Leaves rustled.
Ding, ding!
Kunai, shuriken, and ninja swords clashed repeatedly as two figures separated in the training field.
"Shirou-kun, you've been improving quite nicely lately."
Mikoto smiled with satisfaction as she slowly sheathed her sword.
Panting heavily, Shirou sat down, somewhat disheveled, on the soft grass. Looking at Mikoto, who was just three years older than him, he smiled.
"Sister Mikoto, congratulations on becoming a special jōnin."
At fifteen years old, Mikoto—a special jōnin skilled in genjutsu, fire release, and swordsmanship—was already a standout talent within the Uchiha clan, wielding a two-tomoe Sharingan.
Faced with Shirou's congratulations, Mikoto's face softened into a gentle smile.
"Shirou-kun, you've also become quite adept at using your Sharingan."
The two sat on the grass, enjoying the breeze, while Mikoto continued to guide Shirou with her gentle smile, pointing out his shortcomings.
"In the ninja world, almost every Kekkei Genkai brings a brief period of explosive growth after awakening. Whether it's in chakra or physical strength varies depending on the bloodline's focus.
For us Uchiha, once the Sharingan is awakened, we focus on chakra. With the Sharingan's assistance, learning ninjutsu and genjutsu becomes significantly easier…"
As Shirou panted and listened to Mikoto's detailed explanation of the Sharingan's power, he couldn't help but feel a rush of emotion.
The Sharingan is like a cheat code—just awakening it makes one a genius.
From the original series, you could gather some information: Haku gained immense power as soon as he awakened his bloodline limit. Similarly, Uchiha Sasuke's strength skyrocketed after unlocking the Sharingan, especially after training with Kakashi for just a month.
A ninja's physical abilities and chakra generally accumulate over time, but for those with bloodline powers, awakening or evolving them feels like a glitch in the system.
Take Sasuke, for instance. Every time his Sharingan evolved, his strength increased dramatically in a very short period.
"The Uchiha clan's Sharingan is indeed powerful, but that power is also why many in the clan lose their way. Ninjutsu, genjutsu, and taijutsu—trying to master all of them often turns geniuses into mediocrities.
You've already awakened your Sharingan, but when it comes to ninjutsu, genjutsu, or taijutsu, it's best to focus on one path of development."
Shirou nodded with a smile, but inside, he couldn't help but sigh. Kekkei Genkai ninjas are truly the elite of this world. The system of this world is broken.
Unlocking and evolving a Kekkei Genkai is akin to a ninja undergoing a natural evolution in talent.
"Sister Mikoto, I understand what you mean. Every strong ninja has a unique style of ninjutsu, while those who try to master everything often end up mediocre, squandering their talent."
The two of them sat there, catching their breath on the peaceful training grounds. Shirou wiped the sweat from his brow and pulled out a purple headband from his ninja pouch.
"Congratulations, Special Jōnin Uchiha Mikoto!"
Seeing the gift, Mikoto giggled and gave a charming smile.
"Thank you, Shirou-kun."
There's a saying: If she's inexperienced, show her the wonders of the world. If she's already jaded, take her on a carousel ride.
Given Mikoto's status, she lacked nothing in terms of ninja tools or techniques, so Shirou knew better than to offer something she didn't need.
At that moment, Mikoto took out a pair of black wrist guards with a chuckle, saying:
"Congratulations to you too, Chūnin Uchiha Shirou!"
Shirou was stunned.
"Chūnin?"
Seeing his expression, Mikoto chuckled again.
"Of course. The promotion letter has already been sent to the clan. You'll probably see it when you get home."
As expected from the Uchiha clan—everything, even Hokage promotions, had to go through the family first.
"Thank you, Sister Mikoto."
Accepting the black wrist guards, Shirou smiled, but just as he was about to put them on, his eyes suddenly widened.
"Sister Mikoto, isn't this a little too valuable?"
Before he could say any more, Mikoto's gentle laughter interrupted him.
"Valuable? For me, Shirou-kun is more valuable than any item."
Beneath her warm smile, there was a hint of the characteristic obsession found within the Uchiha clan. After a moment of surprise, Shiroiu smiled and chose to accept the gift.
The wrist guards featured a hidden "sword" symbol. These were sealing wrist guards, designed to conceal ninja tools, and they were incredibly rare.
Shirou remembered that in the original series, Sasuke used something similar in his battle against Itachi.
"Mikoto!"
At the sound of the voice, Mikoto turned to see someone approaching, and she smiled.
Shirou also smiled.
"Kushina."
A head of vibrant red hair swayed in the sunlight as Uzumaki Kushina, wearing long black socks and a genuine smile, waved and hurried toward them.
"Shirou-kun."
It was clear Kushina still felt a bit distant from Shirou.
After all, in the original series, while Kushina eventually became very affectionate, she initially struggled to feel a sense of belonging in Konoha.
"Kushina."
Seeing her, Mikoto greeted her with a smile.
"Congratulations, Mikoto, on becoming a special jōnin!"
As soon as they met, Kushina laughed heartily and gave Mikoto a big hug, showing just how close they were.
Shirou, on the other hand, could tell Kushina still harbored some resentment toward him—or rather, at this point, she remained emotionally distant from most people except a select few.
Without saying much, Shirou moved to a corner of the training grounds to familiarize himself with the sealing wrist guards Mikoto had given him.
...
At the side of the training field, Shirou examined the wrist guards, sighing to himself.
"Being born into the right family is a skill."
The Uchiha clan's skill with shurikenjutsu was famous throughout the ninja world, and with the added power of the Sharingan, it became even more formidable.
Mikoto's gift was not only well-hidden but also something that could prove invaluable in critical moments.
As Shirou was lost in thought, the bushes nearby rustled, and a stiff voice sounded.
"Mikoto sure is biased, giving you something so valuable."
Seeing the figure that appeared, Shirou squinted his eyes.
"Kushina—or rather, your shadow clone. The Uzumaki name is well-deserved."
Shirou smiled as he spoke, glancing out of the corner of his eye at the real Kushina chatting with Mikoto in the distance.
The Shadow Clone Technique, a B-rank skill, required a significant amount of chakra—enough to stump most people.
Kushina glared at him unhappily, as if he had taken something precious from her, her eyes filled with hostility.
"Kushina, you seem to have a lot of animosity toward me, don't you?"
Shirou smiled, but Kushina's eyes narrowed threateningly.
"Shirou-kun, Mikoto has already told me everything. I might go along with it, but you'd better stay away from her."
In Konoha, aside from Lady Mito and Tsunade, Mikoto was one of Kushina's few friends of the same age.
Because of this, Kushina cherished their friendship deeply.
Shirou, seeing Kushina's threatening gaze, narrowed his eyes in response.
A yandere? No.
It was more like a child guarding a treasured toy, unwilling to share it.
Or rather, the former princess of the Uzumaki clan, who finally had a friend, wasn't ready to let anyone else close.
After all, this ninja world is deeply twisted.
But this twisted world? I absolutely love it.
PS: If Shirou were to somehow die, would Mikoto awaken the Mangekyō Sharingan?