"So, how's studying going, pupil of the Clan Head?" Setsuna asked with a smirk.
"Ugh, don't start," Okami rolled his eyes.
"Alright, alright, tell me about the seal."
"Here." Okami tossed the scroll. "It's all in there. But I'll give you the short version. The seal is powerful, but it comes with insane conditions. High control and massive reserves—that's fine, my Sharingan is the special condition that ties the whole seal system together. But that's only half the problem. To achieve the elemental form, I need to temper my body."
"What? Temper your body? How?" Setsuna had never heard of such a thing.
"As he explained with Lightning, which I have, I'll first need to strike my entire body with Raiton. From the inside. That's the first stage, which modifies my body. According to this mad scientist's theory, it'll give me huge advantages—improved muscle efficiency, enhanced regeneration, reduced reaction time, and so on. A comprehensive upgrade. It'll make me faster, more durable, stronger. But I can only undergo this stage by the time I'm twenty, as he explained. I wouldn't survive it now. You should've seen his eyes when he told me all this—pure madness."
"Hmm." Setsuna pondered. "And the second stage?"
"The second stage…" Okami closed his eyes. "Lightning."
"Lightning?"
"Pure natural lightning. It has to strike me three times. At full force, with my reserves completely drained. No protection."
"That ********** has completely lost it in his old age. That'll kill you."
"I thought so too. But he said after the first stage, I'd survive. In theory, of course."
Setsuna let out a weary sigh.
"I won't ask about Fire or Water. I have a feeling I won't like it. But you're not backing down, are you, grandson?"
"Never. Power is the only thing that matters to me right now."
"I see." Setsuna's sadness went unnoticed. "Then we have one option left. Find a test subject."
"A test subject?"
"Of course, I won't let you experiment on yourself."
"Forget about Kotetsu. I won't let you experiment on her."
"Wasn't even thinking about it." Setsuna raised an eyebrow. "You don't think I'm that heartless, do you?"
Okami smiled at the statement. Setsuna coughed awkwardly.
"In reality, we need a shinobi who's close to you by blood. And I only have one option."
"Meaning?"
"Yes, the Uchiha. You might meet your mother or siblings, if you have any."
"Great, let's turn my relatives into lab rats. Perfect."
---
*Third-Person Perspective.*
An explosion echoed deep in the valley where the Kiragiruzu Clan's camp was located. At that moment, an attack was being carried out by three powerful shinobi.
"I think we're done," Kero said, inspecting the bodies covered in burns, feeling no strong emotions. Over years of wars, he had grown accustomed to death.
"Yes, Kero, we're done," Masaki said, tending to her husband's scratches, her eyes fixed on the back of a boy who looked about fourteen. Short black hair and black clothing added a grim air to the world of fire and steam surrounding him. "Okami?"
"Yeah." Okami turned, scanning the battlefield with his three-tomoe Sharingan. "We're heading back. I only used a third of my chakra. These bastards went down too quickly."
Kero and Masaki stayed silent, knowing the young monster craved more blood.
They returned to their camp, located two days' travel away in a small grove, hidden by clan seals.
Kero and Masaki were assigned to Okami, carrying out missions to eliminate enemy clan camps alongside him. The combat trio was balanced and formidable.
At first, Kero couldn't get used to the Sharingan and was constantly on guard. Now, it didn't bother him. Seeing the results, he felt more envy for such an advantage. Watching Okami's rapid progress, Kero believed the Uchiha were one of the great clans. Such power at such a young age—if all Uchiha were like this, it was no wonder they were so influential in their lands.
Three hundred and eleven corpses were personally added to the trio's kill count. They struck suddenly and without warning. A month into the protracted war with the numerous clan, both sides had lost several hundred shinobi combined.
Kero parted from his wife and headed to report to the camp's commander. Okami, without saying goodbye, went to his tent. The Clan Head had sent several commanders to the war against the shark clan—five, to be precise. The one Kero was reporting to was the Clan Head's appointee. Of course, everyone in the clan was subordinate to the Clan Head, but this one was particularly close to him. The others were appointees of the elders and, while loyal to the Clan Head, reported to the elders if it didn't harm the clan.
