Most people are just ordinary, treating others with indifference—like Saitama's classmate Po.
Speaking of the Uchiha clan, Saitama still felt a deep sense of regret.
Konoha was founded by Hashirama Senju and Madara Uchiha. But even though both clans were instrumental, the leadership of the village had always remained in the hands of the Senju and their ideological successors. The Uchiha were gradually pushed to the sidelines.
They were given nominal authority as the Konoha Military Police Force—a title that sounded grand but meant little in practice. That was the beginning of their political isolation.
Even without holding any real power, the Uchiha were excluded from Konoha's upper leadership. They were deliberately kept out of critical decision-making.
During Hashirama's time, their position was at least tolerable. He still held a degree of fondness for his old friend Madara, even after their falling out. But that fragile balance collapsed in the next generation.
When Tobirama Senju, the Second Hokage, came to power, the Uchiha entered their lowest period.
Tobirama never trusted the Uchiha. He saw their emotions and powerful Sharingan as a threat, and the rift between them and the village deepened. With Hashirama gone, Tobirama acted more freely and systematically removed the Uchiha from positions of influence.
By the time of Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, things didn't improve. Though more moderate than Tobirama, he allowed powerful voices like Danzo Shimura to shape policy.
Danzo viewed the Uchiha as a latent threat—Konoha's hidden cancer. He watched them with suspicion and manipulated events to keep them marginalized. Under such pressure, it was no surprise that resentment grew within the Uchiha clan. They felt alienated from the very village they helped build. Any sense of belonging faded.
Eventually, with no other way out, they were pushed toward rebellion.
It was never about ambition. With metaphorical blades at their necks, whether they submitted or resisted, their fate seemed sealed. The pride of the Uchiha wouldn't allow retreat.
The coup became inevitable—and so did their tragic end.
Siding with the Uchiha, Saitama had stepped onto a path of no return.
There was no turning back.
One step forward could lead to salvation. One step back was certain destruction.
The final exam at the Academy proceeded as scheduled. Shisui Uchiha was among the participants.
After months of intense training, Shisui had grown noticeably more mature.
His entire demeanor had changed.
"Saitama."
It had been a while since he heard that voice, but Saitama recognized it instantly.
"Have you really made up your mind?"
Shisui's tone was solemn—comically so for a boy who was only six years old.
"Why so serious?" Saitama replied with a small smile. "Isn't this what we're supposed to do?"
The two stood at the gate of the Ninja Academy, facing one another.
The flow of students moved around them like a river splitting around a rock.
Shisui in his past life had been utterly devoted to Konoha. Maybe he still was.
Looking into his young eyes, Saitama saw conflict—hesitation, even.
"Let's go back," he muttered, brushing aside the topic.
They walked in silence, side by side, returning to the Uchiha compound.
The golden light of sunset stretched their shadows behind them, distorting their forms as they drifted into the distance.
"Shisui," Saitama asked, "what do you think of the Uchiha now?"
"They're great. Proud. Konoha's strength."
"Really?" Saitama turned away. "I'm heading in."
He left Shisui standing behind him as he disappeared into the house.
Winter had arrived, and the nights were longer now.
After an early dinner, Saitama gathered his ninja tools and made his way to a familiar training ground in the forest.
Carrying several kunai and shuriken, he began warming up by hurling them at a thick tree trunk.
He was waiting.
"I didn't expect you to show up this early."
A voice called out. Shisui appeared from between the trees.
Saitama threw his final shuriken and rotated his shoulder.
He turned toward the voice, eyes lighting up.
"Let's see what you've got now," he said.
"I was thinking the same, Saitama!"
There was no warning. The fight began in a flash.
Clang!
Their blades collided, sparks scattering from the steel. Their eyes locked, intense and focused.
Saitama smirked—but it was hard to keep smiling while holding a weapon with such force.
They broke apart. Saitama raised his blade and pointed it at Shisui.
"So, this is it, Shisui!"
His tone was taunting.
"Watch closely, Saitama!"
Shisui launched forward, his blade thrust like a spear aimed straight at Saitama.