The frosted backyard of the Uchiha compound was quiet, save for the crunch of boots over snow. Kazuma stood with his arms crossed, that familiar smirk dancing on his lips. Shin, standing opposite him, was already in his stance—shoulders loose, eyes sharp, fists clenched tight with anticipation.
"Well then, Princess," Kazuma teased, his voice low but mocking, "come at me. Let's see if all that 'training' wasn't just stretching and yoga."
Shin narrowed his eyes but said nothing. His mind raced—not with fear, but with a burning resolve.
This is more than a fight, he thought. This is a lesson. He's not just beating me—he's showing me how to fight.
With a sudden burst, Shin exploded forward, fists flying like arrows. Kazuma tilted his head slightly, moving with an ease that made him seem almost lazy. Yet every step was precise, calculated—almost rehearsed.
Hmph… His strength is already above academy level, Kazuma thought, dodging a particularly forceful hook. And those instincts… sharp for a kid. He's actually reading my feints.
Shin noticed Kazuma's slight smirks and quick, subtle body shifts. It wasn't just about dodging attacks—Kazuma was teaching him how to recognize fakes, how to bait a reaction, how to make a fight a game of minds.
He's showing me the dance beneath the fight, Shin realized, feeling a spark ignite inside him. If I learn this, I won't just survive—I'll win.
Still, Shin couldn't land a single solid blow. Kazuma's movements were fluid, almost casual, yet always a step ahead. Every jab, kick, and sweep met with a sidestep, a block, or just thin air.
"Come on, Princess!" Kazuma called out mid-dodge. "Don't tell me that was your best. I thought you were training?"
"Tch," Shin muttered, breathing heavier. His lungs burned in the cold air, but his determination didn't falter. He feinted low, spun high, and kicked toward Kazuma's ribs. Again, Kazuma dodged with a smirk, barely moving.
"You sure you're not just dancing out here?" Kazuma teased, clearly enjoying himself.
Suddenly—whoosh!—Kazuma vanished. One second he was there, the next, gone in a flicker of speed.
Shin's eyes widened. "What the—?!"
Kazuma reappeared behind him, lightly tapping his nephew's head. "You're too slow," he said, grinning.
"That… was Body Flicker," Shin muttered, stunned. He'd seen this famous jutsu in Naruto where shisui Uchiha took this justu to another level—but seeing it up close was a different story entirely.
His heart pounded harder.
He's testing me… but also pushing me to see beyond brute strength. He wants me to think—fight smarter.
Taking a deep breath, Shin charged again—this time changing tempo, attacking from random angles. Kazuma dodged them all, but his smirk began to fade, just slightly.
"He's adjusting mid-fight… Not bad," Kazuma thought, now putting a bit more effort into his movements. "He's got instincts most genin don't even have."
Shin's mind was a whirlwind of thoughts and strategies.
Focus on the pattern. Anticipate the feints. Control the rhythm. I can't just hit hard—I have to hit right.
He forced himself to slow down, watching Kazuma's eyes and body language for the tiniest tells.
Finally, Shin dropped low, spun behind Kazuma, and launched a fierce punch to the back. Kazuma spun just in time to catch the blow—but the sheer force of it pushed him back two steps.
Kazuma's eyes widened briefly before a chuckle escaped him. He loosened his stance and raised a hand.
"All right, all right… That's enough," he said, a grin forming. "You actually made me stumble. Impressive."
Shin stood panting, sweat dripping despite the cold, but there was a small, victorious smirk on his face.
I'm getting there, he thought, chest swelling with pride and a hunger for more. This fight isn't just about beating him. It's about understanding how to outthink every opponent.
Kazuma gave him a nod, eyes glinting with pride. "You're getting there, Princess. You're not just fighting—you're learning how to plan your moves, how to bait and feint. That's the path to real strength."
Shin smiled, heart racing with new confidence.
One day, I'll be faster, smarter, and stronger than him. And I'll never forget what I learned today.
Shin then turned to his uncle and asked, "So… do I pass your test?"
Kazuma smiled briefly. "Let's get inside first."
Shin nodded and followed his uncle.
As they walked toward the grand hall, the crunch of snow beneath their boots fading behind them, Shin's mind replayed every moment of the fight. He realized that mastering shuriken throwing and a solid taijutsu style could give him the edge he needed—speed and precision to complement his growing instincts.
Maybe getting humbled by my uncle wasn't such a bad thing after all, he thought with a small, wry smile. If this is the price of progress, I'll gladly take the bruises.
---
Inside the warm hall, the scent of tea and old wood surrounded them. Kazuma dropped onto one of the floor cushions near the low table, motioning for Shin to sit across. Without much ceremony, he began reviewing the spar, his tone surprisingly thoughtful.
"Your footwork's improving," he said, tapping the table absentmindedly. "You adjusted mid-fight, read my feints better than most genin could. Not bad at all."
