c22: Mikoto with Multiple Attributes
At the Uchiha clan's private training ground, Uchiha Gen was running laps around the perimeter with unwavering focus.
Though the morning sun wasn't harsh, his loose-fitting, short-sleeved black top was already soaked through with sweat.
As the damp fabric clung to his skin and dried repeatedly, it left behind irritating salt crystals. Feeling the discomfort, Gen stripped off his shirt and continued running bare-chested.
But it wasn't just running Gen's training regimen also included push-ups, sit-ups, pull-ups, frog jumps, and various other calisthenics.
The primary goal was to refine his taijutsu and build raw physical power.
Physical strength was crucial for Gen, as his unique power the Soul-Soul Fruit, a forbidden kekkei genkai-like ability adapted from an ancient clan technique didn't require chakra but drew heavily on stamina. Chakra could reduce the strain, but not replace the need for endurance.
What Gen regretted most was that his natural chakra nature didn't include raiton (Lightning Release). If it did, improving his physical prowess would have been easier, especially given how Lightning Release chakra enhances reflexes and penetrative force, like the Raikage's famed Liger Bombs.
Fortunately, chakra affinities could be cultivated over time. As detailed by Kakashi in earlier chapters, with enough training and chakra control, new elemental natures could be awakened. And thanks to the Soul-Soul Fruit's spiritual adaptability, Gen found it easier than most to push the boundaries of chakra nature transformation.
When his body eventually hit its limit with raw physical training, Gen planned to develop Leiyun Advanced Homitz a unique creation inspired by the concept of spiritually empowered lightning clones. These constructs would not only increase his battlefield versatility but also aid in refining his lightning chakra affinity.
Once he successfully awakened raiton, he could aim to emulate the Lightning Armor (Raiton no Yoroi), a technique passed down by the Raikage of Kumogakure, known to drastically boost speed and power by channeling lightning chakra throughout the body.
As for techniques like Hachimon (Eight Gates), Gen had dismissed them. Despite their power, they relied on brute force at the cost of self-destruction, which clashed with his long-term strategy.
"If there were a system for exchanging talents," Gen mused, "I'd trade everything for the Third Raikage's iron physique and go wild with my Soul-Soul ability."
In the Naruto world, most shinobi only naturally manifest one or two chakra affinities. These are their dominant elements, determined by innate chakra composition. Developing additional elements is possible but extremely challenging.
Every shinobi body carries the potential for yin, yang, and all five basic elements katon, suiton, doton, raiton, and fūton. Theoretically, a ninja could master all five through advanced training, much like the legendary Hiruzen Sarutobi, known as "The Professor." But that was rare and extremely demanding.
Most jōnin elite ninjas typically master at least two chakra natures and demonstrate proficiency in elemental transformation.
While Gen was immersed in intense training, Uchiha Mikoto, the graceful prodigy of the clan and mother of future legends Sasuke and Itachi, arrived at the training field following the instructions of the clan elders.
"Gen," she called softly.
Hearing her voice, Gen immediately accelerated, arriving before her in a blur of movement.
"What's up, Sister Mikoto?"
He wiped the sweat from his brow, flashing a confident smile.
As Mikoto's gaze lingered on his toned form, she silently acknowledged that the boy had grown. Well-proportioned muscles, a sharp jawline, and an aura of controlled aggression he was undeniably handsome.
"If I were younger," she thought with a smile, "I'd probably be a little attracted to him."
"Wait Gen, when did you get a tattoo?" she asked, startled, pointing to the intricate fire-dragon pattern coiling around his left arm.
"Cool, right?" Gen grinned. "Just a design I liked."
He flexed his arm proudly, clearly enjoying the attention. Of course, he didn't mention that the "tattoo" was a manifestation of his Soul-Soul power in physical form alive and symbolic.
"Still, kids your age shouldn't be getting tattoos," Mikoto said, half-reproachful.
"Sister Mikoto, come on I'm no kid anymore."
"I'm a jōnin now," he added proudly, puffing out his chest.
"That doesn't mean you're not still growing," Mikoto teased. "Rank doesn't decide maturity."
She tucked a lock of hair behind her ear, her movements graceful, her voice warm and calm like a serene spring breeze. Her figure was elegant, perfectly balanced, and even the air around her seemed to carry a faint fragrance.
Gen swallowed. Hiss… Sister Mikoto really is too gentle. Dangerously so.
It would be even more alluring if this gentle elder sister were a wife—the future matriarch of the clan, wife to the head of the Uchiha, and the mother of both the series protagonist's best friend and that genius prodigy brother...
