"Are you sure this method isn't too simple? You really think this will work?"
The little Uchiha girl who called herself Tsuki frowned as she stood in position just as Naruto instructed, her small face full of skepticism.
The training method Naruto had just taught her seemed far too basic—merely adjustments to her stance, subtle changes in wrist strength, and some calculations about throwing angles. It was miles away from the kind of "secret technique that turns you into a throwing master overnight" she'd imagined. Honestly, it wasn't even as impressive as the tips her older sister occasionally shared when she was in a good mood.
Her sister…
Just the thought of that tall, dark-haired girl in the high-collared Uchiha uniform made Tsuki's expression darken slightly. Her sister had promised to teach her the art of shurikenjutsu—but every time, she'd just tap Tsuki lightly on the forehead and say, in that gentle yet distant tone, "Next time."
Then she'd leave with that annoying Shisui-nii, and Tsuki would be left alone to practice with a wooden target.
"What's wrong?" Naruto drawled teasingly, "I heard the Uchiha clan were supposed to be geniuses. Don't tell me—there's not enough courage to back that talent up?"
"W–What?!"
Tsuki's head shot up, her dark eyes blazing with sudden fire. "Of course not! Fine, let's do this! I'll show you what an Uchiha can do!"
She puffed up her cheeks, bracing herself with the determination of a warrior about to face a worthy opponent.
So easy to provoke…
Naruto barely managed to hold back a laugh as he looked at the flustered little Uchiha. The way she pressed her lips together in concentration reminded him inexplicably of the proud black cat from a cat café in his past life—clearly dying for a treat, but refusing to touch it until it was properly placed on the ground first.
Chuckling inwardly, he picked up a few smooth pebbles from the ground, tossing them lightly in his palm, feeling their weight and balance.
"Ready?" he asked, locking eyes with her. When she gave a small nod, he flicked his wrist.
Whizz!
The pebble cut through the air in a sharp arc—straight toward Uchiha Tsuki.
Her eyes narrowed, sharp and focused like a kitten hunting prey. Her fingers were already gripping a shuriken, and almost in the same instant that the pebble flew, she flicked her wrist—
Clang!
The metal met stone midair with a crisp, ringing impact. The pebble split cleanly in half, the fragments falling harmlessly to the ground.
"Hmph."
Tsuki lifted her chin proudly, puffing out her tiny chest, an involuntary smirk tugging at her lips.
"Not bad," Naruto said with a grin. "But we're not done yet—catch this!"
He didn't pause this time. Three pebbles shot out one after another in a perfect triangle formation.
Tsuki quickly reached into her pouch, drew three fresh shuriken, and let them fly in swift succession.
Clink! Clink! Clink!
Three metallic notes rang through the air almost simultaneously, sparks flaring where steel met stone.
As their practice went on, their rhythm grew faster and sharper. The steady clash of shuriken and pebbles echoed through the forest, mingling with the soft rustle of leaves. Sparks flickered in the twilight, glowing briefly before fading into the dusk.
Naruto began to switch tactics. Instead of straight shots, his throws came from every angle imaginable—some arcing high through the air, some skimming low along the ground, others ricocheting unpredictably mid-flight.
At first, Tsuki was caught off guard. Her throws went wide several times in a row. But she quickly steadied her breathing, focusing on reading Naruto's movements. Her small frame shifted with agility, each throw growing sharper, faster, more precise.
As expected…
Naruto couldn't help but be impressed. For someone so young, her perception and ability to adapt were extraordinary. She really lived up to the Uchiha name.
The method itself was crude—essentially rote training. But that kind of repetition was perfect for geniuses.
Anyone else would've gotten bored the moment Naruto started tossing pebbles—it was too easy. But since both of them were naturally gifted, they matched each other's pace effortlessly, forming a rhythm that felt strangely harmonious.
As time passed, the sun dipped lower, painting the horizon in shades of red and gold. The forest around them grew soft and hazy under the fading light, their shadows crisscrossing on the ground.
Naruto wiped sweat from his forehead, feeling a pleasant ache in his arms. He'd gotten far more into it than he expected. What had started as a bit of casual target practice had turned into a real sparring session—and with Tsuki's competitive drive pushing him, he'd tried out several new angles and throwing styles. His precision felt sharper than ever.
Yup… training with someone else really does hit differently.
He bent down, grabbed two leather water flasks from his pack, and tossed one to Tsuki.
She caught it on reflex. A few hours ago, she probably would've turned it down out of pride—or at least said something stubborn first. But now, she just quietly unscrewed the cap and drank.
The cool water eased her dry throat, and only then did Tsuki realize how much she'd been sweating. A few strands of her long black hair clung to her neck, and the back of her shirt was slightly damp.
So this is what they mean by "hot-blooded shounen training," huh? Despite hours of intense drills, she didn't feel exhausted—just exhilarated, her chest full of warmth and satisfaction.
"Alright," Naruto exhaled, lowering his flask. "Thanks for training with me today. The sun's almost down—are you heading home now?"
Tsuki nodded lightly, twisting her flask cap back on. "Mm. Mom's probably finishing dinner by now. What about you?"
"…I don't have parents," Naruto said with a small scratch to his cheek. "I usually make my own meals. Guess I'll head down by the river and eat my bento."
Tsuki froze for a moment. She hadn't expected that. The realization that this boy—her age, laughing and throwing pebbles moments ago—was an orphan, hit her harder than she thought it would. They'd only met today, but somehow, his words tugged at her chest.
Eating alone… that must feel so lonely.
The twilight deepened. A soft breeze swept through the trees, rustling the leaves overhead. Then Tsuki spoke again, her voice quieter, softer.
"I see…" she murmured. After a pause, she added, "If I go home now, dinner probably isn't ready yet. So… I'll stay with you a little longer."
As if realizing how direct that sounded, she quickly turned away and added in a rush, "O–Obviously, it's just because I've got nothing better to do right now!"
Naruto blinked, a little surprised—then smiled warmly, his blue eyes crinkling. "Then I'll be counting on your company," he said, pointing toward the distance. "The riverbank looks beautiful in the evening. You'll see."