The forest outside the Uchiha compound was silent once more.
Alex and Itachi lay flat on the grass, chests rising and falling heavily. Broken branches, scorched earth, and scattered shuriken bore silent witness to the fierce battle that had just ended.
After a long while, Itachi finally sat up.
"I lost," he said calmly. "Your taijutsu is terrifying."
Alex shook his head, staring at the sky. "No. I lost. If you'd used a kunai or sword at the end, I'd already be dead."
Itachi glanced at him, eyes thoughtful. "One day, you'll awaken eyes like mine. When that happens… I won't be able to fight you anymore."
"When did you awaken the Sharingan?" Alex asked quietly.
Itachi's gaze darkened.
"When my father took me to the battlefield," he said slowly. "When I saw corpses, blood, and crying civilians… I couldn't understand it. Why do people fight? Why can't we just live in peace?"
Alex curled his lips but didn't answer.
Peace… is never that simple.
Wherever there are people, there are interests.
And when interests clash, battle becomes inevitable.
After resting briefly, Itachi stood and left first.
Alex collected the scattered shuriken and returned home, exhaustion finally catching up with him.
The crowd that had come to congratulate him was long gone. Only piles of gifts remained—along with an alarming number of portraits of young girls.
Yasushi Uchiha smiled broadly when he saw Alex.
"Training done? Come, come—look at these girls. Which one do you like? Father can reserve a spot early!"
Alex twitched.
"…I'm meeting my teacher tomorrow," he said flatly, dodging the topic. "I should rest."
He turned and walked inside.
"Tsk," Yasushi muttered. "Kids really get less cute as they grow."
Hokage Cliff – The Next Morning
Alex arrived early.
The Third Hokage was already waiting, pipe in hand, gazing over the village.
"Akhiro," Hiruzen said, "you already know what the Academy teaches. I won't repeat it."
He took a slow puff before continuing.
"I accepted you as my disciple because you have affinity with the Ape Demon Clan. Today, you will sign their contract."
A scroll was placed before Alex.
Without hesitation, he wrote his name.
Moments later, smoke erupted—
The Ape Demon King appeared, circling Alex before stopping.
"So this is the brat," he said gruffly. "Where's your tail?"
"…It was cut," Alex replied awkwardly.
"Tch. Trash. Can't even keep your tail."
Alex: When I was one month old, what exactly was I supposed to do?!
The Third Hokage waved his hand.
"Train well. I'll assess you in a few days."
He vanished.
Five Days Later
Beneath the Hokage Cliff, a small ape leapt between tree branches, laughing noisily.
Alex trained nearby, sweat soaking his clothes.
The little ape was his summoned beast—for now. His chakra wasn't enough to call an adult ape demon yet.
As expected, the Third Hokage appeared soon after.
The small ape charged him boldly—
And was casually flicked aside.
It rolled, got up, stared at the Hokage, then immediately ran back to Alex and pointed at him, chattering angrily.
Buddy, Alex thought, I'm barely stronger than you.
"Your summoning will grow with your chakra," the Hokage said. "Now—chakra attributes."
The test revealed Fire… and Wind.
"Interesting," Hiruzen murmured.
He taught Alex Fire Release techniques personally, explaining every seal and detail. True to his title as the Professor, his guidance was precise and clear.
By sunset—
"Fire Release: Phoenix Immortal Fire Technique!"
Fireballs burst forth in succession.
Alex collapsed to one knee afterward, gasping.
"…This jutsu is trying to kill me first."
Hiruzen chuckled. "That's enough for today."
As he turned to leave, Alex hesitated.
"Teacher," he said firmly, "I want to learn the Eight Gates."
Hiruzen stopped.
"Are you certain? That technique damages the body."
"I need power," Alex replied without hesitation. "To protect everything."
Silence.
"…Very well," the Hokage said. "I'll have Might Guy teach you."
Alex bowed deeply. "Thank you, Teacher."
Eight Gates… the Hokage version of Kaio-ken.
With his Saiyan body—
This will be insane.
Lost in his dreams, Alex walked home proudly—
"—What the hell?! Who took a dump here?!"
A handsome moment, ruined in three seconds.