Chapter 1: Kajirama Uchiha
The huge round sun's rays of morning light shone around the serene vicinity of Konohagakure with its' lush greeneries, the rich bodies of water around the encompassing large trees surrounding the shinobi village and there was a large gorge in the north-west direction creating an ideal picturesque whereabout, unquestionably worthy of its designation.
The inhabitants, whether it's the humans living within the shinobi village or the animals that are roaming about and around the forests, every single one of them seemed to be enjoying the start of another day with smiles plastered on their faces as they greeted their fellow villagers one after another. Most of them are enjoying a hearty breakfast with their family, while those who woke up early are already preparing to set up their stalls - or shops - at the side of the streets.
Some are also wearing their shinobi attire and donning their hitai-ate proudly on their forehead.
These shinobis that are getting about varied in age, some looked to be as young as eleven years old, teens closely approaching their adulthood, and seasoned adults exuding experience from their being as they trudge on the streets of Konoha as they chatted amongst themselves, equipped and ready to complete or get a mission in The Office of Missions Archive - 'OMA' for short - located adjacent to the Hokage Tower, which was located north of the village where the Hokage Stone Monument is.
It was all thanks to the sacrifices and contributions of the individuals that have their faces carved on that cliff were they able to gain the lively and joyous streets in the lands filled with danger and conflict.
...
The Hokage Stone Monument is a cliff with three majestic carved stone faces on the upper-mid section of the mass of rock.
Not long after the death of Hashirama Senju, the Shinobi no Kami, the first great shinobi world war plunged the elemental nations.
During the early stages of the First Shinobi World War, tensions were high between Kumogakure and the other major hidden villages.
Being the strongest hidden village at the time, Konohagakure's Nidaime Hokage, Tobirama Senju, understood the importance of diplomacy and sought to establish a peace pact with the Second Raikage of Kumogakure to prevent further bloodshed and find a path to coexistence.
To solidify this peace agreement, Tobirama traveled to Kumogakure with a small delegation, aiming to discuss terms of peace and foster continuation of the new era of understanding between the villages established by his elder brother. However, lurking in the shadows, the sinister Gold and Silver Brothers, also known as the Kinkaku and Ginkaku, had their treacherous plans.
The Kinkaku Force, a militia group of Kumo that independently act on their own, were loyal to the Gold and Silver Brothers, was known for their deceptive nature and ambitions for power. They saw the peace pact as an opportunity to seize control of Kumogakure and establish themselves as the ruling power. They resented the Second Raikage's leadership and saw this as their chance to stage a coup d'etat.
Konoha's Nidaime and delegation were implicated in the coup eventually leading to the kage's death without leaving Hiruzen Sarutobi to succeeding the mantle of Hokage.
Fearing that the blame for Tobirama's death would escalate the already tense situation, Kumogakure officials made a controversial decision. They decided to falsely spread rumors that the Kinkaku Force had acted in collusion with Konohagakure, further fanning the flames of the ongoing war. This false accusation was meant to shift attention away from Kumogakure and deflect blame from their leadership.
The baseless claims deepened the undermined trust between the villages and derail any progress towards peace.
The news of Tobirama Senju's death spread quickly, and the accusations against Konohagakure fueled the fires of war. The fragile peace between the villages shattered, and the First Shinobi World War raged on with renewed ferocity.
During the tumultuous era of the First Shinobi World War, the world was plunged into chaos as Kumogakure and Iwagakure waged their devastating conflict after allying with each other, shocking Konohagakure's council of leaders, this sparked the other hidden villages to participate in the war for whatever reasons. In the midst of this turmoil, Hiruzen Sarutobi, the newly appointed Sandaime Hokage of Konohagakure, emerged as a key figure in shaping the course of history. His contributions and achievements during this dark period were marked by profound leadership, strategic brilliance, and a deep commitment to preserving peace while at the same time bearing immense capability as a shinobi.
Recognizing the importance of alliances after seeing the actions of betrayal from Kumogakure, Hiruzen reached out to the Uzushiogakure and the Uzumaki clan, seeking their support as vital allies, forgone the thoughts for peace with Kumo, fully dedicated to focusing on protecting the livelihood of his people than raising stakes any longer.
The Uzumaki clan, renowned for their powerful sealing techniques and resilience, agreed to lend their strength to Konoha in the face of the growing threat from Kumogakure and Iwagakure, this was made easier since the Senju clan and Uzumaki clan - one of the founding clans of each respective village - already possesses close ties between each other since during the Warring State Period evident by the fact that Konoha's flank-jacket uniforms had the Uzumaki clan crest sewn on it.
