Naruto: Evolution

"Not bad, you have good reflexes. But relax, this is Uchiha territory. No one would dare to attack one of ours here."

The deep voice of the figure that appeared broke the tension.

Gen narrowed his eyes, observing the man now standing before him. His aura was imposing, with a serene expression but the authority of someone who knew exactly who he was and what he represented. He seemed to be a little over twenty years old, with mature features and a gaze that conveyed discipline.

The man smiled slightly before continuing:

"Gen Uchiha, I am Fugaku Uchiha. I come in representation of the clan leader to visit you."

Gen blinked quickly, processing the situation.

Fugaku Uchiha.

He didn't need to have interacted with him before to know who he was. The future patriarch of the Uchiha clan and father of Itachi and Sasuke. Even though at this moment he had not yet assumed the leadership of the clan, he was already one of the most important figures within the Uchiha hierarchy.

Recognizing him, he slowly took his hand out of his pocket and bowed slightly.

"An honor to meet you, Fugaku-senpai."

For someone of his rank to come personally could not be mere courtesy. The news of the Academy evaluation had spread quickly, and with the influence of the Uchiha clan, it was obvious that the high ranks were already aware of his performance.

Being categorized at Chūnin level at nine years old was not something that went unnoticed, much less for the clan leadership.

Not only did they want to meet him in person and evaluate his abilities more thoroughly, but it was also a sign that the clan was already considering his future within its structure.

After all, talented youths not only represented the pride of the clan but also a key piece in the power the Uchiha wielded within Konoha.

After a brief exchange of words, the conversation flowed naturally. Gen, always courteous, invited Fugaku to enter his house.

"Excuse me, Fugaku-senpai, I don't have tea prepared. Would boiled water be fine for you?"

Fugaku smiled slightly and shook his head.

"Don't worry about that, water is fine. There's no need for so much formality between us."

Gen nodded and served a glass of hot water for his guest before sitting on the sofa, right in front of him.

Fugaku took a quick look around the room, observing the impeccable order of the place.

"I didn't expect you to live alone, but I must say you keep the house in excellent condition," he commented with an approving tone.

Gen, somewhat embarrassed, scratched his neck and laughed lightly.

"Fugaku-senpai, you overestimate me. The truth is, I hire a lady to clean. If it depended only on me, this place would be a disaster."

Fugaku raised an eyebrow before nodding in understanding.

"That is the right thing to do. If you have chosen the path of a ninja, the most important thing is your training. Spending time on cleaning would be a waste…"

His tone changed slightly when he fixed his gaze on Gen again, with a seriousness he didn't have before.

"Although this is the first time we meet in person, the truth is that I know you quite well, Gen Uchiha."

Gen didn't react immediately, but his eyes reflected a glimmer of interest.

"You are one of the most promising members of the new generation of the clan. You may not know it, but the clan has always been aware of your progress."

Fugaku paused briefly before continuing in a more solemn tone.

"I have not come just to introduce myself, but also to make sure you are well and offer you help. If you have any problem or need, tell me. I will do my best to solve it."

For a moment, Gen seemed surprised, but his expression soon softened into a gesture of gratitude.

"I deeply appreciate the concern of Fugaku-senpai and the clan," he replied sincerely. "Please convey my words to the patriarch: I am deeply grateful for the support I have received, and if in the future I have the ability, I will do everything possible to live up to the trust the clan has placed in me."

Fugaku nodded, satisfied with the response.

"I will convey it exactly as you have said. So… tell me, is there anything I can help you with?"

Gen remained silent for a few seconds, as if debating with himself whether to speak or not. Finally, he let out a slight sigh and showed an expression of helplessness.

"To be honest, there is something… Lately, I've reached a bottleneck in my training. I've already learned everything they teach at the Academy and mastered the jutsus my parents left me. Now I lack new knowledge to keep advancing."

Fugaku's eyes narrowed with interest before lighting up with amazement.

"I can understand that you have finished the Academy's courses, but I remember that your father was a Tokubetsu Jōnin, correct? According to the clan's rules, he should have received a good amount of resources for your training. Don't you still have them?"

Gen nodded calmly.

"Yes, my father kept everything very well. Among what he left, there was a B-rank fire jutsu… but as I said, I have already learned everything."

Fugaku observed him with genuine surprise.

"Really? Even that B-rank fire jutsu?"

"Of course," Gen nodded without the slightest doubt. "How could I lie to Fugaku-senpai about something like that?"

Fugaku crossed his arms, evaluating him with his gaze.

"In that case… can you show it to me? If it's true, I will do everything I can to help you overcome your 'problem.'"

Words alone were not enough as proof, but if he really demonstrated it, the situation would change completely.

Gen did not hesitate for a second.

"Of course. In fact, I wanted to take the opportunity to receive some advice from Fugaku-senpai."

That Fugaku had appeared suddenly had taken him by surprise, but it had not caught him off guard. Since the Academy evaluation began, Gen already had a plan: to show part of his talent to the clan to obtain more resources.

Although he had not expected the one in charge of seeing him in person to be the damn Fugaku Uchiha, he had already anticipated that sooner or later someone from the clan would come to contact him.

Fugaku, for his part, felt his interest grow.

"Good, then let's go to the training field right now."

If a child Gen's age could really master a B-rank fire jutsu, it would be irrefutable proof of his talent and exceptional abilities. And he wanted to see it with his own eyes.