During those six months, Hinoko had fully integrated into the Uchiha household, and many things had happened.
She had grown quickly—too quickly, according to Mikoto. From a tiny, scrawny kitten, she now looked like a full-grown adult: powerful, well-muscled, with glossy fur and those vivid red markings even brighter.
It had worried everyone at first.
Mikoto had insisted on taking her to the village veterinarian.
The result had been… to say the least, puzzling.
The vet had listened seriously as the Uchiha explained the situation, examined Hinoko thoroughly—much to her chagrin, as she hissed and growled the whole time—before adopting a cautious expression.
"I'll be frank. Yes, she's a feline. But not a cat in the usual sense."
His tests had confirmed it. Hinoko had distinct differences:
Claws unusually strong and retractable in thicker sheaths.
Canines more pronounced, built for a strong bite.
Bone and muscle density unheard of for a feline her size.
A far more energy-intensive metabolism.
Her diet had also raised eyebrows.
She was clearly carnivorous but also ate sweet fruits, certain vegetables, and even rice. A strange balance that nonetheless seemed to keep her perfectly healthy.
Mikoto had sighed. Itachi had nodded gravely. Fugaku hadn't said a word, simply watching Hinoko in silence.
In the end, the vet had only shrugged.
"She's in perfect health. Maybe too healthy. She's just… not a normal animal. Deal with it."
After that, they'd stopped worrying.
Well... except Mikoto, who kept monitoring her meals, measuring every portion, trying to ensure balance.
Itachi had begun treating her as a proper training partner.
He organized exercises to improve their coordination and her ability to understand even the subtlest commands, all under Shisui's watchful eye.
Through this, Itachi had reviewed all of Hinoko's current capabilities, from spitting flames to sharpening the lethality of her claws and fangs.
Status
Name: Hinoko
Species: Litten ♀
Level: 21
Natures: Timid, Jolly
Ability: Blaze
Status: Adopted (Master: Itachi Uchiha)
Evolution Requirement: Level 17 (additional conditions not yet met)
Known Moves
Scratch (Normal – Physical)
Growl (Normal – Status)
Tail Whip (Normal – Status)
Odor Sleuth (Normal – Status)
Ember (Fire – Special)
Roar (Normal – Status)
Quick Attack (Normal – Physical)
Fake Tears (Dark – Status)
Bite (Dark – Physical)
Fury Swipes (Normal – Physical)
Sucker Punch (Dark – Physical)
Double Kick (Fighting – Physical)
Fire Fang (Fire – Physical)
Thrash (Normal – Physical)
Substitute (Normal – Status)
Flame Charge (Fire – Physical)
Acrobatics (Flying – Physical)
Mystical Fire (Fire – Special)
Active Quests: None
Despite all the growth, there were still no signs of evolution.
P.O.V. Hinoko---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Itachi had officially submitted his request for early graduation.
Since he would soon become a genin, today Fugaku decided to take him along to the clan police headquarters.
I trotted beside them, alert.
Passing under the large arch marked with the Uchiha crest, I couldn't help but look around wide-eyed.
It was my first time here. I'd expected... I don't know. Something colder? More Spartan?
Instead, it was spacious, elegant. The buildings lined up neatly, with an immaculately kept inner garden.
Uniformed officers moved about, greeting Fugaku with respect. The atmosphere was even more relaxed than I'd imagined.
Itachi, behind me, walked straight-backed, calm. Clearly, he was used to this.
Fugaku didn't slow down for us. He led us through several hallways in silence before opening the door to a large office.
I knew instantly it was his. The room smelled like him—warm, almost comforting.
The atmosphere was less strict: stacks of reports piled on a large low table, and a cooled tea tray waiting on a shelf.
Without thinking, I jumped onto the big worktable.
My tail swished slowly as I sat, curious to see what this big tsundere did all day.
Fugaku stared without a word, one eyebrow slightly raised. He didn't even look angry.
A huge improvement compared to our early days.
He started talking with Itachi about things that already bored me to death.
I lowered my head to sniff at the papers. A strange scent lingered.
Surveillance reports, notes about thefts, assault complaints.
And more worrying: files about disappearances, far more than those about murders.
I frowned. I had a pretty good idea why there were so many "disappearances," and it sent a little chill down my spine.
I kept rummaging, trying to understand the variety of cases the Uchiha police had to handle.
Eventually, I realized a heavy silence had fallen.
I turned slowly.
Fugaku was standing still, arms crossed, watching me with that flat look he gave when silently judging.
Itachi, meanwhile, was staring at a specific corner of the room.
Following his gaze, I saw the overturned, broken teacup on the floor.
I blinked, then slowly lay down on the table, feigning innocence.
Fugaku sighed before speaking again.
"Itachi, I won't be able to accompany you today. But it's time you see the reality of this work. You'll learn far more in the field than from any manual."
I listened with only half an ear when an envelope caught my attention.
It carried a scent that made my fur prickle. Blood. Old but strong.
I bent my head to sniff closer, but a sharper voice cut me off.
"Hinoko. Stop rummaging."
I flinched, ears snapping up. Fugaku had approached silently.
He grabbed me by the scruff before I could react and lifted me effortlessly.
I let out a protesting yowl, wriggling a little before he unceremoniously dumped me on the floor.
I landed neatly but growled in annoyance, pressing myself sulkily against his leg.
"I'm leaving her with you," he continued to Itachi. "Use this chance to teach her some manners, or she'll end up on a leash."
I immediately stiffened. I already had a collar with my name on it.
Just the idea of a leash made me shudder.
I still remembered the scene. Mikoto had literally grabbed me to get that damned collar on. I'd made a huge fuss.
I'd gotten used to it, but a leash? Never. My pride wouldn't survive it.
Itachi only nodded, placing a steadying hand on my back to keep me from bolting.
I shot him a betrayed glare, ears pinned back.
Fugaku then called out.
"Serene!"
Almost instantly, a tall, lean figure appeared in the doorway.
An Uchiha kunoichi, black hair tied back, piercing red eyes.
Weren't all Uchiha supposed to have black eyes?
She bowed deeply to Fugaku before turning her gaze on us.
"This is my son Itachi, you know him already. Today, he's getting field experience. You'll take them on patrol."
Serene nodded seriously.
"Understood, Fugaku-sama."
She turned to Itachi, then to me.
When her eyes settled on me, a chill ran down my spine.
There was something in her gaze. Cold. Analytical.
I still held her stare, my ears tilting back a little.
A small smirk curved her lips.
"Let's go. You too, little demon."