Moreover, Hiruzen's diplomatic acumen played a crucial role in forging this alliance, creating a formidable coalition that would shape the outcome of the war.
In the heat of battle, the combined forces of Konohagakure and Uzushiogakure, led by Hiruzen and Ashina Uzumaki, faced relentless assaults from the formidable Kumogakure and Iwagakure shinobi. Hiruzen's tactical brilliance became evident as he strategized and coordinated counterattacks, aiming to turn the tide of war in their favor.
Amidst the chaos, the presence of Konoha and Uzushio's shinobis shone like the sun. Fully showing the rest why they were worthy of the other's fear.
Shimura Danzo, a shrewd and ambitious shinobi, became a challenge for Hiruzen, Danzo was made the commander of the western front which was an army to fight against Iwagakure. Danzo advocated for more aggressive tactics and stricter control over the alliance's military power, often clashing with the Third Hokage's measured approach with Ashina maintaining neutrality, too busy with handling the easting front to joining the bicker between the two. However, Hiruzen's unwavering commitment to protecting the lives of his villagers and allies guided their decisions, making him a beacon of hope and stability in the face of adversity.
Torifu Akimichi, a loyal and talented member of the Akimichi clan, emerged as one of Hiruzen's most trusted advisors during the war. Torifu's unwavering loyalty to the village and his commitment to the Hokage's vision helped immensely as his clan's contribution to the battlefront along with the Nara clan and Yamanaka clan, introduced the dreaded Ino-Shika-Cho formation in the field.
On the battlefield, the formidable Kagami Uchuha, representing the Uchiha clan, played a significant role in the village's defense. Kagami's tactical brilliance in deploying the clan's sharingan abilities, combined with his unwavering dedication, made him a key asset in repelling enemy forces, this helped bridge the gap between the Uchiha clan and Konohagakure's leadership, strengthening their unity in the face of external threats.
Alongside Hiruzen, stood the formidable duo of Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado, two influential advisors with decades of experience in Konohagakure's political landscape. Their wisdom and counsel proved invaluable to the Third Hokage in navigating the complex political dynamics of the war and its aftermath.
Hiruzen's alliances and diplomatic efforts played a pivotal role in securing vital support for Konoha during the First Shinobi World War. Through his leadership, the village and its allies faced the might of Kumogakure and Iwagakure, standing united against their forces.
In the end, the dedication and valor of Hiruzen Sarutobi, along with the unwavering support of Uzushio - the Uzumaki clan and his trusted advisors, helped lead Konohagakure and its allies to secure victory in the First Shinobi World War. His contributions and achievements during this tumultuous period solidified his legacy as one of the most revered and influential Kage in the current era of the shinobi system - Hidden Villages, which his predecessors had implemented throughout the elemental nation.
That was also the war that earned Hiruzen Sarutobi the moniker of - 'Konoha no Gekido Sarutahiko'.
[T/L: Raging Monkey Chief of the Hidden Leaf. Gekido = Raging. Saruta translates to 'monkey-state', while Hiko is a male of noble blood or with utmost power' like a prince, a king, or ruler - in the case of naruto-series, a kage, chief, patriarch, daimyo, etc.]
Konohagakure and Uzushiogakure were the ones that emerged victorious. With loss numbering over the hundreds from each alliance's side and alas, the loss of Shodai Uzukage in exchange for the Shodai Tsuchikage, Ishikawa Kamizuru's life and his escort team - dealt very significant damage to Iwagakure's manpower.
In the end, after several weeks of insignificant skirmish, an armistice treaty was signed under all the hidden villages.
The negotiation leaned heavily on Konoha and Uzushio's favor, not to the point of crippling their particular enemy alliance's finances and resources but it was still a heavy loss that even the Five Great Hidden Villages couldn't bear, as they estimated would take them a few dozen years to recover albeit except for Konoha and Uzushio which had a couple years of development and manpower advantage, this also made Kumo and Iwa to mistrust and be wary of each other after the latter had found out the truth behind Kumo's charade and intentions.
Nevertheless, with that treaty it established over a decade of peace between them; although some villages seemed to becoming restless as of lately... but, that's another topic for another time.
...
As they say, for the loss of many heroes - new buds will bloom to rise to the occasion.
A certain section within the village of Konoha situates the Uchiha Compound.
