Uchiha Kei: Game Dev in the Shinobi World

Unlike the other three, who were still reeling in awe and shock, Might Guy stared down at his own hands. Even though he had returned to normal, he couldn't forget that feeling.

It wasn't just about being "powered up." It felt like he had broken through into a completely incomprehensible new realm of strength.

But even in that state, Guy's whole body had burned with pain. He felt as if he were literally on fire—and he could clearly sense his life slipping away.

That brilliance born from the price of life intoxicated the young Guy. It felt like an addiction. He wanted to do it again—right away. Even knowing it would burn his life away. Even if it hurt, he wanted that transcendent sensation.

Then, all at once, his father's serious expression flashed through his mind. The words he'd spoken during Eight Gates training echoed:

"Guy, you must learn self-restraint. Only with self-restraint can you truly master this forbidden jutsu!"

In that moment, Guy snapped back to himself. He realized he'd nearly lost control—almost seduced by raw power. Now he finally understood why his father had emphasized restraint so much.

If he couldn't control himself, this jutsu would kill him—and might even hurt those around him.

He took a deep breath and forced down his surging emotions. A moment later, he erupted again—this time with that boundless, youthful passion.

"I've decided! From today on—double the training! I'll chase after the me from this game world! One day, I'll shine just as brightly in reality with the power of the Eight Gates!"

His passion burned brighter than ever. Though he'd returned to his real body, in the eyes of the others, he still seemed to be radiating that same blue flame.

Why blue?

Because that was the color of the Guy who had obliterated them.

The three boys were filled with awe—and excitement. Guy's Eight Gates might have been terrifying, but he was on their side. A strong and reliable comrade like him was invaluable.

For ninja, whose jobs carried immense danger and high mortality, such a person was someone you could trust to watch your back.

To Obito and Kakashi, Guy was more than a comrade—he was a bro. Kakashi, ever the cool one, didn't say it. But Obito recovered quickly and congratulated Guy with a big grin, joking that compared to power like this, even his dream of the three-tomoe Sharingan didn't amount to much.

Afterward, Uchiha Kei let the four fight a few more rounds in Free Mode—this time, limiting Guy to only Four Gates.

After all, in a fighting game, the Eight Gates were essentially a broken ability. For the sake of balance, they had to be banned.

But only in competitive play. Don't forget, this game was also meant for professional training. That's what unrestricted Free Mode was for—to let players fight as they truly were. No weapon limits. A true simulation of real combat.

This mode was available only to Hidden Leaf shinobi for now. Whether to offer it as a diplomatic bargaining chip would be for Tsunade and the others to decide. Kei's job was just to keep creating new cards for their side to play.

Once even unrestricted Free Mode had been tested, the four boys' mission as testers was complete.

Kei logged them out. The four returned to reality, still buzzing with excitement and chattering away—just like kids at an arcade or internet café, laughing about the games they'd just played.

Kei then dismissed them.

Of course, they were paid—but had to collect it from the Hokage Building. The mission counted as a B-rank, complete with official credit. A record boost.

No one was more stunned—and thrilled—than Uchiha Shisui. He was just a ninja academy student, and suddenly he had a B-rank mission on his record. Unbelievable.

This planted a new goal in his young heart. He had to live up to Kei-dono's guidance and care. He had to graduate early—so he could serve at Kei-dono's side.

Yes. After today, Uchiha Shisui had become a total, unquestioning believer in Uchiha Kei. His admiration was even deeper than most in the clan.

To use a classic phrase—Shisui's loyalty could practically be broadcast in the global chat. Just like how he had once unconditionally trusted Lord Third in canon.

Kei watched the four boys leave with a smile, then turned to Uchiha Naori beside him.

"Shisui's really something. Once he graduates, bring him to me. I want to take him on as my disciple."

Naori froze, eyes wide in shock. The air stirred—several Uchiha guards hidden nearby had also clearly heard Kei's words.

Well, Kei didn't hide it. And his status in the clan was now so high, anything he said carried weight.

These guards had seen Kei's actions and influence up close. To them, Kei was a god to the Uchiha—just like Madara once was.

But unlike Madara, who led the Uchiha to ruin, Kei was leading them to glory. Pride, confidence, recognition—everything the Uchiha cared about, Kei delivered.

In their eyes, Kei wasn't just legendary.

He was greater than Madara.

For someone like that to accept a child as his student—that was like a ten-magnitude earthquake.

Most of the guards were instantly jealous of Shisui. None of them had the qualifications to be Kei's disciple.

