Consciousness returned to Indra gradually, like waves lapping against a shore.
His eyes fluttered open an hour before dawn, the silence of his apartment broken only by the soft patter of residual raindrops against his window.
The storm had passed, but something had changed.
Indra sat up slowly, his head throbbing with a dull ache. Memories - not just from yesterday or last week, but from another life entirely - swirled through his mind with perfect clarity.
"I remember," he whispered, his voice sounding foreign to his own ears. "Everything."
He remembered growing up in Konoha as an orphan, but he also remembered a modern world of technology and comfort, where super ninja were fictional characters in an animated series called Naruto.
A series where he had watched the rise and fall of beings thought gods.
With trembling fingers, Indra touched his face, tracing the skin beneath his eyes.
There was no physical difference he could feel, yet he knew instinctively that something fundamental had changed.
Knowledge flooded his mind - knowledge that no thirteen-year-old academy student should possess.
He knew about the Sharingan. About its evolution. About the Rinnegan.
More importantly, he knew how to activate them.
Beginning to move, Indra rose from his futon and approached the mirror hanging on his wall.
His reflection showed the same face - black hair, black eyes, features that had always been considered handsome by his peers - but behind those eyes lay understanding that hadn't been there before.
"Chakra pathways," he murmured, recalling information from both his academic studies and his previous life's knowledge of the anime. "The eyes evolve based on the amount and quality of chakra channeled through them."
Indra closed his eyes, focusing on the sensation of his own chakra. He had always been praised for his exceptional control, particularly when it came to genjutsu.
Now he understood why - his soul carried an abundance of Yin chakra, the spiritual energy that governed illusions and mental techniques.
Now with the return of his memories more than ever, triggering his body's internal self-preservatory nature, activating the dormant genes hidden within his diluted Uchiha blood, the genes filled with balance between Yin and Yang of Hagoromo Otsutsuki-
Awakening the Rinnegan.
Indra began directing a small stream of chakra toward his eyes. When he opened them, crimson had replaced black, three tomoe spinning lazily around each pupil.
"Three tomoe," he breathed, studying his reflection with fascination. "The fully matured form."
Everything appeared sharper, clearer.
The subtle movements of dust particles in the air, the minute details of the wood grain on his furniture, even the faint chakra signatures of neighbors in adjacent apartments - all were visible to his enhanced perception.
Indra recalled what he knew of the Sharingan's abilities: enhanced visual perception, the ability to track high-speed movements, talent for replicating techniques, and proficiency with genjutsu.
But he also knew that a fully matured Sharingan would raise questions - questions he had no answers for right now.
"I need to control this," he decided, focusing again and reducing the flow of chakra to his eyes.
The three tomoe faded, leaving a single black mark against the red iris in each eye. "One tomoe. The initial awakening stage. This is what I'll show if necessary."
Next came the true test. Indra focused more intensely, channeling a greater volume of chakra specifically to his right eye. The single tomoe spun faster, then expanded outward into concentric circles of deep purple.
The Rinnegan.
The world transformed before this legendary dōjutsu.
Chakra became visible as flowing currents of energy - in the air, in objects, in living beings.
But more disturbing were the faint, translucent shapes that drifted through his apartment. Humanoid figures, indistinct but unmistakably present.
One of these apparitions - a woman in a bloodied white dress = turned toward him, empty eyes fixing on his face.
Indra gasped and immediately cut off the chakra flow to his eyes, returning them to their natural black state. His heart hammered in his chest as he steadied himself against the wall.
"Spirits," he whispered. "The Rinnegan can see... the dead? Is that how it is able to recall the dead into the living world with the 7th path?"
This wasn't mentioned in the anime, at least not that he could recall. Was this a unique property of his particular Rinnegan? Or simply an aspect never revealed in the story he had watched?
Regardless, thing were clear. The Rinnegan was too powerful, too conspicuous to reveal openly. If Obito or Black Zetsu learned of him having it, they would take it instantly.
Damn Kamui.
"I'll keep it hidden," he resolved. "The Sharingan I can explain if necessary - trauma from the nightmare, perhaps, or during a mission if things get too stressful. But the Rinnegan remains my secret until I'm strong enough to defend it."
Indra spent the next half hour practicing activating and deactivating his dōjutsu, carefully controlling the flow of chakra to achieve the desired effect.
By the time the sun began to rise, he could seamlessly transition between his natural eyes, the one-tomoe Sharingan, and the Rinnegan, though he kept the latter activation brief to avoid attracting any spiritual entities.
The graduation exam would begin in two hours. Normally, Indra would have prepared a balanced breakfast, but his appetite had vanished because of everything,.
Instead, he dressed in his standard attire - dark blue pants, a high-collared black shirt with the Konoha symbol stitched subtly on the sleeve - and gathered his equipment.
Before leaving, Indra paused at his window, gazing out at the village with new eyes. Konoha spread before him, peaceful in the early morning light.
