Chapter 2 — C-Rank: Fire Release · Great Fireball Technique!
Uchiha Itachi walked with steady, unhurried steps, holding Sasuke's hand as they made their way through the streets of Konoha.
At first, Sasuke simply enjoyed the rare warmth of being guided by his brother—this quiet closeness was something he never had in his previous life.
But that comfort didn't last.
Soon, he felt it—subtle, fleeting glances from the people around them.
Sasuke quickly noticed that many villagers looked at the two Uchiha brothers with complicated expressions.
Some only shot a quick glance their way, faces blank, as if they were just two ordinary passersby.
Some instinctively avoided their eyes, lips pressed tightly, creating a faint sense of distance.
And some, after the brothers walked past, began murmuring to each other in hushed tones—voices carrying hints of wariness and faint resentment.
"That's the Uchiha, isn't it…?"
"The clan head's sons and that prodigy, Itachi? They look hard to approach."
"Shh! Keep your voice down. If they hear you, we'll be in trouble."
Stray fragments of conversation drifted into Sasuke's ears, and he understood immediately.
As a Naruto fan, he knew exactly what kind of situation the Uchiha clan faced in Konoha.
Once one of the founding clans of the village, renowned for strength and talent, the Uchiha naturally carried a deep pride. That pride—paired with long-standing mistrust from the village leadership—created an invisible wall between them and the rest of Konoha.
Add to that the deliberate manipulation by certain shadowy forces stirring conflict and suspicion…
The Uchiha's reputation had slowly deteriorated, leaving them increasingly isolated.
Still, Sasuke wasn't bothered in the slightest.
These ordinary villagers were nothing more than background NPCs—people who wouldn't give affection points, and who had no impact on his true goals.
His focus was reserved for the big names of the shinobi world—the ones worth cultivating, the ones who could give massive affection boosts and help him grow stronger at top speed.
"Don't concern yourself with them."
Uchiha Itachi, having sensed Sasuke's slight reaction, looked down at him. His voice remained calm and soft.
"The Uchiha's pride is not something outsiders get to decide."
Sasuke raised his head and met his brother's gaze.
Those eyes held no ripples, yet carried a quiet strength that washed over him like warm water.
He nodded gently.
"I understand, Brother."
___
Ding! Uchiha Itachi's affection +1. Current affection: 81 (Devoted)!
Ding! Congratulations to the host—reward obtained: C-Rank Ninjutsu · Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique (Method of Use)!
___
The system notification chimed in Sasuke's mind, and a wave of excitement rushed through him.
He hadn't expected that a simple response—a few soft words—would not only raise Itachi's affection, but push it straight into the "Devoted" tier.
And right away, he received the reward: the Great Fireball Technique.
Of course, this was the Uchiha clan's signature C-rank ninjutsu.
Sasuke was still young, having only just learned how to extract chakra. He'd never been taught how to use the Great Fireball Technique yet.
But now… with the method directly imprinted into his mind, he knew he could perform it.
Whether his chakra reserves would completely run dry afterward was another matter… That would have to wait until he tested it himself.
Just from this alone, he confirmed one thing:
Raising affection with close family members was definitely easier.
He silently resolved to interact more with Itachi in the future—push that affection score all the way to 100 and see what kind of game-breaking reward the system would give him.
They continued walking, and soon, the Ninja Academy came into view.
It was a spacious wooden building with light brown lacquered walls and a traditional Japanese roof. A wooden sign reading "Konoha Ninja Academy" hung over the entrance. Many parents were lined up with their children—clearly all here for registration.
"We're here."
Itachi stopped, let go of Sasuke's hand, and bent down to straighten his collar.
"Let's get in line."
"Mm."
Sasuke nodded obediently and followed behind him.
There were quite a few families in the queue—children from various clans as well as some from civilian homes.
Sasuke scanned the unfamiliar young faces, mentally searching for names.
Somewhere among these children, there might be future giants of the ninja world.
Just then, the father and son standing in front of them turned around, meeting their gaze head-on.
The father wore the standard outfit of a Konoha jōnin. His hair was messy, his eyes sharp, and the faintest trace of a smile played on his lips.
He was none other than Nara Shikaku, the genius strategist known throughout the ninja world.
Beside him stood a small boy with a distinctive pineapple-shaped hairstyle, hands stuffed in his pockets, wearing a perpetually bored expression—
Nara Shikamaru.
Shikaku's eyes landed on Itachi first, showing a glimmer of appreciation.
"Itachi, fancy running into you here. Bringing your little brother for registration today?"
"It's good to see you, Shikaku-san."
Itachi dipped his head politely.
"Yes, Sasuke has reached the academy age. I'm helping him with the paperwork."
He stepped aside slightly.
"Sasuke, this is Nara Shikaku-san."
Then to Shikaku:
"Shikaku-san, this is my younger brother, Uchiha Sasuke."
"Oh? So this is the clan head's younger son."
Shikaku looked Sasuke up and down, curiosity flickering in his eyes.
He had heard rumors that Fugaku had a talented younger child. And indeed—Sasuke's delicate appearance and steady gaze were far more mature than his age suggested.
"Hello, Sasuke." Shikaku gave a gentle smile. "If you encounter any trouble in school, feel free to come to me—or to Shikamaru."
He patted Shikamaru's shoulder.
"Shikamaru, greet him properly. The two of you will be classmates. Try to get along."
Shikamaru frowned, his face clearly saying "troublesome."
"Honestly… even greeting people is such a drag."
Still, he reluctantly raised his head and muttered:
"Hey. I'm Nara Shikamaru."
Sasuke couldn't help but find it amusing.
Exactly like the anime—lazy to the bone, but with a genius mind.
This was Nara Shikamaru, after all!
Future tactician of Konoha, brilliant beyond measure—undoubtedly someone worth befriending.
And Shikaku, the current head strategist, held enormous influence in the village leadership.
Raising his affection might unlock extremely valuable intel—or rewards.
A perfect opportunity!
Sasuke instantly shifted from his usual quiet demeanor to a bright, friendly, childlike expression.
He bowed deeply to Shikaku, voice respectful and sincere:
"Hello, Shikaku-san! My father often mentions you—he says you're the smartest strategist in Konoha and can come up with all kinds of incredible plans. I've always admired you!"