Asami Uzumaki looked up from his reports and greeted Kero.
"Greetings, Kero. How was the mission?"
"Completed, like every mission this past month." Kero smirked. "The elder's grandson, the Fierce Wolf, lives up to his nickname."
"Excellent, excellent. Your personal opinion?" Asami always asked his subordinates for their personal take, believing it was a mark of a good commander.
"Hard to say." Kero thought for a moment. "For his age, he's too strong. His chakra reserves are terrifying—he's like a tailed beast, even though he's human. We're on the same level, but if we had to fight, I don't think I'd be a match for him. He learns abnormally fast. And his technique copying—it's some kind of natural error."
"Really?" Asami was surprised. "Why, Kero? He's only about ten or eleven, though he looks older. The Uchiha are known for their wars, but at that age, they're usually just coming into their strength."
"Don't look at his age, Asami-san. He's a little monster. His reserves are larger than mine, even though he's a half-breed and I'm pureblood. But that's not his strongest trait."
"Then what is?"
"His speed."
"Speed?"
"Yes, he's incredibly fast. Seals, movement, ninjutsu—it's all at speeds I sometimes can't keep up with. He's like lightning. His abnormal learning speed is his strength. It's like he copies everything he sees and turns it to his advantage. He beats me in five out of ten spars."
"Hmm." Asami mused thoughtfully. "You haven't mentioned this before. Alright, I understand. Write a report for the Clan Head in the standard format and deliver it to me. You're free for now."
"Understood."
Kero bowed and left, while Asami remained deep in thought. He hadn't been placed in this camp by chance—he was tasked with monitoring the young prodigy by the Clan Head's personal order. He knew the boy was Setsuna's grandson and had protected the young princess. But what Kero reported after each mission made him question reality. For his age, he was an anomaly. Usually, half-breeds were weaker than pure clan children. But something was different this time. Kero also noted that the boy was fast—very fast. Only a month had passed since Okami joined the war, and his contributions were already comparable to the clan's strongest warriors.
Elsewhere, Masaki, Kero's wife, was writing a report to her own superior, Elder Setsuna. Yes, that's right—the couple was together, but they reported separately, each to their own authority. Masaki didn't share this detail with her husband. Everyone had their secrets. In her report to the elder, she wrote:
"Setsuna-san, your grandson is incredible. Last week's report didn't capture even a fraction of what I'm feeling. Okami, under my husband's command, has unleashed his potential. Your taijutsu style suits your grandson perfectly, but I've noticed that while you focused on strength, your grandson relies more on speed. His seal formation and speed are exceptionally high—twice as fast as me. I can't even track his movements when he dives into the thick of enemies. But I must note that he struggles to control his emotions. You know I can sense emotions—your grandson is filled with rage and grief. Something is eating at him. I've tried to get through to him, but I can't. I'm monitoring his health and chakra system as you ordered. Everything is fine, no adjustments needed. Oh, Setsuna-san, how quickly your grandson has grown—I still remember him as a baby. In a month, we'll break camp and return to the clan. Wishing you well. Third."
---
Entering my tent, I removed my gear and quickly rinsed off in a barrel, filling it with water and heating it with chakra.
"Bliss."
Closing my eyes, my body relaxed, and I let go of the knot of emotions that had built up during the fight.
Akihiko was closer to me than I realized. Seeing her dead body, I was in shock. That's when my worldview shifted, and I realized I'd been fooling myself. These damn ten years in this world felt like an illusion. As if, on my deathbed when I was dying, I'd conjured up this whole thing and lived in a made-up world. A beautiful world without the usual problems, debts, politicians, and rules.
The old man's training was tough, no doubt, but I didn't struggle because he supported me. I understood why I was doing it, but I didn't grasp what it was for. It felt like I'd train for a few decades, wander around, cut down some weaklings, and become the strongest.
But the world turned out to be more complex than I thought. I still couldn't beat the old man, and Kotetsu remained like background noise to me. I didn't think about what she was thinking, her worries, or anything like that. It was all a game to me. Not reality.
Living under the old man's wing, I'd grown dumber. Missions lasting a week at most had turned me into an overconfident idiot. The fight when I protected Mito proved I was strong. But seeing her body…
My Sharingan gleamed in my eyes.
