reincarnated in the world of naruto

A week had passed since I was discharged. During that time, I focused all my energy on improving my chakra capacity and physical condition.

I was in the training field, striking a tree as I practiced some movements I remembered. I spun completely and delivered a heel strike to the side of the tree, aiming at where an opponent's ribs would be. I followed up with a direct hook to the trunk and quickly turned to deliver a back kick, my heel landing in the tree's center.

I didn't stop. With my dominant hand, I launched a powerful punch, followed by an upward strike with my fist. Then, I simulated hitting an opponent's shin, striking the side of the trunk with my instep. I focused on each move, dedicating myself to perfecting them.

Suddenly, I heard approaching footsteps. I looked up and saw Fugaku and Itachi Uchiha. I recognized them immediately. Fugaku surveyed the area and, with a firm tone, commented:

"I thought this training field would be empty."

Itachi remained silent, but his gaze was curious.

"Don't worry, Lord Fugaku," I replied respectfully as I prepared to leave. "I was just about to go rest."

However, Fugaku shook his head.

"No, it's fine. By the way, how has your training been going?" he asked, observing me seriously.

"It's progressing, Lord Fugaku," I answered humbly.

Then, Itachi, curious, broke his silence.

"Father, who is he?" he asked, likely surprised that his father was speaking to someone outside the clan meetings.

Before I could respond, Fugaku spoke.

"He is Arata, a civilian who wants to become a ninja. I found him unconscious by the lake's edge."

Itachi blinked, surprised.

"Really? And why was he there, Father?"

Fugaku looked at him seriously before answering.

"He nearly died from chakra depletion."

Itachi observed me with reserved interest. His gaze was analytical, almost as if trying to decipher my essence. I took the opportunity to introduce myself with a slight bow.

"Pleasure to meet you, young Itachi," I said, bowing slightly toward him.

"The pleasure is mine," he replied calmly, showing respect despite his young age.

"Well, I should leave now. I don't want to interrupt your training."

Fugaku nodded, allowing me to go.

"Goodbye, Arata," Itachi said politely.

With a slight nod, I bid them farewell and left the training field, letting them continue with their business. As I walked back, I reflected on the progress I had made in recent days.

The day passed calmly as I wandered through Konoha, letting my steps guide me aimlessly. After a relaxing bath at home, I decided to explore the village further. I arrived at a sweet shop called Amaguruma, where I bought some sweets to enjoy as I continued my walk. Eventually, I found myself in front of the Heroes' Stone, a monument honoring those who had fallen in battle. There, I stood solemnly, gazing at the engraved names and reflecting on the sacrifices of those who gave their lives for the village.

It was then that I noticed someone standing beside me. I looked up and was surprised to find myself face to face with Sakumo Hatake, a man whose reputation preceded him. He looked at me curiously before speaking in a calm, gentle voice.

Sakumo: "What are you doing here, kid? It's rare to see young people at this memorial."

Arata: "I'm just praying for the fallen."

A faint smile formed on Sakumo's face as he nodded.

Sakumo: "That's kind of you. A noble gesture."

Arata: "Yes, but we'll have to pray even more for those in the future. War is in the air."

For a moment, his eyes seemed to reflect the weight of his thoughts.

Sakumo: "You have a good sense of our situation."

After about 15 minutes, Sakumo glanced at the horizon as if recalling something.

Sakumo: "Well, I must go. I have a mission. What's your name?"

Arata: "Arata Uchiha."

Before he could leave, I decided to seize the moment to ask him a question.

Arata: "Sir, before you go... what would you do if you were on an important mission and had to choose between completing it or saving your comrades? Would you break the rules?"

Sakumo, surprised by the question, remained silent for a few seconds, pondering his response.

Sakumo: "I think I would save my comrades. According to the Will of Fire, a true ninja of Konoha must love, believe, protect, and fight for the people's well-being and for what they believe in. And that's what I believe."

Arata: "Tell me, Lord Sakumo... if you failed that mission, do you think people would be happy with you?"

The surprise returned to his eyes at my comment, but this time it was accompanied by deep reflection.

Sakumo: "No... I don't know."

Arata: "The Will of Fire teaches us to follow what we believe is right. If you think saving your comrades is the right thing to do, then you must be prepared to face any reaction, even the negative ones, don't you think?"

A slight smile, though filled with respect, appeared on his face.

Sakumo: "You have a good perspective, Arata Uchiha. We'll meet again."

Arata: "Goodbye, Sakumo."

As I watched him walk away, his figure seemed larger than it really was—not because of his fame or power, but because of the weight of his values and principles. I hope your stupid plan, Danzō, fails... Sakumo, don't let me down.

---

Meanwhile, with Sakumo

Maybe all these things I do instinctively are connected somehow, in ways I can't fully understand.

Sometimes I stop to think about what all this means: the village, the mission, my comrades. Is it strange to question these things as a ninja? Is it a sign of weakness? The Will of Fire teaches us to protect what we love, but I often wonder... what does it truly mean to protect something?

I see my reflection in the kunai I carry. The same tired face, the same eyes that sometimes seem to search for something in the horizon. Is this what it means to be strong? To carry everything and keep moving forward, even if you don't know if the path is right?

That Uchiha boy... Arata, I think that's what he said his name was. There was something in the way he spoke, something beyond his years. As if he understood better than most what it means to be a ninja. His question lingers in my mind: "What would you do if the village disapproved of your actions, even if you believed they were right?"

I pause for a moment. Perhaps it's not the first time I've asked myself that question, but hearing it from someone else, spoken aloud, makes me feel exposed, vulnerable. Is it weakness to put your comrades above a mission? Is it selfishness to want to protect those who trust you, even if the price is the village's scorn?

I look at the sky for a moment and sigh. Will I have the strength to face what's to come?

"We'll meet again, Arata Uchiha," I murmur, recalling his words. Perhaps, in the future, his generation will bear this burden. For now, I must be the bridge that connects them to that tomorrow, even if it isn't perfect, even if it's full of cracks.

With one last glance at the sky, I adjust my vest and move forward. There are no easy answers to hard questions, but perhaps, just perhaps, the Will of Fire will guide me to something worth protecting.