NOVEL WEB Chapter 1: ch1
Konoha, Year 38.
In Konoha Village, the most iconic sight is the Hokage Rock, bearing the carved faces of the First, Second, and Third Hokage, watching over the village like silent guardians. A gust of wind stirs up the fallen leaves, swirling them across the ground.
Below, the Hokage Building stands proudly. But today is different. It's the day of enrollment at the Konoha Ninja Academy. Like many others, the protagonist, Ethan Uchiha, is also starting his journey. This year, he's five years old. It's also his fifth year since transmigrating into this world, and he's filled with a sense of melancholy. Why? Because he's been reborn into the Uchiha clan. And that brings its own set of problems.
The most terrifying thought haunting him is the impending night of the Uchiha clan's extermination, which sends shivers down his spine. The genocide is set to occur around the 54th year of Konoha—when he will be 21 years old. It looms over him like an unavoidable shadow. It's not just about surviving long enough to reach that age as a ninja. Even if he lives to 21, how can he escape the inevitable? He can't simply hide away in the forest and avoid his fate, especially as the grandson of the Uchiha clan's elder. Running away isn't an option. Nor is taking the drastic measure of preventing Itachi Uchiha's birth. All he can do is face it head-on.
As for any standard transmigration perks like a system or cheat abilities? There's been no sign of them. At this point, he's resigned to his fate. Maybe it's because his parents aren't dead like in many transmigration stories. He does have both of them, and they love him dearly.
"Okay, Mom and Dad, I can go in by myself."
At the gate of the ninja school, Ethan Uchiha firmly pulls his hand away from his parents', speaking with a maturity far beyond his five years.
"Are you sure you don't need us to come with you?" His mother, Sarah Uchiha, asks with concern.
"Not at all." Ethan takes a deep breath and answers decisively. Though his body is five years old, his soul—combined with the five years he's spent in this world—makes him feel 25. The thought of his parents walking him to school? Absolutely not. He's confident he can handle it.
"Alright, then. Good luck!" Sarah encourages him with a smile.
"That's my boy! Just like me," his father, Michael Uchiha, nods proudly.
Ethan's mouth twitches slightly at the remark. His dad is as narcissistic as ever.
"I'm heading in."
Without looking back, he walks through the academy's gate. Finally, under the watchful and concerned gazes of his parents, he disappears around the corner.
...
It doesn't take long for Ethan Uchiha to find his class. First Grade. As new students file in, many parents leave their children at the door, trusting the school to take care of them. Ethan glances around at his classmates. Familiar faces like Kurenai Yūhi, Rin Nohara, Obito Uchiha, and Asuma Sarutobi are present. Many of these will become some of Konoha's most formidable Jōnin, but he notices that Kakashi Hatake and Might Guy are missing. Right. Kakashi and Guy are a year younger than this group. Since students typically start the academy at five, they wouldn't enroll until next year.
Choosing a seat in the back by the window, Ethan sits down. After all, the back row by the window is prime real estate for any protagonist. Resting his elbows on the desk and his chin in his hand, he gazes out the window, lost in thought.
Until...
"Hello, I'm Kurenai Yūhi. Nice to meet you!" a voice says next to him.
His seatmate is none other than Kurenai, the future leader of Team 8. Despite her mastery of genjutsu, Itachi Uchiha will make quick work of her in the future.
"Hello, Ethan Uchiha," he replies flatly. He doesn't bother with any enthusiasm. After all, he's not interested in these little kids, no matter how cute they may seem. He turns his attention back to the view outside the window.
Little does he know that Asuma Sarutobi, sitting a few rows ahead, has noticed the interaction and is fuming. At the school gate earlier, Asuma had taken a liking to Kurenai the moment he saw her. Now, seeing her sit beside Ethan Uchiha, talking to him, Asuma's jealousy ignites. How could Ethan Uchiha be so indifferent? Doesn't he see the girl beside him? Asuma glares, silently vowing to teach Ethan a lesson later. Meanwhile, Ethan remains blissfully unaware that he's already made an enemy, just by being indifferent to Kurenai.
When the teacher enters, Ethan Uchiha refocuses his attention. The teacher stands in front of the blackboard, introducing himself as the homeroom teacher for the next few years.
"My name is Seikou Kamikawa. You can call me Teacher Seikou."
After finishing his introduction, Teacher Seikou instructs the students to introduce themselves one by one. It's the classic first-day ritual of any school.
"My name is Yuto Fury. My hobby is... and my dream is..." one student says.
"My name is Obito Uchiha. My hobby is... my dream is..." another follows.
"My name is Asuma Sarutobi. My hobby is... my dream is..." Asuma introduces himself as well.
Most of the students, including those who will become future powerhouses, follow the same routine: aiming for Hokage and similar lofty goals.
Finally, it's Ethan Uchiha's turn.
"Man, what a hassle. Should I keep it simple like everyone else, or should I show off a little? Tough call," Ethan muses to himself before making a decision.
"My name is Ethan Uchiha. My hobby is becoming stronger. My favorite thing is crushing anyone stronger than me. My dream? To conquer the strongest ninja in the world and make them sing of my victory."
"Right now, though, I have a smaller goal—to beat down every single student in this school and become the strongest here."
His words leave the class stunned. So arrogant. He's treating the entire class like his personal stepping stones. The room fills with angry stares. Is the Uchiha clan really this arrogant? They can't believe his audacity.
Just then, a voice echoes in Ethan's mind.
"Ding! Host has successfully triggered the system—the Ultimate Overlord System is activated!"
"Ding! Host has successfully flaunted. Points +99!"