Naruto: Hatake's No Misfortune

(A/N: I fixed the error from the previous chapter.)

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"Muzan, you're really popular now! Everyone's talking about your new title!"

Muzan, a skilled medical ninja, was escorting a group of wounded shinobi back to Konoha after a mission. He had just received commendations from the Hokage and other high-ranking officials and was deep in thought about his plans when Mari's words broke his concentration.

Noticing the envy in their eyes, Muzan, who still didn't understand what was going on, asked in confusion:

"Why are you looking at me like that? And why do I have a title?"

As soon as they heard Muzan mention a title, Mari and the others rushed over, eager to share the news.

"Everyone's saying there's no hope for those who cross you!"

Muzan's simple plan had devastated one-third of Kumogakure's forces, leaving nearly every family in the village mourning. His title, "The Destroyer," had emerged as a result.

"The Destroyer?"

When he heard the title, Muzan was relieved it wasn't something ridiculous like "Konoha's Art Master" or "Explosion Artist." But the reality of his new title sank in quickly.

"This isn't a good thing. Now I'm on Kumogakure's must-kill list. Everyone there probably wants me dead."

War brings inevitable death, but Muzan's complete annihilation of the enemy had forged a deep blood feud.

"Isn't that going to be very troublesome for you?"

The two weren't naive; they immediately grasped the grim consequences. If Muzan returned to Konoha, the village would likely keep him under tight security, at least until Kumogakure either grew weaker or was destroyed entirely.

"No trouble at all. Those muscleheads can't kill me."

Muzan wasn't worried, as long as there were no sealing techniques or sunlight involved. Sealing techniques were rare in Kumogakure anyway.

The Land of Lightning and the Land of Wind were in opposite directions, and a large number of Konoha's shinobi had returned home to rest and recuperate. Along with the sacrifices made, Muzan's plan had required resources that Konoha had to provide.

As soon as they returned, they received the warmest welcome. Muzan's strategy had led Konoha to a major victory, bringing stability to the village and its people.

Muzan, being a doctor of Konoha Hospital and having saved many lives, was quickly surrounded by a crowd as he entered the village. Fortunately, he noticed this in advance and avoided the main road, opting instead to pass by the quieter Uchiha compound. This area, the territory of the Konoha Police Force, was usually avoided by villagers and most shinobi.

As Muzan passed by, he heard the sound of training. Under the shade of a tree, a young boy was practicing with a kunai. His movements were precise, and the training dummy in front of him bore multiple stab wounds to the throat.

"At this age..."

Muzan thought of the number one genjutsu user in Konoha, possibly in the entire ninja world, and few could surpass him in this art.

"Uchiha Shisui?"

The name "Shisui of the Body Flicker" contrasted sharply with the boy in front of him. Though not yet strong, the boy's reflexes were already sharper than most children his age. He would likely be a leader of his generation, just as Kakashi and Muzan had been.

"Who's there?"

Shisui sensed someone watching him and, without hesitation, rushed forward with his kunai.

Clack!

"Ah!"

Muzan effortlessly caught Shisui's wrist with one hand, stopping him in his tracks. Despite Shisui's efforts, he couldn't budge Muzan's grip.

"Who are you?"

Shisui, now captured, didn't panic. Instead, he froze as he looked up, recognizing the man before him. Dressed in black with blood-red eyes, there was only one person in Konoha with such an appearance.

"Hatake Muzan!"

Shisui immediately dropped his kunai and, when Muzan released his hand, he bowed deeply in respect.

Shisui had grown up hearing stories of Muzan, who had influenced many children of the Uchiha clan. Muzan was the epitome of a prodigy—graduating early from the Academy, becoming a doctor at Konoha Hospital, and eventually destroying Kumo's forces in battle.

Even the proud Uchiha clan had many parents who urged their children to emulate Muzan. Shisui, too, had been so inspired that he trained rigorously every day to prove himself.

"I'm sorry, I mistook you for an intruder. Please forgive my rudeness."

"Where did you learn that technique?"

Muzan looked at Shisui's hands and noticed that his form was decent, though the boy was still young and his body not fully developed. His movements were somewhat clumsy.

Muzan ruffled Shisui's hair playfully, letting him know he had acted impulsively. If someone else had been passing by, they might have been seriously hurt by Shisui's kunai.

Though Muzan knew the world of shinobi could be harsh, the idea of a child this young already trying to kill didn't sit well with him. After the war, he vowed to implement better basic education—shinobi or not, children needed to learn discipline and morality.

"What?"

Shisui stiffened, thinking he had done something wrong. But after hearing Muzan's words, he relaxed and explained:

"It's what people do when they apologize to the elders in the clan."

Shisui's response confirmed Muzan's suspicions—Uchiha pride often meant others apologized out of fear rather than genuine regret. The clan's arrogance left little room for humility.

Now, Shisui hadn't yet fallen prey to Danzo's schemes, and Muzan had a fondness for this genius. If Shisui grew up safely, he would undoubtedly be among the strongest shinobi in the world. Muzan wanted to impart a crucial life lesson to him.

"Remember, Shisui, with great power comes great responsibility. Never use your abilities to bully the weak."

Muzan didn't know how deeply his words would resonate with Shisui, but he hoped to give him a goal to strive toward. The Uchiha clan was a troubled one, and though they posed no direct threat to Muzan, their internal decay was a danger to Konoha itself.

But there was no denying the talent within the clan. Many Uchiha knew the truth but hadn't found a way to save themselves, and that had led to their downfall.

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