"I want to learn your Body Flicker Technique. Teach me all the techniques for using it."
Shinji looked at Shisui expectantly.
In Konoha at this time, the name "Shisui of the Body Flicker" had already quietly spread.
The Body Flicker Technique was originally the most basic D-rank Ninjutsu, but Shisui had perfectly fused it with the Sharingan and his own extreme speed, creating the unique Phantom Body Flicker Technique that belonged solely to him.
The phantoms left behind by his high-speed movements could actually synchronize attacks with his main body, and they wouldn't easily dissipate even when struck. Moreover, the main body could switch between these phantoms at high speed, achieving unexpected "Pseudo-Physical Strikes" that were impossible to guard against.
Hearing this, Shisui was taken aback, a troubled expression appearing on his face. "Senior, my Body Flicker Technique requires the Sharingan to perform. You...?"
He knew very well in his heart that this clansman before him had been pushed to the front lines by the clan precisely because he hadn't awakened his Sharingan, sent to face the dangers of the battlefield in his place.
But before he could finish speaking, Shisui's pupils suddenly contracted.
He saw that Shinji's eyes had, at some unknown time, transformed into crimson tomoe—the very Sharingan the Uchiha clan took such pride in.
"Senior, you awakened it?!" Shisui exclaimed, unable to contain himself.
"That's right, it awakened unexpectedly yesterday," Shinji replied with a faint smile. "So now, I can learn your Body Flicker Technique, right?"
"That's wonderful!" Shisui's voice trembled slightly. "Let's go find the clan head right now! As long as you've awakened the Sharingan, the clan will definitely not send you to the front lines anymore!"
In his heart, Shisui had been carrying a heavy burden of guilt, believing he had dragged Shinji down.
Now that Shinji had awakened the Sharingan, his value had greatly increased. He could finally avoid going into danger on Shisui's behalf. The heavy weight pressing on Shisui's heart could finally be lifted.
However, Shinji's expression changed slightly. He thought to himself: This won't do. I haven't managed to get your Body Flicker Technique for free yet!
A Ninjutsu delivered right to his doorstep—it would be a waste not to learn it.
He gently shook his head, deliberately showing a hint of helpless and heavy emotion, and said in a deep voice:
"Shisui, it's no use. If I don't go, there will naturally be other clansmen who haven't awakened their Sharingan to take my place. Now that I have awakened it, at least my chances of surviving on the battlefield are much higher than theirs."
Shisui fell silent.
It was true. Without Shinji, there would be other clansmen. The clan head definitely wouldn't let him go.
...
In the end, Shisui left filled with guilt.
Shinji looked at the scroll in his hand, a smile curling at the corner of his mouth.
This scroll was densely packed with all of Shisui's personal insights and training experiences regarding his Body Flicker Technique.
From the secrets of precise Chakra flow control and the gaze techniques of the Sharingan for predicting landing points, to methods for covering the gaps when linking genjutsu with the Body Flicker, and even the breathing rhythms for avoiding air resistance during high-speed movement were clearly annotated.
Since Shisui still had to report to the Hokage Building, he promised that Shinji could come find him anytime afterward, and he would teach him everything without holding back.
Shinji opened his System and glanced at the skill column, wanting to see if any new skills had refreshed. He noticed a new notification had popped up in the message bar above the System.
He quickly clicked to view it.
[Phantom Body Flicker Technique Lv0 (Uchiha Shisui Version)]
[Type: Scroll, Upgradable]
[Description: A powerful Body Flicker Technique created by Uchiha Shisui by combining the Sharingan, genjutsu, and extreme speed. Rated as an A-rank ninjutsu.]
[Upgrade Required: 30,000 Points/attempt]
[Note: The host has awakened the Sharingan and mastered the basic Body Flicker Technique. Can spend 50,000 Points to directly learn Phantom Body Flicker Technique Lv0.]
"Huh, so it's not something you can learn directly. I was thinking too simply."
"But being able to spend points to directly get started is fine too. It's just that I don't have enough points right now!"
"I can only study this technique on my own."
