*Chapter 16: Uzumaki Kushina's Warning**
**Konoha Village**
*Ting! Ting!* The clash of kunai, shuriken, and ninja blades filled the training grounds as two figures separated.
"Yosuke, you've made a lot of progress recently," said Uchiha Mikoto, smiling as she sheathed her blade.
Uchiha Yosuke, panting and looking a bit disheveled, sat down on the soft grass, smiling up at Mikoto, who was only three years older. "Mikoto, congratulations on becoming a special jōnin."
At fifteen, Mikoto was already an accomplished special jōnin, skilled in genjutsu, fire-style, and swordsmanship. With her two-tomoe Sharingan, she was recognized as one of the Uchiha clan's top talents. Mikoto smiled warmly in response to Yosuke's congratulations.
"Yosuke, you've become very adept at using the Sharingan," she said as they sat together, the gentle breeze blowing around them. Mikoto pointed out areas where he could improve.
"Yosuke, almost every bloodline awakens with a temporary surge in strength, whether in chakra or physical ability, though each differs. In the Uchiha clan, awakening the Sharingan brings a particular focus on chakra. It also makes learning ninjutsu and genjutsu a lot easier."
Yosuke listened intently, reflecting on the incredible power of the Sharingan. Bloodline traits like these seemed almost like cheats in the ninja world. He thought back to the original story, where characters like Haku experienced a similar surge in strength upon awakening their bloodline traits, or how Sasuke's abilities skyrocketed after training under Kakashi once his Sharingan awakened.
"Yosuke, the Uchiha's Sharingan may be strong, but its power has led many clan members astray. They try to master all aspects—ninjutsu, genjutsu, taijutsu—yet lose their edge. Now that you've awakened it, it would be best to specialize in one area," Mikoto advised.
Yosuke nodded with a smile, understanding her point. Specialization was key; mastering one style was often more effective than spreading oneself thin. They continued to rest, and Yosuke pulled out a purple headband from his pouch. "Congratulations, special jōnin Uchiha Mikoto!"
Mikoto chuckled, her expression softening. "Thank you, Yosuke." For her, Yosuke's gesture was more valuable than the item itself. She handed him a pair of black wrist guards in return, laughing, "Congratulations, Chūnin Yosuke!"
Yosuke was startled. "Chūnin?"
"Of course. The Chūnin appointment has already been confirmed by the clan. You'll probably see your official letter once you get back," she replied with a grin.
The Uchiha clan always received such news before anyone else. "Thanks, Mikoto." Yosuke smiled as he accepted the black wrist guards. Just as he was about to put them on, he stopped. "Mikoto, these seem… pretty valuable."
But before he could say more, Mikoto smiled gently. "Valuable? To me, Yosuke, you're worth far more." She said this with a warmth that carried the intensity unique to the Uchiha clan. Yosuke, seeing her sincerity, accepted her gift—a pair of concealed weapon wrist guards marked with the character for "sword," an invaluable item. He remembered Sasuke using something similar in the original story.
Just then, a voice called out, "Mikoto!" They turned to see Kushina Uzumaki waving at them. Her red hair shone in the sunlight, and she was dressed in black thigh-high socks, her face radiating joy as she approached.
"Hey, Yosuke." Kushina's smile was warm but held a slight distance. From the original story, Yosuke knew that Kushina didn't feel a strong sense of belonging to Konoha at this point.
"Kushina," Mikoto greeted her with a smile.
"Congratulations on becoming a special jōnin, Mikoto!" Kushina exclaimed, wrapping her friend in a big hug. Yosuke could see the genuine bond between the two. He also noted, however, the hint of distance Kushina held toward him, not unusual given her feelings about Konoha.
Kushina turned and caught Yosuke looking at her with a smirk. "Yosuke, Mikoto told me everything. I'll play along with this 'friendly' act, but you'd better keep your distance from her," she warned, her expression serious.
Kushina cherished her friendship with Mikoto, one of her few true friendships outside of her family. Yosuke understood this, but couldn't help but smile at her possessive nature. Was she acting like a "yandere"? No, this was more like a child's fierce protectiveness over a cherished friend, an almost unhealthy attachment, perhaps.
He watched her reaction with amusement, thinking, 'This world may be flawed, but I love it here.'
***
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