The sun shone over Konoha, illuminating the training grounds where the clash of kunai, shurikens, and ninja swords echoed continuously. Two figures faced each other, separated by a few meters, locked in practice.
"Ye, you've made remarkable progress recently," Uchiha Mikoto said with a satisfied smile, slowly sheathing her ninja sword.
Uchiha Ye, panting heavily, collapsed onto the soft grass, a bit awkwardly. Despite his exhaustion, he smiled warmly at Mikoto, who was only three years his senior.
"Mikoto-sister, congratulations on becoming a Special Jonin," he said.
At fifteen, Mikoto had already achieved the rank of Special Jonin. She had mastered genjutsu, advanced fire techniques, and swordsmanship, and possessed a double magatama Sharingan, marking her as one of the Uchiha clan's top talents.
Receiving Ye's congratulations, Mikoto smiled gently. "Ye, your mastery of the Sharingan has progressed impressively as well."
The two sat together on the soft grass, enjoying the gentle breeze. Mikoto, her smile kind yet instructive, continued to point out Ye's shortcomings.
"Ye, almost every ninja experiences a period of rapid growth after awakening their bloodline, focusing either on chakra or physical strength. Our Uchiha clan, after opening the Sharingan, prioritizes chakra. With the Sharingan's blessing, learning both ninjutsu and genjutsu becomes significantly easier…"
Ye listened intently, his chest rising and falling with excitement. The Sharingan's power was undeniable. Those who awakened their bloodline abilities often became prodigies overnight. He recalled the original tales: Haku Mizunoe, whose strength skyrocketed upon awakening her bloodline, and Uchiha Sasuke, whose power surged dramatically in just one month under Kakashi's training.
"A ninja's physical strength and chakra accumulate over time, yet bloodline ninjas evolve differently," Mikoto continued. "The Sharingan accelerates growth, but it comes with its own pitfalls. Many Uchiha geniuses became complacent, relying too heavily on ocular power, neglecting their ninjutsu, genjutsu, or taijutsu, ultimately falling into mediocrity. Ye, now that your eyes have awakened, focus on a particular path—whether ninjutsu, genjutsu, or taijutsu—rather than spreading yourself too thin."
Ye nodded thoughtfully, inwardly agreeing. In the ninja world, bloodline abilities were the natural evolution of talent. To ignore this potential would be to ignore the essence of a true ninja.
"I understand, Mikoto. Every great ninja excels in a particular style. Those who try to be well-rounded often end up wasting their talents."
The two panted softly under the bright sky. Ye wiped sweat from his brow and pulled a purple headband from his ninja tool bag.
"Congratulations, Special Jonin Uchiha Mikoto!" he said, presenting the gift.
Mikoto chuckled, a subtle charm in her smile. "Ye, thank you."
Uchiha Ye understood the unspoken meaning: if inexperienced, he would show her the world's splendor; if seasoned, he would guide her through its intricacies. Mikoto, already a skilled ninja, had no shortage of jutsu or tools, so there was no need for compromise.
Mikoto, smiling, produced a pair of black wristbands. "Congratulations, Chunin Uchiha Ye."
Ye blinked, surprised. Chunin?
Seeing his reaction, Mikoto laughed softly. "The Chunin promotion is recognized within the clan first. Your official letter will arrive when you return."
Such was the Uchiha way: even Hokage approvals first passed through clan channels.
"Thank you, Sister Mikoto."
Ye accepted the wristbands, smiling. As he prepared to wear them, his eyes widened.
"Misaki, these are too valuable!"
Mikoto smiled softly. "Valuable? To me, Ye, you are more valuable than anything else."
Behind her gentle words lingered the Uchiha clan's characteristic caution, leaving Ye momentarily stunned before he accepted the gift with a smile.
Hidden within the wristbands was the word "sword." These were ninja tool-sealing wristbands, compact, concealable, and extremely valuable—capable of turning the tide of battle unexpectedly. Ye remembered that Sasuke had employed similar tools against Itachi in the original story.
At that moment, a new presence appeared.
"Mikoto is too partial, giving you such a precious gift," a harsh voice called from the side of the training grounds.
Ye narrowed his eyes, spotting the figure emerging from the grass.
"Kushina-san, or rather, a Shadow Clone…truly befitting the Uzumaki name," Ye said, smiling as he noticed the red-haired figure moving with ease near Mikoto.
Kushina's shadow clone shimmered as it glared at him with clear displeasure, her body radiating hostility.
"Ye-kun," the clone spoke, her voice sharp, "I can go through the motions with you, but you'd better stay away from Mikoto."
Uchiha Ye noticed Kushina's subtle distance. Despite her later reputation as love-stricken, early on, she had never felt belonging in Konoha. Here, aside from Mito and Tsunade, her closest friend was Uchiha Mikoto.
Ye narrowed his eyes, studying the red-haired ninja. Hostility marked her stance, but beneath it was more than jealousy—it was the protective nature of a friend unwilling to share someone they cherished.
"Seems like you're hostile toward me, Kushina-san," Ye remarked, smiling faintly.
Kushina's eyes glinted with menace. "Mikoto has told me everything. I can tolerate you, but Mikoto…she's mine to protect."
Ye chuckled inwardly. Yandere? No. More like a child guarding a precious toy. Or perhaps it was the mindset of a former Uzumaki princess, unwilling to share a friendship she finally attained.
The ninja world was distorted, strange, and yet, Ye loved every bit of it.
He turned away, retreating to a quiet corner of the training ground to examine the wristbands Mikoto had given him. Sealed within them was a tool capable of incredible versatility, designed to amplify the Uchiha shuriken techniques, especially under the guidance of the Sharingan.
Ye sighed, feeling the weight of his reincarnated knowledge. "Reincarnation truly is a skill," he muttered.
The grass rustled again, but this time, Ye's focus remained sharp. In his hand, the wristbands felt alive with potential, ready to be used at the right moment to turn the tide of any battle.
As he prepared to train with the seals, the distant laughter and chatter of Mikoto and Kushina echoed across the training ground. Despite the tension, a sense of calm determination settled over Ye.
Tomorrow was Tuesday, and the upcoming data was crucial for the book's PK test. But for now, Ye focused on mastering his new tools, readying himself for the challenges ahead in the ever-twisted ninja world.
The quiet of the training ground was punctuated by distant voices and the rustle of leaves. Ye tightened his grip on the wristbands, a spark of determination flashing in his eyes. The ninja world was chaotic, distorted, and often unjust—but it was his to navigate, and he would do so with skill, intelligence, and the bloodline power that ran through his veins.
Every training session, every lesson from Mikoto, and every interaction with Kushina reinforced one truth: to survive and thrive in this world, Ye would need more than just raw power. Strategy, foresight, and understanding the hearts of those around him would be just as crucial as any jutsu.
With the sun beginning to dip, casting long shadows across the training grounds, Ye made a silent vow. The power of the Sharingan, the wisdom of his experiences, and the guidance of his friends would forge his path. And no obstacle—be it rival ninja, clan expectations, or the unpredictable turns of fate—would stand in his way.
As the day ended, a calm settled over Konoha, but Ye knew tomorrow would bring new challenges, new lessons, and the ever-present struggle of mastering both the body and the bloodline.
And thus, the stage was set for the next chapter of his journey—a journey of growth, rivalry, and the complex bonds of friendship and loyalty.
(End of Chapter 16)