceries.
Partly because, as an adult at heart, he couldn't relate to kids. And Konoha didn't offer much entertainment. Though modernized, it couldn't compare to the 21st century.
Plus, the war's end didn't change the fact that many had died. Funerals were everywhere, and the village was steeped in sorrow. Even small festivals were canceled.
These factors killed any desire to go out. But he wasn't idle during this time.
[Host: Uchiha Xingliu
Abilities: One Tomoe Sharingan (Green) lv8, Uchiha Bloodline (Green) lv10, Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique (Green), Fire Release: Phoenix Sage Fire Technique, Fire Release: Dragon Fire Technique, Cooking (White)
AFK Slot: One Tomoe Sharingan, Uchiha Bloodline
Combat Power: 15 (Don't be fooled by the double digits; it's still weak)]
His AFK abilities had improved. The Uchiha Bloodline reached LV10, just one step from blue rank, promising a significant boost.
This enhancement made him stronger, more agile, and improved his talent. He mastered his parents' three ninjutsu scrolls in a week.
Though he only grasped the basics, it was enough for AFK training. The bloodline boost made learning ninjutsu easier, enhancing his efficiency with the system.
In the world of Naruto, bloodline purity truly raised a ninja's potential. This progress thrilled Xingliu.
The Sharingan's growth lagged behind, likely because his diet favored physical strength, so the system prioritized the bloodline. But it was still fast.
At this rate, the Sharingan would level up in another two weeks. But today, Xingliu had to step out of his comfort zone and venture into Konoha.
Reflecting on the morning's events, he felt a sense of pride. He'd been resting when a knock at the door woke him.
A young man's voice accompanied the knock. "Is anyone home? I'm Uchiha Xuan, here with a clan message."
Xingliu was puzzled. He hadn't left home recently, and his parents had no close friends. Why would a clan member visit?
Still, he opened the door. This was Uchiha territory. No one would be foolish enough to impersonate an Uchiha here.
---
"Sorry to bother you. Are you Uchiha Xingliu?"
A young man sized him up as soon as the door opened. Xingliu scratched his head, yawning as he eyed the visitor.
"What's the clan want with me?"
Uchiha Xuan was polite, unlike most Uchihas, and seemed quite friendly. He gestured for them to talk inside, and Xingliu stepped aside, letting him in as if he owned the place.
Once seated, Xuan explained, "The clan wants you to attend the Ninja Academy, in line with the Second Hokage's policy."
"And don't worry, you'll receive an additional 100,000 ryo in clan compensation each month. Plus, a B-rank ninjutsu upon graduation."
Back then, the Ninja Academy wasn't as respected. Clans still trained their own, keeping the bloodlines strong. The Second Hokage's school broke that monopoly, offering commoners a chance to change their fate.
Imagine a military academy suddenly appearing in the real world. When war breaks out, you're expected to fight. If this opportunity came your way, what would you choose?
In the ninja world, if the ninjas can't hold the line, civilians won't stand a chance either. So, even if many civilian ninjas lack talent and end up as low-ranking Chunin, it's still a step up for them. They willingly join the Ninja Academy for this chance.
The Academy emphasizes teamwork more than the ninja clans do. It's not just a few people working together; it's large-scale, coordinated warfare. Unless you're overwhelmingly powerful, a team will always outshine an individual.
Sure, ninjas are great for solo missions, but on the battlefield, there's no room for lone wolves. If the front lines break, the whole defense collapses. You can't wait for the enemy to reach Konoha before you fight back.
So, even the ninja clans send their members to the Academy, teaching them clan secrets in their spare time. This dual training accelerates growth. To promote this system, the Second Hokage even chose a few graduates as his inner circle. The first to taste this success were Hiruzen Sarutobi and his peers.
By Hiruzen's era, attending the Academy meant you were marked for greatness. For the future of their clans, the ninja families had no choice but to comply.
Some old-timers grumble that the Academy churns out cannon fodder. They're not wrong. But when war comes, even clan-trained ninjas become fodder. Can you avoid sending your clan to war? If each clan fought alone, they'd be picked off one by one.
That's why other nations copied Konoha and established their own Academies. But right now, the clans can't see this. They're stubborn, thinking their training is superior. Yet, to save face, they send a few members to the Academy, treating them as expendable.
These recruits, often orphans, are seen as easy targets. In every world, the weak get picked on. But for Uchiha Xingliu, joining the Academy is a blessing. It offers hidden benefits and a chance to meet key figures like Tsunade. The Uchiha and Senju don't get along, so approaching her directly could end badly.
Uchiha Xuan's news was a godsend. According to the anime, Tsunade, Orochimaru, and Jiraiya would all attend the Academy. Even Sakumo Hatake, from the non-prominent Hatake clan, should be there.
For Xingliu, the Academy is a golden opportunity to meet these future legends. Hearing Xuan's words, he couldn't help but smile. It not only fit his plans but came with compensation.
Suddenly, the Uchiha clan members he disliked seemed much more agreeable.
Suppressing his excitement, Xingliu feigned dejection, hoping for more compensation. "Is the clan abandoning me?"
Uchiha Xuan panicked, losing his usual Uchiha pride. Xingliu was only six, and having lost his family, his pitiful gaze tugged at Xuan's heartstrings. "No, no, the clan isn't abandoning you. You can still learn with us after school."
But Xingliu wasn't satisfied. Seeing Xuan's flustered expression, he decided to push further. With teary eyes, he asked, "Really? Can I get more compensation? Like some medical knowledge?"
Xuan, caught off guard, agreed. "Sure, I have some basics. But why do you want it?"
Xingliu didn't flinch. "Uncle, I want to be a medical ninja. I want to heal everyone so they can return to their families."
Tears rolled down his cheeks, and Xuan's heart ached. He patted Xingliu's head, comforting him. "You're a good kid. I'll bring the medical books tonight."
"Thank you... Uncle," Xingliu sniffled, wiping his eyes. His performance could win an Oscar.
As Xingliu calmed down, Xuan stood to leave. At the door, he paused, nodding at Xingliu before exiting. Xingliu frowned, sensing Xuan might suspect something. But he shrugged it off. Asking for medical knowledge wasn't unreasonable.
Even if his act was exposed, the worst would be Xuan's disdain. Yet, Xingliu felt this unique Uchiha, absent from the original story, might aid his future plans.