Naruto: I am Uchiha Shirou

Credits: daxterdaxter

Under the flurry of paper shuriken in the air, Kakashi Hatake and Shisui Uchiha scrambled around, dodging constantly. Any slip-up that resulted in being hit by the paper shuriken would only leave shallow wounds, nothing serious.

"This is to train your dynamic vision and reflexes. On the battlefield, fairness is not a concept. Death can come from any angle, without warning.

Konan, your chakra control has improved again. You've managed to reach this level already—excellent! Go ahead and use your Paper Release freely. These small injuries are nothing; I know medical ninjutsu after all."

Under a large tree, Shirou teased with a joking expression. Konan continued to bombard the two boys with her paper shuriken, leaving them with no choice but to dodge desperately or block with kunai.

"No ninjutsu allowed! This is your training. The more chakra you conserve, the longer you can train. Keep it up!"

Shirou's playful laughter made Kakashi grumble in frustration. "What a twisted sense of humor!"

At this point, Kakashi hadn't yet lost his father, so his personality wasn't as rigid as it would later become. Meanwhile, Shisui nodded resolutely.

"I won't disappoint you, Lord Shirou!"

From beneath the tree, Shirou squinted as he observed the scene. In his palm rested a green leaf, surrounded by flickering arcs of lightning. The arcs danced across the surface without damaging the leaf, demonstrating his incredible mastery over Lightning Release.

"Lord Shirou's control over Lightning Release keeps getting better and better," Konan said with a warm and respectful smile as she stood nearby.

Shirou chuckled in response. "You're a genius too, Konan. You've even mastered the Shadow Clone Jutsu."

The gentle and obedient Konan beamed at the praise. Shirou plucked another leaf from the tree and placed it in her palm.

"When you're learning Sealing Jutsu from Kushina, make sure you also study Wind Release. In this area, aside from one old geezer, Kushina is the strongest in Wind Release in the village.

If you combine Wind Release with your Paper Release, your paper will become even sharper. Only Fire Release will be able to counter it. But for now, you don't need to worry about mastering everything at once."

As Shirou gently patted her head, Konan's eyes gleamed with a look of enjoyment. She nodded firmly. "Don't worry, Lord Shirou. I'll do my best!"

"By the way," Shirou asked, "how are Nagato and the others doing in the Land of Rain?"

"Nagato is doing well. Over the past two years, he's grown incredibly strong under Yahiko's guidance, with a massive chakra reserve to back it up. Recently, with the withdrawal of troops from the Land of Rain, Yahiko invited Nagato to..."

As Konan reported, Shirou smiled in satisfaction. Although Nagato and Yahiko were still working together, their bond didn't seem as deep as it once was.

"Shisui, even though he's only five years old, is already showing remarkable talent in terms of speed."

Under Konan's control, the paper shuriken's speed varied constantly, causing real pain when they struck. Shirou narrowed his eyes as he observed the two boys. Kakashi's talent was indisputable—so remarkable that even those with Kekkei Genkai would envy him.

Having all chakra natures was enough to make countless shinobi despair. Most shinobi needed years to master just a second chakra nature, while some were born with them all.

As for Shisui Uchiha, in the original timeline, he earned the title "Shisui of the Body Flicker" during the Third Great Ninja War, becoming a legend. Though younger than Kakashi, the age gap wasn't too wide.

With his current position, Shirou had looked into Shisui's background. As an orphan, Shisui was practically destined to be a loyal and hardworking subordinate. To let such talent go to waste would be a crime.

After some time, by the pond in the backyard, Kakashi and Shisui lay sprawled on the ground, panting heavily.

"Here, use these eye drops to relieve your eyes," Konan said with a smile as she took out some eye drops she had prepared earlier.

"Training your reflexes and dynamic vision will strain your eyes at first. But once you adapt, your five senses will start to work together, and things will become easier."

Kakashi, now adept at using the eye drops, sighed helplessly. "Konan-san, stop trying to fool me. By the time we adapt, your paper shuriken will just get even faster."

Shisui, on the other hand, obediently applied the drops. Despite his exhaustion, his wide, excited eyes sparkled as he exclaimed:

"Konan-san, while we're resting, can you tell me more stories about Lord Shirou? The ones from the book!"