The Uchiha clan, infamous for having an innate aptitude for all combat-oriented skills and their clan's elders heavily emphasized it to their members to develop it at an early age for their youngest generation to cultivate as they were also famously known for its advanced growth rate as tradition. Furthermore, the Uchiha clansmen are more feared popularly for their fabled dōjutsu kekkei genkai, the Sharingan.
Hence, coupled with their innate fast growth in combat-oriented capabilities and the ability they gained from their sharingan; the Uchiha clan had emerged as the strongest shinobi clan in the whole of the Elemental Nation since the founding of shinobis, solely being on par with them was their only long-lasting rival, the Senju clan. This statement was undisputed from the facts shown in history, and how their clansmen still produced top-tier shinobis till this very day, with those facts laid bare and no one the wiser wanting to cross paths with an Uchiha or Senju on the battlefield since they don't even want to have that thought appearing on their imagination, that's how feared and notorious they were.
There was even an unwritten saying that, if you want to fight a Senju or Uchiha, think thrice so you know what you are getting yourself into.
Of course, that may just be an exaggeration. Since in the field, you don't know what the circumstances are, either: fighting might be the only choice, a shinobi might be confident in facing them, or you're just plain stupid during a mission.
With the Uchiha and Senju acting as deterrents to other villages' advances, without them Konohagakure's shinobi force would no doubt severely weaken. Needless to say, the other shinobi clans residing in the village also contributed to its military force, especially the large clans, like the Akimichi, Sarutobi, Shimura, Yamanaka, Inizuka, Nara, Aburame, etc. Still, for the most part , the Senju and Uchiha-nin are more into the role when comparison for each clan's might.
Because of the perks of their 'noble' bloodline, the Uchihas tend to be arrogant and aloof, as if they were gods because of their precious eyes.
Now, enough of that, let's get back to the story.
There was a certain part of the Uchiha Compound where the patriarch's family and elders reside.
Uchiha Kajirama, A child that appeared to be six-seven years of age with immature features: black spiky yet silky hair, close to pale but healthy complexion, the child's most prominent feature was a pair of noticeable thick caterpillar-like eyebrows that slanted down in between the bridge of his undeveloped nose and its edges appear to be defined quite sharp as well. He's wearing brownish-white pair of shorts and a black turtle neck sleeveless shirt to go along with it. He recently woke up and was tasked by his mother to fetch his father while she got breakfast ready, which was why he was walking through the household to his parent's bedroom.
He was nearly there when he heard a slight noise behind him, he pretended to not hear that, when suddenly a blur of shadow dashed out from the corridor, a young girl, quickly tackled Kajirama to the ground, pulling him into a tight hug, giggling as the two fell. Kajirama was quick to return it, laughing as well.
"Good morning, Kaji-oniisan!" The girl exclaimed. "I can't believe you fall for this same trick so many times, as a shinobi we should always be aware of our surroundings, like what Mom said."
"Good morning, Kasu-otouto." A heartwarming smile developed on Kajirama's face as he pulled himself and the girl off the ground. "You're too good for me to notice Kasu-chan, that's why. To remind you, you're not a shinobi yet..."
"... Also Kasu-chan, stop running through the halls you'd disturb the clan members who're still asleep." Kasumi Uchiha stuck her tongue out playfully in response. Seeing this Kajirama chuckled while Kasumi continued her giggling. "Just don't try to make a habit of that, okay?"
"Uh-huh!" Kasumi nodded without a beat, Kajirama sighed knowing his little sister full well, she would not listen and he bet the girl would do it again regardless. "Go to the kitchen, Mother is waiting there with breakfast."
"Yay! I hope she cooks my grilled fish. Let's go, what are you waiting for Kaji-niisan." Kajirama shook his head and responded patiently. "I still need to wake up Father, you should go first, we'll follow right after."
"Okay!"
Kagami Uchiha, the current clan head of the clan recently woke up when the sun's brightness shone upon his face on the window, he heard some subtle noises outside the room. He got up after a few then wore a dark blue shirt over his bare upper body which had the Uchiha clan crest on the upper back section, a white and red fan-shaped symbol.
"Good morning, Father." An immature yet steady and polite tone greeted Kagami when he opened the door to the living room.
He stood up from the couch where he was sitting and bowed slightly when he saw his father exiting his parent's room.
