She wanted to share some of Fugaku's burdens.
Mikoto wore a standard ninja outfit: a green flak jacket over a dark top, paired with black pants that outlined the curves of her thighs as she stood.
The dim lighting cast shadows that accentuated her facial features.
Seeing that it was Mikoto, Fugaku's tone immediately softened.
"Alright. I'll leave it to you."
There was mutual affection between them—only a thin veil remained unpierced.
To Fugaku, it was merely a matter of time.
---
Seiji hadn't walked far when he heard someone call out to him.
Turning around, he saw a gentle-looking woman.
"Lady Mikoto," he greeted.
Despite her image as a housewife, the official databook Book of Formation clearly stated she was a retired jōnin.
And being a jōnin already placed her among the elite of the ninja world.
"One of the Sannin, Tsunade, will arrive soon. I'll take you back to your room," Mikoto suggested.
"Okay."
Seiji nodded and quietly followed her, half a step behind.
He'd already lived with the Uchiha clan for a month and was familiar with the location of his room.
But Mikoto still insisted on leading the way.
As the two turned a corner, Mikoto suddenly spoke:
"The Sharingan is a rare kekkei genkai. I'm sure it attracted a lot of attention in the Land of Lightning. You must have faced a lot of prejudice, didn't you, Seiji?"
She turned her head slightly and looked down at the boy beside her.
Before Seiji could respond, she smiled gently and added:
"No need to call me 'Lady.' It sounds distant. You can call me sister. If you're ever upset, you can talk to me."
Her tone was filled with kindness.
"Mikoto-da… Mikoto-nee-san, you're so kind. It's been a long time since anyone cared about me," Seiji said, seemingly moved.
He paused, as if recalling something, and added:
"But, no one's really seen my red eyes yet. No one's treated me differently."
The trait [Art of Speech (White)] remained active.
His words were laced with sincerity—though his heart remained calm.
Still testing me, huh?
Even if Mikoto retired, she was a full-fledged jōnin.
And ninja… were never a "noble" profession.
Beneath the facade of adventure lay darkness—
Poisoning, espionage, assassination… those were the true core of the job.
"I see. That's good, then."
Mikoto's smile deepened.
Children were especially prone to revealing secrets unconsciously.
It seemed Seiji really might be clean.
Mikoto relaxed slightly but still maintained some wariness. Only time would tell.
They soon arrived at Seiji's room.
"Wait here. They should be arriving shortly."
"Alright."
Seiji sat quietly inside as Mikoto left.
---
"Time to improve my strength," Seiji thought.
His peaceful days were numbered.
The Third Great Ninja War was on the horizon.
Konoha would be invaded all the way to the outskirts of the village at the Kikyō Mountain pass.
The Cloud Village might present an opportunity.
Knowing they'd missed out on Uchiha blood, they had sent a spy to stage a "chance encounter" with Seiji.
Seiji didn't report it.
In a rigidly hierarchical Konoha, an offer from Kumogakure might be more beneficial.
After a moment's thought, Seiji closed his eyes and began refining chakra.
A translucent interface appeared before him:
---
[Entry: Muscle Memory (White)]
Conditions Met: Repeated a complex training exercise to develop subconscious habits.
Progress: 99%
Effect: After countless repetitions, your muscles adapt to these movements, allowing you to execute them reflexively.
Your muscle memory is 10% more efficient than average.
Note: Cannot currently erase incorrect muscle memory.
Future progress may enhance this ability.
---
Seiji stared at the interface.
If all went well, he'd complete the entry within three days.
Since entering Konoha, he'd refined his chakra daily.
This was an extremely promising ability.
Once obtained, this trait would allow him to learn faster than most.
Currently, it couldn't correct improper forms, but that would likely change after future upgrades.
A 10% boost now—maybe one day it would allow him to remember techniques after seeing them just once.
---
Half an hour passed.
"Sorry to keep you waiting, Seiji."
Mikoto returned, accompanied by two female ninja.
At the front was a voluptuous woman with long blonde hair tied behind her head, a violet diamond mark on her forehead.
One look, and Seiji recognized her.
106 centimeters.
That measurement alone could only belong to Tsunade.
One of the legendary Sannin.
Following her was a quiet girl with short black hair—Shizune, Tsunade's frequent companion.
Seiji quickly assessed the situation.
This was after the Second Great Ninja War.
Tsunade had lost her lover, Dan Katō, and developed hemophobia.
Thus, she cared deeply for Dan's niece, Shizune.
---
"This is Tsunade and Shizune," Mikoto introduced.
"Nice to meet you both," Seiji said respectfully—even to the slightly older Shizune.
"Show me your Sharingan."
Tsunade's words were impatient, contrasting with her elegant appearance.
She clearly wasn't thrilled to be here.
Seiji closed his eyes and reopened them—his left eye turned crimson, with a single tomoe spinning slowly.
His right eye remained dark and normal.
"Strange indeed."
Tsunade, nails painted crimson, pulled at his eyelid for a better look.
From this close, Seiji could even smell her faint perfume.
After five minutes, she released him.
"Any changes?" she asked.
"I feel physically stronger," Seiji replied.
"Anything else?" Tsunade pressed.
Her granduncle had been an expert in Uchiha research. She knew a few things.
Most Uchiha experienced personality shifts upon awakening the Sharingan.
Was Seiji only half affected?
"No," he answered sincerely.
Tsunade continued her examination, touching here and there.
Seiji, unfamiliar with medical ninjutsu, could only sit and endure.
Behind her, the usually quiet Shizune stole a glance at Seiji from the corner of her eye.
(End of Chapter)