---
The morning sun rose gently over Konoha, its golden rays cutting through the last remnants of the previous day's storm. Puddles still dotted the cobblestone streets, reflecting the light like tiny mirrors. Birds chirped lazily from the rooftops, and a soft breeze rustled the leaves of the trees around the Uchiha compound.
Inside one of the quieter homes, Shin stretched awake, blinking against the light filtering through the window. Today was the day.
After a quick bath, the cool water shook off the last drowsiness from his limbs, and he headed downstairs. The scent of grilled fish, miso soup, and freshly steamed rice drifted through the air, teasing his senses. As he turned the corner, he barely had a second before a loud, familiar voice exploded through the room.
"Happy birthday, princess!!" Kazuma grinned wide, arms raised in exaggerated celebration.
Shin sighed, a vein twitching at his temple. "Tch… Thanks, Uncle," he muttered, forcing a smile even though he was already plotting his revenge—probably a training match.
A table full of dishes lay before him—his favorites: spicy dumplings, yakitori skewers, a rich ramen bowl with pork slices, and a special red bean cake in the center. He couldn't help the small warmth that bloomed in his chest. Despite the teasing, they'd put in effort just for him.
Before they could sit, the front door slid open, and a powerful presence entered. Clad in his long dark robe, Kazuro Uchiha stepped in with that calm, commanding aura only he had. Shin's eyes lit up.
"Happy birthday, Shin," the old man said, his tone softening as he pulled his grandson into a firm hug.
"Thanks, Grandpa!" Shin grinned—then blinked as he noticed someone else step through the door behind him.
A boy around his age, with straight black hair and deep, calm eyes, stood beside Kazuro. His expression was reserved, but he gave a small polite nod toward Shin.
Kazuro placed a hand on the boy's shoulder. "This here is Akio… my friend's grandson. He's about your age. Thought it was time you met."
Shin tilted his head slightly, studying Akio curiously. Another Uchiha…?
Something in the boy's eyes told him he wasn't just another kid from the clan.
They all sat down at the low wooden table, the steam from the dishes curling lazily into the air. The warm scent of miso soup and grilled fish mingled with freshly baked mochi, filling the room with the comforting aroma of home. Kazuma was already halfway through a skewer, grinning as he shamelessly stole a dumpling from Shin's plate.
Kazuro, as dignified as ever, ate with calm precision, silently enjoying the meal. Akio sat beside him, posture perfect, eating quietly with barely a sound. His face remained expressionless, almost statue-like.
Shin glanced at the quiet boy beside him and leaned over slightly. "Hey, I'm Shin," he said with a friendly grin. "Nice to meet you."
Akio blinked once. "Hi," he replied flatly, not even looking up.
Shin frowned slightly. That's it? He tried again.
"So... uh... do you like dango? This red bean one's pretty good."
No response.
"Do you train every day? What's your favorite jutsu? Do you like kunai throwing or shuriken more?"
Still nothing. Just a silent chew and a blank stare into the plate. It was like talking to a wall.
Kazuma stifled a chuckle, whispering, "Looks like you met your match, princess."
Shin glared at him before turning back to Akio. Then, with a spark in his eyes, he tried one last idea. "You know, I was planning to go train after breakfast. Maybe spar a little."
That's when it happened.
Akio's head snapped up. His eyes, previously dull and passive, lit up with an almost eerie gleam. "Let's fight," he said, voice sharper, more alive.
Shin blinked, caught off guard. "Huh? Just like that?"
Akio stood up, chopsticks still in hand. "Yes. Outside. After we eat."
Kazuro let out a low chuckle. "That boy only speaks one language—combat."
Shin looked between his grandfather, his uncle, and then back to Akio. A wide grin spread across his face.
Heh… so that's how to get through to him.
---
After they finished eating, Shin leaned back in his chair, patting his full stomach with satisfaction. Then, with a sly grin and a sparkle in his eye, he looked at the two adults across the table.
"Sooo… it is my birthday, you know," he said, drawing out the words dramatically. "Aren't you both forgetting something?"
Kazuma raised an eyebrow, while Kazuro slowly turned his head, both staring at the boy with blank, unreadable expressions. The silence in the room grew heavier.
"…Should we hit him?" Kazuma muttered under his breath.
Kazuro sighed, rubbing his temple. "Shameless brat. No tact at all."
Shin's grin widened, completely unbothered by their reactions. "I'm just saying… traditions matter, right?"
