Despite being only nine years old, his strength was already at the level of a Jōnin.
This not only made it clear that Gen Uchiha was considered one of the most outstanding forces in the world, but it also demonstrated his exceptional talent.
If it had been someone else—or rather, someone outside the Uchiha clan—Hiruzen would probably have felt relieved and even pleased to see a new generation emerging with such talent.
After all, the situation in the world was far from encouraging. Years after the Second Great War, the inherited problems of the past and the constant struggle for resources were beginning to show signs of triggering another conflict.
In times like these, the appearance of a genius who defies all logic would undoubtedly greatly strengthen the village's foundation.
Perhaps, when the war truly broke out, Konoha would gain a new force comparable to the "White Fang of Konoha."
"...You did a good job this time. Since a Jōnin appeared during the mission, we will reclassify it as an A-Rank one. As for the reward, the village will cover the cost."
Hiruzen set his pipe down on the table before continuing in a grave tone:
"Regarding Gen Uchiha… Hayato, I want you to keep a close eye on him. If you notice anything unusual, report to me immediately."
Hayato stiffened upon hearing the seriousness in his uncle's voice.
"Yes, Hokage-sama!" he nodded firmly. Beyond the respect between subordinate and superior, as members of the same clan, he knew he had to carry out that order without question.
After receiving a few more instructions, Hayato bowed slightly and left the office.
Hiruzen, for his part, remained in his seat, immersed in deep thought, while the smoke from his pipe slowly dissipated into the air.
The overwhelming talent that Gen Uchiha had demonstrated was not something that could be overlooked.
But the fact that he belonged to the Uchiha clan stirred a feeling of unease and displeasure within him.
The Uchiha clan was simply too powerful.
Although in recent years no individuals had emerged to overshadow the great talents of the past, their bloodline continued to produce talents without rest.
As a result, the overall power of the Uchiha remained overwhelming, far surpassing the Hyūga clan, which, despite its prestige, could not rival them.
The magnitude of their influence was evident in the size of their territory within the village. They were practically a village within the village, an entity with its own rules and an arrogance that made them difficult to manage.
Whether due to the ideology he inherited from his master or the need to preserve his control as Hokage, he had never been able to fully trust the Uchiha.
If Gen Uchiha continued growing at this pace, his rise to the clan's leadership was only a matter of time. And with a leader like him, the power of the Uchiha would reach a new peak.
That was an outcome Hiruzen did not want to witness.
However, getting rid of Gen was not a viable option either.
It wasn't that he lacked the means or the determination, but doing so would create more problems than it would solve.
To begin with, the risk was too high.
Gen Uchiha was no longer a defenseless child. Killing him without leaving traces would be nearly impossible. And if the Uchiha clan were to find out, their unleashed fury would not only shake Konoha but also endanger his own authority as Hokage.
Executing a village genius was a vile move. Even in his position, many would see it as an unforgivable act.
Then there was the global situation.
Conflict loomed over the world like an inevitable shadow. At a time like this, the village desperately needed powerful ninjas to strengthen its ranks. And whether he liked it or not, the existence of Gen Uchiha was a valuable asset to Konoha.
For these reasons, he would not take action against him.
But that did not mean he would set him free.
There was something about Gen that set him apart from the rest of his clan. He did not possess the characteristic arrogance of the Uchiha; instead, he projected a calm and affable image, which opened the door to other possibilities.
Just as happened in the future with Itachi and Shisui—two super-geniuses who, thanks to Hiruzen's cunning, ended up becoming key pieces against their own clan.
His plan was clear: to have Orochimaru take him as a disciple.
Not only to mold him but to draw him into his sphere of influence. In other words, to turn him into a strategic pawn to keep the Uchiha under control.
…
"You encountered a Jōnin on your mission and defeated him?!" Fugaku exclaimed in disbelief.
In front of him, Gen nodded calmly.
"Yes. He was a rogue Jōnin from Kirigakure named Baishi Ryunosuke. As for the mission details, Captain Hayato should have already informed you."
Fugaku stared at him, trying to process what he had just heard. At first, he had been surprised by Gen's sudden visit, but now he was both astonished and excited.
A Jōnin was a valuable force anywhere, even for the Uchiha. It wasn't that they were scarce within the clan, but they weren't an infinite resource either.
And now, a nine-year-old child claimed to have defeated one.
It was hard to believe.
He himself, being an Uchiha with years of experience, could defeat a Jōnin without issue, but the age difference between him and Gen was enormous. Defeating a ninja of that level at such a young age… was something nearly impossible.
However, he knew Gen well enough to know that he was not one to lie or exaggerate about these things. Which meant that he had indeed done it.
"Come, let's go to the training field!" he ordered without hesitation, grabbing Gen and taking him directly to his private training grounds.
He needed to see it with his own eyes.
Defeating a Jōnin at only nine years old was too extraordinary an achievement to accept without proof. If Gen's strength was truly what he claimed it to be, his position within the clan would change drastically.
For his part, Gen offered no resistance. After all, that was the reason he had come.
Now that his true ability had been exposed, there was no point in continuing to hide it. Instead, he planned to take full advantage of the opportunity.
Fugaku's private training field was noticeably larger than his own, fitting for the importance of the clan's future leader.
________
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