Kagami warmly smiled at his son. "Good morning to you too, son." He ruffled his son's hair, eaning a pout which he merely chuckled off when he saw that. "Where's your mom, Kajirama?"
"Mother is waking up Aomi-otouto. Mother also told me to wake you up father she already prepared breakfast for us."
"Hn, thanks for informing me. Alright then, let's go. Let's not keep your mother and siblings waiting."
With that said, Kagami strolled towards the dining room whilst yawning with his son in tow, evidently still groggy from having just awoken.
...
"Are you excited about the academy next week, Kajirama?" Jui Uchiha, Kagami's wife asked their son who was quietly eating his breakfast with proper table manners, and like the polite kid he is, he swallowed down the food in his mouth first before answering with noticeable anticipation in his childish voice for the shinobi academy, which Kajirama would be attending the term this year.
"Yup! I can't wait to start attending the academy! Also, you said that Amagi and Choshin will also be in the same class as me right, father?" Kajirama asked with unconcealed glee at the prospect. The shinobi academy in Konoha would begin to accept admissions of children at the low age of six years old minimum, he and his friends which he just mentioned are one of the many new attendees for this year's new batch of students.
Even though Kajirama acts polite and steady fairly most of the time, there were moments where he would break from character when concerned about the very few things that interest him. One such was. one, shinobi-related topics - he was particularly very interested in listening to the stories that he would occasionally be hearing from his mother or father's past missions outside the village, second, some game time with his friends and a few.
He loved playing with his friends, most of the time they would meet at the nearby park to play shinobi along with the other kids around present there, though typically he would be playing that with Amagi or Choshin, his best of friends since he ever knew how to walk. They are very close mainly because of their parents' being colleagues and they thought it was a good idea to set up play dates among them seeing their children are the same age, and what a great decision that was.
Hence, ever since then, they would play and hang out with each other for the most of the day. Kajirama would rather play with them than try hard to play with the arrogant and prideful brats his age around the clan compound, especially his little cousin, Fugaku Uchiha. Don't even get Kajirama started with him, if most of the kids in their clan are pricks then that dude got a problem, twenty-foot-long metallic stick stuck in the ass problem mind you and his parents knew his thoughts about them.
As much as it amused both Jui and Kajirama at how their son viewed his peers in their clan, they still knew that Kajirama cared for them, he just can't stand their stuck-up attitude.
Kajirama mused. "If my memory isn't failing me then, yeah. The sensei in your class is part of my genin team when I used to be assigned my three-men cell to supervise, it was from her that I got this information. As long as they don't change the class arrangement at the last minute, which I strongly doubt would happen, Amagi and Choshin are certainly within your class list from what I saw."
Hearing that, it is pretty much guaranteed they would be in the same class, so Kajirama was ecstatic to hear that. He thought with glee. 'I can't wait to meet them today and tell them about this.' He could hardly wait to do just that and see how they would react, so he continued to eat his food at a much faster pace this time.
"Mom, Dad... Why can't I attend at the same time as Kaji-oniisan? I'm not that much younger than him after all!" A younger lass with features almost identical to Jui Uchiha yelled indignantly, the lass managed to spit out some of her food when she spoke. Her name's Kasumi Uchiha - the younger sister and the middle child of the three siblings. "So unfair!"
Another ammunition of food was splattered out.
"Don't talk when your mouth is full, Kasumi-chan." Jui chided as she looked at her daughter with a frown. She was about to continue so she could respond her rant when Kagami spoke.
"Kasumi-chan, you're a year younger than your brother." Kagami reminded. He also noted patiently to his eldest daughter. "Furthermore, the shinobi academy doesn't accept students below the age of six years of age, you're still one year behind the requirement for it girl."
"But, still! I wanted to be with Kaji-oniisan!" Kasumi retorted with childish grumble of rebellion as she played with her food using her utensils. The baby within the embrace of Jui who was peacefully sucking on her pacifier got her mouth off it with her tubby hands and squealed as if agreeing with her older sister at that momentary fuss, as if it wasn't just her big sister's deal, it was hers too. "See! Even Aomi-imouto agrees with me. It is not like it's my fault I am this young, Mother could've given birth to us the same time as Kaji-oniisan came out of both of you..."
Before Kagami could even speak, his wife beat him to it with her eyes narrowing at the comment. Seeing that look on their mother's face - Kajirama, who was the center of all this chose to wisely not open his mouth with a look of not wanting to respond to his sister's sentiments. Kagami chose to do the same as his eldest when he saw the look on his wife's eyes especially that developing tick mark on her forehead while silently sipping her cup of tea. Both have a similar hilarious look that conveys; better her than them. Well, she started it.