Naori snapped out of it and nodded. "Shisui really is a prodigy. And he has the right temperament. He'll make a fine student."

Kei smiled. "Glad you agree, Naori-san. Actually, there's something else… but keep it to yourself. I don't want Shisui feeling pressured."

He paused, then added:

"That kid has the potential for the Mangekyō Sharingan. Just like you. In fact, his talent is on par with Obito's—he might awaken it in his teens."

Naori's eyes widened again. The hidden guards' chakra fluctuated once more.

Their envy deepened.

Right now, there weren't many in the clan Kei had declared capable of awakening the Mangekyō. And they were all adults. Naori, at twenty, was the youngest—and nearly there.

Besides her, only Obito had been evaluated as someone who might awaken it early.

Now there was another.

The older Uchiha were starting to feel like they'd lived in vain.

Of course, this was all internal. As elite guards, they'd never let emotion interfere with duty. These secrets would remain sealed—until Kei said otherwise.

Even the Uchiha elders wouldn't hear a word. The guard force, as established by the clan's upper ranks, existed solely for Kei. Not the family.

Even if the clan clashed with Kei, the guards' loyalty was absolute.

Thus, the secret remained just that.

Just like how Kei had once evaluated Obito, but most only knew Obito had a 2+3 tomoe Sharingan. They could only guess about his future.

Kei's comment about making Shisui his student was just a preview. It would wait until Shisui graduated.

Given his talent, that would likely happen by next spring.

Later, Kei handled a few other matters, continued polishing the fighting game, and when evening came, he headed straight to the Akimichi clan's BBQ restaurant.

When he arrived, a server greeted him warmly and told him Jiraiya-sama had already been waiting.

Kei raised a brow. "That guy's here already? Guess he figured out what I want from him. Tsk… I knew he wouldn't be able to resist."

He followed the server to a private booth—and found Jiraiya already seated, drinking alone with a faint blush on his cheeks.

Jiraiya's eyes lit up when Kei walked in. His slight tipsiness vanished in an instant.

"Kei-kun! Finally! Took you long enough. Come, sit, sit! Waiter! Food—now!"

Jiraiya was more excited than the host. He dragged Kei to the table like an old friend.

Honestly, Kei was a bit stunned. The way Jiraiya talked didn't feel very "Naruto-verse." It gave him a weird flashback to Earth.

But it was just an illusion. Jiraiya hadn't been replaced by some transmigrator from China. He was just thick-skinned—and his curiosity had clearly run wild. He wanted to get close to Kei and learn his secrets.

Kei didn't mind. He activated his social skills: flattery, humble apologies for being late, and even downed three shots of sake as self-punishment.

Gulp, gulp, gulp.

That alone stunned Jiraiya—then made him even more enthusiastic.

The vibe? Absolutely maxed out.

They grilled meat, drank, and talked like old friends. Laughter rang out. You'd never guess they were a generation apart.

For both men, it was a deeply emotional moment.

Jiraiya had never met someone who could match his drinking pace and conversation flow. Especially not an Uchiha.

As for Kei, he kept getting déjà vu. If Jiraiya had been born on Earth, he'd have made a hell of a salesman—bold, sociable, and unembarrassed by anything.

After an hour, they finally slowed down, the mood settling.

Now, it was time for real talk.

They both dismissed the waiter and activated a soundproof barrier.

Kei: "Jiraiya-nii, since we click so well, I'll skip the fluff. I'm sure you've guessed what I want you to make."

"That's right. The game you're thinking of is exactly what I want you to create. This market's untapped—a red ocean. It's waiting for us to cultivate."

"I'm the founder and promoter of genjutsu games. As a representative of the Uchiha, there are things I can't do."

"But you, Jiraiya-nii… you're free. You don't carry those burdens. You can act without reproach."

"And you have the creative talent for this. With genjutsu game tech, I believe you can create a genre-defining, world-shaking game that revolutionizes the current entertainment landscape."

"So—will you join me? Let's build a new era together."

Kei extended his hand.

Jiraiya, already swept up by Kei's vision, trembled with excitement. A tear slipped from the corner of his mouth.

He wiped it away, gripped Kei's hand, and said solemnly:

"Yes, Kei-kun. Let's create a legacy—together!"

And thus, the duo fans would later call the "Cyber-Ecchi Founding Fathers" was born.

Although officially, only Jiraiya would ever be credited. Kei, the true creator of genjutsu games, never acknowledged it publicly.

The truth remained a mystery.