3: Identity Revealed

An uncomfortable silence enveloped the two boys. Seiji came to a complete stop and looked Shisui in the eyes. Or at least, where he assumed his eyes were beneath the Uchiha's mask.

'He doesn't seem like an insensitive person...'

Seiji couldn't count the numerous times people had asked him about his father. At first, he thought they were simply people wanting to help him because of his situation, since, technically, he was an orphan. However, it was always the same question after a while:

Did he leave you his sealing techniques?

Numerous people desired his father's Fūinjutsu. Apparently, although his sealing techniques weren't particularly powerful, they were quite ingenious and versatile. No one knew how he had come up with such seals, at least that's what he had heard.

And the reason no one had forced him to reveal them? His father, it seemed, was somewhat of an altruist. Although he never handed over his techniques to the village, he always provided any seals the village needed quite proactively. Seiji believed that was why the village officials treated him so well when it came to his inheritance.

"Seiji...? I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable, I didn't think about your situation."

Shisui's concerned voice interrupted Seiji's wandering thoughts. Feeling the Uchiha's intense gaze, he hurried to respond.

"It's fine... I didn't know him well enough for it to affect my emotions."

"No, it's my fault for bringing it up. I didn't consider your situation. You must have thought I was going to ask about his Fūinjutsu, right?"

'How did he know...?'

Seiji wondered if his situation was widely known in the village.

"Haha, it's nice to see a change in your expression. In that way, you're similar to Ita-*cough*. I mean, due to my position, I'm aware of the situations of important individuals in the village, haha."

"Ah, I think you shouldn't know that... Well, you'd find out sooner or later anyway."

Shisui seemed dejected, and he was also far too casual for an ANBU. Seiji couldn't help but wonder if he was really suited for his job.

*Cough.*

Perhaps sensing Seiji's judgmental gaze, Shisui decided to change the subject.

"You see, Seiji, I assume you've already heard plenty of stories about your father. He was loved by many because of his kind and charismatic nature."

Shisui paused, hesitating, but eventually continued.

"To be honest, he was also like you... quite attractive, if I do say so myself, which caused him quite a bit of trouble with your mother..."

"But that's not important. What I want to say is the impression he had... my clan..."

"Your father... Mr. Kazuya was known for helping everyone to push Konoha's development, but he never extended his hand to our clan... In fact, the elders described him as quite reluctant to associate with us."

"I don't want to bother you by asking if you know the reason for his behavior. I'm quite aware of the flaws in our clan... I just wanted to ask... that you give my friend's sister a chance and accept her friendship, since she doesn't have many friends due to her position... Besides, it was the first time she decided to reach out to someone."

Shisui looked at him expectantly, and a little nervously.

Seiji, however, had only one thought in his mind:

'Is he stupid? He basically just confessed his identity...'

"So... you're an Uchiha? And by your build... you must be Shisui Uchiha, right?"

Shisui tilted his head, confused. Moments later, he shuddered, realizing he had basically confessed his identity to Seiji.

Seiji, for his part, laughed at the young Uchiha's reaction.

"It's fine. I really don't know the reason why my father was so reluctant toward the Uchiha, but now that I've met you, you don't seem so bad. I think I can try to be friends with that girl. Though I have to say, if I successfully enroll in the academy, I'll have less free time."

*Cough.*

"I don't think that'll be a problem. Besides, Satsuki has already started her training as a kunoichi. I think you two could train together."

Seiji's eyes widened in surprise, but he quickly remembered the difference between a ninja from a clan and one who isn't. Unlike others, clan members began their training before entering the academy.

Seiji couldn't deny that he felt a twinge of jealousy, as he would have to wait to enroll in the academy.

"In his letters, my father told me a phrase I really liked: Knowledge is power. So, yes, if I can enroll in the ninja academy, I'd greatly appreciate a training partner."

Shisui seemed momentarily surprised but quickly nodded.

"That's a great motto... Also, I'm quite surprised. Few boys your age would agree to learn from a girl, especially one younger than them. I think you'll go far as a shinobi."

After that, with nothing more to say and feeling a bit awkward, they continued on their way.

They walked in silence for a while, until a scene caught their attention. Though not for the same reason.

"Get the hell out of here, damn fox demon!"

A man who seemed to be the owner of a restaurant was shouting with fury and deep hatred at the small figure in front of him.

The target of his rage? A little girl, no older than Seiji.

Seiji's eyes widened in shock as he saw her.

'It can't be...'

The girl in question had long, silky hair, golden like a waterfall, with loose strands that gave her a subtle charm. The girl seemed on the verge of tears, simply lowering her head in sadness.

Seeing the situation, Seiji began walking toward them.

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