Chapter 4: Chapter 4
After parting ways with Might Guy, Uchiha Chiba began his walk home.
As he walked, he recalled the exhilarating sensation of opening the Eight Gates. The sudden surge of power was unforgettable, and the memory lingered vividly in his mind.
A question surfaced in his thoughts: why was there such a vast difference in strength between two people who opened the Eight Gates?
Might Guy, who opened the Death Gate, had once fought against the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Hidden Mist. His sheer strength allowed him to single-handedly defeat them, leaving them utterly broken. This earned him an unforgettable reputation—Biwa Juzo, one of the survivors, would ask every Konoha ninja he met, "Do you know Might Guy?" The encounter had clearly scarred him.
But compared to facing Six Paths Madara, the Seven Ninja Swordsmen were on a completely different level.
Chiba reasoned that the disparity lay in the foundation. From childhood, Might Guy had built an extraordinarily strong physique. This preparation allowed him to unleash the full potential of the Eight Gates when the Death Gate was opened, elevating him to a level few could reach.
When Chiba returned to the Uchiha compound, he was greeted by a familiar voice.
"Hey, you're back, Chiba. You're later than usual today. Did something happen?"
Startled out of his thoughts, Chiba looked up and saw one of the clan guards, Uchiha Tsuchino.
"Ah, Brother Tsuchino. It just took longer to practice new ninjutsu today," Chiba replied casually.
"You're really dedicated, Chiba. As expected of a true Uchiha genius," Tsuchino said, smiling and giving him a thumbs up.
Chiba didn't feel embarrassed at the compliment; it was simply the truth. His achievements were largely thanks to the system that had accompanied him after his arrival in this world.
"Well, it's getting late. I'll head home now," Chiba said, offering a brief farewell.
"Alright, take care."
Reaching his home, Chiba noticed the house lights were still on. He sighed, knowing his mother was likely waiting for him.
As he stepped inside, he saw Uchiha Genka asleep at the table. Swallowing the greeting that came to mind, he carefully picked her up and carried her to her room. She didn't wake as he gently placed her on the tatami and covered her with a blanket.
Chiba showered, then sat on his bed to refine his chakra. His nightly practice was essential, though he refrained from doing it during the day to avoid worrying Genka or appearing weak.
As the energy flowed through him, his body absorbed it, each cell brimming with vitality. After an hour, he had to stop, his physical strength depleted. Despite the exhaustion, he felt satisfaction at his progress.
The next morning, as Chiba devoured his breakfast, Genka watched him with a mix of confusion and curiosity.
"Is this child really an Uchiha and not an Akimichi?" she wondered silently.
Noticing her gaze, Chiba looked up. "Mom, aren't you eating?"
"I'm full. You eat," she replied with a smile.
Chiba, without thinking much of it, continued his meal.
After breakfast, he headed to the gate, where he spotted Uchiha Mikoto crouched, counting ants on the ground.
"Good morning, Sister Mikoto."
"Chiba, can't you leave earlier? I always have to wait for you," Mikoto complained, annoyed.
Chiba shrugged. "It's fine as long as we're not late."
"Hmph." Mikoto turned and walked ahead, with Chiba following quietly behind.
At school, Chiba greeted his friends.
"Good morning, Shikaku. Still as sleepy as ever," he teased.
"Good morning, Chiba," Shikaku muttered, barely lifting his head.
"Chiba, want some potato chips?" Akimichi Choza offered cheerfully.
"Are you really offering, Choza?" Chiba asked, recalling an old memory.
Years ago, on their first day of school, Choza had tried sharing snacks to make friends. Many declined, but Chiba had accepted, eating an entire bag of potato chips in moments. It marked the beginning of their friendship.
In the present, Choza hesitated but eventually offered, "I'll share half, but that's it."
"How about this?" Chiba proposed. "You share your chips today, and tomorrow I'll treat you to grilled fish."
"Really? Grilled fish?" Choza's eyes lit up.
"Of course," Chiba replied.
Nawaki overheard and jumped into the conversation. "Grilled fish? Chiba, you're making grilled fish?"
Annoyed by the sudden attention, Chiba sighed. "Fine, tomorrow at my house. Choza, Shikaku, Inoichi, Shibi—you're all invited."
"And me?" Nawaki asked eagerly.
"Yes, you too," Chiba replied begrudgingly.
Before Nawaki could celebrate, the teacher called for order, and the class began.