Chapter 26: Chapter 26: First Steps into the Shadows
Kal's days fell into a steady rhythm after being assigned to the Uchiha Police Force, the clan's pride and a vital part of Konoha's security. Despite the assignment being seen as prestigious among the Uchiha, Kal viewed it as a strategic opportunity—one that would allow him to strengthen his skills while maintaining a low profile.
At dawn, Kal began his mornings with rigorous physical training. He focused on endurance, speed, and strength, honing his body into a weapon. His training wasn't flashy, but it was relentless, preparing him for the dangers that lay ahead.
By mid-morning, he reported to the police station, the so-called Uchiha "backyard," where he immersed himself in the routine of law enforcement. Most days involved patrolling the streets, mediating disputes, and managing small-scale threats within Konoha. Kal found the work dull, but it served a purpose: it allowed him to exercise precise chakra control during patrols. While others relied on brute force or flashy jutsu, Kal used subtle chakra techniques to monitor situations, fine-tuning his control with each passing day.
At night, his real work began. Using his secret lucid dreaming technique, Kal delved into ninjutsu research. In this dreamscape, free from physical constraints, he explored advanced chakra manipulation and practiced the basics of medical ninjutsu. Though challenging, the dream world allowed him to fail without consequences, accelerating his learning curve. Slowly but surely, he began to grasp the fundamentals of healing wounds, controlling his chakra with surgical precision.
### Time Passes
Weeks turned into months. Kal's physique grew stronger, his chakra control sharper, and his medical ninjutsu more refined. He maintained his facade of being an ordinary Uchiha, carefully balancing his public duties with his private ambitions.
Onee evening, his father, Saruto, approached him with a somber expression. "Kal, it's time you learned what it means to take a life. Tomorrow, you'll accompany me on a mission."
Kal's heart quickened. He had prepared for this moment, but the reality of it weighed heavily on him. "I'm ready," he said, his voice steady.
Saruto studied him for a moment before nodding. "Good. We leave at dawn. Get some rest."
### The Mission
The next morning, Kal and Saruto departed the village under cover of darkness. Their mission was simple but dangerous: eliminate a rogue shinobi who had been leaking information to the enemy. Saruto briefed Kal on the target—a former Konoha ninja with a history of treachery.
The journey was tense but uneventful. When they finally found the rogue shinobi hiding in a secluded forest, Kal felt a surge of adrenaline. His father engaged the target first, testing his defenses with calculated precision. Saruto's movements were swift and deliberate, leaving openings for Kal to step in.
"Kal," Saruto commanded, "finish it."
Kal hesitated for a brief moment, his hand trembling as he formed the hand seals. The rogue shinobi turned toward him, eyes wide with realization, but Kal steeled himself. He released a stream of fire chakra, a basic Fireball Jutsu, directly at the target. The flames engulfed the rogue shinobi, and when they dissipated, only silence remained.
For a moment, Kal stood frozen, staring at the aftermath. His chest felt tight, and his mind raced with conflicting emotions. He had taken a life—something he had never done before, even in his previous life.
Saruto placed a hand on his shoulder. "The first kill is always the hardest. But remember, Kal, we are shinobi. We protect our village, our clan, and our loved ones. Never forget why you fight."
Kal nodded slowly, his expression unreadable. "I understand, Father."
### Reflections
That night, as they camped in the forest, Kal lay awake, staring at the stars. He replayed the moment over and over in his mind—the hesitation, the jutsu, the silence that followed.
"This is the reality of this world," he thought. "It's not about glory or power—it's about survival. If I hesitate, I die. If I falter, the Uchiha fall."
Closing his eyes, Kal entered his lucid dream once more. But this time, his training felt different, heavier. The weight of his actions lingered, shaping his resolve.
"I'll get stronger," he vowed. "Stronger than anyone. For the clan. For myself. And for the future I'll create."