"Haruki, heading to school? Are you ready?"
At the entrance of the clan grounds, familiar clansmen greeted him warmly.
Uchiha Haruki nodded in response.
"Good luck, Haruki! Don't bring shame to the prestige of the Uchiha Clan!"
"Haruki, do your best! If you pass, Uncle will treat you to some barbecue!"
Uchiha Haruki smiled and nodded, thinking to himself that if the Uchiha treated the rest of Konoha like they treated their own clan members, maybe there wouldn't be a massacre in the future.
Taking a deep breath, he quickened his pace toward the exam site.
Uchiha Haruki was actually a transmigrator. He didn't die in a car accident or from an illness—he was just an ordinary single guy working a regular job, living a mundane life. And then, somehow, he woke up in the world of Naruto.
When he realized he was part of the tragic Uchiha Clan, his mentality almost collapsed. But when he learned he was born right after the end of the Second Great Ninja War, and there were still decades before the massacre, he felt a lot better.
At least it wasn't one of those starts where you get wiped out immediately or wake up as Sasuke's replacement. At the very least, he had a warm home.
His father, Uchiha Ieyasu, was the younger brother of the current Uchiha clan leader, Uchiha Nobunaga, and his own younger brother was Uchiha Fugaku. Honestly, it was about as good of a start as one could get in the Uchiha Clan.
Seven years flew by. Uchiha Haruki spent two full years in the Ninja Academy, always maintaining excellent grades. With his mature mindset, he couldn't bear to act like an elementary school kid any longer. In this life, he was determined to change the fate of the Uchiha.
"Uchiha Haruki, the assessment begins!"
As soon as the words were spoken, Uchiha Haruki quickly threw three kunai in a triangular formation toward the examiner. Then, he followed up with six shuriken, connected by thin wire, moving swiftly towards the target.
"Fire Style: Great Fireball Technique!"
He spat out a fireball aimed straight at the examiner's blind spot. The examiner dodged the three kunai, deflected the shuriken with his own kunai, and finally used Earth Style: Earth-Style Wall to block the Great Fireball.
The examiner smirked slightly. Looks like this Uchiha brat was underestimating him.
But Uchiha Haruki controlled the wire, making the rebounded shuriken fly back toward the examiner's back.
Thud! The shuriken struck the examiner, who immediately burst into smoke—it was a substitution technique.
Suddenly, Uchiha Haruki felt a chill at his neck. The examiner appeared beside him, a kunai pressed against his throat.
"Earth Style: Double Suicide Decapitation Technique," Uchiha Haruki had already used a clone and hidden himself underground the moment he struck the examiner.
But the examiner had replaced himself with a log—Substitution Technique again.
"Water Style: Water Prison Technique," Uchiha Haruki found himself trapped inside a blue sphere of water.
"Fire Style: Phoenix Sage Fire Technique," Uchiha Haruki, while using Earth Style, had simultaneously performed Clone Jutsu and Transformation Jutsu. He transformed his main body into one of the shuriken on the ground and struck the moment the opponent moved.
"Water Style: Water Formation Wall! The assessment is over—Uchiha Haruki, you pass."
With Jiraiya's intervention, the exam came to an end.
"Thank you, Lord Jiraiya," the examiner expressed his gratitude.
"No wonder he's called a genius of the Uchiha Clan!"
"This Uchiha brat is really strong."
"Are kids these days really this powerful?" The onlookers gasped in amazement.
"Uchiha kid, you're strong. Remember to report to the Hokage's office tomorrow," Jiraiya said before disappearing with the Body Flicker Technique.
Uchiha Haruki let out a long breath. That was seriously tough. A few clan members surrounded him as they headed toward the Police Force headquarters.
"You're here. Well done—you didn't disgrace our family name. Never forget, we are the strongest clan! The Uchiha Clan will always hold its pride!"
A handsome man in a Jōnin uniform stood there, smiling proudly at his son.
"Your mother has prepared lunch at home. We'll eat together. Now that you're a Genin, you need to act like a real man."
"When I was your age, I was still studying at the clan school. But don't get arrogant! In our clan, geniuses are a dime a dozen. The most important thing is to awaken the Sharingan! That is the foundation of our clan's strength in the shinobi world!"
