Uchiha Kage arrived at the bustling training ground and immediately noticed something unusual. Are all the ninjas on a collective holiday today? he wondered. There were far more people than usual—over a dozen clan members sparring in groups of two or three.
His gaze wandered across the field until it locked onto a striking sight.
"Wow—there's a beautiful Uchiha big sister..."
His eyes lit up as he spotted two kunoichi sparring. Without hesitation, he claimed the best viewing spot—a stone platform at the edge of the field—and settled in to admire the scene.
The two women moved with grace, their kunai flashing as they darted between obstacles. The Uchiha clan's reputation for beauty and poise was on full display, and Uchiha Kage was mesmerized.
The kunoichi weren't using any flashy ninjutsu. Instead, they focused on the fundamentals: quick, practical movements that could save a life in battle. Sparks flew as their kunai clashed repeatedly, the metallic sound ringing out across the field.
Eventually, the long-haired kunoichi faltered slightly, giving her opponent an opening. The kunai of the high-ponytailed kunoichi slipped through her defenses, stopping just before her throat.
"You've improved so much, Naoka," the long-haired kunoichi said between breaths. "At this rate, I might lose next time."
Dripping with sweat and panting from exertion, the two women exchanged a friendly handshake. Their sparring had drawn attention, and now that it was over, they turned their curious eyes toward Uchiha Kage, who was still perched on the stone platform, watching them intently.
"Hey, isn't that the little kid?" Uchiha Naoka said, recognizing him instantly.
"You know him?" Uchiha Miki asked, wiping sweat from her forehead.
As a wealthy young woman, Miki typically trained in a private dojo at home. She had only come to the public training ground today at Naoka's invitation.
"Of course!" Naoka replied with a grin. "This kid is a regular here. Some of the older clan members said he's been coming to watch ninja training since he first learned to walk."
Naoka clenched her fists, her eyes sparkling with determination. "He's going to be a future super-genius of our Uchiha clan—I'm sure of it!"
Miki tilted her head, intrigued.
"A child who shows such a strong interest in ninja training before he can even run? That's undeniable proof of talent. If he were from one of the elders' families, they would've showered him with resources already. His name would've spread across Konoha by now!"
Miki chuckled softly, impressed by Naoka's enthusiasm. "Well, let's go introduce ourselves. I could use a break anyway."
Taking Naoka's hand, she led her toward the stone platform where Uchiha Kage sat.