The five-year-old Shisui eagerly pulled out a red book from his ninja tool pouch. Konan smiled at the sight, while Kakashi, though silent, clearly shared the same interest.

For young ninja, especially at their age, the legendary stories adapted from real events were filled with intrigue and inspiration.

"Alright, I'll tell you a story during the half-hour break," Konan said with a smile. She carefully retrieved her copy of the red book from her tool pouch.

The book, titled My Struggle, had recently released its fifth installment, covering "The Second Great Ninja War." It was followed by three more chapters:

The Ninja World Under War

The Revolution of the Five Great Shinobi Villages

My Political Career

The Ninja World Under War, describes the devastating impact of the Second Great Ninja War on small nations, civilians, and major powers, interwoven with vivid and realistic stories.

The The Revolution of the Five Great Shinobi Villages, chronicled the transition from the Warring States period to the era of the Five Great Villages, culminating in the establishment of the strongest ninja villages.

The My Political Career, narrated how the protagonist rose from being a jōnin to becoming the deputy head of the Medical Division. Though written with subtlety, the story resonated deeply with ordinary ninjas.

For most lower- and mid-level ninja, jōnin was already the pinnacle of their ambitions. Becoming a deputy department head was akin to a dream come true. In the mundane world of ninjas, this kind of story was explosively popular.

It was this eighth chapter, My Political Career, that truly caused the book to skyrocket in popularity.

"Lord Shirou's life is so fascinating. Many people in the clan look up to him as a role model. But what I admire most is his pursuit of peace and his desire to end the wars," Shisui said passionately.

Though only five years old, Shisui's respect for Uchiha Shirou was immense. Even the more mature seven-year-old Kakashi couldn't help but nod in agreement, captivated by this protagonist who combined strength and depth.

"Of course. Lord Shirou is a very gentle person," Konan said with a soft expression. Her eyes shone slightly as she smiled warmly.

From a distance, Shirou, who was training beneath the tree, glanced toward the Hokage Rock. His lips curved into a confident smile.

"This is just the beginning. During the Second War, I fought desperately just to survive. But the Third War... that will be my stage!"

His smile brimmed with self-assurance. Shirou understood the brutality and trajectory of the Third Great Ninja War better than anyone.

The Third War would push Hiruzen Sarutobi to resign in disgrace and include the infamous Battle of Kannabi Bridge. The devastation of that war would be unparalleled.

"But before the Third War begins, there are still two major events: the failure and prohibition of the Wood Release research project, and the White Fang incident."

As he thought back, Shirou glanced at Kakashi. At seven years old, Kakashi's fateful year was about to arrive.

"The winds are beginning to stir."

A green leaf fluttered past, and Shirou smiled. Before the storm arrived, he still had a fire to stoke.

Meanwhile, Konan waved to Kakashi and Shisui, signaling the end of their break.

"Alright, break time is over. Back to training!"

Closing the book, Konan carefully placed the freshly fallen leaf inside as though it were a rare treasure.

...

Hidden Underground Laboratory in Konoha.

Rows of cultivation chambers bubbled with green liquid. Orochimaru's pale golden snake-like eyes revealed a hint of disappointment.

"Experiment No. 7 has lost all life signs… Experiment No. 12's vitality is weakening… Experiment No. 18 is experiencing severe rejection after the injection of Wood Release cells…"

Listening to the reports of his subordinates, Shimura Danzo stood to the side, his expression one of frustration.

"Another failure!"

At this moment, Danzo stepped out from the shadows. His gaze swept over the secret laboratory, his eyes filled with gloom.

Although Orochimaru was slightly disheartened by the failure of the experiments, he didn't appear discouraged. Instead, he nodded calmly and said:

"The five great shinobi villages have never ceased their research into kekkei genkai, yet even after all these years, there have been no successful cases. Therefore, it is only natural for something as powerful as Wood Release kekkei genkai research to fail."

"However, with these failures, I believe that if we continue our work, we are certain to overcome the challenges of Wood Release cells within ten years!"

Seeing Orochimaru's confident demeanor, Danzo let out a cold, stifled snort of frustration.