"I talked to your uncle. We're hosting a little celebration tonight at our house to celebrate you becoming the youngest Genin in Konoha!"
Yep, this chatterbox was none other than Uchiha Haruki's father, Uchiha Ieyasu.
Uchiha Haruki sometimes wondered if every cool and aloof Uchiha had a talkative parent hiding somewhere in the background.
"But Haruki, have you made your decision?" his chatty dad asked.
"About what?" Uchiha Haruki replied.
"Are you joining the Police Force or a regular mission squad?" His dad looked at him expectantly.
"I think I should talk to Uncle first. It doesn't seem that simple," Uchiha Haruki answered.
"I'll handle your uncle. Wherever you go, I'll support you! Trust me, as long as I'm around, nothing will go wrong. Now hurry home, don't keep your mother waiting."
He patted Uchiha Haruki's head affectionately.
On the way back, his dad bragged non-stop to the other members of the Police Force, leading Uchiha Haruki back home. The way he spoke, you'd think he was escorting Madara Uchiha himself.
"We're back! Haruki, congratulations on becoming a ninja!"
A gentle woman hugged him tightly.
She whispered, "Promise me you'll be careful. Show no mercy to your enemies. Your kindness could turn into a kunai aimed at your own back. Always stay alert—always!"
Her eyes glowed red, and three tomoe of the Sharingan spun beautifully under the sunlight.
"Today's a happy day. Let's not talk about those things," Ieyasu tried to comfort her.
This was Uchiha Haruki's family in this life—a talkative but reliable father and a gentle yet strong mother.
This warm family was the most important thing to him in this world. He swore to himself that no one would ever take it away. No one.
That evening, Haruki's uncle's family and his aunt's family came over to celebrate his achievement. Among them was his stern-faced cousin, Uchiha Fugaku, and his playful cousin, Uchiha Rei.
As expected, the Uchiha household was filled with a strange duality—half the members were stone-faced warriors, while the other half were loud and cheerful.
"Haruki, your father mentioned your decision. I want to hear it from you directly," his uncle Uchiha Nobunaga said with a serious expression, his eyes fixed intently on Haruki, as if trying to read his every move.
Haruki looked up confidently. "Uncle, I've decided to join the Police Force. I want to contribute to the clan and protect Konoha's peace," he declared.
"Good. Remember to come by tomorrow afternoon to report," Uchiha Nobunaga replied with a nod of satisfaction before turning and leaving.
"Thank you for the hospitality," he said politely before disappearing into the night.
As the guests left, Haruki's father sat down at the table, silently pouring himself a cup of sake. His expression was heavy, and he downed the drink in one go.
"Why didn't you choose to join a mission squad? I fought hard to get you that opportunity. You're smart, you're capable. Can't you see the situation we're in? Can't you feel the way the villagers look at us?" Ieyasu's voice was strained, almost desperate.
"Enough! Not joining a mission squad is fine. At least it's safer. At least in the Police Force, there are clan brothers to watch his back. Better than dealing with those backstabbing wolves outside!" Haruki's mother interrupted sharply.
"Father, Mother, I have my own reasons. Please respect my decision," Haruki said firmly, not wanting to continue the argument. He stood up and quickly retreated to his room.
Closing his eyes, he sighed deeply. Father is too kind-hearted, too naive... He thinks joining the mission squads will help us integrate with Konoha, gain the village's trust. But even if the entire Uchiha clan bowed their heads, it wouldn't change anything.
The only way to protect the clan is through unity and strength. Only by becoming so strong that the higher-ups wouldn't dare make a move against us could the Uchiha survive.
Wait for me, Konoha. I'll show you a different Uchiha Clan.
The next morning, Haruki stood before the Hokage Tower.
"Third Hokage-sama, Uchiha Haruki reporting," he announced, bowing slightly.
Sarutobi Hiruzen, still in his prime, sat behind the desk. His aura was gentle, yet overwhelmingly authoritative. He was the very image of a benevolent leader, but Haruki knew better.
"Oh, it's Haruki. Very good. Are you planning to join the Police Force or a regular mission squad?" Hiruzen asked with a gentle smile, though his eyes were sharp and scrutinizing.
