"Ren, this technique is too valuable. I can't learn it."
Uchiha Mikoto shook her head gently, her expression unusually serious.
Before the shinobi world entered its later, overwhelming era of power, most battles were decided by information.
One unexpected move could dominate the battlefield.
One unseen technique could determine victory.
When Senju Tobirama first unveiled the Flying Thunder God Technique, its unmatched speed and unpredictability had stunned the world.
It was that very space–time technique that caught Uchiha Izuna off guard—
A wielder of the Mangekyō Sharingan—
And led to his fatal defeat.
Mikoto understood this clearly.
If she learned such a technique, even the slightest exposure during a mission could become a fatal weakness.
Worse—
If she were to fall in battle, and that knowledge were extracted by the enemy…
The thought alone made her chest tighten.
She would rather risk herself—
Than ever see news of Ren's death.
"Enough. Don't overthink it."
After more than ten years together, Ren knew her too well.
The moment he saw her resistance, he understood her concerns.
Without hesitation, his three-tomoe Sharingan appeared—
Locking onto her gaze.
Mikoto was caught completely off guard.
The world around her blurred—
Before she could react, something settled into her mind.
Understanding.
A technique.
Sharingan: Spatial Shift.
Unlike ordinary ninjutsu, it required no hand seals.
No deliberate chakra molding.
No long-term training.
It was like the Sharingan's genjutsu—
Activated the moment the eyes engaged.
A natural ability.
Something that simply… existed once understood.
Like sudden insight in mathematics—
Either you grasped it instantly, or you never would.
"Ren!"
Mikoto puffed her cheeks slightly, clearly annoyed at his forceful method.
For once, she took on the tone of an older sister.
Arms crossing lightly beneath her chest, her posture accentuating her form, she glared at him with feigned sternness.
But the slight pout on her lips betrayed her completely.
Within seconds—
She lost.
Under his smiling gaze, her resistance crumbled.
"All right… but don't do that again next time."
Her voice carried no real threat.
She knew he meant well.
Still—
She wanted him to be safe more than anything.
She even considered placing a mental suggestion on herself—
"To forget—"
"No mental suggestions."
Ren cut her off immediately.
One look was enough to read her thoughts.
"This technique was never meant for you alone."
"I plan to pass it on to the clan."
"Before deployment, every trustworthy Sharingan user will learn it."
"It will become—like the Fireball Technique—a standard for awakened Uchiha."
His gaze burned with certainty.
"Mikoto, don't worry about information leaks."
"The Uchiha's strength has never depended on hiding a single technique."
"It comes from our bloodline."
"Our pride."
"That has always been our foundation."
"And it always will be."
Mikoto looked up at him.
Her eyes shimmered faintly, drawn to his confidence—
That calm, steady presence guiding the clan forward.
Once—
He had followed behind her, calling her "big sister."
Now—
He stood as someone capable of shielding the entire clan.
She felt pride.
But also—
A faint, unspoken sense of loss.
This powerful technique—
Was not a gift meant solely for her.
The realization dimmed her smile, just slightly.
She lowered her gaze.
She knew it was selfish—
To want him to shine brightly for everyone…
And yet still wish, quietly, for something meant only for her.
"I understand."
When she looked up again, her expression was gentle as ever.
Every ripple of emotion hidden away.
"I'll master Spatial Shift properly."
"And integrate it into a new combat system."
For the Uchiha, combat always revolved around the Sharingan.
Whether facing one opponent or many—
The opening move was always eye contact.
Genjutsu to seize initiative.
Followed by a barrage of shuriken and senbon to suppress or divide.
Then came chained ninjutsu—
Fire Release, Wind Release—
Or close combat using Uchiha taijutsu or swordsmanship.
A system refined through war.
Precise.
Efficient.
Nearly flawless.
And now—
With space–time movement added—
Everything would change.
"Spatial Shift relies entirely on ocular power," Ren explained calmly.
"The stronger your eyes, the greater the range—and the more times you can use it."
"Try it."
In truth—
Before Mikoto, the first to master this technique had been Uchiha Yashiro.
Only after days of testing did Ren decide it was safe to pass on.
But that detail—
He saw no need to mention.
Mikoto smiled softly.
Her Sharingan spun to life.
The next instant—
Her figure vanished in a ripple of space, reappearing right beside him.
Without hesitation, she leaned in—
Pressing a soft kiss against his cheek.
Her breath warm.
"Try to catch me, little brother~"
Before the words even faded—
Her body dissolved like mist.
Reappearing a few meters away, her hair flowing in the morning light.
She turned back with a playful smile.
Ren touched his cheek, still warm from her lips.
His Sharingan locked onto her instantly.
A grin spread across his face—
Predatory.
"Once I catch you…"
"You're done for."
"With the same technique? You won't catch me~"
Under the sunlight by the Naka River—
Two figures flickered in and out of space, chasing one another.
Elsewhere—
Inside the Hokage Tower—
The atmosphere was heavy.
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