Shin blinked, momentarily stunned.
Wait… was that praise? From Kazuma? The same man who calls me 'Princess' every day?
But the warmth didn't last long.
"And now for the reality check," Kazuma continued, eyes narrowing. "You dropped your guard twice. You didn't react to the Body Flicker at all. You keep overcommitting on your combos. And worst of all—" he leaned forward, voice sharp—"you'd be dead in under a minute if I was actually trying to kill you."
Shin groaned and rubbed his face. "Duhh… you're a jonin. I'm not even in the academy yet."
Kazuma paused, as if suddenly remembering that detail. He cleared his throat and looked away. "...Right. Minor oversight." He sipped his tea with very forced calm, pretending he hadn't just verbally obliterated a twelve-year-old.
After a moment of silence, Shin leaned forward, trying to mask his eagerness. "So… does this mean I'm getting the Shadow Clone Jutsu now?"
Kazuma didn't even blink. "No."
The answer hit like a cold slap. Shin's shoulders sank slightly, a wave of disappointment creeping in.
Guess he wasn't that impressed after all…
But before the thought could settle, Kazuma gave him a side glance.
"Don't sulk. I am impressed, Shin. You've come a long way in a short time. But the Shadow Clone Jutsu is a B-rank technique for a reason. You don't have the chakra reserves yet, and forcing it could cripple your system—or worse."
Shin's eyes widened. He hadn't thought about the risks that deeply.
Kazuma continued, voice firm but not unkind. "There's a reason most genin can't use it. It's not about talent. It's about surviving the technique. You're not ready… yet."
The words stung, but Shin slowly nodded, his disappointment giving way to understanding. "Alright," he said quietly, eyes steady now. "I get it."
Just as Shin was starting to accept that he'd be walking away empty-handed, Kazuma leaned back with a sly grin.
"Shadow Clone's off the table," he said casually, "but I'll teach you my favorite—and probably one of the most underrated jutsu in the shinobi world."
Shin's eyes lit up again. "Seriously? What is it?"
Kazuma smirked. "Body Flicker Jutsu."
Shin's jaw nearly dropped. Body Flicker? Like Shisui Uchiha's legendary movement? His heart pounded with excitement. That flash-speed step Kazuma used in the fight had left him stunned—and now he was going to learn it?
Seeing the spark in Shin's eyes, Kazuma let out a rare, genuine chuckle. "Figured that'd get your attention."
Without wasting time, he raised his hands and slowly demonstrated the exact hand signs: Ram → Horse → Bird.
"It's not just about chakra flow. It's about timing, intent, and spatial awareness," he explained. "You push chakra into your legs in an instant, propelling yourself forward with speed that looks like teleportation. But it's not a teleport—it's pure movement, refined."
Shin leaned forward, absorbing every word, eyes locked on the seals and the rhythm. The disappointment from earlier had vanished. This was even better. He wasn't just getting a jutsu—he was getting a window into what made elite shinobi truly fearsome.
Sure, Body Flicker Jutsu wasn't as flashy as Shadow Clone, but it could save my life in tight situations, Shin thought.
---
As the excitement from learning Body Flicker still buzzed in his chest, Shin hesitated for a moment before asking, "Uh… Uncle, can you also teach me the Uchiha-style taijutsu? The one you used during our fight?"
Kazuma arched an eyebrow, then gave a small nod. "You've got good instincts. Not a bad idea."
He stood up and motioned for Shin to follow. "Watch closely. Uchiha-style taijutsu emphasizes speed, precision, and overwhelming pressure. It's all about tight footwork, smooth transitions, and reading your opponent's center of gravity."
He dropped into a low, balanced stance and began to demonstrate the fundamental footwork—quick pivots, sidesteps, and explosive bursts of movement.
"Get these right first. The rest builds from here."
Shin mirrored him, trying to match the form. His movements were rough, but his determination was sharp.
"Oh, and one more thing," Kazuma added, tossing a glance over his shoulder. "Start practicing shuriken throwing. All Uchiha are expected to master it, and frankly, it's embarrassing how little you've practiced it."
Shin flushed slightly but nodded without protest. "Yeah… I was thinking the same. It's about time."
He clenched his fists, a quiet fire in his chest.
If I want to stand on their level… I need everything. I'll learn it all.
---
As the evening sun cast long shadows across the hall, Shin felt a quiet fire burning inside him. Today had humbled him, challenged him—but more than anything, it had awakened something deeper. He wasn't just chasing strength anymore; he was building it, step by step.
Body Flicker, Uchiha-style taijutsu, shuriken throwing…
There was so much to learn, and he couldn't afford to waste a second.
With a determined grin, he made a silent vow:
Tomorrow, I'll wake up even earlier.
Training was about to get even harder.
----
( This is my first time writing fight sceam please give me your feed back like always any suggestions are welcomed 8-) )