Completing one ninjutsu would push the progress to just over 33%.
Now, it had already reached 45%.
That was because after mastering the Clone Technique, Seiji had shifted his focus back to Lightning Release: Iron Body.
Learning this technique had gone surprisingly smoothly.
It could only be said that the Yotsuki Clan was naturally suited for lightning techniques and taijutsu.
"Still missing a little…"
Seiji exhaled slowly.
He hadn't triggered the Strong Physique trait yet, but with a bit more training, he should meet the requirements soon.
Compared to himself two months ago, the difference was like night and day.
He was no longer the frail, undernourished boy he used to be.
"Hey, Seiji, aren't you leaving yet?"
Kakashi's voice came from outside.
"Coming."
Seiji packed his things, grabbed his cloth bag, and headed out.
His home was located on the edge of the Uchiha compound, making it easy for others to visit without going deep inside.
For some reason, Kakashi had been coming to see him quite often lately.
The two of them headed to the Ninja Academy together.
From Kakashi, Seiji learned something important—
Kakashi's father had gone on a secret mission… and it seemed he was finally about to return.
Seiji knew exactly what that meant.
This was the mission where Sakumo Hatake infiltrated the enemy as the team leader.
The world was already entering a sensitive pre-war period.
This mission would likely have a major impact on the Land of Fire.
And then… Sakumo would face a choice.
Mission… or comrades.
He chose his comrades.
"…So it's starting."
Seiji thought to himself.
Within the next few days, news of the mission's failure would spread.
Then, a wave of public condemnation would follow.
Even the comrades he had saved… would turn against him.
Seiji glanced at Kakashi.
That meant—
This year, Kakashi would graduate.
And soon after, he would be promoted to Chunin.
"Kakashi, Seiji!"
As soon as they entered, Rin greeted them warmly.
Her gaze, however, was almost entirely focused on Kakashi.
Seiji simply nodded.
Whenever Kakashi was around, Rin's after-class guidance became noticeably more detailed.
If it was just Seiji alone, she would only guide him for a few days before stopping.
But since Kakashi kept showing up, she never mentioned stopping again.
Of course, Obito would always find some excuse to join them.
"Alright, class is starting."
After a bit of chatting, the Chunin teacher responsible for history clapped his desk.
At that moment, someone rushed in—
"Sorry! I helped too many old ladies on the way!"
Obito tried to sneak in quietly but was caught immediately.
"Too many old ladies, huh? Go stand in the back."
The teacher clearly wasn't buying it.
Obito scratched the back of his head awkwardly.
"…I'm serious though."
Seiji watched him silently.
Before his fall into darkness, Obito really did love helping others.
Turning his head, Seiji began asking Rin about shuriken throwing techniques.
From the corner of his eye, Obito could see Kakashi's annoyed expression…
And Seiji whispering with Rin.
"Hurry up."
The teacher urged again.
Obito reluctantly walked to the back.
"Obito, the next class is different. You won't have to stand for long."
He deliberately passed by Rin's side.
Hearing her comforting words, all his frustration instantly disappeared.
"As expected… Rin is the best!"
As he walked, he even began fantasizing—
Becoming Hokage…
Reaching the peak of life…
And marrying Rin.
…
After school.
Uchiha Compound.
Not long after returning home, Seiji was called out and led to an old building.
Uchiha Yozuki brought him there.
"Yakusen, a D-rank Lightning Release scroll."
She spoke calmly.
Dressed in a deep purple Uchiha robe with the clan crest on her sleeves, a small tear-shaped beauty mark rested beneath her eye.
Seiji stood behind her.
She had been sent by Fugaku to retrieve the scroll for him.
She was also… the future mother of Uchiha Izumi.
And someone who would eventually die at Itachi's hands.
It had taken a full month for her to bring him here.
Seiji understood clearly—
This matter had never been taken seriously.
Only when it could no longer be delayed… was it finally handled.
If it weren't for Fugaku's order, Seiji doubted he would have received this scroll at all.
For other Uchiha, it would've taken at most two or three days.
Being excluded and looked down upon within the Uchiha clan…
Was only natural.
After all, they were a proud clan.
If Seiji had been a mixed-blood born in Konoha, it might not have mattered much.
But he came from the Land of Lightning.
Perhaps the Uchiha once had ties to that land—
But it had been so long that no one acknowledged it anymore.
"A new clansman?"
Uchiha Yakusen leaned out.
A man in his forties, with crisscrossing scars across his face, making his smile look particularly sinister.
"Mm. This is Uchiha Seiji."
Yakusen grinned.
"A mixed-blood Uchiha is rare… one sent from the Land of Lightning is even rarer."
Yozuki didn't respond, only signaling him to fetch the scroll.
Seiji quietly observed the interior.
"Heh, first time, huh?"
Yakusen's smile twisted further.
He turned and unlocked a heavy iron door.
Light poured into the dark room, revealing countless scrolls lining old shelves.
Dust floated in the air.
He lit several oil lamps, bathing the room in a dim orange glow.
"Lightning Release is over here."
He walked to a section labeled "Lightning" and picked up a D-rank scroll.
"Can't I choose myself?"
Seiji raised an eyebrow.
Yakusen paused and looked toward Yozuki.
She shook her head slightly.
"Fugaku didn't say. I can't decide on my own."
"You heard her."
Yakusen grinned again.
"…Alright. Thank you."
Seiji didn't argue.
He simply accepted the scroll.
After leaving the building, Yakusen locked the door behind them and returned to his seat.
After walking some distance, Yozuki suddenly spoke—
"Fugaku is the clan head. We must follow his orders."
"I understand, Lady Yozuki."
Seiji smiled.
"It's for my own good. After all, I wouldn't know which technique suits me best anyway."
He sounded sincere.
But deep inside—
It didn't matter if others treated him with malice.
He would simply… collect interest later.
That's fair, isn't it?
Yozuki froze slightly.
She hadn't expected such maturity from him.
A gentle smile appeared on her face.
"If you can think like that… you're truly a good child."