He rubbed his sore hands, the sting of their clashes still fresh. Her strength was leagues above his.
"Enough for today. Tomorrow, we'll train again." Seeing the sun nearly set, she grabbed his hand and the shopping bags, pulling him along.
Shun sighed, keeping pace just behind his fierce older sister as they ran toward her home. Determination flickered in his eyes to train harder than ever and close the gap between them.
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They walked side by side toward Mikoto's home, Shun's thoughts still lingering on their spar. His mind spun at the sheer gap between them. Despite their small age difference, her skills towered over his own. She really deserves to be called talented… no wonder the clan invests so much in her. They even compare her to Fugaku Uchiha.
Beside him, Mikoto smiled warmly. Watching her little brother's progress filled her with pride, and plans were already forming in her head on how to shape his training further.
When they arrived, Shun caught sight of her house—well lit, the soft glow of lanterns spilling into the night. A mouthwatering scent drifted from the kitchen window. The home was modest, not lavish, but beautifully maintained, with a lush garden full of blooming flowers and neatly trimmed shrubs.
Shun winced, comparing it to his own shabby home. Having a mother really makes a difference.
Mikoto knocked gently, and the door slid open to reveal a woman in her late twenties. Her long, silky black hair flowed to her waist, and her smile lit up her face as she pulled Mikoto into a warm embrace.
"Ohh… so you do remember your aunt's house, Shun." Her eyes narrowed playfully as she pinched his cheek.
"Sorry, Aunt…" Shun muttered, fidgeting with his fingers.
"Mm, I'll forgive you—but don't forget to visit your aunt once in a while," she said, her tone softening.
She ushered them inside. "Now, go wash your hands. I've prepared kare raisu and miso soup. And Mikoto—your favorite udon is waiting too."
They hurried to obey. Soon after, they sat at the dining table. Mikoto attacked her food with enthusiasm, eating as though she hadn't just eaten hours ago. Shun, on the other hand, picked at his small portion, already full.
Wow… a ninja's appetite really is on another level. He watched Mikoto eat as though nothing could stop her.
"Shun, why are you eating so little?" his aunt asked, noticing his untouched plate.
Caught, he glanced at Mikoto, and noticed the slight shake of her head, the hidden intentions understood by him. "Ah… I ate some dango and cookies earlier. That's why I'm full."
Mikoto arched a brow, clearly unimpressed with his excuse, but his aunt only sighed. "You shouldn't eat so many cookies, Shun. They're not good for your health." She ladled soup into his empty bowl with a maternal smile.
When the meal ended, his aunt cleared the dishes, while Shun and Mikoto washed up. Later, the two settled in the living room.
"Nii-chan," Shun began, "I want to visit the library tomorrow, so I won't be able to train with you."
Mikoto gave him a curious look. "Why the sudden interest in books? You're not exactly the type to study."
"I want to know more about the history of our world," Shun said, eyes gleaming. "How people first learned to use chakra… about the First Hokage's era."
Mikoto hummed, intrigued. "Well, I did have plans to spar with someone tomorrow. Fine—you can go. But after that, training starts, and you'll have to follow my plan diligently."
Shun nodded eagerly, relief washing over him.
Later, his aunt joined them, and the night passed in easy conversation—mostly between Mikoto and her. By the time the moon hung high in the sky, Shun was guided to the guest room, where excitement churned in his chest. He drifted to sleep, eager for tomorrow.
The Next Morning
After enjoying his aunt's breakfast, Shun returned home carrying yesterday's shopping bags. A cold bath washed away his drowsiness, and he changed into his new outfit: black trousers with narrow ankles, a crisp white long-sleeved shirt, and a black jacket bearing the Uchiha crest.
Hmm… I look good, he thought, admiring his reflection in the mirror.
Soon, he made his way to the Uchiha Clan Library—a broad, imposing building. Its gates, open only to clan members, promised knowledge unavailable anywhere else in Konoha.
Inside, a librarian sat behind a desk, busily sorting through books. Shun approached.
"Excuse me, ma'am, could you tell me where the history section is?"
She glanced up, her eyes flicking to the Uchiha crest on his jacket before giving a small nod. Pulling out a register, she asked, "First, your name."
"Shun Uchiha," he answered quickly.
She scribbled it down. "Are you a shinobi?"
"No, ma'am," he said, tapping his foot impatiently.
"Then you are permitted access only to this floor and the one above. The lower floors are strictly off limits." She closed the register with a snap. "As for history, there's a small section on this floor, though it's not very comprehensive. The upper floor, Section-4, has a much larger collection—you may find what you're looking for there."
Without another word, she returned to her sorting.
Shun wasted no time. He climbed the stairs, heading straight for Section-4. His heart pounded as he scanned the shelves until his eyes landed on a thick tome titled The Origin of Chakra.
He seized it eagerly, settled at a nearby table, and opened the first page. Anticipation building in his heart.