THE UCHIHA ASCENSION

Due to the self-cultivation technique, Uchiha Kiyo was in an exceptionally good mood. Beyond the physical benefits, there was a deep sense of mental relaxation. After working tirelessly for so long and finally achieving results, it was only natural to feel pleased. This was the first secret technique Uchiha Kiyo had developed since arriving in this world where shinobi arts could be practiced. In short, it held great significance for him.

Noticing Uchiha Kiyo exuding a contented aura, Nawaki Senju was puzzled, unsure of what had happened.

However, that didn't bother Nawaki Senju much. He was naturally carefree, and trivial matters never troubled him. Instead, he continued chatting away, bringing up various topics and suddenly asking questions whenever something he didn't understand came to mind. Uchiha Kiyo often wondered where Nawaki Senju found so many things to talk about—he seemed to have an endless supply of curiosity. Still, Kiyo answered him one by one.

Even so, Uchiha Kiyo did not become complacent and continued reading medical ninjutsu materials. This made Nawaki Senju envious; he wished he had the same ability to focus on two things at once.

Little did Nawaki Senju know, this wasn't a case of multitasking—it was just that most of his questions had obvious answers, making them easy to respond to without much thought.

That day, Naoki Uemura was continuing his lecture on chakra refinement.

It had been nearly two months since the school year began, and the five students who had yet to refine chakra had now successfully sensed their spiritual energy. They were only a step away from completion—perhaps, with a bit of luck, they would succeed tomorrow.

As usual, Uchiha Kiyo paid little attention to Naoki Uemura's class.

Wasn't the medical knowledge in his hands far more valuable?

Naoki Uemura, aware of Kiyo's attitude, was powerless to change it. Despite being entrusted with this responsibility by the Third Hokage, there was little he could do. Uchiha Kiyo genuinely knew the material. Four years of accumulated knowledge weren't for nothing—aside from practical skills like stealth and infiltration, there was nothing taught at the Academy that Kiyo wasn't already familiar with.

A test had been conducted recently. Though Kiyo hadn't taken first place or scored perfectly, he had come close.

One of the questions he got wrong was:

"When facing an enemy attack, given various conditions that allow you to strike first before the opponent can, how should you respond?"

Uchiha Kiyo answered, "I don't know if the enemy has set traps, so I should defend first."

Naoki Uemura had been speechless.

From a practical standpoint, it made sense. But it was far too cautious for a simple theoretical question.

Naoki Uemura felt that completing the mission given to him by the Third Hokage might be impossible. After reporting Kiyo's status the day before, Hiruzen Sarutobi had not asked him for further updates.

Relieved, Naoki Uemura believed that Kiyo's mindset was unlikely to change. If the Third Hokage still wished to alter his way of thinking, it would be a truly difficult task.

In reality, Hiruzen Sarutobi had his own thoughts on the matter, which was why he did not continue pressing the issue.

Since Kiyo had developed this cautious personality from a young age, changing it would be no easy feat, and it wasn't worth wasting excessive effort on.

Besides, three of Hiruzen's apprentices had recently come into contact with Uchiha Kiyo. Among them, Orochimaru had taken an interest in him and even expressed willingness to serve as Kiyo's squad leader after graduation.

Hiruzen knew Orochimaru well. Perhaps he saw similarities between himself and Uchiha Kiyo, which piqued his curiosity. Furthermore, Kiyo's talent was undeniable. Even if excessive caution could be seen as a flaw, it could also be turned into an advantage.

With his "exceptional defensive awareness," Uchiha Kiyo might develop into the "shield" of a future squad. If he also mastered medical ninjutsu, the combination of defensive and support abilities could be invaluable.

Moreover, shinobi specializing in defense had a distinct advantage: while they lacked the ability to take down stronger enemies single-handedly, they could withstand powerful opponents and prolong battles. In a dire situation, Kiyo might hold off multiple foes alone, buying time for teammates to eliminate enemies and gradually shift the battle in their favor.

Recognizing this potential, Hiruzen decided to let things unfold naturally.

At noon, as Uchiha Kiyo ate his bento, Nawaki Senju chattered continuously beside him.

"Hey, Kiyo, what do you think about Kekkei Genkai?"

"Hmm?"

Hearing Nawaki Senju's sudden question, Uchiha Kiyo was surprised. It wasn't something he expected from him—it seemed Nawaki Senju had been making progress over time.

Seeing Kiyo's reaction, Nawaki Senju felt slightly embarrassed. At home, he had suddenly become curious about his clan's Wood Release and had asked his sister, Tsunade, about it. However, instead of answering, she had suggested that he ask Uchiha Kiyo to see his perspective.

Tsunade, having read reports about Kiyo's habit of frequenting the reference room to study since childhood, wanted to test his knowledge. The question was merely an excuse.

Uchiha Kiyo thought for a moment before replying.

"Kekkei Genkai, huh… In my opinion, it's a form of elemental fusion that is inherited through bloodline."

Nawaki Senju widened his eyes, staring at Kiyo in disbelief. After a long pause, he muttered, "Oh… That kinda makes sense. I don't really know how to argue with that."

Uchiha Kiyo sighed inwardly. To him, the definition of Kekkei Genkai was quite straightforward.

"That's just my personal interpretation. The concept of Kekkei Genkai is difficult to explain precisely, so a broad definition like that is the best way to summarize it.

There are various types of Kekkei Genkai, but the most common are those that merge two nature transformations into a new element—one that surpasses the original five nature transformations in power.

Aside from elemental fusion, there are also bloodline-based Kekkei Genkai, which cause mutations in the body and grant unique abilities—like our Uchiha clan's Sharingan. Both types are hereditary and can be considered unique transformations separate from the Five Great Nature Transformations."

Though Nawaki Senju didn't fully understand Kiyo's more in-depth explanation, it sounded logical to him, so he nodded in agreement.

Seeing Nawaki Senju pretend to understand, Uchiha Kiyo couldn't help but smile wryly.

He had a hunch that this conversation was a test. If someone was evaluating him, he needed to be vague—offering insight without revealing too much.

Meanwhile, in the Hokage's office, Hiruzen and his three students observed the conversation through a crystal ball.

Though Uchiha Kiyo's explanation was simple, its implications were intriguing—especially to Orochimaru. The idea of classifying the Sharingan as a specialized transformation piqued his interest. It was a fresh perspective he had never considered before.

As he pondered, Orochimaru licked the corner of his mouth.