"So many monsters hiding in plain sight," he murmured, thinking of Danzo, Orochimaru, the Akatsuki, and threats yet to emerge. "And so many innocent people who will die if events unfold as they did in the story."
A thought struck him suddenly. With his talent in genjutsu and chakra control, why hadn't Danzo's Root organization attempted to recruit him?
Perhaps the Third Hokage wasn't as much of an idiot as the anime had portrayed him. Maybe Hiruzen had been more vigilant in protecting Konoha's orphans than Indra had given him credit for.
"Something to consider," he noted mentally, filing the observation away for future thought.
With thirty minutes remaining before the examination was scheduled to begin, Indra left his apartment and made his way toward the Academy.
The Academy bustled with activity when Indra arrived. Students gathered in small groups, quizzing each other on potential exam questions or practicing hand seals.
The nervous energy was palpable among many of them, primarily the clanless kids, though Indra noted that certain students - Sasuke Uchiha among them - maintained an air of calm confidence.
Indra made his way to his usual seat beside Shikamaru Nara, who was already slouched over his desk with his head resting on his arms.
Despite his posture, Indra knew the Nara heir was the most intelligent student in their class - when he bothered to apply himself.
"Morning," Indra greeted, sliding into his seat.
Shikamaru cracked one eye open. "You look like you didn't sleep well."
"That obvious?" Indra asked with a small smile.
"The storm kept half the village up," Shikamaru replied with a shrug. "What a drag. As if we needed that before exam day."
On Shikamaru's other side, Choji Akimichi munched on a bag of chips, seemingly unconcerned about the upcoming test. He offered the bag to Indra with a friendly gesture.
"Want some? Brain food."
"Thanks, Choji," Indra accepted a chip, realizing he probably should eat something before the exam. "Nervous about today?"
Choji shrugged. "Not really. My dad says as long as I do my best, that's what matters."
"Your best involves actually trying," Shikamaru muttered, though there was no real criticism in his tone. "Unlike some of us."
Indra smiled at the familiar dynamic between the two friends. In his previous life's memories, he recalled how good of friends they were.
It was quite weird to sit beside them now, knowing what their futures might hold.
"I heard the written portion is going to be brutal," a student behind them whispered loudly.
"No way," another replied. "Iruka-sensei wouldn't do that to us."
Shikamaru sighed. "So troublesome. They just want to psych us out."
"The written part is just fundamentals," Indra assured them, recalling both his studies and his meta-knowledge. "The practical portion is what will determine if we pass or fail."
"Easy for you to say," Choji commented between bites. "You're good at everything."
Indra shook his head. "Not taijutsu. Not like Sasuke or even Kiba."
This was true. Without a clan to teach him specialized techniques, Indra had been limited to the Academy's standard fighting style.
While he had refined it through diligent practice, it lacked the distinctive advantages of clan-specific methods.
Before the conversation could continue, Iruka-sensei entered the classroom, accompanied by Mizuki-sensei. The room quickly fell silent.
"Good morning, everyone," Iruka began, his expression serious but encouraging. "Today is an important milestone in your journey to becoming shinobi of Konoha. The examination will have two parts: written and practical.
The written portion will test your knowledge of shinobi history, tactics, and theory. The practical portion will assess your ability to perform the basic techniques required of a genin."
Indra listened attentively, though his mind was partially occupied with examining Mizuki.
The white-haired chunin would betray the village tonight, manipulating Naruto into stealing the Scroll of Sealing. Knowing that now was quite strange. He wondered, how could he use that to his advantage.
Looking into the Scroll of Sealing was virtually a must if he wanted to become stronger. He only needed a glance, and with his Sharingan he could memorise it instantly.
"We'll begin with the written exam," Iruka announced, distributing papers face-down on each desk. "You have one hour. Begin when I give the signal."
When Iruka called for them to start, Indra flipped his paper and began working through the questions methodically.
History of Konoha's founding, principles of chakra theory, basic tactical scenarios - all were familiar territory. He completed the exam with twenty minutes to spare, using the remaining time to review his answers.
Glancing around, he noticed Sakura had also finished early and was reviewing her work. Sasuke was writing steadily, while Naruto appeared to be struggling, his face contorted in concentration.
Shikamaru, despite his earlier complaints, had finished quickly and was now napping with his head on his desk.
When the hour ended, Iruka collected the papers while Mizuki explained the practical portion of the exam.
"You will be called individually into the next room," Mizuki stated. "There, you will demonstrate the three basic techniques: Transformation Jutsu, Substitution Jutsu, and Clone Jutsu. You must successfully perform all three to pass."
Students were called alphabetically by surname, meaning the Uzumakis would be among the last. Indra watched as his classmates entered the testing room one by one, emerging either jubilant with a forehead protector or dejected with empty hands.
"Nara Shikamaru," Iruka called eventually.