"Reporting to Hokage-sama, I would like to join the Police Force. I want to contribute to Konoha's safety and protect the village," Haruki replied confidently.
"Hmm... yes, the Police Force has always been the Uchiha's stronghold. I'm sure under the guidance of your clan, you'll adapt quickly," Hiruzen said, nodding. "But remember, no matter where you are, you are a part of Konoha.
Where the leaves dance, fire burns. The fire's light will illuminate the village, and new leaves will sprout once again. Go ahead, report to the Police Force."
"Yes, Hokage-sama," Haruki replied, bowing respectfully before leaving the office.
As Haruki walked down the bustling streets of Konoha, he observed the people rushing by, carrying on with their daily lives. His thoughts began to wander. There's no way Sarutobi Hiruzen is as benevolent and righteous as he seems. In times of war, the Second Hokage chose him as his successor. Unless Tobirama was out of his mind, Hiruzen must be a master of political maneuvering.
Danzo is nothing compared to him. By the end of the series, Danzo was nothing but a scapegoat, still dreaming of becoming Hokage. He even treated Izanagi like a basic Substitution Jutsu! How could someone that weak compare?
And the other two elders? Completely controlled by Hiruzen. "I want to do it, but I won't say it. I'll make you say it, and I'll act like I'm being righteous." Classic political manipulation.
I can't just assume things will go like in the original series. This world is real now. Sarutobi Hiruzen isn't just some grandpa with a pipe; he's a political beast.
"Yo! Haruki's here to report! This is my son! He's not just young-looking; he's officially Konoha's youngest Genin!"
Turning his head, Haruki saw his father proudly patting his back while bragging to the Police Force members. He looked so proud, you'd think Haruki was the second coming of Madara.
"This is your squad captain, Uchiha Mei. He's also your instructor. Mei was specially assigned by the clan and is an Elite Jōnin with the Three-Tomoe Sharingan."
"Your two teammates are Uchiha Retsu, the grandson of the Great Elder, and Uchiha En from the Third Elder's main family. Your squad's primary focus is training, and your patrol area will be the Food District. Alright, Mei, take him to meet his new teammates," Uchiha Nobunaga instructed before turning and leaving.
"Follow me," Uchiha Mei said curtly before swiftly moving away. Haruki followed in silence until they arrived at the Uchiha Clan's training grounds.
Two boys were already there, whispering to each other. They stopped and turned as Haruki and Mei approached.
"Let's introduce ourselves first," Uchiha Mei said, crossing his arms. "I'm Uchiha Mei, an Elite Jōnin with a fully matured Sharingan. I specialize in Kenjutsu, Fire Style, Lightning Style, and Genjutsu. I like collecting legendary swords and training with them. I hate losing to women, and my dream is to become the world's greatest swordsman."
Whoa, whoa, are you from the One Piece cast? Is your real name Roronoa Zoro?! Haruki thought in disbelief.
"My name is Uchiha En. I'm a Genin, haven't awakened the Sharingan yet. I specialize in Fire Style and Earth Style. My hobbies are eating good food and cooking it. I hate wasting food, and my dream is to become strong and taste every delicacy in the world."
Okay, that's definitely Sanji in disguise...
"Uchiha Retsu. I haven't awakened the Sharingan yet either. I'm a Genin, specialize in Lightning Style and Earth Style. My hobby is sleeping. I hate troublesome things, and my dream is to live a peaceful life."
Oh come on...now we have Shikamaru in the Uchiha Clan?
Finally, Haruki stepped forward. "My name is Uchiha Haruki. I haven't awakened the Sharingan yet. I'm a Genin, and I specialize in Fire Style, Wind Style, Lightning Style, and a bit of Earth Style. I like training. I hate anything that threatens my family. My dream is to become strong enough to protect the people I love."
"Alright, I officially announce the formation of the Police Force's Third Division, Team 10! Let's celebrate with some barbecue. Starting tomorrow, you will experience hellish training! Enjoy your last taste of freedom!" Uchiha Mei declared with a wicked grin.
And so, Haruki's life as part of Konoha's Police Force began…