CHAPTER 20

The next morning, Uchiha Tunan arrived at the Ninja Academy early.

He didn't run into Uchiha Mina on the way.

Yesterday's events must have shaken her.

But that wasn't Tunan's concern.

If possible, he hoped Mina would take this setback as motivation—to grow stronger, to train harder. If she could awaken her Sharingan, that would be even better.

As he stepped into the classroom, he immediately noticed Hyuga Chirei. She had her hands on her face, gazing at him shyly.

Tunan nodded at her politely.

Across the room, Mina clenched her fists, her whole body trembling with frustration.

Between every class break, Chirei would come over, asking Tunan for help with her homework.

Naturally, Tunan didn't refuse. After all, keeping a reserve option open was never a bad idea.

It seemed that in this little love triangle, the other two saw him as harmless prey.

But who was really the prey and who was the predator? That would only be decided in the end.

---

After school, Chirei had no excuse to keep following Tunan—after all, everyone knew that post-class time belonged to Kakashi.

As he walked toward the Hatake residence, Mina caught up to him.

"Tunan-kun!"

Both Tunan and Kakashi turned their heads.

"Mina, do you need something?" Tunan adjusted his glasses and spoke gently.

Mina took a deep breath, locking eyes with him. "I want to become stronger. Will you train me?"

Kakashi sighed, shrugging. "What a hassle."

Then, without waiting for a response, he muttered, "I'll go practice. See you later," before heading off.

Now alone, Tunan turned back to Mina, smiling sincerely.

"We're classmates—helping each other is natural. I'd be happy to train with you."

Mina bowed deeply. "Thank you, Tunan-kun."

Tunan nodded thoughtfully, then tapped his chin.

"I train with Kakashi right after school every day. How about we meet after dinner? At the Uchiha training grounds in the north."

Mina nodded eagerly.

"Great. See you tonight." Tunan turned to leave.

But Mina called out again, "Tunan-kun…"

He stopped, looking back. "Hm? Something else?"

"Do you… like Hyuga Chirei?" Mina's gaze was firm, awaiting his response.

Tunan raised an eyebrow. "Like in what way?"

"I mean… like a boyfriend and girlfriend."

A sharp smile played on Tunan's lips as he shook his head.

"Why would you think that? I've always seen Chirei as a little sister. Besides, we're way too young to be thinking about romance. That would be inappropriate."

Puppy love?

Mina blinked in surprise. She had never heard anyone say that before.

In the shinobi world, life expectancy was short. Many got married and had children in their teens.

Dating before marriage wasn't unusual.

Besides, they were already six—nearly seven.

Was it really too early?

But as long as Tunan denied any romantic interest in Chirei, Mina had already won.

A bright smile spread across her face.

"In that case, see you at the training grounds tonight."

---

That evening, after dinner, Tunan made his way to the Uchiha training grounds.

The sky had darkened, stars faintly twinkling above.

Ding!

The sharp sound of metal striking wood echoed in the distance.

Mina was already there, practicing her kunai throws.

As soon as she saw him, her face lit up.

"Tunan-kun, you're here!"

Tunan glanced at the target board, assessing her accuracy. He nodded.

"You're working hard. That's good."

But then, he shook his head slightly. "Your form needs some adjustments."

He stepped closer.

"Here, let me show you."

Standing behind her, he placed his hands over hers, guiding her movements.

"You don't throw kunai with your arm—use your wrist."

"Bend your elbow slightly… like this."

"Engage your core. The strength should come from your waist, not just your arm."

"Try leaning in a bit more."

Mina's face turned red as she felt Tunan adjusting her posture, his hands brushing against her.

She bit her lip.

"T-Tunan-kun…"

Tunan paused, looking at her with calm sincerity.

"What's wrong? Is this too difficult?"

His voice was steady, almost hypnotic.

Mina swallowed hard, shaking her head. "No… Thank you."

"You don't need to thank me." He smiled warmly. "It's only natural to help."

For the next hour, Tunan continued guiding her. But Mina's focus was completely shattered.

Each time he touched her, she missed the target.

Her mind was in complete disarray.

---

After their training, the two of them sat on the grass, side by side.

Tunan looked at her apologetically. "I'm sorry, Mina. Maybe I taught you the wrong way. We wasted an hour."

Mina panicked, shaking her head.

"No! You're a great teacher! I just kept getting distracted…"

Tunan rubbed his chin in thought, then nodded in understanding.

"You must be tired. Make sure to get some rest."

Mina, moved by his concern, inched closer.

She quickly searched for a new topic, hoping he wouldn't notice.

"Tunan-kun, I heard from the clan that you awakened your Sharingan when someone important to you died."

Tunan's gaze darkened as he looked up at the night sky.

"Yes… When I first awakened it, it was because my older brother, Tenzou-san, was killed by our clan."

Mina's eyes widened.

Tunan continued, his voice deep and distant.

"My Sharingan evolved to three tomoe after my parents died in battle."

Mina stared at him, captivated.

"Is it really that difficult to awaken? My parents died in the Second Shinobi War when I was very young. But… I'm not that talented. I don't think I'll ever awaken mine."

Tunan shook his head.

"You will."

Mina blinked. "But… don't you need hatred to awaken the Sharingan?"

"No," Tunan said firmly.

Mina frowned. "But that's what the clan always says…"

"The Uchiha are known as a clan of love, not just hatred," Tunan said, adjusting his glasses.

"Hatred is just love twisted into something else. If you love someone deeply enough, you'll do anything to protect them."

Mina's heart skipped a beat.

"If you don't have enough strength to protect them," Tunan continued, "your bloodline will give you power. That's what it means to awaken the Sharingan."

"Love…?" Mina murmured.

Tunan nodded. "Yes. When I lost my brother and my parents… it wasn't just hate. It was because I loved them so much that my Sharingan awakened."

Mina felt dizzy. Something about his words struck deep.

"But… I don't even know what love really feels like…"

Tunan placed a hand on her shoulder.

She looked up.

"I'll help you understand it," he said softly. "I'll help you experience the power of love."

Mina's breath hitched.

Was he… confessing?

No. That wasn't it.

He was just trying to help her awaken her Sharingan.

But… if love was the key…

Her heart pounded.

She lowered her head, cheeks burning.

"…Okay," she whispered.

The night deepened.

Tunan gazed down at her, a small smirk forming at the edge of his lips.

Hatred awakens the eyes, but true hatred is born from love.

Don't waste my kindness, Mina.

You're just another pawn.