"Don't sass us brat and don't include your little sister Aomi just to prove your childish point! I thought I heard enough of your crying and bitching after you turned two, but I guess I haven't!" Jui started. The look in her eyes tightened to look more stern. "Also, sit properly! Swallow the food in your mouth before speaking, what are you a pig? Just because your father's a soft-hearted piece of-" At that moment, Kajirama coughed to remind his mother. Jui rephrased at the last second and continued with the scolding. "-creation, has been spoiling you rotten and you're daughter of our prestigious clan's head doesn't mean you can act all willy nilly, you're a female no less! We've taught you enough for you to have proper table manners, now apply it! It's unbecoming of an Uchiha!"
Jui had her free hand that wasn't holding the baby Aomi on her hip as she spoke with complete authority. Kajirama could not help but imagine his mother in his old man's place. Certainly, his father had never spoken like this in front of them, at least not that Kajirama had ever seen before. His father is the Uchiha patriarch after all, he should have some level of authority... right?
Kajirama shook his head slightly at that thought. Who was he kidding? At least, as far as facts were showing him, in the house his mother has the highest authority around, no doubt about that.
"...now do you understand, Kasumi-chan?" The girl in question nodded in resignation in the end. She really wanted to attend with her brother, but both of her parents were right. She already knew that, however she loved her elder brother too much to accept the fact that she couldn't spend time with him more.
"...I'm just saying Mom, I just wanted to be with Kaji-oniisan." Kasumi pouted indignantly, still seemingly not wanting to drop it.
Jui's eyes softened at what, she said. "You can't always be with your brother, he isn't leaving the village or anything like of the sort, you can always spend time with him whenever."
Kagami took that opportunity to join back in the conversation as he chuckled and said. "Your mother is right, Kasumi. Don't you also hang out with those kids from the Satake and Hyūga clan other than the ones in our compound? I heard from our clan members that you were playing quite a passionate game, it was so passionate that I even received a visit from their parents and deal with whatever you have done with their children."
Kasumi scoffed ."Hah! That Yoshinao and Kyō are a bunch of bullies, they were ganging up on one of our clan members my age with a bunch of their minions. I can't ignore that, so I gathered up my gang and smacked them on the head with mom's ladle."
"Well done!" Jui commented. But then she blinked as she realized. "Wait, my ladle? So that was the reason there were dents on it, you used it to smack some brats' head?"
"Oh... yeah, it happens..." Kasumi sheepishly rubbed the back of her head with a stupid grin on her face.
"Kasumi-chan, I cherished that ladle."
"..." Kagami.
"..." Kajirama.
Aomi squealed.
Another bout of scolding ensued.
After a while, the family of five finished their breakfast, Kajirama was helping his mother clean up the table when his father spoke. "After you finished with that Kajirama. Go back to our training ground and meet me there, let's proceed where we left off with your training."
Kajirama nodded with a smile. "Yes, Father."
Kasumi who was at the side ready to leave perked her ears at that and said. "I want to train too, Dad!"
Kagami raised one of his eyebrows and tilted his head slightly to the side as he turned his attention to his oldest daughter. "Aren't you supposed to go along with your mother and assist her with shopping today?"
"The market is booooooring." Kasumi whined in annoyance. "C'mon, please Dad? I want to train too."
"That's rare coming from you, Kasu-otouto." Kajirama said. "Didn't you not like training? Who was the one who cried so hard again when being forced to train kunai and shuriken throwing?"
Kasumi blushed. "That was so long ago already Kaji-oniisan!"
"Hmm... I guess a week ago is already too long ago, huh? Besides, who will help Mother with the groceries, you don't think she would be able to do that while having Aomi with her don't you?" Kajirama replied with a teasing grin. He just finished placing the plates in the kitchen and he came out of the room with his mother and Aomi in her arms.
"Bring that lass to training with you guys, I'll be accompanied by Amagi's mother today, so you don't both don't have to worry about that. Though I'll be needing her to lift some of the bags later, just meet me at the front of the market after you're done with your training, Kasumi-chan."
"Well, alright then since your mother agreed to it. Go with your brother Kasumi. While your brother is washing the dishes, help clean up the rest of the chores." With that said, Kagami left and Jui followed soon after with the youngest. Bidding farewell to her children while not forgetting to leave a snide remark. "Like that lazy girl would help her brother out...."