Shikamaru sighed heavily as he stood. "What a drag."
"Good luck," Indra offered.
"Needing luck is troublesome," Shikamaru replied with a half-smile before heading to the testing room.
He returned several minutes later wearing his forehead protector tied around his upper arm, his expression unchanged as if passing had been a foregone conclusion.
"Uchiha Sasuke."
The last Uchiha rose, ignoring the admiring glances from several female students. He returned shortly with his forehead protector prominently displayed, acknowledging Indra with a brief nod as he passed.
They were not rivals, not at all, but Sasuke at least appreciated it when Indra learned from the mistakes made when they sparred. Each time lasting a bit longer.
Finally, after what seemed like hours, Iruka called, "Uzumaki Indra."
Indra entered the testing room where Iruka and Mizuki sat behind a table laden with rows of Konoha forehead protectors.
"Alright, Indra," Iruka said warmly. "Let's begin with the Transformation Jutsu. Please transform into me."
Indra formed the necessary hand seals, channeling his chakra with precision. A puff of smoke enveloped him, and when it cleared, a perfect copy of Iruka stood in his place, down to the scar across his nose and the exact shade of his uniform.
"Excellent," the real Iruka noted, making a mark on his clipboard. "Next, the Substitution Jutsu."
Mizuki threw a blunted practice kunai toward Indra, who quickly formed the seals. The kunai struck, but instead of hitting Indra, it embedded itself in a log that appeared with a puff of smoke. Indra himself reappeared on the other side of the room.
"Very good," Iruka commented. "Finally, the Clone Jutsu. Please create three clones."
This was the technique that had proven Naruto's downfall in the original timeline. For Indra, with his exceptional chakra control, it was perhaps the easiest of the three.
He formed the seals and channeled his chakra carefully, creating three perfect copies of himself that stood in formation around him.
"Impressive control," Mizuki remarked, his smile not quite reaching his eyes. "As expected from our top genjutsu student."
Iruka beamed. "Congratulations, Indra. You pass with high marks. Your written exam was nearly perfect, and your practical demonstration was excellent. You've earned this."
He handed Indra a forehead protector. The metal plate felt cool and solid in his hands, the fabric band a deep blue that matched his standard attire.
"Thank you, Iruka-sensei, Mizuki-sensei," Indra said, bowing respectfully. "I'll do my best to honor Konoha as a shinobi."
"I know you will," Iruka replied with genuine pride. "Team assignments will be announced tomorrow morning. Don't be late."
Indra tied the forehead protector across his brow as he exited the testing room, rejoining his classmates. Choji, who had passed earlier, gave him a thumbs-up, while Shikamaru acknowledged him with a lazy nod.
"Uzumaki Naruto," Iruka called from the doorway.
Indra watched as the blonde boy entered the testing room, his face a mixture of determination and anxiety.
Knowing what would happen - that Naruto would fail this test but ultimately pass through unusual circumstances - created a strange feeling of déjà vu.
"Congratulations," Sakura said as she passed by Indra, her own forehead protector displayed prominently. "Not that anyone doubted you would pass."
"Thanks," Indra replied with a polite smile. "You too."
As students began to filter out of the classroom, many heading home to share their success with family members, Indra remained seated, contemplating his next steps.
Tomorrow he would be assigned to a genin team, beginning his official career as a shinobi of Konoha.
But unlike his classmates, Indra carried the burden of foreknowledge. He knew of the challenges that lay ahead - the Chunin Exams, Orochimaru's invasion, the Akatsuki's hunt for Tailed Beasts, and ultimately, the Fourth Shinobi World War.
Knowledge was power, but it was also responsibility. Every choice he made from this point forward could potentially alter the course of events, for better or worse.
He himself was a person with ambition. Always has been. Who wouldn't wish to experience the best the world has to offer? To rule over others? To be respected? To have all they desire?
And so he made his decision.
'The Strongest,' he thought as he finally rose to leave the Academy, his new forehead protector gleaming in the afternoon sun.
'The one Honoured by Heaven and Earth as the mightiest throughout it. That's what I need to become.
If I want to thrive, to rule whatever I wish. To defeat him,' Indra thought to himself as he thought of the only other man besides him after the Sage who awakened the eyes that held the sight of the Heavens.
The one thought a Ghost.
Madara Uchiha - unknown to him, his great-great-grandfather.
-------------------------
(Author note: Hello everyone! I hope you all liked the chapter!
Do tell me how you found it.
Also, yeah, I thought about it, and well, not just any body could hold an otherworldy soul, so it being a descendant of Madara -
let's say when Madara was young, he slept with some medic woman, a one night thing, who unknown to him and all got pregnant, the son died young, but had his own daughter, and so forth, till we get to Indra.
It could create a decently interesting dynamic when Madara comes back - though I doubt he'd care much with who he is.
Well, I hope to see you all later,
Bye!)