CHAPTER 19
After school, Chirei Hyūga went straight home.
After all, if she wanted to have a private dinner with Uchiha Tunan, she needed to prepare herself properly.
Meanwhile, Uchiha Mina had already gone directly to Ichiraku Ramen, the spot they had agreed upon, waiting.
She was planning to teach Chirei Hyūga a lesson.
Time quickly passed, and soon, evening arrived.
---
Kakashi's House
Under the dim glow of the training ground, Uchiha Tunan's three-tomoe Sharingan spun gracefully. He moved with ease, sidestepping an outstretched hand that emerged from the ground beneath him.
Feigning exhaustion, he let out a few labored breaths and looked at Kakashi Hatake, who had just surfaced from the soil.
"Kakashi, your Head Hunter Jutsu is becoming more refined—I almost couldn't dodge it."
Though they were only sparring with wooden blades, as shinobi, it was natural for them to incorporate ninjutsu into their training.
Kakashi, standing up straight, studied Tunan for a moment before sheathing his wooden blade.
"Your taijutsu has improved a lot, but your chakra reserves are still too low."
Thinking that Tunan had reached his limit, Kakashi ended the training session.
With a humble smile, Tunan nodded.
"Compared to you, Kakashi, I still have a long way to go. Aside from my Sharingan, I don't have much else to rely on."
Glancing at the sky, he added:
"Let's stop here for today. I promised Chirei I'd have dinner with her."
Kakashi nodded, walking with Tunan to the courtyard entrance.
As Uchiha Tunan left the Hatake residence, he made his way towards the ramen shop.
Unbeknownst to most, several white doves hidden in nearby trees took flight, spreading their wings as they began scouting the path ahead for Tunan.
Of course, Konoha was safe—especially in broad daylight.
But Uchiha Tunan had never once let his guard down.
His summoned birds were never idle.
---
On a Bustling Street in Konoha
Chirei Hyūga walked leisurely, anticipation written all over her face.
She had gone home after school, freshened up, and changed into a brand-new outfit.
Her pace was deliberately slow.
This was the only route Tunan-kun would take to the ramen shop.
Maybe he'll catch up to me soon.
As a young lady from the Hyūga Clan, arriving too early and sitting alone might make others gossip.
It was best to enter the shop together with Tunan-kun.
She smiled at the thought.
But just as she reached a quieter corner of the commercial street—
A slender hand shot out from the shadows, grabbing her arm and pulling her into a nearby alley.
"Thud!"
Caught off guard, Chirei Hyūga lost her balance and fell hard against the rough ground, soiling her new clothes.
Pain flared across her hands and knees as she looked up angrily—
Only to see Uchiha Mina standing over her, a kunai pressed against her neck.
---
In the Darkened Alley
Chirei's pale eyes narrowed.
"What do you think you're doing?" she snapped, glaring at Uchiha Mina.
The Uchiha girl scoffed, eyes cold.
"Stay away from Tunan-kun."
Chirei clenched her fists, ready to retaliate—until a thought crossed her mind.
At this time of day…
Tunan-kun should be arriving soon.
In fact, he might pass by this very alley in the next few seconds.
A perfect opportunity.
With that realization, Chirei Hyūga forced down her anger.
Instead, she softened her gaze, making her expression look delicate and wounded.
"How could you do this? We're classmates…"
"Tch. Drop the act. Only Tunan-kun's pure heart would fall for your disgusting little games."
Mina sneered.
"A pathetic Hyūga Branch member, daring to seduce a true genius from the Uchiha Clan? Who gave you the courage? Have you even looked at yourself?"
"You…! You're going too far!"
"What? You think I won't kill you?"
The kunai in Mina's hand inched closer, nearly pressing into Chirei's skin.
Above them, a white dove soared across the sky.
---
At the Street Corner
Just a few meters away, Uchiha Tunan paused, stopping at the entrance to the alley.
Through the eyes of his ninja beast, he saw everything.
Jealousy between my pawns?
He touched his chin, considering his next move.
Hyūga Chirei… Uchiha Mina…
Byakugan and Sharingan.
Pity—the Sharingan couldn't be fused with the Byakugan.
Which meant Chirei wasn't of much value to him.
On the other hand, Mina… If I nurture her properly, she might awaken the Sharingan before the Third Great Ninja War.
That could prove useful.
With his decision made, Uchiha Tunan turned on his heel, taking an alternate route toward the ramen shop.
---
Back in the Alley
Chirei Hyūga trembled, huddled in the corner like a frightened kitten.
"Mina, I just wanted to thank Tunan-kun for helping me with my studies. That's all… I swear."
She wiped away tears, her voice shaking.
Uchiha Mina frowned, lowering her kunai slightly.
Was she overthinking things?
Could this girl really be that weak and naive?
Still, just in case—
"Fine. Then promise me—you will never speak to Tunan-kun again."
Her tone was commanding, the arrogance of the Uchiha Clan shining through.
She might act gentle in front of Tunan, but towards others, she remained strong and domineering.
But Chirei Hyūga…
She glanced toward the street.
Too much time had passed.
Tunan-kun didn't walk by this alley.
He must have taken another path.
Her expression darkened.
The fear in her eyes vanished.
Slowly, she stood up.
"What are you doing? Sit down!"
"Boom!"
A sudden Gentle Fist strike slammed into Mina's chest.
Pain exploded through her body as she was sent crashing into the alley wall.
Her chakra points were sealed.
She couldn't move.
Her kunai clattered to the ground.
Stunned, Mina looked up at Chirei, disbelief in her eyes.
"You… How…?"
Chirei Hyūga crouched down, picking up the fallen kunai.
Pressing the blade against Mina's chin, she whispered coldly:
"Tunan-kun is mine. If you dare touch him again…"
A dark smile crossed her lips.
"I will kill you."
With that, she tossed the kunai aside, dusted off her clothes, and walked out of the alley.
---
Ichiraku Ramen
Uchiha Tunan sat at the counter, casually observing the alleyway in the distance.
He smirked to himself.
So even Chirei Hyūga could put on an act?
He had underestimated her.
"Hah… The more beautiful a woman is, the more dangerous she becomes."
He made a mental note: Be more cautious around women in this world.
Maybe it was time to revisit his Spycraft Techniques Manual tonight.