3rd POV
As soon as the spar began, Kushina wasted no time, throwing a kunai straight at Ryuichi. Haru moved quickly, catching the kunai mid-air with precision as the veins around his eyes bulged, his Byakugan activated. In the blink of an eye, the three genin spread out, putting space between themselves and their formidable sensei.
Kushina scanned the training field, her eyes sharp. She formed a quick sequence of hand seals, and with a muttered command, released a powerful jutsu: "Futon: Great Breakthrough." A fierce gust of wind exploded forward, tearing through foliage and revealing Fuyumi's hiding spot. Realizing she'd been exposed, Fuyumi darted from the bushes, quickly unrolling a scroll from her backpack. With a flash, a purple barrier materialized before her, absorbing the brunt of the gust. Though it held, the sheer force shattered the shield, leaving Fuyumi with small cuts and a renewed sense of caution.
Seeing Kushina's attention momentarily focused on Fuyumi, Ryuichi seized the chance. Hidden among the trees, he went through the hand seal for his favorite attack, murmuring, "Katon: Great Fireball Jutsu!" A blazing sphere of fire roared towards Kushina, erupting in a fiery explosion as it made contact. However, before the smoke had a chance to clear, Ryuichi felt the chill of a kunai pressed to the back of his neck.
Kushina had already closed the distance, her movements swift and silent. But before she could strike, Haru leaped in, kicking the kunai out of her grasp and forcing her back. With the Byakugan still active, Haru engaged her in close combat, moving with the precision of his clan's Gentle Fist style. Despite his best efforts, however, Kushina was clearly dominating, her taijutsu far surpassing his. Realizing he couldn't hold her off for long, Haru retreated, grabbing both Ryuichi and Fuyumi by their collars and shunshining them to the edge of the field.
Yet, Kushina anticipated their movement, appearing right in front of them as if she'd read their every thought. Fuyumi reacted quickly, throwing several kunai rigged with explosive tags. The tags detonated as Kushina dodged, but undeterred, she began weaving another set of hand seals.
"Not so fast!" Ryuichi shouted, completing his own set of hand seals. "Katon: Flame Bullet!" A stream of small fireballs sped toward Kushina, interrupting her jutsu as she gracefully sidestepped each shot.
Not missing a beat, Fuyumi unfurled another scroll. With a quick motion, the scroll unleashed a rain of kunai, each flying straight for Kushina. In one smooth motion, Kushina unsheathed her sword, parrying the kunai mid-air, her blade flashing as it deflected every projectile.
"Follow me!" Haru called out, seeing the chance to regroup. He led them deeper into a patch of dense forest where they could get some distance from their sensei. The three of them dashed through the trees, the sound of their footsteps blending with the rustling leaves, but Kushina's presence was never far behind.
"Guys, I have a plan!" Haru said, his tone a mix of urgency and excitement.
"To beat that?" Ryuichi asked, glancing over his shoulder at Kushina, who was gaining on them.
"Maybe not entirely," Haru admitted, flashing a grin, "but it'll buy us time and give us a chance to turn things around."
Fuyumi's eyes lit up with determination. "Alright, what's the plan?" she asked, her voice steely, ready for anything Haru had to suggest.
Kushina's pov
"They're good for their age," I thought to myself, watching with a mix of pride and amusement. I hadn't expected much from their first spar, honestly, but these kids were surprising me. Each one of them was excellent in their own way, and they were showcasing those talents with genuine grit and creativity.
"Running won't get you anywhere!" I called, catching up to their retreating figures as they dashed through the trees. Suddenly, they split off in three different directions, each disappearing down a separate path. I stopped, more curious than anything. Tracking them down would be easy, but I wanted to give them a chance, to see if they were working on some clever tactic.
Moments later, a fireball erupted from a nearby tree where Ryuichi was hiding, hurtling toward me. With a quick series of hand seals, I shot a water ball from my palm, extinguishing his flames before they even came close. "Doing the same thing again and expecting a different result is called madness, Ryuichi!" I shouted, looking directly at his hiding spot.
