Chapter 15: The Shadow And The Red Hair

Hikaru steadies himself, feeling the rush of his new discovery. "Kaito, let me try again. I need to see how far I can push this."

Kaito narrows his eyes. "You've already pushed yourself too far. You passed out twice, remember?"

Hikaru waves a hand, dismissing the concern. "That was nothing. Besides, I think I'm finally starting to understand how it all works."

"Or you're close to burning yourself out," Kaito replies, crossing his arms. "You're done for today. No more shadow experiments until you've rested."

Hikaru sighs, giving a reluctant nod. "Fine, fine… you sound just like my mom."

"Good. Maybe she'll talk some sense into you," Kaito says with a half-smile. "Now, go home."

"that's reminded me, she will be interested to know that you attacked me with another two ninjutsu." Hikaru says while running as fast as he can.

Then later at home:

Hikaru heads inside, spotting his mother and Shikaku talking in the kitchen. He can hardly wait to share the news.

"Mom, Shikaku! I figured out something huge today." His face lights up as he tries to explain. "I think… I think I can actually 'see' you both. Kind of."

His mother's eyes widen in surprise. "See us? Hikaru, what do you mean?"

"It's like… sensing your outline through chakra. I'm getting a sense of what's around me—your shapes, at least."

Shikaku steps forward, intrigued. "So, you know what we look like now?"

"Not exactly." Hikaru laughs. "It's not sight, but I can tell where you are and how you're shaped while you are 15 meters near me. Shikaku, you're standing a bit close, and I can tell you're just taller than me."

Shikaku laughs, playfully waving his hand in front of Hikaru. "Can you see this?"

"yes," Hikaru says, swatting at Shikaku's hand. "before I can only know that you are waving from your shadow but now I can sense the chakra in your body, and in your hand while waving."

His mother's face softens with a warm smile. "That's wonderful, Hikaru. But please, don't overdo it."

He nods, hearing the worry in her voice. "I promise. Kaito already gave me the same lecture."

"Well, good," she replies with a chuckle. "You have people looking out for you, so… be careful, all right?"

"I will," Hikaru says, smiling back.

Back at the academy, Hikaru walked alongside his friends, listening to their chatter and occasional jokes. Yet, his mind was elsewhere, mulling over his recent breakthrough. He'd been close to telling them about it, but something held him back.

Inoichi nudged him playfully. "You've been extra quiet today, Hikaru. Don't tell me you finally ran out of jokes?"

Hikaru smirked. "Not a chance. I'm just… thinking."

Shikaku looked over, eyebrow raised. "About what? Training?"

"Kind of." Hikaru shrugged. "Just figuring out what I can and can't do, that's all."

Chōza grinned, patting him on the back. "Bet you're cooking up something amazing. You always come out of training with a new trick."

"Maybe." Hikaru gave a faint smile. He hadn't lied, but he wasn't about to share the whole truth, either. Knowing what he'd learned, he prefer not to have anyone—friend or foe—knowing too much about how his abilities worked, unless necessary.

Shikaku gave him a thoughtful look. "Well, keep your secrets, then," he teased. "As long as you're still around to pull us out of trouble when we need it."

Hikaru chuckled, grateful that they didn't pry further. "Always," he promised.

As they walked and chatted, Hikaru's curiosity got the best of him. Activating his new ability as subtly as possible, he allowed his shadow senses to extend around him, reaching toward his friends.

For the first time, he got a vague sense of their forms. Shikaku's shape was tall and slightly leaner, with a calm, steady presence he'd always guessed was there. Inoichi had a more energetic outline, his hands gesturing animatedly as he spoke. Chōza, as expected, had a broad, solid figure, a reassuring weight that reminded Hikaru of his friend's constant support.

Then he focused on the others. Minato had an agile, quick presence; his form radiated a quiet confidence. Raiden's shape felt strikingly different—strong but relaxed, as if he held immense strength beneath a calm exterior. And then there was Hanako, who moved with a lively, almost jumpy energy, like she was always ready for whatever came next.

Hikaru couldn't help but grin, feeling a warmth he hadn't expected. For so long, he'd imagined what his friends might look like, and now, in his own unique way, he could finally sense them. It was more than he'd ever hoped for.