Shinji muttered quietly, tucked the scroll into his clothes, and turned to leave the clan grounds.
He had to hurry to the assembly.
...
Hokage Building, third-floor office.
Shinji pushed the door open and realized he was the last to arrive.
The spacious office was already crowded, not only with Hiruzen Sarutobi but also with the full team of Minato Namikaze, as well as the members of his own squad.
Incidentally, he was on the same team as Kurenai Yuhi and Asuma.
"Hokage-sama, Minato-sama, Chunin Uchiha Shinji, reporting for duty! Thank you for your hard work, everyone!"
Shinji bowed slightly, his tone respectful, drawing the attention of several people present.
Especially Asuma, who even winked at him, looking like someone who enjoys watching the drama unfold.
Hiruzen Sarutobi put down his pipe, a gentle smile appearing on his face: "Good, Shinji is as spirited as ever. Take your place."
Shinji nodded in acknowledgment and walked over to stand beside Kurenai Yuhi.
As he passed by Nohara Rin, he subtly blinked at her. Rin's cheeks warmed slightly, and she somewhat guiltily averted her gaze.
This small interaction did not attract the attention of the others.
Shinji then nodded towards Asuma and Kurenai Yuhi, and they both smiled and nodded back.
As for why he was assigned to this team, it's quite simple.
During his academy days, his Will of Fire courses were consistently top-scoring. He had even proposed in class that a ninja's duty should be to burn themselves to protect Konoha, with the core being the word "loyalty."
These remarks deeply impressed Hiruzen Sarutobi, who had even publicly praised Shinji as a thoughtful and aware young man. In him, the Third Hokage faintly saw the shadow of his old friend Kagami Uchiha.
Therefore, after graduation, Hiruzen Sarutobi assigned him and Asuma to the same squad. This was not without consideration of extending goodwill towards the Uchiha clan.
Of course, these were all considerations beneath the surface.
For Shinji, he just wanted to live a stable life, far from being as fortunate as Obito, who could directly enter Team Minato.
Seeing that everyone had arrived, Hiruzen Sarutobi cleared his throat lightly, his gaze sweeping across the room as he slowly began to speak:
"Our war with Iwagakure has reached its most difficult moment. The frontline is severely short on manpower."
He reached out and unfolded the map on the table, tapping heavily on a strategic chokepoint:
"Iwagakure is precisely using this Kannabi Bridge to continuously transport troops and supplies to the frontlines. This bridge is their lifeline. We have decided to go all out, destroy this bridge, cut off Iwagakure's supply line, and fundamentally collapse their offensive."
As his words fell, the atmosphere in the office instantly grew heavy.
"Minato!"
The Third Hokage's gaze sharpened as he looked at Minato Namikaze.
"This mission is of utmost importance and extremely dangerous, classified as an S-rank mission. Are you willing to accept it? I will assign two squads under your command."
Minato Namikaze's eyes suddenly turned serious as he stepped forward, his voice steady and forceful: "Leave it to me, Hokage-sama. I guarantee the mission will be completed."
Standing in the back row, Shinji felt a buzzing in his ears and his mind went somewhat blank.
Kannabi Bridge.
It was actually the Kannabi Bridge mission!
He subconsciously clenched his fists, his heart pounding wildly.
"How could it be this mission?"
Shinji looked toward Minato's squad.
He clearly remembered that on the other side of Kannabi Bridge, elite forces from the Hidden Stone Village were stationed, with dozens of skilled ninja-level combatants alone.
And it was there that Minato, under the name "Yellow Flash," would perform the astonishing feat of instantly killing dozens of elites with the Flying Thunder God, cementing his legendary status in a single battle.
His gaze involuntarily drifted toward Obito, who at that moment was brimming with excitement, eagerly rubbing his hands together.
Obito was clearly immersed in the thrill of carrying out an S-rank mission and showcasing his abilities.
Seeing his naive and passionate demeanor, Shinji couldn't help but feel a pang of pity.
"Obito, this time, go in peace. I'll take good care of Rin."