Kazuma finally gave in, rolling his eyes. "Tch. Fine." He reached behind him and pulled out a small scroll wrapped in a red ribbon. He tossed it to Shin, who caught it mid-air with eager hands.
As Shin opened the scroll and scanned its contents, his eyes widened with disbelief and excitement. His heart skipped a beat.
"No way…"
In big bold letters, the title read: Shadow Clone Jutsu – Advanced Chakra Division Technique.
Shin jumped to his feet. "YES!! FINALLY!!" he shouted, nearly knocking over his chair. "Thank you, thank you, thank you!"
Kazuma scoffed. "You better not blow yourself up with it."
Kazuro let out a rare chuckle. "He'll manage. Probably."
Shin's fingers tightened around the scroll, joy pulsing through him. Shadow Clone Jutsu... I can finally multiply my training! This changes everything.
Shin's eyes slowly shifted toward Kazuro, a glint of mischief and expectation gleaming in them. He didn't say a word, but his stare said everything—Your turn, old man.
Kazuro raised an eyebrow, letting out a long sigh. "Tch… brat."
Shin sighed in mock defeat, throwing his hands up. "Fine, fine, I'll go first then. You all better follow me."
He led them outside to the training yard, the ground still damp from yesterday's rain, the air crisp with morning mist. With a deep breath, he steadied his chakra and brought his hands together.
"Tiger… Snake… Boar… Ram…"
His palms slammed onto the earth. "Fire Style: Flame Ground Jutsu!"
In an instant, the ground in front of him—up to 15 meters—ignited in roaring, serpentine flames that danced wildly across the field. The heat shimmered in the air, casting a warm glow on everyone's faces.
Shin's eyes sparkled with awe. "Whoa… this is amazing!"
Kazuro gave a small, approving nod. "B-rank Fire Style: Flame Ground Jutsu. Designed for battlefield control. With enough chakra, it can cover even more area."
Without wasting a moment, Shin asked to try it himself. Under Kazuro's watchful eye, he repeated the hand signs and slammed his palms to the ground again. This time, only a 5-meter area lit up in flames—but it was still a success.
"Five meters…" Shin breathed, a proud grin forming. "Not bad for a first try."
---
Shin and Akio stood near the training yard, their plates forgotten as the two boys talked animatedly, the quiet Uchiha suddenly coming to life. It was a strange sight—like two battle-hardened warriors exchanging war stories, except they were just six-year-old boys.
Their words were filled with techniques, chakra control, training routines, and future goals. Shin was surprised to learn that Akio's chakra nature was lightning, and that his grandfather was also a respected elder of the Uchiha clan.
No wonder he's so quiet and intense, Shin thought, eyeing Akio curiously. A lightning-style user with that kind of focus... yeah, he's dangerous.
Just then, Kazuro's voice cut through the hum of their conversation.
"You two seem real eager about training," he said with a smirk. "Well, the academy entrance test is in one month. I assume both of you plan on joining?"
That caught their attention immediately.
Shin turned with a wide grin. "Of course! I'm planning to take the number one spot."
But in the back of his mind, he thought, Though… Minato will be joining too. That guy's not exactly easy competition.
Akio simply nodded, his expression unchanged, as if silently saying Obviously.
Seeing the spark of determination in his grandson's eyes, Kazuro couldn't resist pushing further. "Alright then. Let's make it interesting," he said, arms folded. "If you place in the top three, I'll teach you something... something truly worth learning."
Shin's eyes gleamed with excitement as he instantly replied, "Deal!"
There wasn't a hint of hesitation in his voice—only pure confidence.
Top three? I'll aim for number one… I know it's impossible, but I'll try.
As the sun began to dip beneath the horizon, casting a warm amber glow over the courtyard, Akio turned to Shin, his voice quiet but firm.
"Do you want to train together… for the academy test?" he asked, eyes locked onto Shin's with a rare flicker of anticipation.
Shin didn't even pause. "Yeah," he said with a grin. "Let's do it."
Watching the two boys already forming a partnership built on rivalry and respect, Kazuro stepped forward with a thoughtful look.
"Listen, both of you. For the academy entrance, don't get too caught up in ninjutsu. Everyone focuses on flashy jutsus, but what truly matters is your physical conditioning and chakra control. That's where the exam will separate the talented from the average."
Shin nodded, his expression serious now. "Got it."
And with that, their eyes turned toward the training grounds once more.
They were about to start academy… where they would gain the title of "Shinobi."
--