Naruto: I'm Really Not an Evil Uchiha!

The Next Day.

Shimizu's early graduation application was quickly approved. His consistent academic performance at the Ninja Academy was sufficient for assessment.

For ninja clans with some heritage, it's relatively easy for their members to graduate early. With over a thousand years of history, ninja clans have a clan-based structure where internal instruction and education are conducted within the family.

Currently, the Ninja Academy of Konohagakure, founded by the Second Hokage, Senju Tobirama, has only been around for a few decades. As of now, members of ninja clans receive prior family training arranged within their clans.

For instance, when Itachi was a child, he would take Sasuke hunting with him. In reality, this was training for physical endurance and combat skills in the face of danger.

This explains why, during the Third Ninja War, even children as young as a few years old were sent to the battlefield. They had already met the basic requirements; it was only their age that differed.

"Congratulations, Shimizu, on graduating from the Ninja Academy."

A middle-ranking Uchiha clan ninja knocked on Shimizu's door, carrying orders from Uchiha Fugaku.

"Don't forget to attend tonight's gathering."

"Alright," Shimizu nodded.

By morning, Shimizu had completed all the formalities. He was now an officially recognized ninja. Though still a Genin, he was qualified to participate in the secret gatherings held by the Uchiha clan at the Naka Shrine.

By evening, Shimizu arrived as scheduled. Clan members filed into the Naka Shrine, an important location for the Uchiha clan with a history spanning several centuries. The shrine, elegant in its design, stood behind rows of closely packed houses. The once-vivid red paint on its gate had faded, revealing its original color.

To outsiders, this place appeared solemn and sacred, but its underground concealed many secrets.

Boom!

Flames in the braziers flickered, casting dim light in the secret chamber. Uchiha Hachidai, seeing that most of the attendees had arrived, closed the door.

The clan members noticed Shimizu's presence, their reactions mixed—some were surprised, some disdainful, while others looked on with favor.

Uchiha Fugaku cleared his throat, and the previously noisy chamber fell silent.

"Today, we welcome a new ninja to our Uchiha clan: Uchiha Shimizu."

A series of crimson Sharingan eyes glowed faintly in the darkness, all focusing on Shimizu, giving the chamber an air of oppressive tension. This was an Uchiha clan tradition—activating the Sharingan to honor a new ninja's induction.

"Truly befitting of our Uchiha clan," Hachidai remarked promptly after Fugaku's announcement.

"A promising young man. My son, Uchiha Tekka, still has a while to go before he's confident enough to graduate."

"I heard he's studying medical ninjutsu on his own?"

"Hmph, that's a waste of time, tarnishing the Uchiha name."

The clan members whispered among themselves, expressing various opinions about Shimizu.

Fugaku frowned slightly. The older, rigid members of the clan clung too tightly to their sense of honor, oblivious to the rapidly changing ninja world where medical ninjutsu had become essential.

After all, the Uchiha were a clan cursed with "illness." Their bloodline limit, the Sharingan, came with its flaws, necessitating healing. Fugaku understood this all too well.

Even though most clan members never reached the level of the Mangekyō Sharingan, it was crucial to retain such skills for emergencies. Activating the Mangekyō Sharingan was always unpredictable; no one could measure or determine the potential for it.

"I do not intend to assign Shimizu to the Konoha Police Force," Fugaku declared.

"Why, Captain?"

"If not the Police Force, where else can an Uchiha go?"

Fugaku's words puzzled the clan members. Only Shimizu, the person in question, began to piece things together. Fugaku valued his talent in medical ninjutsu, leaving only one plausible destination in Konoha.

As Shimizu reached this conclusion, Fugaku continued without delay:

"I plan to assign Shimizu to Konoha Hospital. I've already reported this to the Third Hokage."

Turning to Shimizu, Fugaku addressed the clan, explaining his reasoning.

"Uchiha Shimizu is a rare talent among us. You all know the ancient legend within our clan—Uchiha Madara is the best example of that legend."

Several elderly Sharingan users suddenly perked up. As survivors of the Warring States period, none understood Madara's power better than they did.

After a few moments, a raspy voice broke the silence.

"Fugaku, are you talking about the Mangekyō Sharingan?"

Uchiha Setsuna asked.

He prided himself on inheriting Madara's will and had extensively studied Madara's extraordinary Sharingan. While the records left by the clan were vague, he had gleaned some understanding.

"Exactly. Moreover, I want Shimizu to serve as a bridge between our clan and the village. The Third Hokage holds Shimizu in high regard. Gaining his favor could significantly improve our clan's standing."

Fugaku spoke confidently, determining Shimizu's future path. He tasked Shimizu with providing intelligence from Konoha Hospital and forbade him from studying any other ninjutsu for now. Fugaku deemed it a waste of time; mastering the Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique would suffice.

From start to finish, Fugaku never sought Shimizu's opinion.

Shimizu listened quietly, his gaze calm and unperturbed. Occasionally, he would glance at the massive stone tablet at the top of the chamber, a faint smile on his lips.

Fugaku's plan was clear—he didn't need another combatant Uchiha; he needed a medical-ninjutsu-capable tool.

"Don't forget to participate in the Chūnin Exams soon, Shimizu. We cannot afford to tarnish the Uchiha name. Tomorrow, there will be a clan sparring match. Once it's over, you can focus on medical studies within the clan."

Fugaku concluded the meeting and announced its adjournment.

Shimizu left the chamber without a backward glance.

Before long, Shimizu suddenly stopped in an empty street. Turning toward a seemingly vacant wall, he spoke:

"Setsuna Elder, what brings you here?"

Shimizu's voice echoed in the deserted alley.

Moments later, the wall trembled slightly, and a figure emerged.

The man's left face was covered by half a mask, seemingly hiding something. His hair was mostly white, and wrinkles lined his face.

It was none other than Uchiha Setsuna, the hawkish leader of the Uchiha clan, deeply dissatisfied with the policies Senju Tobirama had imposed on the Uchiha. He had always harbored ambitions to reclaim power from the Senju.

After inciting disturbances and rebellion, Setsuna was arrested by the ANBU and imprisoned. Years later, following Tobirama's death and the ascension of the Third Hokage, he was released to ease tensions with the Uchiha.

"Impressive perception, young one," Setsuna remarked.

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