The sun hung low over Konoha, casting long shadows as Uchiha Mali and his formidable team strode through the village streets. Heads turned. The sight was impossible to ignore: ten young Uchiha, their bodies already broad-shouldered and muscular, walking with the easy confidence of seasoned warriors—despite being only six or seven years old. Mali, at the front, wore a relaxed smirk, his eyes sharp and unbothered by the stares.
As they passed the central plaza, a group of older Uchiha, led by the clan leader's favored lackeys, blocked their path. The leader's voice was cold, laced with disdain. "So this is the famous Mali? The waste who couldn't even get into the Academy? I heard you were beaten like a stray dog by my boys."
Mali didn't flinch. He barely spared them a glance, instead inspecting a passing cloud. "You talk too much for someone who's never seen a real fight."
The lackeys bristled, but before the leader could retort, Daigo—Mali's ever-impulsive teammate—stepped forward. "You want to see a real fight?" With a single, lightning-fast punch, he caught the taunter square in the eye. The older boy dropped like a stone, out cold before he hit the ground.
The rest of Mali's team burst out laughing, their voices echoing off the stone walls. Without another word, they left the plaza, heading for the forest on the edge of the village. There, they unleashed their pent-up energy, hunting and capturing wild beasts: a massive bear, a striped tiger, a writhing snake, and even a net full of river fish. They returned to Mali's residence, arms full, their laughter still ringing.
Gossip and Grievance
Back in the compound, the humiliated lackey stumbled to the Uchiha leader's house, clutching his bruised face. He found Itachi, the clan's young prodigy, and spun a tale thick with lies. "They mocked you, Itachi. Called you a girl, said you'd never be as strong as them. They're monsters—taller, stronger, like grown men! They humiliated the clan in front of everyone."
Itachi's eyes narrowed, his pride stung. Though he was only six, his composure was legendary, but this was a challenge he couldn't ignore. The rumors spread like wildfire: Mali's team, towering and powerful, had made a mockery of the clan's future hope.
The Challenge
By dusk, the entire Uchiha district buzzed with anticipation. Word had spread: Itachi was challenging Mali, and the whole clan would be watching.
The training ground was packed. Elders, parents, and children lined the perimeter, whispers darting from mouth to ear. Mali and his team entered as a unit, their presence overwhelming. Even among adults, they looked out of place—tall, muscular, radiating a wild energy that set them apart from the other children.
Itachi stood alone, his gaze unwavering. "Mali. I challenge you. No tricks—just strength and skill."
Mali shrugged, a half-smile on his lips. "If you insist, genius."
The fight began in a blur. Itachi moved with speed and precision, but Mali's instincts—honed by Qi, chakra, and relentless training—were sharper. With a single, effortless motion, Mali sidestepped, caught Itachi's wrist, and flipped him through the air. Itachi crashed to the ground, dust billowing. He didn't rise.
A stunned silence fell—then Mali's team erupted in raucous laughter, their voices carrying across the compound. "That's our young master!" Daigo crowed. "Maybe next time, genius!"
They left the field as one, heads high, leaving the crowd in shock and the whispers swirling. "Did you see that? Itachi, defeated in seconds… by Mali!"
Aftermath
Itachi, unconscious, was carried to the Uchiha leader's house. The elders gathered, faces grave. Some muttered about disgrace, others about destiny. But the children—especially Mali's team—knew the truth: the clan's future was changing, and the old ways were being shattered by the strength of a new brotherhood.
And in the shadows, Root operatives watched, reporting every detail to Danzo. The Hokage, too, heard the rumors, and for the first time, began to wonder if the Uchiha's greatest threat—or hope—might not be the genius, but the so-called "waste" and his loyal pack.