"Oi!"
A series of laughter between her parents sounded out.
...
Kasumi was sitting on one of the chairs in the dining room, she was resting her full of baby fat face on the table, with her hands sprawled on the front, looking very adorable although she was letting out a frustrated groan.
"Kaji-niisan, what are you training with Dad today? I bet that you are already working on our clan's 'coming of age right' with his help, all he makes me do is throw some stupid blunt shuriken and kunai, and practice our clan's taijutsu style." Kajirama smirked at her.
"It's 'coming of age rite' not 'coming of age right', Kasu-chan." He corrected while she scrunched up her jiggling face when he pinched her squishy nose. He already came out of the kitchen. finished with washing the dishes. "I'm also still being taught the taijutsu katas of our clan, Father saw it fit to continue on that since I'm still not good enough, though Father is currently teaching me shurikenjutsu on top of throwing practice since he deemed my accuracy as good enough and some exercises to constantly work on." He paused, then added as an afterthought. 'Father did mention before that it wouldn't be long before he would decide to add the training for Gōkakyū no Jutsu to my schedule. Hmm, maybe when the academy starts or so.'
Kajirama found it unnecessary to mention that to his sister, the time when he would be allowed to train in it is still indefinite; before that though he should focus on what their father currently is having them train on. When all's said and done, Uchiha Kagami is an overly qualified shinobi that was a subordinate of the Nidaime, and was made patriarch by the clan that was renowned for their capabilities as shinobis - those two points definitely spoke volumes of what Kagami is capable of.
Furthermore, Gōkakyū no Jutsu is basically too much at this point for their age.
Be that as it may, his little sister seemed to not get that particular detail. Not that anyone could find fault in that really, she's still a child a good deal of things that matters to one so young is to be more engrossed towards fooling around with friends, being curious around things they found fascinating; evidenced by the fact that sdoesn'tn't like the current regime Kagami had planned for her to practice whenever she would be training, having more interest on 'flashy cool stuff' like, for her preference, ninjutsu.
Kajirama is an exemption, he got a head well above his shoulders unlike most of his peers. Don't misunderstand it though, cause he does possess the trait of wanting to hang out with his buddies, the distinction that separates him from the rest of the children his age is where his passion or appetite for knowledge stemmed.
He had a hobby of reading books, there was a library in their house that was a sea of information regarding history some dating as far back as the early Warring States Period, memoirs of their past clan members and close allies, biography, etc. And he especially loved the read on a book that was written by -'Tobirama Senju: The Art of War'. When he discovered who had written it Kajirama's eyes opened as much as they could in shock, not only was Tobirama the Nidaima and patriarch of their rival clan at one point, but he was also their father's sensei.
That was the only book that he finished reading without being bored to death or losing interest like the rest of the other books.
He was so captivated by the context of the book that the six-year-old Kajirama couldn't help but re-read the whole thing again, again, again... and again.
With what he gained in regards to information and his understanding of the book, he began to look at things in a more... let's say practical and logical perspective. As a result, he understood the importance of patience and thinking things through before doing anything.
"Really?" Kasumi dubiously asked to which Kajirama nodded in affirmation. Rubbing her burning nose which was pinched by Kajirama. "Okay... if you say so. Don't you get bored about it though, nii-san?"
"Well, I do." Kajirama replied.
"Then why are you still doing it then?" Kasumi asked, puzzled.
"Because I know that it would only benefit me. Konoha wasn't built in a single though after all." Kajirama sagely responded with a smile. "We should follow what our father is training us and don't excuse yourself or run away from it, Kasu. Our father is a formidable shinobi, he knows what's best for us. Besides, you should know better as you can see the kids our age are training the same thing as us either in the clan's training grounds, and knowing you, you should have friends complaining about the same training you are getting right now."
Kasumi pouted, still not satisfied. "I dunno. I mean, I know but it's too 'uncool' doing katas after katas and throwing kunai or shurikens. I also get scratches on my fingers when I threw those things, it hurts."
"That just shows you aren't doing it correctly, maybe that's why Father insisted on keeping your training as is."
She huffed in annoyance as she crossed her arms in front of her body. Kajirama chuckled amusedly as he pinched her nose once again, earning an annoyed glare from his sister. "Stop that, Kaji-niisan! My nose will become crooked!"
Kajirama laughed. "Let's go. Father should be at the training ground by now."
"Hmph!"
...
