The Mystery of the Heaven Scrolls
Following the Hokage's orders, the elite Jonin of the Hidden Leaf moved swiftly to designated points on the map, each carrying a Heaven Scroll.
At every location, they used Earth Style to raise towering five-meter-high stone pillars, placing the Heaven Scrolls inside hidden alcoves at the top. Only those with keen eyes and sharp minds would spot the cleverly concealed scrolls, far from the gaze of the impatient.
But that wasn't the true challenge. The Jonin left subtle traces behind, clues meant to test the observational skills of each participant:
• In the East, a Fire Style user left a trail of scorched trees, as if a battle had occurred. The burn marks served as direction markers.
• In the West, a Water Style user formed a small artificial stream encircling the pillar. The unnatural flow betrayed the scroll's presence.
• In the South, a Wind Style user shaped tree branches into spiral patterns, subtly pointing toward the hidden scroll.
• In the North, a Lightning Style user left faint burn marks on nearby rocks. Only the observant would notice they formed an arrow toward the pillar.
• At the center, an Earth Style user cracked the ground in spreading lines. Those with insight would deduce the scroll was where the lines converged.
The forest darkened as dusk crept in, sunlight filtering through thick leaves. Though quiet, the air buzzed with tension. The battle for the Heaven Scrolls had begun.
Twelve young Leaf shinobi scattered in different directions, each with the same goal: claim a Heaven Scroll and pass the selection test.
Pre-Battle Mindset
Tokuma Hyuga narrowed his eyes. As a proud Hyuga with the Byakugan, he felt superior to his peers. But his gaze briefly shifted toward Shisui Uchiha with caution.
The three future Hokage bodyguards—Genma, Iwashi, and Raido—acted confidently. Splitting into three directions, they each aimed to claim a scroll. Despite still being students, their battlefield experience made them arrogant.
Uzuki Yugao and Hayate Gekkou were quieter. The two sword specialists moved together for tactical advantage. They were among the youngest, only a year above Shisui.
Unlike the others, Obito, Kakashi, and Gai showed no arrogance. Having trained under Satoru, they knew how unforgiving battle could be. Underestimating an opponent meant defeat.
Obito glanced around.
"Better stay away from Kakashi and Gai. I won't beat them head-on…"
Tokuma thought similarly. Upon spotting Kakashi heading toward one scroll area, he quietly chose another path.
The twelve students fanned out, each forming part of a strategic map, all avoiding unnecessary conflict.
Battle for the Scroll — Kakashi vs. Yugao & Hayate
Night fell. The moon peeked through clouds, casting eerie silver light across the forest.
Kakashi reached the eastern area, spotting a trail of scorched trees.
"Fire Style? Who in the Leaf favors that…?"
His sharp eyes scanned the ground, noting the fresh char.
"If the Jonin left a clue, the scroll must be close."
He crouched behind bushes, watching.
CLANG!
A flash of metal! A sword cut through the air.
Kakashi dodged, barely nicked on the forehead protector.
Yugao and Hayate stepped from the shadows.
"If you want the Heaven Scroll, you'll have to get through us!"
Kakashi drew a kunai, quickly formulating a counter.
Yugao attacked first, her sword carving a crescent arc. Kakashi ducked just in time—but Hayate was already behind him!
Too fast!
No time for kunai—he slammed his foot into the ground, launching himself into the air.
Hayate's sword missed by a breath.
Mid-air, Kakashi countered!
"Chidori!"
Lightning surged through his hand as he dropped like a thunderbolt toward Yugao!
She swung to block—
BAM!
Her sword was knocked away. She flew back, tumbling.
Hayate froze as Kakashi landed atop the stone pillar, scroll in hand.
"So fast…"
Yugao, still kneeling, muttered:
"He's already this strong…?"
Kakashi vanished into the night. The sword duo watched in stunned silence.
Hidden Jonin observers nodded in approval. Though only children, these students displayed astonishing growth.
Obito vs. Genma — Sharingan Awakens
In the northern forest, Obito crept through brush, analyzing clues. Burn marks on stone. A carved triangle on a tree.
"If I read this right, the pillar should be ahead…"
Heart pounding, he sprinted.
SHING! SHING! SHING!
A hail of shuriken exploded from the shadows!
He dodged, one blade nicking his forehead protector.
"An ambush!"
Before he could react—
WHAM!
A powerful kick slammed into his side. He crashed and rolled, regaining his footing just in time.
Facing him: Genma Shiranui. Calm, confident, senbon between his teeth.
"Too slow, Obito."
Obito clenched his fists. Genma wasn't attacking yet. He was toying with him.
"A brat like you going for a Heaven Scroll? Ridiculous."
Obito's blood boiled. He drew twin kunai, lowering his stance.
"We'll see who laughs last, Genma!"
Genma struck!
BLAM!
Obito dodged, but Genma reappeared on his flank. A flurry of kicks!
WHAM! BAM!
Obito blocked but was overwhelmed. His arms stung, breath ragged.
"He's too fast…"
Then—
A strange chakra surged into Obito's eyes.
Crimson light!
Sharingan—two tomoe—awakened!
The world slowed. Every movement Genma made, every twitch of muscle, became clear.
"I can see him…!"
Genma charged again—but this time Obito sidestepped effortlessly.
Genma's eyes widened.
"He dodged?!"
Obito formed hand seals rapidly.
"Fire Style: Dragon Flame Jutsu!"
BOOM!
A fire dragon erupted, swallowing the forest in heat and flame!
Genma leapt, but the explosion knocked him aside, crashing to the ground.
Obito sprang up the pillar, grabbed the scroll.
Flames died. Smoke lingered. Obito stood tall, Heaven Scroll in hand, Sharingan glowing.
Genma clenched his fists.
"That kid… he's not the same anymore."
He had surpassed expectations. Obito Uchiha had risen.
Epilogue
Obito inhaled sharply, body burning with exertion. He turned, vanishing into the forest.
Genma watched in silence.
"Maybe I underestimated him."
Elsewhere, in the shadows, Madara Uchiha observed. Cold eyes glinting.
"Obito… it seems I chose wisely."
End of Chapter.