Naruto :Uchiha's Reincarnation

Kato Dan and Tsunade had visited Maruboshi Kosuke before, hoping that if their disciples encountered danger on the battlefield, this powerful "eternal genin" would look out for them.

After hearing about the talents of Dan's three disciples, Kosuke readily agreed, considering it his duty to protect the future of the village. It was a responsibility he believed was passed down from the Second Hokage.

Years ago, due to his reckless command, Kosuke caused the deaths of his comrades. To atone, he swore to remain a genin for life, apologizing in front of the Second Hokage. Yet despite this self-imposed rank, his strength was on par with Konoha's top ninja. Though he had lost an eye in battle, he hadn't yet suffered the leg injury that would later slow him down, and he still possessed formidable combat power.

In terms of water-style ninjutsu, Kosuke was now considered Konoha's strongest water-style user, having been personally trained by the Second Hokage. He was the only ninja in the village capable of using the Water Formation Wall with just two hand seals and the Water Dragon Bullet with four seals—something even the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, couldn't manage.

Thanks to his mastery of water-style techniques and swordsmanship, Kosuke's strength ranked high among the jounin in Konoha, putting him just below the Kage level. The Second Hokage had clearly seen great potential in him, passing on his water-style techniques as a sign of his confidence in Kosuke's abilities.

Kosuke was also a hidden trump card for the reserve forces. If they were ever deployed, his strength would ensure that he could support the entire group in battle.

"Hehe, I knew it. You guys really are my fellow shinobi," Kosuke said with a grin as he lifted the tent flap and stepped inside. His gaze fell on the small pot simmering canned wild vegetable soup in the center of the tent.

"Let's switch to my big pot. That way, we can cook more and share it with me."

He sat down next to Haruto and smiled at the three genin gathered around the fire.

"Huh? Grandpa, who are you?" Inuzuka Ryo asked in surprise.

He and Aburame Nami were both skilled sensory ninjas, yet neither had noticed the old man enter the tent.

This man is at least jounin-level, both Ryo and Nami thought to themselves.

"I'm Maruboshi Kosuke, just a genin from the village. I happened to smell your cooking and thought I'd join you. You won't turn me away, will you?" Kosuke said with a chuckle as he stroked his beard.

"A genin? But how could that be? Neither Maru nor I sensed you coming in!" Ryo said, bewildered.

"It's nothing, nothing. Let's just eat first," Kosuke waved his hand dismissively, though he was silently observing the three young ninjas.

He liked Ryo's energetic personality, though he found Nami cold and distant, which fit his impression of the Aburame clan. As for Haruto...

This Uchiha kid reached for the wakizashi on his back the moment I entered. He has a strong sense of danger and has been sizing me up since I came in. Did he feel the threat I pose and try to assess my strength? He's sharp. I like him.

Kosuke's attention lingered on Haruto, who, unlike the disciples of the Second Hokage, did not view the Uchiha clan as a threat but as fellow villagers.

"Senior Kosuke? My family's elders have mentioned you before," Haruto said.

The man before him matched the descriptions he had heard—short, with an iron pot and sword strapped to his back, and a single blind eye. Apart from not yet having completely white hair and still having both legs, this was the legendary Maruboshi Kosuke.

"Oh? Elders? Who might that be?" Kosuke asked, intrigued.

"Grandpa Retsu once told me that Senior Kosuke is the most legendary genin in the village. He said you have the strength to surpass most jounin but chose to remain a genin to continue serving the village."

Kosuke beamed at the compliment.

"Grandpa Retsu, huh? Uchiha Retsu… I remember him from the First Ninja World War. A true hero," Kosuke said, recalling the elder Uchiha.

Indeed, Uchiha Retsu had spoken highly of the village's masters to Haruto, including Kosuke, the legendary genin.

"Alright, alright. Enough flattery. Let's see how good my cooking really is," Kosuke said as he took the large iron pot from his back, replacing the smaller one Haruto had been using.

"Come on, kid! Aren't you an Uchiha? Light the fire," Kosuke said, gesturing to Haruto.

Obligingly, Haruto used his newly developed fire-style technique to light the stove. Kosuke's eyes widened when he realized that the flames produced no smoke.

The old man's smile deepened, and he scooted a little closer to Haruto.

"Ahem. I've introduced myself. It's your turn, don't you think?" Kosuke said, stirring the pot with a long-handled spoon.

Though puzzled by the request, Haruto, Ryo, and Nami introduced themselves in turn.

Kosuke smiled. "Young talents from well-known clans, huh? But I've never heard of the Uchiha having a fire-style technique that doesn't produce smoke."

Haruto caught Kosuke's intent immediately. The old man was a fellow gourmet, judging by the iron pot he carried. It seemed Kosuke wanted to learn Haruto's smoke-free fire jutsu—perhaps to cook discreetly while out on missions.

"Senior Kosuke, this fire-style jutsu is a secret technique I developed after much trial and error while practicing fire release. It wasn't easy, but if you, as an elder, wish to learn it, I'd be honored to teach you," Haruto said, smiling shyly.

The implication was clear: If you want something from me, shouldn't you offer something in return?

"You don't act like a typical Uchiha, not arrogant at all," Kosuke said with a chuckle. "But don't worry, I won't let you go unrewarded."

Kosuke pointed to the wakizashi Haruto carried on his back. "From the looks of it, you've been trained in swordsmanship, right? I'm not particularly talented, but I was taught Konoha-style kenjutsu by the Second Hokage himself. I think I can give you some pointers."

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