The Uchiha's training ground was a private place for its clan members to occupy, most of the people who train there were the new generation with the company of their parents, or guardians acting as instructors.
The location was a pretty adequate wide area surrounded by trees and separated by two sections. The first section was near the torii of the training grounds, which has wooden logs standing upright with ropes coiled around it - close to every white paint-encircled platform probably for sparring intents. The wooden logs help for improvement in the techniques one used for their fighting style; increase strength and power, build better balance and coordination - precipitating the growth of a foundation in Taijutsu.
[T/L: Torii, is a traditional Japanese gate most commonly found at the entrance of or within a Shinto shrine, where it symbolically marks the transition from the mundane to the sacred. I used the Torii as a symbolic gateway in my AU Naruto series, where a shinobi or samurai must cross it again when done training to ensure growth.]
[P.S: It might be insignificant, but I want to picture a more centered shinobi and samurai influence on the elemental nation's culture considering how they existed for so long since the founding of Ninshū.]
The second section of the Uchiha's training ground had a narrow-even pathway leading to the core of the forest far away enough for stray projectiles to not strike an individual. This section is mainly for training throwing practice, with multiple wooden targets around the forest either dangling or embedded on the trunks, the rooftop being the branches and leaves of the trees that are in abundance with rays of sunlight peering through some gaps.
Right now, Kajirama and Kasumi are entering the training ground which was occupied by a few children already with their respective instructors watching over their training.
Kajirama looked around and saw his father standing, waving at them from the northeastern part of the first section. He quickly led his sister there who was curiously watching the others on their training.
Not much to see, just Taijutsu katas and... Taijutsu sparring.
"Look at them go, one might think our Taijutsu style got some sort of superpower."
Kasumi exhaled in boredom, slouching slightly to show how dull she could foresee this will gonna turn out. Well, on the bright side she will still be training with her brother, that's the reason she 'wanted' to be trained by their father after all.
"Ouch! Hey, why did you suddenly stop-" Kasumi's words were caught in her throat when she saw a towering figure over her brother's back. "Ryōma-ojisan?"
"Hn." The towering figure named Ryōma nodded at both Kajirama and Kasumi in acknowledgment as he looked down at them from where he stood. He and his son just happened to pass by the siblings to begin his son's training, speaking of his son, the kid was staring at Kajirama with an unknown gaze though he seemed to know who Kajirama is. "Greet the patriarch's children, Fugaku."
"Good morning, Kajirama." Uchiha Fugaku was a boy about the same age as Kajirama appearance-wise, who had the classic onyx black eyes and hair, and that high almighty attitude Kajirama knew all too well. "I'm here too y'know." Kasumi showed herself behind Kajirama with puffed cheeks. She was offended at being left out.
"Sorry I didn't see you were there Kasumi, good to see you." Fugaku blandly spoke, showing no interest in Kasumi as he focused his eyes on Kajirama.
"Training I presume?" Ryōma said.
"Yeah ojisan. Father is over there waiting for us." Kajirama responded politely while pointing a finger over where Kagami was, who smiled at them when the father and son duo turned to look.
"In that case both of you should go then." Ryōma nodded at Kagami as a greeting. Before walking off their way, he looked down one last time at Kajirama and Kasumi. "Kajirama, you should spar with Fugaku today. You both are at the same age and you might learn a thing or two from each other."
"I would love that. I have to talk with Father about it first and train for a bit before that." Kajirama bowed, seeing her brother's actions Kasumi copied him though sloppily.
"I want to also see how I would cope with the clan's heir, but I can see myself winning against you." Fugaku snidely remarked hearing his words.
Kajirama stoically looked at Fugaku in the eyes. He said. "Hm. That's unfortunate, if we do spar, you might see it going the other way from what you expect, Fugaku."
"Ha!" Kasumi barked a laugh. "He could spar with me if he want for an even fight. Fugaku can't beat Kaji-niisan. Isn't that right, niisan?"
Hearing no response, she nudged her brother at his elbow. "Go on, tell him. You're stronger than Fugaku, right?"
"You're not worth my time Kasumi, you're too weak." Fugaku suddenly declared insolently
"What did you just say to me prick!?" Kasumi immediately reacted heatedly when she heard the rude words directed at her. She stomped her way at her cousin with every step sounding out a solid 'thud' on the ground her foot landed while roughly rolling up her sleeve from her other arm with her hand, ready to get to a brawl with Fugaku like a ruffian. "Forget about fighting Kaji-niisan. I can show you who's boss right now!"