I realized how weak I was. If some shark bastards could kill Akihiko, and I could do absolutely nothing about it, who's to say the old man, Kotetsu, or even Mito couldn't die? From some random passing Biju, for instance.
Asking to be sent to the frontlines, I pursued multiple goals.
Stepping out from under the wing of a strong mentor, I faced real challenges for the first time. And the enemies were far from weak. This month, I'd already been to the infirmary five times, once losing the wrist of my left hand. Some jerk cut it off, though he died from electrocution in the process.
My growth was rapid. The Uchiha Clan—may their genes be praised forever—were shinobi who thrived in war. What took me months to learn, I mastered in days on the battlefield. Clones, which I couldn't conquer before, were now a simple technique. And the enemy's water ninjutsu masters became encyclopedias of techniques for me.
Killing became an outlet, fueled by rage. I knew the Sharingan, now with its third tomoe, was guiding me. But for now, I needed that rage. It was the only way I could avenge Akihiko. The poor girl who died just because some head shark bastard wanted to mess with my clan.
Now, I'd kill as many as I could, as many as my strength allowed. And the Sharingan would help me.
---
"Twenty. Strong," Kero signaled silently, reporting what he'd seen during reconnaissance for the new mission assigned by the commander. "Two. Very strong. The rest. Weaker."
"Attack?" Masaki asked.
Kero looked into my confident eyes and said:
"Yes. Three sides. Attack. 10 seconds. Okami. Ninjutsu."
Understanding what he wanted, I headed to the side he indicated. Counting down ten seconds, I summoned a clone.
The puddle, which moments ago was just water, transformed into me. Without a word, my clone began forming seals.
"Water Release: Water Wave Technique."
"Lightning Release: Chain Lightning Technique."
A massive wave poured from the clone's mouth, surging toward the enemies. Waiting three seconds for the wave to reach their position, I struck the water with lightning. Simple physics. An explosion roared from the sheer amount of chakra I'd poured into the lightning technique. The water receded, leaving bodies behind.
My active Sharingan scanned the surroundings. All was quiet. Seven of the twenty survived. Moving swiftly, Kero and Masaki approached the unconscious bodies and slit their throats. That's what a surprise attack looks like.
"Well done, Okami. Great work."
"Thanks, Captain."
This was the third group we'd wiped out that day.
"I think it's time to head back to camp. We're moving out soon, and I'd like to rest," Masaki said, sounding like she wanted to clean up, judging by her tone.
"Alright. Let's move. I'm in front, Okami in the rear, Masaki in the center."
Leaving the bodies, we ran toward the camp. The Kiragiruzu's kekkei genkai didn't interest me, so I didn't collect the bodies. I considered such mutations a result of faulty gene chains. Perhaps that's why this entire clan was so bloodthirsty. But it doesn't change the stupidity of the fish clan's head who attacked the Uzumaki.
"Heh-heh."
I let out a chuckle. Kero and Masaki gave me odd looks but said nothing.
Looks like I'm really becoming a clan patriot. The old man's speeches did spark a sense of kinship with these red-haired folks. I'll ensure the clan's victory—that's certain. What comes next, time will tell.
Moving for an hour, we were already far from the attack site. But sensing chakra and occasionally activating my Sharingan, I noticed we were being followed.
"Kero!"
"I see. We stop and prepare."
Five, judging by their chakra. One stood out among them. A terrifying volume—I'd only seen such reserves in the Clan Head and the old man. This'll be a tough fight. Seal.
The clones that appeared quickly vanished as I applied chakra-hiding seals to them. A contingency for when the time comes. Kero and Masaki were also preparing, scattering fuins across the future battlefield.
We had one minute until the fight.
"If I'm wounded, retreat immediately." Kero, seeing Masaki about to protest, cut her off. "No arguments. Very strong enemies are approaching. If I'm wounded, they'll definitely kill you. Masaki, you handle long-range. Okami, you're with me, but separate."
"Got it."
I'm definitely not running today.