From all around, a flurry of kunai shot toward me. I leapt into the air, dodging the projectiles with ease. But Ryuichi, persistent as ever, unleashed yet another fireball, aiming right at me while I was mid-air. Smiling to myself, I opened my own scroll, weaving a quick sequence of hand seals. A protective barrier sprang up, shielding me and absorbing his flames completely.
"Ryuichi's chakra must be getting low," I thought, seeing him panting from his perch in the tree, sweat glistening on his forehead. "He probably only has one more jutsu left in him." Landing on the ground, I felt a crinkling sensation under my foot—a seal tag.
"A restraining seal?" I mused, only mildly surprised as chains materialized around my legs, locking me in place. Breaking through it would've been easy, but the look of satisfaction on their faces was worth playing along. Haru charged at me, darting in for a close-range taijutsu bout, weaving in and out to keep me guessing. It didn't escape me that he was trying to distract me, likely covering for something Ryuichi was preparing in the background.
After a few rounds, Haru backed off, and I immediately spotted Ryuichi, one hand raised as he launched another Great Fireball Jutsu directly toward me. "Is that all they've got?" I wondered briefly, raising my hands to perform the water ball technique once more. With a quick breath, the water countered Ryuichi's attack, dousing the flames.
Just as the clash of fire and water created a smokescreen between us, I sensed a rapid movement. In a split second, Fuyumi was upon me, her kunai flashing as she leapt out of the dissipating smoke, her face focused, her stance controlled. I was just barely too slow to react—the blade's edge grazed my arm, a slight sting to remind me of her presence.
"I forgot about her," I thought, allowing myself a small smile. She'd used the diversion flawlessly, catching me off guard just long enough to land her strike.
3rd person pov
Ryuichi, Haru, and Fuyumi stood in a tight group, their eyes trained on the spot where Kushina had just been. In a heartbeat, she had burst into a cloud of smoke, leaving only the faint scent of chakra lingering in the air.
"Very well executed," a voice called out from behind them, causing all three to turn simultaneously, their expressions shifting from surprise to eager anticipation. There, standing confidently, was Kushina, nodding her head in approval. "To think you would be able to destroy one of my shadow clones."
"I didn't know you knew the Hiding Like a Mole jutsu, Fuyumi," Kushina added, her eyes sparkling with mischief as she looked at the Uzumaki girl. "Ryuichi and Haru were distracting me while you were slowly sneaking up, huh?" It wasn't a question; Kushina already knew the answer, her tone playful.
"Yes, Kushina-sama, I learned the hiding like a mole jutsu in the academy library and the plan was orchestrated by Haru," Fuyumi replied curtly, a hint of pride slipping through her typically reserved demeanor.
"Good thinking Haru! A future Hokage needs to be battle-smart," Kushina said, her voice brimming with encouragement. Without warning, she appeared right behind Haru, ruffling his hair roughly. He squirmed under the playful affection, a mixture of annoyance and delight flashing across his face.
"Ryuichi, that was an impressive feat!" Kushina continued, turning her attention back to him. "Throwing around that many jutsu is not something a normal eight-year-old could do." Her praise lit up Ryuichi's face, a smile spreading wide as he absorbed the compliment.
"Thanks, Kushina-san- I mean, sensei!" he beamed.
"Well, that's about it for today," Kushina declared, her tone shifting to a more businesslike manner. "Regarding the training for tomorrow, meet me at 6 AM sharp at the entrance of Training Ground 9." With that, she disappeared in a flurry of leaves and smoke, leaving her students in the wake of her energy.
"Uh, well, that was fun," Haru said, breaking the lingering silence with a hint of awkwardness as he tried to gauge his teammates' feelings about the intense session.
-{0}-
Ryuichi opened the door to his home, feeling the weight of the day's training in his bones. "I'm home!" he called out, bending down to untie his shinobi sandals.
"We're in the dining room, Ryuichi!" came his mother Mikoto's voice from down the hall.
