Naruto: Becoming Stronger through Bonds

Chapter 12 Hatred Is The Strongest Bond

,_____

The orphanage was bustling after the green pepper feast, and Ervin achieved the results he had hoped for.

In an instant, he completed the first stage of bonds with more than 100 people. The system's prompts couldn't keep up, and some individuals even granted him two rewards at once.

Ervin felt a sudden sense of enlightenment.

People's memory of kindness is far less profound than their memory of hatred.

If he wanted to establish bonds with everyone, the fastest way was not to make friends with each individual—that was impossible.

Instead, it was to make them feel disgusted, afraid, or even hateful toward him.

Hatred, after all, was a universal language, capable of fostering mutual understanding even among the Five Great Nations.

For a moment, Ervin felt a pang of regret. If he already possessed Danzo's infamous reputation, his deterrence, and, most importantly, his ability to shoulder the blame, the bond rewards he could gain might already make him invincible in the ninja world.

Yakushi Kabuto glanced at Ervin, whose expression shifted between a smile and indifference. Feeling uneasy, Kabuto's respect for him deepened.

- Moody. This kid is terrifying.

---

[Host and Yakushi Kabuto have reached the second stage of their bond. Reward: Special talent 'Scientific Research Ability.']

Ervin's thoughts were interrupted by the system prompt. He turned his gaze toward Kabuto.

What is this kid thinking? How did he reach the second stage so quickly?

At the Ninja Academy, Kazama stood at the front of the class with a serious expression.

"Class, tomorrow is this year's final exam. This test will evaluate your progress over the past year. It will be divided into two parts: a written exam in the morning and a practical test in the afternoon."

"The Third Hokage will also be visiting the Ninja Academy to observe your performance."

As soon as Kazama finished speaking, the entire class erupted in excitement.

"The Hokage is coming?"

"Other than at the opening ceremony, I haven't seen him again!"

"Awesome! I'll make sure to perform well. If Hokage-sama praises me, my parents won't dare spank me anymore!"

Although the brainwashing in the current curriculum wasn't as extreme as it would become in the future, the Third Hokage had been the leader of the village for over 20 years. His prestige was unmatched, and the students couldn't help but get excited at the thought of his presence.

Even Itachi straightened up subconsciously.

Kazama waited patiently for the commotion to settle before continuing, "I hope you all show your best performance. If anyone fails… the homework for next semester will be doubled!"

The rowdy students immediately quieted down, and Kazama dismissed the class.

Ervin walked home with Izumi as usual, feeling indifferent about the Third Hokage's visit.

He knew that, aside from making his rounds to maintain his reputation, Hiruzen was likely coming to observe Itachi.

Every Uchiha genius brought unease to the village. Itachi wasn't just a genius—he was also the clan leader's son. It was only natural for Hiruzen to take an interest in him.

"Izumi, I'm planning to graduate after this exam," Ervin said.

"Huh?"

The loli, who had been happily munching on a box of Mochi, froze for a moment before panicking.

"Graduate early? Then I want to graduate early too!"

Every day spent with Ervin, Izumi became increasingly aware of his strength. Not only was graduation well within his abilities, but even becoming a Chūnin seemed entirely possible for him.

Even she herself had reached the level of a graduate.

For some reason, every time she practiced with Ervin, Izumi felt as if her intelligence grew sharper, and her progress outpaced the results of a full day of hard training at home.

Now, she had fully mastered the basic Three Body Technique and had even learned two fire-style ninjutsu.

Her only shortcoming was a lack of Chakra.

Of course, this shortcoming was only significant when compared to adult ninjas.

As an Uchiha, Izumi's Chakra reserves were naturally much higher than those of ordinary people, even without activating her Sharingan. Her Chakra level was already on par with that of a Genin.

"Izumi, you can't graduate just yet," Ervin said, stopping to look at her seriously. "The war isn't over. Even if you don't end up on the battlefield, the missions you'd be assigned would still be very dangerous."

"But in two years, the situation will be much better, and then you can graduate."

"Then you should stay in school with me," Izumi replied, her small face tense with worry at the mention of the war. "Let's graduate together after it's over."

Ervin explained patiently, "I can't learn anything more by staying in school. It would just waste my time. And you don't need to worry about my safety. The village wouldn't assign me tasks that are too dangerous."

"..."

After some persuasion, Ervin managed to dissuade Izumi from the idea of graduating early.

While he could barely protect himself now, he didn't have the capacity to ensure Izumi's safety.

Moreover, staying in school would prevent him from interacting with more ninjas and forming bonds, which he needed to unlock the second-stage reward from his mother's legacy to further enhance his talent.

So, graduating early was a necessity.

Otherwise, he might as well stay in school indefinitely, repeating grades until he graduated with Izumi.

---

Meanwhile, in the Uchiha compound...

In a small forest, several large trees hung with targets swayed as Itachi trained in throwing kunai.

Suddenly, he stopped, as though digesting some information.

After a moment, he opened his eyes again.

"Final exam… Third Hokage…"

Having absorbed the information his Shadow Clone had gathered, Itachi reacted with little more than a thoughtful pause before resuming his training.

It wasn't until the aroma of cooking wafted through the clan that he gathered his tools and headed home.

"Brother! Brother!"

A small figure staggered out of the house to greet him.

Itachi's face softened into a gentle smile. He took two quick steps forward and picked up the child.

"Sasuke."

"Brother, hug me!"

"Alright, I'll hug you."

As he teased little Sasuke, Itachi felt that this was the happiest moment of his day.

A gentle voice called out from the kitchen, "Is that you, Itachi? Wash your hands and get ready for dinner. And don't forget to help Sasuke wash up too."

"Got it, Mom," Itachi replied, carrying Sasuke to the bathroom.

---

That evening, during dinner, Uchiha Fugaku brought up the final exam.

"I heard that the Third Hokage will be visiting the school. Make sure to perform well and uphold the reputation of the Uchiha clan."

"Yes," Itachi responded calmly. He carefully removed the bones from the fish on his plate and fed small pieces to Sasuke.

The father and son's conversation ended as simply as it began.

In truth, no one in the family treated the exam as anything more than a formality.