---
*Third-Person Perspective.*
When the enemies emerged from the tree canopy, Kero felt tension. He couldn't fail to recognize the head of the enemy clan. Everyone was supposed to know what their main adversary looked like. Except Okami, of course—he hadn't seen the Kiragiruzu Clan Head's appearance. To him, they all looked the same. But another face caught his attention.
"Hyuga, you weren't lying when you said we'd find the dogs killing my people," the Kiragiruzu Clan Head drawled lazily.
"Yes, nothing escapes me, as you've seen," Yoshi Hyuga said, not hiding his satisfaction.
"Yeah, yeah, great eyes and all that nonsense," the Hyuga was offended by the words but didn't say a word. Power was on the side of Kemeko Kiragiruzu, the Clan Head.
"What's a Hyuga doing with the Kiragiruzu? Do you want war with the Uzumaki Clan?" Kero wasn't throwing empty words. Usually, in clan wars, third parties didn't interfere. If the Hyuga were involved and helping them, the Uzumaki could officially call on their brother clan, the Senju—one of the continent's strongest—who, alongside the Uzumaki, would raze all enemies to the ground. That's how it had been for centuries of clan cooperation.
"Oh, such innocence. Even this kid isn't as innocent as you, buddy," Kemeko genuinely enjoyed the situation. "You've been weaklings for centuries, Uzumaki, if you didn't know. You may be needed by everyone, but that doesn't change the fact that your clan has become a laughingstock in others' eyes."
"What nonsense are you spouting, shark spawn?" Kero burned with rage at those words. Masaki and Okami silently observed, waiting for the conversation to end. Everyone knew where this was headed.
"Oh, you didn't know?" Kemeko smirked. "You think the Hyuga are helping us as mercenaries? No, it's not that simple. You're so weak that they lent us five of their sensors to help us wipe you out. Hahaha. You're so weak that the Hyuga just sent their trackers, not fighters." He laughed like a madman. "And you know what's the funniest part? Your blood brothers, the Senju, won't help you when we're cutting you down. They've got their own problems. A new wave of active war between the Senju and Uchiha has started, if you didn't know. So your strong, fearsome, terrifying brothers are busy for now. No one will stop us."
Kero stayed silent, knowing it was true—the Senju wouldn't help if it came to it, as their own lives were more important, and fighting on two fronts was impossible. But he didn't know an active war had begun between the great clans. It seemed the Kiragiruzu Clan Head wasn't so foolish as to attack when the Senju could aid the Uzumaki.
"Enough talk. The dead get their last words, and now it's time to die."
"Water Release: Great Water Arena!"
Kemeko, quickly forming a single seal that no one could decipher, activated the technique. They hadn't noticed that his chakra had been flowing somewhere all this time. That was the technique's specialty—long but subtle preparation.
Water surged from all directions, appearing out of nowhere, forming walls, a floor, and a ceiling that encased all the combatants and divided them into sections. Masaki faced two Kiragiruzu clansmen wielding monstrous swords. Kero faced the Hyuga and another Kiragiruzu member who looked harmless, carrying no visible weapons.
But for some reason, the Clan Head chose Okami as his opponent.
Kero, seeing the result of the instantaneous technique, began attacking the surroundings with ninjutsu. The floor, walls, and ceiling—all were targeted, but it yielded no results. The techniques either did no damage or were like peas against a wall. Everything regenerated quickly.
His shark-clan opponent, seeing Kero's efforts, smirked and said:
"No need to bother. As long as the Clan Head is alive, these walls won't break."
Meanwhile, Okami, left one-on-one with the Clan Head, felt a slight tremor. Not from panic, but from the battle about to unfold. This was the first truly strong opponent in his life. There was no room for fear, only excitement. And the chance to take the head of the enemy responsible for Akihiko's death.
"Surprised, kid, that I stayed to face you?" A shark-like grin spread across the massive man's face. "I've been told about you. A half-breed of great clans. You and those eyes could fetch a high price from the main Uchiha family—they're still looking for those who dishonored their princess. You're quite the prize."
Not giving Okami time to process the last words, he attacked with a water jet that pierced through the walls, which quickly repaired the hole from the attack.
"You're fast," Kemeko said, looking into the spinning Sharingan eyes. "And quiet. I don't like that. You should be screaming!"
---