Chapter 6 : Third Hokage

I only have one Tomoe, Shin-kun, you are amazing!"

Uchiha Mikoto set down the pot and looked at Uchiha Shin with admiration.

No wonder Shin seemed different today—more confident, mature, and undeniably charming.

Uchiha Mikoto, her cheeks still tinged with pink, was genuinely happy for Shin.

At the same time, her sharp mind quickly pieced together a possibility.

Could Uchiha Shin's direct "confession" earlier have been something he had already discussed with her grandfather?

If that were the case, then the situation between her and Shin...

Lost in her own thoughts, Mikoto sat down, suddenly behaving like a well-trained young wife. Throughout the meal, she kept sneaking glances at Shin, her expression unfocused.

When she was about to leave, Shin pointed toward the bathroom and asked, "Mikoto, do you want to take a bath before heading back?"

"A bath?"

Catching the amused glint in Shin's eyes, Mikoto suddenly had a bad feeling.

She didn't refuse, as she had planned to bathe when she got home anyway.

But when she saw Shin follow her inside, Mikoto, who already understood the difference between men and women, blushed like a boiled octopus.

She had always bathed alone. Sharing a bath with someone else was an entirely different matter.

Instinctively, she wrapped her towel tightly around her body, shrinking into the warm water, her large eyes cautiously watching Shin as he entered.

Despite being only ten years old, Uchiha Shin already stood over one and a half meters tall. Though he had no previous talent in ninjutsu, he had trained his body diligently. The Uchiha clan's wealth ensured he was well-fed and in peak condition—far superior to the average child his age.

Tall, sharp-featured, with visible muscle definition and a natural presence, he was undeniably handsome.

For any woman, that was a dangerous combination.

Mikoto's heart pounded in her chest. She covered her flushed face with her hands, but her fingers parted slightly, allowing her to peek at Shin.

Noticing her shy reaction, Shin smirked and turned toward the bathtub. As their eyes met, Mikoto instantly submerged her head, retreating into the water like a startled rabbit.

And Shin, like a predator closing in on its prey, moved forward.

Before Mikoto could resurface, Shin reached out and tickled her underarms.

"Aah! That tickles!"

Gasping, she sprang up from the water, glaring at him in embarrassment.

But Shin wasn't paying attention to her angry expression. Instead, his breath hitched at the sight before him.

Droplets of water cascaded down her smooth, pink-tinged skin, her collarbones glistening under the dim light. The sight was mesmerizing.

"Shin-kun, this is really embarrassing!" Mikoto whined, her voice soft with shyness.

Unable to handle his intense gaze, she crouched back down, arms wrapped tightly around herself.

Though her tone carried reprimand, it lacked any real bite, and Shin could sense her hesitation.

Emboldened, he slowly reached forward. His fingers skimmed the water, sending ripples across the surface, before gently pulling Mikoto into his embrace.

Warmth. Softness. The subtle fragrance of her wet skin.

Mikoto tensed against him, her entire body rigid from the unfamiliar closeness.

"I just want someone to hold," Shin murmured, his voice low and magnetic. "Mikoto, will you grant me that?"

His breath tickled her ear, making her heart skip a beat.

"Y-Yes..."

Mikoto answered without thinking, her mind blank, body weak against him. She had no will to resist.

Shin, however, knew not to push too far. He wanted to enjoy this moment but understood the importance of patience. If he rushed things, it could all backfire. For now, getting used to each other like this was enough.

And besides, he had his own limitations.

Mikoto still needed training. Her body was fragile. If he were too hasty, it would only cause problems later.

As he pondered, enjoying the soft warmth in his arms, Mikoto gradually relaxed. Through their closeness, she could sense the exhaustion hidden beneath Shin's usual confidence.

An hour later, Mikoto hurriedly left, never once looking back.

Even as the cool night air brushed her face, her cheeks still burned with heat.

Shin, missing the sensation of her warmth, sighed before dispelling his shadow clone.

A flood of fatigue and training memories overwhelmed his mind.

His body slumped onto the bed, and as he lay back, he began integrating the shadow clone's experience.

"The mental and physical burden is heavy, but for now, I can endure it."

"I've nearly mastered the Fireball Jutsu, and my Phoenix Fire Jutsu and Genjutsu techniques are progressing well. A little more training should do it."

"I still need a mentor to refine my swordsmanship. Only through real combat will I gain true insight."

"As for medical ninjutsu... maybe I should test the Mystical Palm Jutsu on an injured animal tomorrow."

With those thoughts, Shin closed his eyes and began refining his chakra using the Uchiha Clan's exclusive training method.

Unlike the standard techniques used outside, the Uchiha's method was far superior—efficient, precise, and tailored for their bloodline.

Meanwhile, across the village, in the Hokage's office, the news of Shin awakening his second Tomoe had reached Sarutobi Hiruzen.

The Third Hokage, his expression unreadable beneath the shadow of his hat, calmly scanned the report.

"Another Uchiha has awakened their Sharingan. Double Tomoe at ten years old..."

He exhaled through his pipe, then muttered, "Tell Danzo to keep an eye on him."

Young, talented Uchiha were dangerous. Their potential needed to be guided—or controlled.

"We must strengthen his training and instill the Will of Fire within him. We cannot afford another Uchiha turning into a traitor like Setsuna."

Sarutobi, ever cautious, carried on the paranoia of his predecessor, Senju Tobirama.

The Uchiha were strong. Too strong. And their ambitions made them dangerous.

Unlike Tobirama, however, Sarutobi did not want to outright alienate them.

The ninja world was already on the brink of war. Another great conflict was inevitable.

Right now, Konoha could not afford to weaken the Uchiha. Their strength was necessary for the village's survival.

If a genius had emerged within their ranks, then the best course of action was clear.

Send him to the battlefield.

Sarutobi's gaze darkened as he made his decision.

If Uchiha Shin was so talented, then he would serve his purpose well.

Whether he survived or perished would be up to fate.