…
A voice came from deep within the forest.
Then—
Soft footsteps followed.
A figure slowly stepped out from the shadows.
He wore a Konoha forehead protector.
On his upper body was a dark, high-collared short-sleeved shirt with triangular armor plates, while his lower half was clad in matching pants wrapped with bandages.
Most importantly—
The Uchiha clan crest was clearly emblazoned on his clothing.
And on his back rested a short blade.
The moment Kazama Shin saw him—
His pupils shrank sharply.
"So it's him…"
A thought flashed through his mind.
"Uchiha… Shisui…"
He murmured softly.
"Hm? You know me?"
Hearing his name, Uchiha Shisui looked slightly surprised as he glanced at Shin.
"The genius of the Uchiha Clan… who in the village doesn't know you?"
Shin replied calmly.
And it was true.
In recent years, rumors had spread throughout the village—
The Uchiha Clan had produced multiple prodigies.
Among them, two stood above the rest:
One was Uchiha Itachi, the son of the clan head, who had risen rapidly in fame.
The other—
Even more renowned—
Was Uchiha Shisui.
…
"I see…"
Shisui didn't doubt his words.
After all, it wasn't strange for someone to recognize him.
What truly puzzled him was—
Why was this boy here?
This was deep within the forest.
Even though Konoha's woods weren't filled with deadly beasts, the deeper areas were still dangerous for ordinary genin.
And normally—
No one would come this far.
"So… who are you?"
Shisui's gaze sharpened slightly as he asked.
Even though Shin was much younger—
He didn't dare underestimate him.
Because—
Shisui's peripheral vision had already taken in the surroundings.
Broken trees.
A lake still steaming with heat.
Clear signs of large-scale ninjutsu destruction.
His eyes flickered with seriousness.
"All of this… was done by him?"
A thought formed in his mind.
"…Is he from the village… or something else?"
"I'm Kazama Shin. A student at the Ninja Academy."
Shin answered plainly.
"Shin…"
Shisui repeated softly.
Then suddenly—
Recognition flashed across his face.
"Oh… so it's you."
"The boy they've been calling a genius."
He smiled.
"Genius, huh…"
Shin didn't respond much.
"That's right. Defeating a genin at five years old… ranking first in the academy… some even say you could graduate early."
Shisui spoke casually.
His tone was warm—
Completely different from the typical arrogance associated with the Uchiha.
"...He really is different from other Uchiha."
Shin thought to himself.
Then Shisui glanced around again and asked:
"So you're training here?"
"Mm."
Shin gave a simple reply.
Although he was curious about Shisui—
He had no intention of getting too close.
Shisui's identity was too sensitive.
If Danzo Shimura had his eyes on Shisui…
Then getting involved could drag him into trouble as well.
Not worth it.
"…What a pity. I've already used up today's copies."
Shin thought inwardly.
Otherwise—
Using his ability on Shisui would definitely yield something powerful.
…
Unaware of Shin's thoughts, Shisui spoke sincerely:
"You really are a genius."
"With this level of strength, you could graduate early."
In truth—
It was more than that.
Judging by the destructive power here…
Shin's strength was already at least chunin level—if not higher.
And he was only seven.
Even Shisui felt a hint of shock.
…
There wasn't much more to say.
After all—
This encounter had been purely coincidental.
Shin soon left.
His training for the day was already complete.
—
Watching his departing figure until he disappeared—
Shisui's expression gradually turned serious.
He hadn't come here without reason.
Turning toward a certain direction—
Whoosh!
His figure vanished instantly,
Rushing toward his destination.
Someone…
Was waiting for him.