Chapter 31 - Third Year 01.

[Chapter Size: 1600 Words.]

Third Person POV

Konoha, Year 34.

...

...

Konoha awoke to the familiarity of a common day. Shopkeepers meticulously prepared their stores for another day of commerce, while families walked the streets, holding hands with their children, breathing in the fresh morning air. The village's soft buzz created a comforting backdrop. In this scene, an 8-year-old boy with uncomplicated blond hair strolled calmly, his hand casually behind his head, almost as if he were trying to understand and absorb every detail of the village he now called home. Minato walked with an uncommon serenity for his age, reflecting on his life in that world. "It will be 2 years since I entered this world...," Minato murmured to himself, his low voice almost getting lost in the village's murmur. "I'm still surprised by what it's like to live here, not just seeing everything behind a screen with an image or a manga page..." His reflection had a mix of admiration and wonder for everything Konoha represented and everything he had experienced until then.

As he walked, his blue eyes caught something that caught his attention. "Hm?" He stopped for a moment, his curiosity piqued. In front of him was a building that, although common at first glance, sparked a special memory in his mind. "Wait, isn't this the Ramen Ichiraku?" He asked himself, looking at the still-closed building, the place that would become one of the most iconic and beloved spots in the village. "Maybe in the next few years... It opens, I can't wait to try their food," Minato murmured, a playful smile on his lips as he thought about the future. The idea of tasting the ramen that almost every Naruto fan wanted to try was one of his priorities.

Minato was immersed in his thoughts when a familiar voice pulled him out of his reflection. He turned to find Mikoto. She was dressed practically for a day in the village, with small shorts that allowed freedom of movement, essential for a young ninja in training. A pouch was skillfully tied to her leg, perhaps containing important items or ninja tools. Her long-sleeved shirt was dark with the symbol of her clan on the back, reflecting her understated style. "Hey, what are you talking about?" Mikoto asked with a light curiosity in her voice. Minato smiled slightly. "Hello, Mikoto. I'm just thinking out loud, what are you doing here so early?" "I was walking to reflect a bit, I believe it's something you'd be doing right now as well..." Mikoto looked at him, her eyes reflecting an interest similar to his. "Yes, I was thinking about a few things before going to my training spot." Minato confirmed. "That's good since I was planning to visit you in your training area, let's go together then." Mikoto spoke, opening a small smile. "Let's go then." Minato agreed, heading in the opposite direction of the village center. The two young people began to walk side by side towards the training site, the conversation flowing naturally between them.

Arriving at the training site, a quiet and secluded area, Minato immediately headed to the weapon stock. He picked up some kunais to practice with Mikoto, after a while, the 8-year-old boy thought of making a bold move, feeling the weight and balance of each one before choosing the ones he would use for training. Mikoto watched, her expression a mix of anticipation and curiosity about what Minato planned with this. With the kunais in hand, Minato positioned himself. He closed his eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath. It was a practice to center himself, focus his mind, and his chakra. When he reopened his eyes, there was a clear determination in his gaze. With a chakra burst in his feet, he jumped high in the air, his figure outlined against the clear sky.

At the apex of his jump, Minato began to throw the kunais with surgical precision. Each flew towards the targets, embedding itself in the center with precise impact. Mikoto watched, impressed with the skill and control he demonstrated. Then came the most impressive move: Minato needed to hit a target hidden behind a tree. He threw two kunais, one to collide with the other at a calculated angle, redirecting its trajectory exactly as intended. The second kunai veered, spinning in the air and hitting almost the center of the hidden target.

Mikoto couldn't contain her admiration. "Minato... That was amazing!" she exclaimed, her voice mixing surprise and admiration. Minato, landing lightly on the ground, turned to her with a modest smile. "You saw, but I still don't have 100% accuracy," he commented. It was an acknowledgment of his skills, but also an admission that there was always room for improvement.

