Reincarnated in Naruto World with a System

The Uchiha clan's youth, Ryo among them, carried themselves with an air of superiority, a legacy of their clan's perceived dominance since the Senju's decline. They looked down upon commoners, and even their own clan's less fortunate children were treated with disdain. After all, they were the Uchihas, Konoha's self-proclaimed premier clan. Their recent humiliation in the academy's physical tests, however, had left them seething. Tatsumi, the orphan they'd once tormented, had not only outperformed them but had taken first place. The shame was unbearable.

Ryo, Shigeru, and another Uchiha youth, Masaru, had always considered themselves the clan's prodigies. They had boasted to other children, building their reputations, and this public defeat threatened their standing within the budding ninja community. Tatsumi's victory, especially, stung. He was a reminder of their past cruelty, a target they'd bullied relentlessly. Even though Tatsumi was more mature for his age, he was physically no match for them at three and four years old. They had always outnumbered him, and being an orphan, he had few within the clan to defend him. Now, the tables had turned, and they were desperate to reclaim their lost prestige. "You think you can just waltz off after showing us up?" Ryo muttered, his face contorted with anger. "The world doesn't work that way."

The trio stalked Tatsumi, their pride wounded. Ryo subtly gestured, and Shigeru, ever eager to please his older brother, stepped forward. "Tatsumi!" he barked. "Get over here!"

Tatsumi, feigning nonchalance, drawled, "What is it?"

"Don't act so smug! You were showing off in the tests!" Shigeru accused.

Tatsumi rolled his eyes. "You're just sore losers. Instead of dwelling on your defeat, you should be training and addressing your weaknesses. Coming after me reeks of desperation."

Ryo sneered. "You're awfully confident. Probably just eager to unlock your Sharingan and cram everything into your brain. Am I right?"

Tatsumi, burdened by memories from his previous life, found their childish taunts tiresome. He responded with a mild tone, yet his words were enough to ignite their fury. "Look, you three…"

Before Tatsumi could continue, Mikoto intervened. She'd witnessed their approach and recognized their hostile intent. She knew Tatsumi was no match for all three of them. "Enough, you three!" she said firmly.

Ryo, however, saw an opportunity to further demean Tatsumi. "Tatsumi," he taunted, "if you're such a hotshot, don't hide behind Mikoto! Damn orphan!"

Tatsumi sighed inwardly. This clan's social skills are abysmal. How are they ever going to find wives? He glanced at Mikoto, a flicker of amusement in his eyes. He knew these three weren't worth the trouble.

Mikoto, however, was genuinely concerned. She saw the aggression in their eyes. "Just leave him alone," she pleaded.

Ryo, sensing weakness, pressed his advantage. He wanted to paint Tatsumi as a coward in front of Mikoto. "What's the matter, Tatsumi? Too scared to face us?"

Tatsumi gave Mikoto a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, Mikoto. They're no match for me."

Mikoto looked unconvinced, but Tatsumi's confidence, however misplaced it may have seemed to her, calmed her slightly.

Ryo, seeing he wouldn't get a rise out of Tatsumi with words alone, resorted to a parting threat. "This isn't over, Tatsumi. We'll settle this later." He shot Tatsumi a venomous glare.

Tatsumi simply shrugged. "Looking forward to it," he said lazily, then turned to Mikoto. "Come on, Mikoto, let's go home."Mikoto still looked worried. "Are you sure you're alright?"

Tatsumi chuckled. "Perfectly fine. They're just blowing hot air."

After escorting Mikoto home, Tatsumi headed to his small, modest courtyard. Despite his recent victory, he knew he couldn't afford to be complacent. He needed to train, to hone his skills. Talent was just a starting point; mastery required dedication.

Konoha's system for supporting war orphans provided him with a small stipend, enough to live on, but it didn't stretch to luxuries like training grounds. The Uchiha clan had their own facilities, but Tatsumi had been driven away from them as a child, harassed and bullied. He preferred the solitude of the forest behind Hokage Rock.

He packed a simple meal and set off. The Uchiha clan compound was still centrally located within the village at this point in time, a testament to their influence. It wasn't relegated to the outskirts like it would be in the future. Tatsumi reached the Hokage Rock forest quickly.

As he slowed his pace, three figures emerged from the trees, their presence no longer a surprise. He had sensed them following him from the clan compound.

He stopped, turning to face them. "You know," he said, shaking his Uchiha-crested windbreaker, "following someone is considered rude."

Ryo, Shigeru, and Masaru stepped into the clearing. "We weren't about to let you get away again," Ryo sneered, arms crossed. "Not this time. There's no Mikoto to protect you now."

"Thanks for the effort, my dear, stupid clansmen," Tatsumi replied, emphasizing the last word.

Ryo's face flushed. "Who's stupid? We Uchihas care about our fellow clan members! So, are you ready for this?"

"Ready for what? Another beating?" Tatsumi asked, a hint of steel entering his voice. He hadn't yet had a chance to test his current strength, and the memory of their past bullying fueled his resolve.

"Don't cheapen a sacred ninja duel with such childish terms!" Ryo retorted. "I've learned a new technique, something that taijutsu alone can't counter. Don't think your victory in the physical tests means anything. If I win, you have to do one thing for me. Deal?"

"And if I win?" Tatsumi countered.

Shigeru, still blindly confident in Ryo's abilities, scoffed. "As if that's even possible! Have you forgotten how we used to handle you?"

"Just get on with it," Tatsumi said, shifting his stance. He was eager to put an end to their arrogance.

Ryo's two companions cheered him on. "Finish him, Ryo!" Masaru shouted. "Show him what a real Uchiha can do!"

Ryo ignored them, his eyes fixed on Tatsumi. "You're just a fool who doesn't understand true power," he hissed. "I'm not the same as I was before!"