UCHIHA LIBERATOR (NARUTO X MALE UCHIHA OC)

Chapter 12

Ryuichi's POV

The day was sweltering, the sun relentless as it blazed down on the village, but for once, I had the day off. Tsunade and Kushina had insisted that I take a break from my training, so I was at home, relishing a rare, quiet moment with my mother. She was bustling around the kitchen, occasionally sending a fond smile my way. Finally, she brought over a bowl of freshly sliced fruit, setting it down on the table between us before taking a seat.

"So, how's the life of a genin treating you, Ryuichi?" she asked with a gentle smile, her eyes soft and curious.

I slouched back in my chair, letting out an exaggerated sigh. "To be honest, Mom, I'm only a genin in name. I haven't even gone on a single mission. Most of my days are just endless training from sunrise to sunset." I reached for a slice of fruit, munching on it to hide my growing frustration.

Mom raised a brow, her expression more serious. "You might be eager, but remember, the unpredictability of combat isn't something to take lightly," she said, her voice calm but firm. "You saw what happened when your father came back from his last mission." Her words brought to mind the image of my father, his expression strained, his clothes still smeared with blood and dirt. I nodded slowly, my frustration tempered by a hint of caution.

"I get it," I replied, though my resolve wavered only slightly. "But don't you think some real combat experience would help me improve? I mean, I'm practicing my jutsu nonstop, but how am I supposed to really understand them without testing them?"

Mom paused, considering my words before nodding slightly. "True, combat experience sharpens your skills like nothing else," she admitted. "But pushing yourself too soon is a mistake. A jutsu is only as good as your control over it. Right now, your focus should be on perfecting your techniques and building a solid foundation. Once you're in a genin team, you'll have a jonin sensei to guide and protect you when you're out on missions." She reached out to pat my hand, her eyes softening.

Her words calmed me down a little, and I let out a soft sigh. "You're probably right." I muttered, leaning back in my chair.

Mom changed the subject, her tone brightening. "I heard that Tsunade-sama has returned to work at the Konoha hospital," she said, watching me closely. Her words brought an instant smile to my face. After that conversation we'd had, she seemed to have rekindled a sense of responsibility to the village. It wasn't a full reconciliation, but it was a start, and I was happy to see her making the effort.

"Of course!" I said, grinning. "She can't just be a deadbeat forever, right? Not when she's my teacher" I puffed out my chest a little, feeling proud of my teacher.

Mom chuckled, shaking her head. "You know, she used to be the idol of every kunoichi in the village—including me. Her strength and skills were something we all aspired to," she said with a nostalgic smile, before getting up to return to the kitchen. Just as she stepped away, the doorbell rang, echoing through the quiet hallway.

Mom went to answer the door, and I could hear her warm greeting. "Sakumo! Kakashi! Come on in!" Soon, the two of them entered the dining area where I sat. I greeted them with a nod, acknowledging Kakashi with a grin.

Sakumo settled into a seat and smiled politely as my mother offered him and Kakashi some fruit. "Thank you, Mikoto," he said, accepting a slice. "Actually, we came here to speak with Ryuichi."

My curiosity piqued, I looked up at him. "Oh? What's up?"

Sakumo chuckled, waving his hand dismissively. "Nothing too serious," he assured me, though his expression turned thoughtful. "I thought maybe you and Kakashi could benefit from sparring together, now that you're both genin. I think regular duels could be beneficial for both of you." He glanced at me, clearly hoping I'd agree.