"Even so, I've never seen anyone do something like that! It was incredible, you were so bad with kunais, but now you've even surpassed me..." Her words were unusual, given her generally more reserved and indifferent nature. "Thanks, I guess..." He murmured, thoughts of Itachi, his future son, and his perfect kunai skills passing through his mind.

Decided to continue his training, Minato then created some shadow clones. One was assigned to practice chakra refinement and calligraphy. Another clone was sent to work in the grocery store. The original Minato, however, dedicated himself to training with Mikoto, a moment they both valued.

The training between them began with a sparing, a small fight to test their skills and reflexes. Mikoto, specialized in small blades, had begun to swap her kunais for large needles, a choice reflecting her precision and unique style. In the end, Minato managed to take down Mikoto, a maneuver that caught her by surprise and resulted in her defeat in the fight. "Damn, I really can't beat you, Minato..." She was panting. "But you're getting stronger, there's no denying that." He looked at her acknowledging her progress.

Mikoto looked at the ground, her fatigue mixed with an emotional weight. "I know, but it's still not enough, my father has been putting pressure on me lately." Her voice was low, almost as if she was admitting a weakness she rarely showed. Minato, surprised and concerned. "Why is that? You're only going to be 8 years old." To him, childhood should be a time of learning and growth, not of overwhelming expectations.

Mikoto sighed, "I know, but with Akame releasing the Sharingan at just 6 years old, everyone thinks that the patriarch's daughter is a failure, this reflects how my father is seen..." Her confession revealed how she was viewed even within one of the most powerful clans of Konoha.

"You're not a failure, Mikoto. Everyone has their own time and way to grow. What Akame did doesn't define your abilities or your worth." His words were sincere.

Mikoto looked at Minato, a glimpse of gratitude in her eyes, but there was still a glint of disappointment. Minato, seeing that the girl was still not at ease. "Let me tell you a secret about the Sharingan..." Minato began, "To unlock it, you need to have a powerful emotion, it's usually hatred when something precious to you is lost, your love turns into hatred and this triggers something in the brain, activating the Sharingan."

"What?! How do you know these things?" Mikoto asked, alarmed as Minato was talking about things not even the Uchihas talked about and bringing it up in the middle of the conversation, making her skeptical of Minato's words.

"Don't ask me how I know these things, just trust me." Minato spoke and continued. "But to activate the Sharingan, you don't necessarily need to suffer."

"Mikoto, knowing that to activate the power of your lineage now, the key to unlocking the Sharingan isn't just in pain or loss, but in any intense emotion that shakes your being. It can be hatred, yes, but it can also be a deep love, an unwavering determination, or even a burning desire to protect someone."

Mikoto, still a bit skeptical but clearly interested, leaned forward. "So, you're saying there's a way?"

"Exactly," Minato nodded. "See, the Uchihas are known for their intense passions. This doesn't mean you need to lose yourself in darkness to awaken your power. Instead, you can channel a powerful and positive emotion. Think of something or someone you desperately want to protect, or a goal you want to achieve more than anything in the world. That intense emotion, when focused, can be the key to unlocking your Sharingan."

Mikoto pondered Minato's words, her mind buzzing with the possibilities. "But how do I do this in practice?"

"Practice concentration and meditation, I would initially recommend putting you in a genjutsu, but you will have to suffer for that," Minato suggested. "Try focusing on a memory or goal that evokes an intense emotion in you. Train your mind to cling to that emotion and channel it. With time and practice, this intense emotional state can help trigger the activation of the Sharingan."

Mikoto nodded, a mix of determination and hope in her eyes. "I'll try," she said, "but, Minato, how do you know so much about this?"

Minato just smiled mysteriously. "Let's just say I've done a lot of research. And Mikoto, remember, the path to activating the Sharingan is as unique as the person who possesses it. Your journey will be only yours."

With that, both went back to training for the rest of the morning before Mikoto returned to the clan and Minato stayed to practice more.

---------

Fallow me on Patreon!

🌟 RaccoonLeague | Patreon🌟

Visit our Patreon for more: https://www.patreon.com/RaccoonLeague