Holy Willie Of Konoha

Uchiha Tunan entered his bedroom, took a leather-bound diary from the drawer, and carefully opened it. He picked up a pen and began to write;

July 1st

Today, the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, visited the Academy to lecture us on the Will of Fire.

At first, I didn't fully understand its meaning. But as Lord Third explained in detail, I gradually grasped its essence.

I have summarized my thoughts as follows… (Three thousand words omitted.)

On another note, my parents left a message this morning. They've been deployed to the battlefield.

I pray for their safety.

After finishing his entry, Uchiha Tunan closed the notebook and placed it conspicuously on his desk. This will be useful in the future.

He stared at the flickering candlelight, his expression unreadable.

I wonder if the parents of this body will meet their end on the battlefield without issue...

I should plan accordingly, though there is some risk involved.

---

The next day, Uchiha Tunan walked into the largest bookstore in Konoha, his small wallet clutched tightly in his hand.

The store owner, an elderly man with thin-rimmed glasses, glanced up from his counter and smiled.

"Ah, little Uchiha! Welcome. What brings you here today?"

"Hello. I want to buy books about ninjas—everything you have."

The bookstore owner raised an eyebrow. "You've already entered the Academy, haven't you? I'm afraid we don't carry books on ninjutsu. However, we have plenty of shinobi journals and assassination manuals... though they may not be suitable for someone your age."

"As long as it's related to ninjas, I want it," Tunan said calmly.

The old man stroked his chin, his interest piqued. "Buying them all, are you? Just know in advance, no returns."

Seeing no reason to refuse a paying customer, the owner began piling books into a bag—his conscience conveniently set aside in favor of profit.

"By the way, we also have plenty of storybooks. Interested?"

"Do you have anything about the Hokage?" Tunan asked.

"Hmm… Yes! This one covers the First Hokage, Hashirama Senju. This is about the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju. And here's a biography on the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi. Oh, and this—The Will of Fire, personally signed by Lord Third. Would you like a copy?"

"I'll take them all."

---

Not long after, Uchiha Tunan left the bookstore, a large bag of books slung over his back.

The bookstore owner chuckled as he waved him off. "Thank you for your business! With that enthusiasm, you'll surely become a great ninja one day."

He counted his earnings, grinning. What a profitable day…

At home, Uchiha Tunan carefully sorted the books.

He placed The Will of Fire on his desk, several biographies of past Hokage beside his bed, and a book on ninja tactics within easy reach. The rest he stored neatly in the cabinet.

Sitting at his desk, he flipped open a book titled Trap Layout Manual and began reading intently.

In this dangerous world of shinobi, the first lesson is survival.

Konoha is relatively safe for now, but vigilance is never wasted.

The first priority is choosing the right side. A single misstep in allegiance, and you might go to sleep one night only to never wake up again.

Aligning with Hiruzen Sarutobi is the safest path—his political influence is unshakable.

To prove my loyalty, I must employ every method at my disposal—demonstrating devotion, silencing doubts, and making myself indispensable.

Another crucial realization: Shinobi are akin to assassins—high offense, low defense.

No matter how powerful one's jutsu is, a kunai to the throat ends everything.

Therefore, mastering deception, strategy, and ambush tactics is essential. Even if I never need them, being prepared is invaluable.

---

As a child whose parents were away at war, Uchiha Tunan often received visits from Uchiha clan elders checking in on him.

Whenever they entered his room, their eyes would immediately fall upon The Will of Fire displayed prominently on his desk.

Some merely scoffed and left.

Others, unable to suppress their irritation, gave stern lectures.

One elder, his voice filled with disapproval, warned, "Tunan, you must remember—you are an Uchiha. Our clan comes first."

Yet, no matter how much they scolded him, Tunan's gaze remained steadfast.

"You are not allowed to insult Lord Hokage," he said firmly.

The elder sighed. Compared to the usual fiery tempers of the Uchiha, he was already being lenient.

Finally, unable to tolerate the boy's stubbornness any longer, he left with a cold snort.

Once alone, Uchiha Tunan reopened his diary and began writing.

July 3rd

I don't understand why my clan refuses to accept the Will of Fire.

Have they never read this book?

Perhaps the ideals of Lord Third are too profound, and people's hearts are too restless.

If only they took the time to study and reflect, they would realize how advanced Lord Third's governance is.

After analyzing the Hokage's legacies over the past few days, I have summarized three key lessons:

From the First Hokage, I learned the importance of unity.

From the Second Hokage, I learned the necessity of diligence.

From the Third Hokage, I learned the duty of protection.

These are the virtues that define Konoha's leadership.

But among them, the Third Hokage's philosophy of guardianship resonates with me most.

I have resolved to strengthen my conviction—never wavering, never believing in rumors, and dedicating myself wholly to Konoha.

I will follow Lord Third's footsteps, no matter the cost.

(Eight thousand words omitted.)

On another note, my mother sent a letter today. She reminded me to take care of myself.

I will obey.

---

Fortunately, the Uchiha clan does not typically trespass into others' homes.

If they ever read my diary, I'd likely find myself reduced to a pile of ashes by a Grand Fireball Jutsu.

However, the Uchiha are notorious gossips. When they encounter something they disapprove of, they make sure everyone knows.

Within days, word of my behavior spread across the entire clan.

"He spends all day reading about the Will of Fire? Disgraceful."

"Hmph. That kid is useless. Doesn't he realize that strength is everything?"

"I heard he's been at the Academy for half a year, and his scores are as pathetic as Obito's."

"Two talentless brats, embarrassing the Uchiha name."

"I want to petition the elders to expel him from the clan."

"The elders won't allow it—his parents are still on the battlefield."

"When they return, I'll personally tell them how miserably they've failed to raise their son."

"Yanbu was a mere Genin for years, and Nanako isn't much better. They were nobodies… and they gave birth to another nobody."

"Careful. If the elders hear you, you'll be punished."

---

Naturally, such rumors did not escape the ears of the Anbu.

Atop the Hokage Tower, Sarutobi Hiruzen exhaled a ring of smoke as he listened to the report.

"Uchiha Tunan… That boy? Hmm. He shows promise."

He pulled out the Academy's latest test scores from his drawer.

A glance at the report revealed an amusing contrast—Uchiha Tunan was ranked first in theoretical studies, yet his practical ninjutsu and taijutsu scores were abysmally low.

Of course, the worst-ranked student overall was Uchiha Obito.

Unlike Tunan, Obito's theoretical scores were nonexistent, and his taijutsu was merely mediocre.

Sarutobi chuckled. "What a shame."

He slid the report back into the drawer, losing interest.

At best, the boy will grow into a loyal civilian.

His future role? Perhaps nothing more than chanting 'Hokage-sama, you are amazing!' in admiration.