Noticing his smile, Inoichi nudged him with a playful smirk. "Alright, what's with that grin, Hikaru? Got a secret you're hiding?"

"Just happy to be here," Hikaru replied lightly, his heart full of a new understanding of his friends—a small but cherished bond only he knew about.

The door slid open, and a flash of vivid red hair caught everyone's attention as a new student walked into the classroom with a confident stride. Hikaru could sense the slight shift in everyone's focus, their attention turning toward the girl. She introduced herself as Kushina Uzumaki, her voice strong and unwavering.

"I'm Kushina Uzumaki!" she declared, her fists clenched in determination. "And I'm going to be the first woman Hokage!"

The room went silent for a beat, but then whispers broke out. A few students chuckled and exchanged glances, clearly amused. Some of them snickered at her bold claim, and others took the opportunity to comment on her hair.

"First woman Hokage with hair that bright? You'll blind the enemies before you even fight them," one of them teased.

Undeterred, Kushina put her hands on her hips, flashing a fierce, unbreakable grin. "If you've got a problem with my hair, then deal with it. This red stands for the strength of the Uzumaki!"

Hikaru smiled to himself. Something about Kushina's energy was infectious—unashamed and full of fire. He admired her courage, even as the others laughed.

Hikaru couldn't resist. The moment Kushina sat down, her fierce aura practically radiated off her. She had just announced her dream to become the first female Hokage and taken a bit of ridicule from some classmates for her striking red hair. So Hikaru waited until she scooted a little closer, then "accidentally" shifted just enough that her elbow nudged him.

"Hey! Watch it!" she snapped, assuming he'd done it on purpose to get her attention like everyone else.

"Oh, sorry," he said, as if caught off guard. But Kushina's fiery temper was already ignited.

"Look, if you've got something to say about my hair or my dreams, just say it!" She shoved him lightly, but Hikaru immediately staggered back, putting on a hurt expression.

Kushina stared, surprised, and then gasped as she noticed his white eyes and the look of innocence on his face. Her face turned crimson, realizing he was blind. "Oh my—I didn't mean to, I didn't know—!" she stammered, horror-stricken.

Hikaru's lips trembled as he looked down, voice quivering. "I just… I didn't think someone would… push me just for… being different," he murmured, his voice trailing off as he let out a small sniffle, wiping at his eye.

Kushina's eyes widened in panic. "Oh no, no, I didn't mean it! I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to—"

That was when Minato and Raiden lost it, and a few giggles turned into full-blown laughter. Kushina blinked in confusion, and her face went even redder as realization dawned. "Wait… did you just… you're pranking me?!"

Hikaru couldn't hold back his grin any longer, his "hurt" expression replaced by a mischievous smirk. "Me?" he said, his voice gleeful. "You should've seen your face."

Kushina's face twisted with rage and embarrassment. "Youu!" she yelled, her red hair seeming to blaze as she launched herself after him. "You're gonna regret this!"

Laughing, Hikaru jumped to his feet, dashing around desks and laughing harder every time she comes closer to him. The whole class watched with delight as she chased him around, determined to catch him. After a few turns around the room, she finally lunged, tackling him to the floor.

As Kushina finally caught up to him, Hikaru still had a smirk on his face, underestimating just how strong she was. She threw a punch, not holding back, and it landed square on his arm with surprising force. Hikaru's eyes widened in shock as he stumbled, pain radiating through his shoulder. That was easily the strongest punch he'd ever taken.

"Ow—ouch!" he winced, rubbing his arm and feeling genuine regret. "Alright, alright! I'm sorry!" he apologized repeatedly, his tone shifting from playful to remorseful as he tried to make up for his prank.

Meanwhile, everyone around them burst into laughter, watching him try to make amends while Kushina stood over him, arms crossed and clearly satisfied. Hikaru's friends could barely contain themselves, teasing him for finally getting a taste of his own medicine.

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what do you think of kushina's entrance?

As of today they will be a chapter daily, with more if I can or there are enough power stones.

Writing is hard guys, any reviews and suggestions are really important for me to continue.

Thank you evildaoist, Ph4ve, Walter_Jones, xDark_Legend, TuftyMuffin9530, YutaSatoru, Silas_Savitar_ and myself for your Power stones 

(yes I gave myself a power stone don't judge, like I said writing is hard :) )