'I originally wanted Obito to experience this, but since you're his good friend, Kakashi, I'll let you enjoy it first,' Jie Uchiha thought, staring at Kakashi's back.
'The essence of Konoha's ultimate taijutsu!'
'A Thousand Years of Death!'
A red gleam flashed in Jie's eyes, his face alight with excitement. He formed the Seal of the Tiger and struck Kakashi's unspeakable region with lightning speed and ruthless precision.
Hiss!
Witnessing Jie's vicious attack, the clan heads in attendance unconsciously squeezed their legs together and inhaled sharply.
There was no helping it; the move was simply too devastating. Its lethal potential was practically an offense against nature!
Poof!
Kakashi's eyes rolled back from the critical blow, and his body exploded into a cloud of white smoke, disappearing from Jie's sight.
'Another Shadow Clone? It doesn't matter.'
Main body or Shadow Clone, the result was the same. Once the clone dispersed, all its memories and physical sensations would immediately transfer back to the original. The crippling effect of Jie's ultimate taijutsu strike remained entirely unchanged.
"That was a satisfying fight!" Jie exhaled a long breath, a bright smile gracing his lips.
Behind him, Kakashi's true body suddenly materialized. His posture, however, was anything but graceful. His legs clamped tightly together, one hand desperately clutching his wounded vitals. He pointed a trembling finger at Jie, mouth opening and closing as he struggled to find words that simply wouldn't come.
"Lord Third," Jie said calmly, looking toward Hiruzen Sarutobi on the platform. "I don't think there's any need to continue this exam."
Hiruzen fell silent for a moment before forcing a dry smile. "Jie, your performance continues to exceed my expectations time and time again. I officially declare that Jie Uchiha has passed his graduation exam." He raised his voice to address the crowd. "Clan heads, let us celebrate the birth of Konoha's newest Genin!"
Hiruzen led the applause, and soon clapping echoed across the training ground.
Amidst the applause, Ryuya Yamashiro untied his forehead protector and handed it to Jie. Although they were teacher and student in name only, having known each other for less than a single day, he was still technically Jie's instructor. It was only fitting that he present his student with the ninja headband.
Jie tied the forehead protector around his arm, a genuine smile breaking across his face. After so much effort, he had finally secured it and become an official ninja. He was finally free from the academy and the mundane torture of playing house with a bunch of children!
At that thought, a profound sense of relief washed over him.
That evening, news quickly spread through the Uchiha compound. The clan members learned that their young master had applied for early graduation on his very first day at the Ninja Academy. Furthermore, he had passed the exam and become an official ninja by defeating Kakashi Hatake, Konoha's renowned Technician.
The entire clan was in an uproar.
"Our young master truly lives up to his title! To defeat Kakashi at only six years old... his potential is limitless!"
"With such outstanding talent, couldn't he become the first Uchiha Hokage?"
"Hokage! Hokage!"
Listening to the fervent cheers of his clansmen outside, Fugaku Uchiha wore a gratified smile. He wasn't the least bit worried that Jie's rising prestige might threaten his own position as clan head. If that day ever came, he would gladly step down and support his son, helping him guide the Uchiha clan to unprecedented heights.
"Jie, you're an official ninja now," Fugaku said warmly. "What are your plans moving forward? Do you want to join the Military Police Force, or would you prefer to take on some missions and gain experience out in the ninja world?"
He felt completely at ease with his eldest son now. With Jie's current strength, even if he encountered an enemy Jonin squad on a mission outside the village, he had more than enough power to escape safely.
However, after waiting for a response that never came, Fugaku turned around. He noticed Jie looked rather lethargic and distracted.
Fugaku nodded in sudden understanding. It seemed fighting Kakashi earlier that day had taken a heavy toll on the boy.
"If you're tired, go get some rest," Fugaku said gently. "We can discuss this later."
Jie nodded blankly and turned to head back to his room.
'Hokage... an Uchiha Hokage!' Fugaku walked over to the window, his gaze landing on the four massive stone faces carved into the distant Hokage Monument.
'The Uchiha clan helped found Konoha. Why shouldn't one of us lead it?'
As the chants of his clansmen echoed through the compound, a seed of ambition slowly took root in Fugaku's heart.
"Itachi, what are you doing hiding by the door?" Fugaku called out suddenly, not even bothering to turn his head.