"Orochimaru! Ten years! Do you know how much we'll have to sacrifice in ten years? In just two years, the funding for this research has already drained the Root's resources. This experiment cannot continue!"

Danzo's irritation was evident. If only Hiruzen had allocated more funding, he wouldn't have to shut down the project.

Orochimaru, however, sneered disdainfully after hearing Danzo's complaints.

"It seems that Elder Danzo has no real understanding of Wood Release's future potential."

"Ridiculous!"

Danzo glared at Orochimaru with wide eyes. Of course, he understood the power of Wood Release. It was precisely because he understood it so well that he had poured so much into the research.

However, Orochimaru only focused on conducting experiments without any regard for the cost. This Wood Release project had consumed astronomical amounts of money, and after all that, Danzo hadn't even seen a shred of success.

If all that funding had been directed toward the Root, he could have trained several elite squads by now!

"Orochimaru, the Root's resources can no longer sustain this research. Besides, there's a more pressing mission at hand!"

Danzo was seething inside. If only Hiruzen had given him more resources, he wouldn't have had to shut this down.

"Oh? Unable to sustain it anymore?"

Orochimaru chuckled mockingly, glancing at Danzo. It was clear to him that Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, had chosen to withdraw his investment after seeing no results.

However, if this research were being abandoned, then this new mission must be of great importance.

"What mission could make you willing to abandon this research base, Danzo?"

Danzo's face darkened at Orochimaru's sneer. His eyes turned complicated as he glanced at the transparent cultivation chambers filled with children. These children represented his ambitions.

"Kumogakure. This time, Orochimaru, your mission is to infiltrate Kumogakure. After years of effort, the Root has found the perfect opportunity and identity for you.

Your task is to assume this identity and infiltrate Kumogakure. This person has ties to the Eight-Tails Jinchuriki, Killer Bee…"

Danzo pulled out a scroll containing intelligence. After reading it, Orochimaru's expression showed sudden understanding. His raspy laughter echoed as he said:

"No wonder you're willing to abandon this research. A Jinchuriki, huh?"

Danzo nodded, his tone low:

"Since the last Great Shinobi War, Kumogakure has been extremely active, aggressively expanding its military power. Over the years, although the Root has worked in the shadows to strain relations between Kumogakure and Iwagakure, we're still lacking a decisive opportunity.

This time, Orochimaru, your mission is crucial. Find an opportunity to provoke the rampage of the Eight-Tails, delivering a heavy blow to Kumogakure."

After hearing this, Orochimaru chuckled hoarsely. Slowly, he swallowed the intelligence scroll into his throat and rasped:

"I understand. After all, it's the duty of a Root shinobi. With my Disguise Technique and the power to provoke a Jinchuriki's rampage, I am indeed the best candidate…"

"As long as you understand."

Danzo's cold voice echoed as he cast one last glance at the secret laboratory before turning slowly to leave.

Inside the research base, countless researchers silently packed up their data and left in succession. In a matter of moments, the underground base was left with only transparent glass cultivation tanks.

As the power was cut, plunging the facility into darkness, a pair of pale golden snake eyes gazed at the cultivation tanks as if admiring works of art.

"Seal off this research base, hmm? But I believe Danzo, your greed for Wood Release will eventually drive you to reopen it…"

Orochimaru's raspy voice echoed as the doors to the base closed, leaving it in complete darkness. The only light came from the faint green glow of the glass cultivation tanks.

The emergency backup power continued to sustain the tanks, but with each failure, another light would extinguish.

...

Inside the Hokage's Office.

"Has Danzo's evil research been shut down?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi, seated at the Hokage's desk, lowered his head as he exhaled a deep puff of smoke. Shaking his head, he muttered:

"Danzo, your experiments using children as test subjects are far too cruel."

A bold red stamp reading "FORBIDDEN" was placed on the scroll, symbolizing the Hokage's decree.

After sealing the scroll, Hiruzen's gaze shifted toward Tsunade's laboratory. His brows furrowed deeply.

"Is Wood Release research truly this difficult? Must human experimentation be the only way to achieve a breakthrough?"

Even Tsunade's research had reached an impasse. The only way forward required human experimentation—clinical trials to validate their work.