He shuffled toward the dining room, his footsteps slower than usual. As he entered, he found his parents already seated at the table, Mikoto smiling warmly and Fugaku, as always, wearing a calm, unreadable expression.
"How was your day, Ryuichi?" Fugaku asked, his tone even but carrying a faint note of curiosity.
"Turns out Kushina-san is my Jonin sensei," Ryuichi replied, sliding into one of the chairs with a small grin.
Fugaku raised an eyebrow, his interest piqued. Mikoto looked delighted, pausing whatever she was doing in the kitchen. "Kushina? That's wonderful! She's one of the village's best Jonin."
"How about your teammates?" Mikoto asked, moving closer to the table.
Ryuichi hesitated, feeling his parents' expectant gazes urging him to elaborate. "Well, Fuyumi is on my team too," he started, watching as Mikoto's expression softened. "And then there's another boy named Haru."
Fugaku and Mikoto shared a look, waiting for him to go on. He sighed, slightly amused by their interest. "Haru's a Hyuga. He's a year older than us and seems nice enough."
"A Hyuga, hm?" Fugaku said, his face darkening slightly. "Be cautious with them. They envy the Uchiha. After all, we have the superior dōjutsu." His voice held a trace of prideful clannism, but before he could say more, Mikoto gave him a quick, light smack on the head.
"Fugaku!" she scolded, her voice sharp but affectionate. "Don't teach our son to think that way."
Fugaku gave a faint grunt, conceding to Mikoto's reprimand, though he kept his stoic expression intact. Ryuichi chuckled softly, watching the two of them. Moments like this always made him feel the warmth of his family's bond.
Then Mikoto's expression shifted, her eyes brightening with a look Ryuichi rarely saw—a mix of joy and something almost mischievous. She exchanged a glance with Fugaku, who, to Ryuichi's surprise, looked unusually pleased with himself.
"On a happier note, there's something you should know, Ryuichi." Mikoto's voice was gentle but brimming with excitement.
"What is it, Mom?" Ryuichi asked, his curiosity piqued.
Mikoto's face broke into a radiant smile, and her eyes sparkled as she said, "You're going to be a big brother!"
Ryuichi's eyes widened as the news sunk in, and a joyful grin stretched across his face. "Really? I'm going to have a sibling?"
"Yes," Mikoto nodded, her voice full of warmth. Fugaku's expression softened, a rare smile tugging at the corner of his lips.
Ryuichi couldn't contain his excitement, his mind already racing with ideas of what it would be like to have a younger sibling to teach, protect, and maybe even train with someday. "That's amazing! I can't wait to meet them!"
Mikoto leaned over and gave him a warm hug, and even Fugaku's usually stoic demeanor seemed to relax as he placed a reassuring hand on his son's shoulder.
A sharp knock echoed through the Uchiha household, interrupting the newfound warmth that had filled the room moments earlier. Mikoto, still near the dining table, raised her voice. "Who is it?" she called.
"It's the Uchiha Police Force, Mikoto-sama!" a voice answered from the other side.
Fugaku, who had already moved silently toward a kunai hidden beneath the sofa, exhaled and eased his hand back, visibly relaxing. He took a seat on the couch again, but his face remained clouded.
"Are you okay, Father?" Ryuichi asked, watching his father with a concerned frown.
The war had left its mark on Fugaku, both as a shinobi and as a man. Lately, Ryuichi had noticed how his father's demeanor had changed—how he seemed always on edge, always anticipating danger. He would wake up in the middle of the night, gasping for air, drenched in cold sweat, haunted by nightmares that even his powerful Sharingan could not protect him from.
Fugaku gave a short nod, ruffling Ryuichi's hair in a rare show of softness. "I'm fine," he replied, though his voice was tense, his gaze distant.
Suddenly, a gasp echoed from the front hallway where Mikoto had gone to answer the door. The sound sent a jolt through both Fugaku and Ryuichi, and they rushed out to find Mikoto standing frozen in place, facing two Uchiha police officers. She turned back toward them, her expression stricken, eyes glistening with tears.
