As Uchiha Yashiro—the clan's own master of replication—demonstrated the Gale Blade in full, he understood exactly what the others wanted.
With Ren's prior approval, he held nothing back.
His blade flowed like wind.
Chakra shimmered in pale green arcs, weaving across the training ground in intersecting trails of light.
Each movement is precise.
Each strike was deliberate.
When the final form concluded, a wave of applause erupted from the gathered Uchiha.
Fugaku stood at the edge, watching with quiet satisfaction.
The sun climbed higher.
By noon, the Naka River shimmered like flowing gold beneath the light.
Ancient trees along the bank cast layered shadows, their branches filtering sunlight into shifting patterns upon the water.
After a full morning of training, Uchiha Mikoto leaned lightly against a gnarled tree root by the river.
Her head tilted back slightly as she caught her breath.
Fine beads of sweat dotted her forehead and pale neck, glistening softly like morning dew.
Her clothes clung faintly from exertion, outlining the subtle grace of her form.
Her posture remained composed—
Even in rest, a shinobi's strength lingered beneath her softness.
With practiced ease, she bent down and untied her ninja sandals.
Her slender fingers moved with a trace of post-training languor.
When she slipped her feet free, removing her white socks—
Her ankles, fair and delicate, dipped into the clear river.
Cool water flowed over her skin.
Ripples spread outward, brushing against her feet and slender ankles.
She gently moved her feet, stirring small splashes—
The current tracing along the smooth lines of her legs.
Mikoto lifted her gaze—
Only to find Ren seated beside her.
And his attention—
Lingering.
Unfocused, yet unmistakably drawn.
Her cheeks flushed instantly.
A faint warmth rose to her ears.
She instinctively shifted, her feet curling slightly beneath the water as if to hide—
But the clear stream offered no concealment.
The awareness of his gaze traveled through her like the current itself.
Even her breathing softened unconsciously.
"…You…"
Her voice came out softer than intended.
"What are you looking at?"
"At my dear sister."
Ren answered without hesitation, a low note of amusement in his voice as he leaned closer.
Sunlight fell across him, his shadow stretching—
Enveloping her completely.
Ignoring her faint attempt to pull away, he drew closer still.
His lips brushed against her neck—
Lingering.
Warm.
Unyielding.
Time seemed to stretch.
By the time he pulled back, Mikoto's thoughts had blurred, her strength momentarily softened.
Ren glanced toward the distant treeline.
Maru was approaching with lunch.
His hand moved lightly, tapping her waist as he spoke in a low voice.
"Lady… we have company."
The warmth of his breath near her ear sent a brief shiver through her.
"Ah—!"
The moment snapped.
Like cool water over her thoughts.
Realizing how close she still was to him—
And that someone might be approaching—
Her face flushed deeply.
She quickly pulled away, adjusting her clothes and hair in hurried motions.
Then she looked back at him.
Eyes bright, still slightly misted—
More embarrassed than truly angry.
Her lips pressed together lightly, caught between complaint and lingering warmth.
Ren was just about to tease her—
When rustling came from across the river.
"Young Master! Lady!"
A familiar voice rang out.
"I'm here, meow!"
The bushes parted.
Maru burst through—
A round blur of orange.
Bounding across the river's surface with surprising agility, ripples spreading beneath each step.
In moments, he reached them.
Panting slightly, his body rose and fell with each breath.
But his eyes—
Bright.
Eager.
His tail swayed rapidly behind him.
Without delay, he pulled out a sealed scroll and pushed forward a lunchbox.
"Lunch! I brought lunch!"
His voice carried excitement—and a hint of urgency.
"Let's eat first!"
"And then… can we summon Kasumi?"
The morning's spar had shaken him deeply.
Only after waking from the genjutsu and seeing Kasumi still there had his heart settled.
Now—
He was determined to prove himself.
Mikoto, hearing him call her "Lady," couldn't help but smile.
Her eyes curved softly.
She leaned back slightly, bracing her hands behind her as she lifted her feet from the water.
Droplets fell like scattered pearls—
Catching the sunlight as they descended.
Each bead glimmered briefly—
Before merging back into the flowing river.
And the ripples spread outward once more.
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