Feeling a rush of blood heading somewhere inappropriate, Uchiha Gen quickly circulated his chakra, silently initiating the Hyōton Meditation Technique, a calming method inspired by the Yuki clan's emotional regulation techniques. He needed to suppress any improper urges especially around her.
"Wait—Mikoto-san's a jōnin?"
Gen's eyes widened, surprise flickering across his face half feigned, half genuine.
He had always assumed Uchiha Mikoto was strong, but hadn't expected her to have officially reached the jōnin rank.
Then again, he had forgotten according to both the original manga and official data books, Uchiha Mikoto was listed as a former jōnin, albeit one who had retired early.
"That's right," Mikoto confirmed softly. "Though I'm retired now."
"I've seen my share of battle. I was active during the Second Shinobi World War, you know. I'm not just a decorative kunoichi kept in a glass house."
As she spoke, her eyes closed briefly and when they reopened, a pair of vivid three-tomoe Sharingan spun slowly in the crimson of her irises. The chakra in the air suddenly grew heavier, colder, laced with killing intent she had long since learned to suppress.
A two-tomoe Sharingan is often sufficient for mid-level chūnin; three tomoe indicate refined insight, near-instantaneous perception, and reaction speed a standard many jōnin dream of but few achieve.
"I believe it," Gen nodded solemnly.
"Normally, you look so elegant so calm and kind, like flowing water. No one would ever suspect the strength beneath."
Mikoto smiled gently at the compliment. "A ninja must master deception," she replied. "Though in my case, it's more metaphor than manipulation."
"I understand."
"Then when you say someone has 'grown up,' what exactly does that mean?" Gen asked, tilting his head with innocent curiosity.
Seeing the unguarded expression on Gen's youthful face, Mikoto paused.
For all his skill his battle sense, his keen judgment, his budding leadership he was still, in some ways, just a boy. He'd lost his parents young. With no elders to guide him, how many life-threatening situations must he have faced alone to become who he was now?
A pang of sympathy struck her heart. Her tone softened.
"To me? Becoming an adult means marrying, starting a family, and learning to support and protect them. That's when you've truly grown."
She paused, then added with a teasing note: "Is there someone you like, Xuan?"
Gen shook his head. "Not yet."
"Then what kind of girl do you like? I can keep an eye out for you within the clan."
In noble clans like the Uchiha, marriages were typically arranged within the bloodline. Outsiders even skilled ones—were rarely accepted, especially civilians. The primary reasons were to protect the secrets of the Sharingan, and to ensure future generations retained strong chakra reserves.
In the shinobi world, not everyone could mold chakra. In fact, only a minority of the general population had the genetic aptitude. Among them, more kunoichi than shinobi reached the field-ready standard—meaning most male shinobi ended up marrying civilian women, and their children's future as ninja depended entirely on chance.
"I haven't interacted with many girls," Gen said thoughtfully, "but the most beautiful and capable one I've met is you, Mikoto-san."
He looked up seriously. "If I had to use someone as a standard, it would be you."
Mikoto's heart gave a sudden thump, and her cheeks flushed a soft pink.
Was he… teasing?
No. Given how emotionally straightforward Gen was, and considering his lack of romantic experience, these were likely his sincere thoughts.
Well then.
Married. With children. And yet, even now, I can serve as the benchmark for a talented young shinobi like him? Hmph—seems my charm hasn't faded just yet!
Back in the day, many of the clan's most eligible bachelors had tried to court her—some even more accomplished or handsome than Fugaku.
If her marriage hadn't been arranged for political stability... would she have chosen differently?
Still, her current life wasn't bad.
"Alright then," she said with a gentle chuckle. "I'll keep my eyes open."
She glanced up at the sky. "It's getting late. I should go home and start dinner for Itachi."
"You go shower first, then report to the police department. Fugaku wanted to see you."
"And when you have time, come visit me more often."
Gen was more than just a promising ninja. He was charismatic, strong, and possessed an impeccable sense of tact. Whether for political alliance or personal warmth, he deserved to be supported by the clan.
"Okay, Sister Mikoto. Walk safely."
"Mn."
She turned, her steps elegant and refined. As she walked away, her black knee-length skirt swayed subtly, the fabric brushing against her legs. Every motion radiated a calm, mature grace.
Gen watched her figure until she disappeared from view. Then, wordlessly, he stepped into the shade and pulled his shirt back on. His expression returned to stoic calm.
After a quick shower at home, he headed toward the Uchiha Police Department...
He didn't bother appealing for re-approval after modifying the schedule. He'd simply made the change—and reposted it without permission.
---