"Fugaku—" Mikoto choked, struggling to find her voice. She reached out a trembling hand toward her husband, her face etched with shock and grief. "It's Kazan…"
Fugaku moved to her side instantly, wrapping a steadying arm around her as her emotions threatened to overtake her. He turned a grave look to the officers, his gaze hardened but questioning.
"What's happened?" Fugaku asked, his voice low and bracing for impact.
The lead officer stepped forward, his own expression heavy. "The Uchiha patriarch, Kazan-sama, is in critical condition," he reported solemnly. "Tsunade-sama has requested that the family be notified immediately. Kazan-sama may have only a few hours left."
The weight of the words hung in the air, pressing down on everyone in the room. Fugaku's grip on Mikoto's shoulders loosened, his face momentarily going blank with shock. His father, the revered and powerful head of the Uchiha clan, the man who had taught him to be both a warrior and a leader, was slipping away.
Mikoto, clutching Fugaku's arm, stifled a sob as tears streamed down her face. She leaned against him, her own grief mirroring his but softened by her innate compassion. Fugaku's eyes, typically stern and composed, flickered with a hint of vulnerability. It was rare for him to show his emotions openly, yet here he was, stricken and exposed.
Ryuichi watched them, his mind racing as he tried to process the news. He had grown up with stories of his grandfather's bravery and strength, of how he had led the Uchiha through countless challenges with wisdom and resilience. Kazan was a towering figure to him—a role model and a family legend. And now, that legend was fading.
"We need to go to him," Mikoto whispered, regaining a bit of composure. Her hand tightened around Fugaku's. "We have to say goodbye."
Fugaku nodded, finally snapping out of his stunned silence. He looked back at his son, and for a moment, the burden he carried as a father, husband, and clan leader was palpable.
"Ryuichi," Fugaku said, his voice deep but steady. "We're going to see your grandfather. I need you to be strong."
With a heavy heart, Ryuichi followed his parents, his young mind struggling to grasp the gravity of the moment. They walked through the quiet streets of Konoha, his mother's hand gripping his own tightly as they moved toward the hospital. The bustling village seemed muted, the usual sounds of the market and villagers at work and play reduced to a distant hum as if the entire world was holding its breath.
Inside the hospital, Tsunade stood waiting at the door, her face solemn. She greeted them with a silent nod and led them through winding hallways to a dimly lit room where Kazan lay, his figure more fragile than Ryuichi had ever seen. The sight of his grandfather like this, a man once so full of life and strength, lying weak and vulnerable, struck Ryuichi deeply.
Fugaku stepped forward, taking his father's hand, his expression uncharacteristically soft as he murmured, "Father…"
Kazan's eyes opened, and for a moment, they held a glimmer of their usual fire. He glanced at each member of his family, a faint chuckle escaping his lips and echoing softly through the room, breaking the heavy silence with a hint of his old spirit. "What's with that expression…?" he murmured, a gentle smirk curving his lips. "You all make it seem like I'm already dead."
Mikoto wiped away a tear, smiling despite herself. Fugaku's stoic expression softened, and Ryuichi felt a warmth rise in his chest as his grandfather's words chipped away at the somber atmosphere.
Kazan's gaze found Ryuichi, his eyes still sharp despite the weariness in his face. "Come here, boy," he said, gesturing him forward. Ryuichi's heart pounded as he stepped closer, kneeling beside the bed, the familiar scent of sandalwood and faint medicine in the air grounding him.
"Ryuichi," Kazan began, his voice low but steady, "I may not be here forever, but I'm not gone yet." His weathered hand, calloused from years of battles, rested on Ryuichi's shoulder, warm and reassuring. "Remember, strength isn't just about wielding power or perfecting jutsu. It's about standing tall, no matter how many times life knocks you down."
Ryuichi swallowed hard, feeling a surge of determination well up within him. "I'll remember, Grandfather. I promise."
