Chapter 32 - Third Year 02.

[Chapter Size: 1600 Words.]

Third Person POV

Konoha, Year 34.

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After the intense training and conversation with Minato, Mikoto bid farewell and began walking back to the Uchiha clan complex, located in the heart of Konoha. The complex was a vast area that served as home for all clan members, as the Uchihas at this time were known for their importance and influence in the village.

As she approached, the traditional characteristics of Uchiha architecture became evident. Large wooden gates with the clan's symbol marked the entrance, and inside, the buildings were arranged in a way that reflected both the strength and elegance of the clan.

The complex was always bustling, with clan members coming and going, training or simply taking care of their daily lives. Children walked and played in the Uchiha style, while the elders conversed or observed, maintaining order and tradition.

As she walked, Mikoto felt the gazes of some clan members on her. There was a mix of expectation and judgment in those looks, a constant reminder of the pressure she faced as the daughter of the patriarch. Yet, she walked with her head held high, determined not to let these expectations define who she was or what she could become.

As she neared her home, she knew she would face more training, more expectations, and perhaps even some reprimands for not living up to the achievements of other clan members. However, the conversation with Minato and the training they shared had given her a new perspective and a renewed sense of determination.

Upon entering her home within the Uchiha complex, Mikoto was immediately greeted by the imposing presence of her father. He stood erect, his posture and serious gaze reflecting the authority and discipline inherent to a clan leader. His eyes met hers as soon as she entered.

"Where have you been this morning, Mikoto?" His voice was firm. This was Mazu Uchiha (OC), the clan leader at this time, and Mikoto bore many of his features.

Mikoto maintained her composure, knowing honesty was the best approach with her father. "I was training, Father," she began, her voice calm and confident. "I went to practice and reflect a bit on my own and then met a friend."

"A friend?" he asked, a slight suspicion in his tone. "Would this friend be that Minato Namikaze?"

The mention of Minato's name made Mikoto hesitate for a brief moment. However, she nodded, confirming his suspicions. "Yes, Father. Minato has been helping me with training. He's a good friend and a great training partner."

Mikoto's father's gaze intensified. "The top rookie of his generation, not even the child Akame can beat him with the activated Sharingan." He reflected and then turned back to Mikoto. "Do you know anything about his strange prediction abilities?" He asked seriously.

"No father, I don't know how Minato can do that..." She murmured.

Her father nodded after a while and spoke, "I won't deprive you of knowing an orphan, but make sure you are learning the right skills and maintaining focus on the traditions and techniques of our clan, Mikoto. Friendships are valuable, but they should not divert you from your path."

Mikoto nodded in understanding and respect. "I understand, Father. I promise to maintain the balance and honor our clan in everything I do."

Mikoto's father gave a subtle nod, a gesture of approval mixed with the constant vigilance he maintained over his daughter and her future. "Now go get ready, just because you trained with your friend doesn't mean you won't go through clan training this afternoon." He said and turned to leave, Mikoto nodded going to her room before grabbing something to eat prior to the training led by her father.

Mikoto began her daily training routine at the Uchiha clan complex. The place was filled with young and old practicing, each absorbed in their own journey to perfect their skills. She found a quiet space where she could concentrate without interruptions and started her usual exercises, moving with precision and focus.

As she practiced, Minato's words echoed in her mind. He had spoken about activating the Sharingan through intense emotions, a method that differed from the traditional and sometimes painful approaches she knew. Mikoto felt a mix of curiosity and skepticism about these claims. How could Minato, someone from outside the clan, know so much about the Sharingan, a secret so closely guarded by the Uchiha?

She closed her eyes for a moment, trying to connect with the deep emotions Minato mentioned. She thought about the challenges she faced, the pressure of being the patriarch's daughter, and the expectations that came with her surname. Mikoto tried to channel all these emotions, focusing on something that truly mattered to her, something that would ignite a burning passion within her being.

