Capítulo 18: 5 years
Konohagakure, Year 77
The Uchiha training grounds were wrapped in serene quiet. The sound of water cascading from the waterfall was constant, a soft melody filling the air as mist rose from the water, creating an almost ethereal atmosphere. The autumn sky was clear, but the morning chill penetrated the skin, adding a seriousness to the surroundings. In front of the mighty waterfall, Sasuke Uchiha, now 12 years old, stood in complete silence.
He no longer looked like the scrawny 7-year-old boy. His hair, once known for its "duck-butt" style, was now cut similarly to Shisui Uchiha's, with a more practical and less childish look. However, his body was what stood out the most. Muscular and defined, it resembled a swimmer's physique, sculpted by years of rigorous physical training. He wore only short shorts, with weights strapped to his forearms and ankles, similar to the ones Rock Lee had worn during the chunin exams. His goal was not only to improve his strength but also to enhance his endurance and muscle explosiveness.
His eyes were closed. In his hands, he held his tanto firmly, the short blade always at his disposal. He listened to the sound of the water and felt every droplet that spread around his skin. The world around him was in perfect harmony, but his mind worked incessantly, focused on a single point.
Suddenly, his eyes opened, revealing the power of his Sharingan. In its third stage, the three tomoe spun smoothly, capturing every detail in his vision. With a swift and precise movement, Sasuke swung his tanto at the waterfall.
"Kumo Ryuu - Kaengiri!" he shouted.
From his blade, a fiery slash was released. The attack traveled with impressive speed and power, colliding with the water's flow. The impact was followed by a thunderous sound, and for a brief moment, the waterfall was interrupted. The water was split in two, as if the very fabric of nature had been cut. A thick mist formed in the air, steam created by the heat and the collision of fire with water. When the mist dissipated, the waterfall had been split in two—something that would seem impossible to any onlooker.
Sasuke smirked slightly. He was satisfied with the result. "That's enough for now." Feeling the blade cut through the waterfall was a clear sign that his training was going in the right direction. "If I can cut a waterfall with this strike, then I can defeat anyone. Even a jonin wouldn't stand a chance."
His confidence wasn't unfounded. Sasuke had observed jonin training in one of the village's training fields and believed that, with his current skills, he was strong enough to match one of them. Of course, he knew there was still much to learn, but at that moment, his abilities reassured him. He was at a point where he could survive if necessary.
"I already have the minimum strength to survive in this world." Sasuke's mind constantly reminded him that survival was what mattered. He wasn't the kind of person who would settle for the basics, but at that moment, he felt he had built a solid foundation. The ninja world was relentless, but he was prepared.
With the tanto now resting by his side, Sasuke allowed his thoughts to wander to the past. He remembered the moment he awakened the third tomoe of his Sharingan. It wasn't during a dangerous mission or a desperate battle; it was during exhausting training. He had pushed himself to the limit, testing his abilities, and then, in an instant, his eyes evolved. The power he felt at that moment was indescribable.
"When the third tomoe appeared, the Sharingan became complete." What once seemed difficult, like copying jutsu or predicting movements, became incredibly easier. He could not only replicate other ninjas' techniques but also understand them on a deeper level. The Sharingan, at the third stage, provided a strategic advantage that few could match.
Even with all that power, Sasuke knew he had to keep this secret. No one knew he had awakened the third tomoe, and he wanted to keep it that way. The Hokage, Danzo, and others might see it as a sign that he was advancing too quickly, perhaps suspecting his true goals. To avoid unwanted attention, he started using tricks. He wore dark sunglasses to hide the Sharingan and disguised himself during training sessions.
On one of these occasions, while practicing in a public training field, Sasuke was caught. He remembered well the tension of that moment.
"What are you doing here, boy?" The voice of Matashi Abura, an elite jonin of the village, interrupted his stealthy movements. Matashi was a tall and imposing man, with a piercing gaze and a posture that exuded authority.
Sasuke, however, didn't flinch. He calmly turned to the jonin, his face neutral and expressionless, while hiding his internal anxiety. He knew he had to think fast.
"I was training in stealth, sir," Sasuke said firmly, without hesitation. "I think it could be a valuable skill for future missions. A ninja needs to know how to move undetected, right?"
Matashi raised an eyebrow, assessing the boy in front of him. There was something different about him, but the jonin couldn't quite put his finger on what. He observed Sasuke carefully for a long moment before speaking.
"Stealth training, huh?" Matashi repeated, his voice filled with suspicion but also curiosity. "You seem very young to be training such an advanced skill. And why were you watching other ninjas? That's not part of your standard academy training."
Sasuke knew this was his chance to escape any suspicion. He needed to sound convincing but without revealing too much.
"I believe that learning by watching other ninjas can give me an edge, sir," Sasuke explained, adjusting his posture to seem more humble. "If I can study how more experienced ninjas move and fight, I can improve my own techniques. Nobody teaches those things at the academy, so I try to learn as much as I can, even if it means coming here without permission."
Matashi pondered for a moment. He had to admit that the boy was brave. Perhaps even too ambitious for his age. However, Sasuke's response made sense.
"Hmm... you're right to want to learn more, but you must be careful not to get caught in compromising situations. This type of behavior, even if not malicious, can be misinterpreted by your superiors. And as for using your skills wisely... don't forget: in the ninja world, being seen or not can mean the difference between life and death."
Sasuke gave a brief nod, acknowledging the advice, although he knew the real reason for his presence was far more dangerous than Matashi could imagine. "I'll never forget that." The jonin gave Sasuke one last look before leaving, disappearing into the forest. Sasuke exhaled quietly. He had managed to avoid any bigger trouble, at least for now.
That encounter with Matashi served as a reminder to Sasuke that, although he was growing stronger, the ninja world was still full of unexpected challenges. "I can't be careless," he thought. "Every move must be calculated."
Back in the present, Sasuke looked at the calm surface of the lake formed by the waterfall, feeling the weight of his wet clothes. He took a deep breath, analyzing the day's progress. He had already mastered the Ho Shunshin no Jutsu without hand seals, giving him a significant tactical advantage. The technique allowed him to move quickly to a nearby area, vanishing amidst flames. Although the movement was fast, it left no trace of his presence, something crucial for future missions.
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