Yukari Uchiha (English)

Chapter 14

Today, I can sleep in a little longer since we don't have classes. As I slowly wake up, I feel the soft fur and comforting warmth of Kitsune and Yako beside me. Their presence is calming, and I stretch luxuriously before sending them a gentle greeting in my mind: "Good morning, you two."

Kitsune purrs contentedly, and Yako sleepily replies, "Good morning, Princess."

I get up to prepare for the day. The thought of a relaxed breakfast with my brother brings a smile to my face.

In the kitchen, I greet Shisui: "Good morning, brother. Did you sleep well?"

Shisui, as always, has a gentle smile on his lips and nods. "Good morning, Yukari. I always sleep well at home. And you? How are you feeling? You looked pretty beat up yesterday."

"Great," I reply as I start helping Shisui with breakfast. "It looked worse than it was."

Breakfast is a cozy, quiet affair. Yako and Kitsune are still sleeping, and I enjoy the peacefulness of the morning. There's something comforting about these simple moments with Shisui, showing me that despite all the challenges we face, we still have time for each other.

After we clear the dishes, we decide to take a short walk through the Uchiha district. The sun shines warmly on my face, and I watch the clouds drift by as we walk through the familiar streets. But today, I sense a strange tension in the air. The Uchiha seem slightly tense and upset, something I hadn't noticed before.

"What's going on with the Uchiha?" I ask Shisui, my voice quieter than I intended.

He gives me a worried look before replying, "Don't worry about it; everything will be fine. Things are a bit complicated right now, but you don't need to worry about it. Just focus on the academy and your training."

His words are reassuring, but a faint unease remains within me. As we continue walking through the district, I try to push away the thoughts of tension and enjoy the morning sun warming my face. Yet the clouds I love to watch seem to hang heavier in the sky today.

When we arrive at Itachi's house, I see Shisui, Itachi, and Fugaku immediately retreating to a private discussion. The adult world, in which I still have no place, remains closed off to me. I sit in the living room with Sasuke, who eagerly runs up to me, and we start playing together. His carefree joy is contagious, and I laugh quietly as he proudly shows me his creations.

"Would you like some tea?" I hear a familiar voice that draws my attention away from Sasuke. It's Aunt Mikoto, standing in the doorway with a gentle smile.

"Yes, please. Can I help you with anything?" I ask politely, but Mikoto shakes her head.

"Everything is fine; you can keep playing with Sasuke. Your tea will be ready soon." Her caring nature fills me with warmth, and I smile gratefully before turning back to Sasuke.

"What do you want to be when you grow up, Sasuke?" I ask, looking at him lovingly.

His small eyes light up with excitement, and he replies with a determination far beyond his years: "I want to become a stronger shinobi than Itachi!"

"You will, for sure," I answer with a smile, my thoughts drifting to my own training. What could I improve to master my jutsu?

But before I can delve deeper into my thoughts, Sasuke snaps me out of my reverie by loudly calling out, "Itachi! Where were you? I wanted to play with you!"

I watch the two brothers as they talk and play together, then shift my gaze to Shisui, who is smiling as he observes the scene. A question forms in my mind, one that I dare not ask myself: "I wonder if Shisui would have preferred a little brother?"

But as Shisui looks away from Itachi and Sasuke and his eyes meet mine, the loving expression in his gaze answers my unspoken question. No, he's happy to have me as his little sister. And that fills my heart with deep contentment.

"What are your plans for today, little sister?" he asks me, his voice curious but also concerned.

"I'm going to train a bit more. I didn't finish yesterday," I reply, the determination in my voice clear.

"Sounds good, but be careful and don't overdo it. You really worried me yesterday. What exactly are you training?" His eyes are gentle, but I can see the concern in them.

"I won't tell you," I respond playfully, trying to ease his worries. "The hardest part is over; now it's just fine-tuning, so it shouldn't be too exhausting."

His smile reassures me, and as I say goodbye to him, I feel the anticipation for my training rising within me. Today, I will master my jutsu, and nothing will stop me. With this determination in my heart, I head out to follow my own path—strong, independent, and ready to do whatever it takes to protect those I care about.

Taking a deep breath, I make my way to my secret training spot, determined to further perfect my new jutsu. The forest is quiet, with only the rustling of leaves and the chirping of birds accompanying me as I step onto the meadow. Kitsune and Yako take their positions, as vigilant as ever, ready to support me.

"Today, I'll succeed," I murmur to myself as I form the familiar hand signs. Horse → Ox → Goat. The chakra gathers in my center, becoming denser and heavier before it flows out from my body in all directions. But controlling it remains a challenge. Pain shoots through me, and my body struggles against the overload. But I refuse to give up.

Time passes, the sunlight moving across the sky as I repeatedly attempt to master the jutsu. Each failed attempt brings new insights, and slowly but surely, I begin to understand how I need to control my chakra. But as exhaustion takes over and my body trembles with fatigue, I know it's enough for today.

"I should stop for today, right, Kitsune?" I ask as I let myself sink into the grass, breathing heavily.

"Yes," Kitsune replies softly. "You've made great progress. It's impressive how far you've come."

In the weeks and months that follow, this routine becomes my daily life. I wake up early to train before the academy starts. There, I try to focus on the lessons, even though the topics are often too simple for me. I always feel my classmates' eyes on me. Their skepticism and sometimes open hostility don't leave me unaffected, but I don't let it deter me. I've chosen my path, and I will walk it, regardless of what others think of me.

After the academy, I often spend time with Shisui or visit Itachi and Sasuke. Training with Shisui is tough but also fulfilling. He challenges me, shows me new techniques, and helps me further develop my skills. But I keep my own jutsu a secret from him.

It remains my little secret, something I want to keep to myself until I have perfected it.

At the academy, I make progress, even though I sometimes feel lonely. The prejudice against the Uchiha clan is still strong, and the tension in the air is palpable, both at the academy and in the Uchiha district. Conversations are held in hushed tones, glances are more worried, and the people's cheerfulness seems subdued. But I know I must become stronger to protect everything that matters to me.

The year flies by, filled with training, learning, and the constant effort to improve. Again and again, I return to my secret training spot, repeatedly forming the hand signs and focusing on mastering my chakra. With each day, I grow stronger, more skillful, and more confident in my abilities.

One day, as the year draws to a close, I sense that something is different. Shisui is waiting for me outside our house, his expression serious. "Yukari, you've been summoned by the Hokage," he says calmly.

My heart races as I make my way to the Hokage's office. The past few months have changed me, made me stronger, and I know I am ready for whatever awaits me. I will continue on my path, no matter what.