The practice continued, and Mikoto moved with renewed determination, each strike and movement imbued with a deeper purpose. She wasn't just training to improve her physical skills; she was trying to awaken something within herself, something she believed to be the key to her evolution as a ninja and as an Uchiha.

As the training progressed, Mikoto allowed herself to feel a full range of emotions, from frustration and the desire to prove her worth to the love and dedication she felt for her clan and family. She knew that activating the Sharingan wouldn't be an easy task, and it might not happen immediately, but she was determined to explore this new perspective, questioning the limits of what she knew and seeking to grow beyond them.

Mikoto finished her training with a sense of accomplishment mixed with restlessness. Minato's words had planted a seed of curiosity and challenge within her, and she was ready to pursue this path, no matter how uncertain or difficult it might be.

Mikoto stopped training and sat down under a secluded tree. She closed her eyes and began to meditate, knowing she needed to find a focus, something that would evoke a strong enough emotional response to potentially trigger the awakening of her Sharingan. She scoured her memories and feelings, searching for that trigger.

Her thoughts wandered to a certain blond-haired, blue-eyed boy - Minato. Mikoto remembered how she had met him and how he became increasingly strong and a little distant from her, but he always had his encouraging smile, and how he believed in her more than anyone else. She thought about his determination, his strength, and how he faced his own challenges with courage, despite his more humble origins. A wave of emotions flooded her - admiration, gratitude, perhaps even something deeper.

As these feelings grew within her, Mikoto felt something shift. Her body reacted instinctively, and she focused all her attention on that whirlwind of emotions. She wanted to protect that bond, wanted to live up to Minato's expectations, wanted to be strong. It was a mix of love, respect, and a burning desire not to be left behind.

Suddenly, a sharp and powerful sensation coursed through her eyes. Mikoto opened them slowly, and the world around her seemed different. Colors and movements were sharper, and she could feel a new depth in her perception. She stood up and ran to a lake near the training area without looking at anyone, running with anxiety. As she approached the water, reflected in it were two intense red eyes, with a single tomoe in each. The Sharingan was finally activated.

Mikoto was agape, surprised and thrilled with her success. She had managed it, and the thought of Minato, the boy with blond hair and blue eyes, had been the key to unlocking her latent power. With the Sharingan active, Mikoto felt a new wave of determination. She had finally awakened the Sharingan just a few hours after talking to Minato, something no one would believe, but she was the real proof that it happened.

As Mikoto moved away from the lake, where the reflection of her newly activated Sharingan eyes still shimmered on the water's surface, she felt a tumultuous mix of emotions. There was a sense of triumph and revelation pulsing through her, an energy that felt both new and ancient at the same time. It was the power of her clan, finally awakened within her, all thanks to a conversation with Minato.

"This is incredible," she whispered to herself, her voice laden with admiration and a hint of incredulity. "Minato was really right about the Sharingan!" The words he shared, the ideas he proposed about activating the Sharingan through intense emotions, had proven true in a way she never expected.

However, with this realization, came a sharp concern. If Minato's knowledge about the Sharingan became known, it could bring unwanted trouble for him, especially considering the secret and sacred nature of this information within the Uchiha clan. "But I mustn't tell anyone about what he told me," she decided firmly. "It could be dangerous for him, so I'll keep it as my own secret." She knew that protecting Minato was as important as honoring her own clan.

And then, a gentle warmth emerged in her chest, a feeling of gratitude and affection that she rarely allowed to blossom so freely. She placed a hand over her heart, feeling the steady beat and the warmth of the emotions growing within her. "But I'm so glad to know him..." She couldn't deny the impact that Minato had on her life. Somehow, he had become an important part of her journey, not just as a training partner but as someone who challenged her to see the world, and herself, in a different way.

The emotions she felt about Minato were complex and deep, blooming intensely within her, like a carefully guarded flame that had been fueled by words of encouragement and acts of friendship.

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