Kazan's hand gave a small, encouraging squeeze, and his eyes sparkled with the fierce pride that had carried him through life. "Good. Keep that fire in you, boy. Keep it burning, and don't let anyone—especially yourself—put it out." He paused, drawing a shaky breath. "The Uchiha are known for their strength, yes, but also for their compassion, for those they hold dear. Never lose sight of that."
Behind Ryuichi, Fugaku watched with pride and a hint of sadness, Kazan's words resonating deeply within him. He remembered hearing these same lessons from his father years ago, the wisdom now passing through the generations.
Kazan's gaze softened as he looked over at his son, something unspoken passing between them. "Now, with that out of the way," he said, his voice growing quieter but no less firm, "I'd like to speak to my son… alone."
Ryuichi felt his grandfather's hand give one last, gentle squeeze before he withdrew, casting a final glance at Kazan's face, its familiar warmth a comfort even now. He rose slowly, hesitating for a moment as he looked to his father, who gave him a small nod in silent understanding. Mikoto placed a comforting hand on Ryuichi's shoulder as they left the room, leaving Fugaku and Kazan alone in the quiet, heavy air.
Fugaku moved closer, his expression still stoic but with the faintest hint of apprehension. Kazan's gaze was steady, but beneath it lay an urgency he could not hide. He took a shallow breath, then met Fugaku's eyes with a look that carried the weight of finality.
"Fugaku…" Kazan began, his voice almost a whisper. "I need you to do something for me. Something only you can do."
Fugaku's brow furrowed, sensing the gravity of what was coming. A wave of dread coiled in his chest as he prepared for the worst.
Kazan continued, his voice unwavering. "It's time for me to go. I don't want to linger here, helpless and in pain." He paused, searching Fugaku's eyes. "I want you to end it for me."
Fugaku's heart raced as he processed his father's request, disbelief washing over him. "You want me to kill you?" he whispered, the weight of those words heavy on his tongue.
Kazan nodded slowly, his expression resolute yet tender. "Yes. I trust you to do this. You will carry this burden, but it will also be a part of your strength. My death will be my final gift to you—an opportunity to step into your own power."
Fugaku clenched his fists, the pain of the moment constricting around his heart. "Father, I can't…"
"You must," Kazan urged, his voice firm but softening as he saw the turmoil in Fugaku's eyes. "This act is not one of violence, but one of love and release. You are freeing me."
A single tear escaped Fugaku's eye, and he looked away for a moment, battling the storm of emotions within him. "If this is truly what you want, I will honor your wishes."
Kazan smiled faintly, a look of gratitude in his eyes. "Thank you, my son. Remember, this is an act of love. You will understand in time."
With trembling hands, Fugaku reached for the kunai at his side, its blade cold and sharp. He took a moment to steady himself, allowing the weight of the moment to settle around them. "I will carry your legacy, Father."
Kazan nodded, his voice a whisper now, "Do it. Set me free."
Fugaku plunged the blade into his father's heart, feeling the warmth of blood seep around the wound. Kazan's eyes widened for a brief moment, but then softened, a serene smile on his lips as he took his final breath. "Goodbye, my son," he whispered, and in that instant, the world around Fugaku shifted.
A surge of power coursed through him, a blinding light enveloping his vision as he felt something awaken within. He staggered back, breathless, the realization dawning upon him that he had crossed a threshold, something profound and irrevocable changing within him.
After a moment, he found his way to the mirror hanging on the wall. As he looked into it, he saw the reflection of his eyes—his sharingan now bore a swirl along with the usual three tomoe. Confusion washed over him, mingling with a flood of emotions that threatened to overwhelm him.
Understanding struck him like lightning. Kazan's sacrifice was not merely an end, but a beginning—his father had given him this power as a parting gift, a legacy bound by blood and sacrifice. The weight of Kazan's love and the enormity of what he had done pressed heavily upon him.
Fugaku sank to the floor, letting the tears flow freely now. He let himself go, releasing the grief and confusion that had anchored him in place. His father's final gift had ignited a fire within him—a fire that would guide him forward as he stepped into his new identity, carrying both the burden and the honor of the Uchiha name.
==chapter end==