The sun was just beginning to rise over the Uchiha compound, casting a warm, golden glow over the training grounds. Fugaku Uchiha stood tall, his stern gaze fixed on the two small figures before him. His son, Itachi, and his daughter, Miyuki, both only three years old, stood with determined expressions, ready for their first lesson in shuriken throwing.
"Itachi, Miyuki," Fugaku began, his voice firm but not unkind, "today you will learn the basics of shuriken throwing. This is an essential skill for any shinobi. Precision and control are key."
Itachi's dark eyes sparkled with excitement. Miyuki mirrored his enthusiasm, her small hands gripping the shuriken tightly. 'Hehehe now is the time to show off! I've been secretly practicing for this since last year with some of my toys! All the scoldings I've gotten for throwing my toys will finally pay off!'
Fugaku demonstrated the proper stance, his movements fluid and precise. "Watch closely," he instructed, "and then try to mimic my actions."
Itachi and Miyuki watched intently as their father threw the shuriken with practiced ease, each one hitting the target dead center. 'Heh heh let's let Itachi go first so I can pretend better later.' "You can go first Itachi...I'm feeling generous today."
"Hn"
Itachi stepped forward, his small frame tense with concentration. He mimicked his father's stance, took a deep breath, and threw the shuriken. It flew through the air, landing just shy of the target's center. Fugaku nodded approvingly.
"Good, Itachi. Your form is excellent. With practice, your aim will improve."
'Yes! I can totally do better than that. My year of toy practice isn't wasted!'
Miyuki turned to look at Itachi with a smirk then she took her position. Her face a mask of pride. She threw the shuriken with all her might, and it landed slightly closer to the center than Itachi's. Fugaku's eyes widened in surprise, but he quickly composed himself.
"Well done, Miyuki. Your precision is impressive. Keep focusing on your target."
As Miyuki stepped back, she couldn't help but feel a pang of frustration. 'What the hell? Why is it only that?' she thought. 'I spent a year with my toys to only be slightly better?This is such bull**it. Screw talent!' She clenched her fists, determined to practice harder, and let Itachi always be worse than her.
The twins continued to practice under their father's watchful eye, each throw becoming more accurate than the last. Miyuki's throws consistently landed closer to the center, but Itachi's were catching up. Fugaku's heart swelled with pride as he watched his children. They were young, but their potential was undeniable especially Itachi.
'In only a few hours he's improved so much' Fugaku sighed.
As the sun climbed higher in the sky, Fugaku called for a break. He knelt down to their level, placing a hand on each of their shoulders.
"You both did very well today. Remember, the path of a shinobi is not an easy one, but with hard work and dedication, you can both become strong." He spoke while looking slightly more at Miyuki.
Itachi and Miyuki both nodded, their eyes shining with determination as they watched their father leave to deal with clan affairs.
"Itachi, let's keep practicing," Miyuki suggested.
"We can get better even without father's guidance."
Itachi nodded; his expression serious. "Alright, Miyuki. Let's see who can hit the target more accurately."
The twins took their positions, each holding a shuriken. Miyuki's mind raced with thoughts of her secret practice. 'I have to be better than him. I can't let all that effort go to waste.'
Itachi threw his shuriken first, his movements smooth and controlled. The shuriken landed just shy of the center, a clear improvement from earlier. Miyuki watched closely, analyzing his technique.
'He's getting better so quickly,' she thought, a mix of admiration and frustration bubbling within her. 'But I won't let him surpass me.'
Miyuki took a deep breath, focusing all her energy on the target. She threw her shuriken with precision, and it landed closer to the center than Itachi's. A small smile tugged at her lips, but she quickly masked it.
"Nice throw, Miyuki," Itachi said, his voice calm. "But I won't lose to you."
The siblings continued their practice, each throw becoming more precise, more controlled. Miyuki's inner dialogue was a constant stream of determination and self-critique. 'I have to be better. I have to be better to survive the massacre.'
As the night wore on, their throws became almost synchronized. Itachi's natural talent was undeniable, but Miyuki's relentless practice was barely keeping her ahead.
Finally, after what felt like hours, they both collapsed onto the grass, panting and exhausted. The targets were littered with shuriken, each one a testament to their hard work.
"Itachi," Miyuki said between breaths, "we're both getting really good."
Itachi nodded, a rare smile crossing his face. "Yeah, we are. But we can't stop here. We have to keep pushing ourselves."
Miyuki looked up at the stars, her resolve hardening. 'I won't let him surpass me. I was being nice until now because he's still a child, and my brother, but no matter what at this rate he'll surpass me, and my fate will be in his hands.'
Seeing Itachi's rapid improvement, Miyuki's mind raced. 'I need to practice more than him. And not just a little bit more but a lot more to stay ahead.' She turned to her brother, trying to sound casual.
"Itachi, it's getting late. Maybe we should head back home. We don't want father to worry."
Itachi looked thoughtful for a moment before nodding. "You're right, Miyuki. We should rest."
As Itachi started to gather his things, Miyuki felt a pang of guilt but quickly pushed it aside. 'I need to do this. I have to stay ahead.'
"I'll catch up in a bit," Miyuki said, forcing a smile. "I just want to practice a few more throws."
Itachi gave her a curious look but didn't argue. "Alright, don't stay out too late."
As he walked away, Miyuki's determination flared. She picked up her shuriken and resumed her practice with renewed vigor.
The night grew darker, but Miyuki's resolve only strengthened. She would do whatever it took to stay ahead, whatever it took to stop the massacre.