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Chapter 9 - CHAPTER 9

Since Ye Han had spoken, he was granted permission to spar with Uchiha Fugaku's son in order to improve his strength. Fugaku gave the order in a firm tone that allowed no refusal.

"Yes, Father," Uchiha Yuji responded respectfully. When Fugaku spoke like this, it was clear his decision was final.

"Come to the backyard," Fugaku said, turning and walking ahead. Ye Han and Yuji followed at a steady pace.

The backyard of the Uchiha compound was spacious, resembling a small training field. Tall trees lined the perimeter, and in the center was an open clearing where Yuji and Ye Han now faced each other. Fugaku stood between them at first, then stepped aside. "Begin."

"Yes!" both boys responded loudly, taking their stances and locking eyes.

This was Ye Han's first real battle since arriving in this world. He hadn't been here long, but had bought and studied many books on ninjutsu from the village's shinobi stores. While his practical experience was limited, he had a decent foundation. Even so, his heart raced, and his palms sweated slightly.

Ye Han watched Yuji carefully. Every small movement might reveal his intentions, allowing Ye Han to counter.

For a moment, neither moved. Fugaku nodded slightly, observing that Ye Han was calm and focused.

Finally, Yuji made the first move. His hands blurred into seals, and two shuriken flew out from either side in a curved arc, far more skillfully thrown than the typical Academy student's.

Ye Han didn't block head-on or retreat. Instead, he drew a kunai and charged Yuji directly. Yuji quickly mirrored the move, pulling out a kunai of his own.

Clang! Their weapons met with a flash of sparks. Yuji began pressing the attack, his superior taijutsu skill gradually putting Ye Han on the defensive. Ye Han felt it — the gap in their combat experience was clear.

At last, a small misstep exposed Ye Han's flank. Yuji seized the chance and delivered a clean kick, knocking Ye Han back and creating some distance between them.

Ye Han wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth and smiled. "As expected… I'm not your match yet."

Yuji hesitated. "Ye Han, let's stop here. I've had my father's training — this isn't a fair fight."

Ye Han shook his head. "In battle, fairness doesn't matter. Only strength does."

Fugaku's eyes gleamed with approval. For someone so young, Ye Han already understood this principle well. A raw gem like him, once polished, would surely become formidable.

"But…" Yuji tried again, concerned for his friend.

Ye Han cut him off with a grin. "You've helped me a lot already. Every battle improves my strength. It's better to grow stronger here than to regret it on the battlefield. And besides—don't think I've lost yet."

Without waiting for a reply, Ye Han drew two shuriken and hurled them at Yuji with better form than before. He followed with another kunai in hand, charging in.

Yuji deflected the shuriken, then prepared to counter Ye Han's attack. But just as their weapons were about to meet again, Ye Han's eyes shifted — blood-red Sharingan awakened, with a single tomoe spinning in each eye.

Suddenly, Yuji's movements became clear to Ye Han, as if they played out in slow motion. This was the power of the Sharingan: predictive insight.

Ye Han adjusted his angle mid-strike, evading Yuji's counter and seizing his wrist, kunai poised at his opponent's throat. The sudden reversal stunned Yuji.

Fugaku's eyes widened in shock. No ordinary child could move like that — it was the power of the Sharingan. Though Yuji and Ye Han seemed evenly matched moments ago, this decisive moment proved otherwise.

Ding! You have completed the task: Defeat Yuji. Reward: 10 Ninja Points!

Ye Han withdrew his kunai, breathing heavily. "Sorry, Yuji. I won through underhanded means."

Yuji caught his breath and shook his head. "No… That's your strength, Ye Han. Your eyes…" His voice trailed off in awe, recognizing the legendary Uchiha dojutsu.

"This happened just a few days ago," Ye Han explained quietly.

Fugaku stepped forward, his expression unreadable. So young… he thought. To awaken the Sharingan at this age... Not since Madara-sama have I heard of such talent.

"Ye Han, Yuji — come inside," Fugaku ordered.

They entered the house and sat as instructed. Fugaku addressed Ye Han. "Since you have awakened the Sharingan, it is my duty as clan head to explain its significance."

"Yes, thank you, Father," Yuji added, eager to learn.

"In this world, there are many kekkei genkai — bloodline limits passed down through clans. These abilities grant power beyond that of ordinary shinobi. Our Uchiha clan's bloodline limit is the Sharingan — one of the Three Great Dojutsu, alongside the Byakugan of the Hyuga and the legendary Rinnegan."

Fugaku continued, "The Sharingan first manifests with one tomoe, then two, then three as it matures. Its abilities include heightened perception, the ability to read and predict movements, and eventually, to cast powerful genjutsu and copy ninjutsu and taijutsu."

Ye Han nodded. "I saw Yuji's movements before they happened. That's how I turned the tables."

"Exactly," Fugaku said. "In time, with two or three tomoe, your abilities will deepen further. You will see chakra, cast illusions, and copy techniques."

He opened a drawer and took out a scroll, handing it to Ye Han. "This contains notes from clan members on progressing the Sharingan and basic Fire Style techniques. It will help you refine your abilities."

Ye Han accepted it, though he hesitated. "Clan head, this is too valuable…"

"Take it. And consider living here in the Uchiha compound. With proper guidance, your talent will bloom, and you will become one of our clan's great strengths."

Ye Han smiled politely but declined. "Thank you, but I wish to build my foundation steadily. I have much to learn before I can think of power."

Fugaku nodded, satisfied with his humility. He understands his limits. Good. That mindset will take him far.

Just then, Yuji's mother called from the kitchen. "Dinner is ready! Come eat!"

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