"As if..." Fugaku scoffed.
"You've got something to say?" Kasumi was now extremely riled up as she tried to break free from her brother's embrace. Though no matter how she flail she couldn't.
"Hn." Fugaku ignored her.
"Hope you're not just all bark and no bite, Fugaku." Kajirama said before heading his way towards their father. "Let's go, Kasu."
"What?" Fugaku was ignorant of what that meant. "What does that mean, father?"
"I can't stand that guy." Kasumi huffed.
"Me too Kasu... me too." Kajirama agreed.
"Took you long enough." When they arrived in front of their father who had his arms crossed on his upper body,
"Kasu didn't help with the dishes and cleaning up the table, it took me quite some time to get all the chores done cause of that." Kajirama didn't bat an eyelid as he said that.
"What!?" Kasumi got defensive, she let out. "But, you told me I don't need to help Kaji!"
"That I did. However, that doesn't mean I won't tell on you." Kajirama smiled teasingly.
"You suck, snitch." Kasumi sucked her teeth, letting out a 'tch' sound.
"Alright, enough of that you two. Let's get started." Kagami clapped his hands. "What does Ryōma want with you guys by the way?."
"Ojisan proposed a spar between me and Fugaku to learn from each other, can I father?"
"Well, a sparring match between you two would be good, practicing your skills on each other and all that. From what I see; your cousin does train a lot, he might be a tough sparring opponent. It comes as no surprise knowing Ryōma." Kagami nodded to himself.
"I'll see about that."
"Get yourself warmed up then. Kasumi, go to your ojisan and let them know. We'll begin both of your training after Kajirama's spar with Fugaku."
"Okay~"
...
"So now I'll explain the protocol of our village's shinobi sparring. The winner will be declared either when the opponent is put in a position where he can't fight back or, if a person decides to verbally surrender. No weapons or jutsus except your body. No maiming or fatal blows to harm your opponent are allowed. Additionally, the person who steps outside the ring loses automatically too and I can step in at any moment to stop the spar if I see someone is going to get hurt, do I make myself clear..." Kagami declared and asked sternly, getting nods from the two boys.
Kagami decided to play the part of the referee for this match. Ryōma, his younger brother, watched on at the side with Kasumi close by. The latter loudly cheered for her brother.
What's more was that the clansmen around the grounds stopped whatever they were doing to spectate the match with curious gazes focusing on the platform they were at.
"Alright now both of you raise your hand like this..." Kagami showed them a half ram seal in front of his chest and both copied the man. "...This is called the seal of confrontation, it usually marks the beginning of a jutsu so it signifies your willingness to fight an opponent. When you end the spar you both clasp the seals together as a mark of goodwill and friendship to your opponent, this is called the seal of reconciliation. So now, do the both of you get that?" He questioned the two boys, who nodded along with the others spectating around and Kasumi, who was also unaware of that.
"Now, both of you go to your position and ready yourselves."
As they were about to walk to their respective sides.
"Let's have a good match." Kajirama spoke up, breaking the nervous silence between them by extending his hand for his cousin to shake as a show of good sportsmanship before the match.
"Today's just my luck. I get the opportunity to beat you, the heir of our clan down into the ground on my very first spar." Fugaku brushed past his hand with a bump on his shoulder while boasting arrogantly. "Once this is done I'll prove I am the best than anybody in our clan's generation to everyone."
He frowned when he heard a scoff from two different directions.
"I don't know what you wanted to prove and I have enough of your bullshit, jackass," Kajirama responded which got Fugaku to scowl.
"I dare you to say that again Kajirama." He hissed out heatedly, getting yet another snort from the ever-stoic Kajirama.
"Already had temper get over you Fugaku?" Kajirama pointed out in a sing-song provocative voice, he added. "You heard what I said you're not impaired are you, jackass?"
"Why you..."
"Alright that's enough, break it off you two. Now make the seal of confrontation..." Kagami ordered exasperatedly and nodded when the two boys did so, albeit reluctantly in Fugaku's case. He pulled his hand up over his head and brought it down to signal the start of the match. "Hajime!"
Kajirama immediately dropped to a stance. Right palm open forward, placed straight in front of his chest to avoid or block any and all incoming blows from his opponent. He kept his left hand clenched halfway not unlike a claw to either block the following attack and counter-attack with his right or simply counter with his left if not the case. He spread his legs a bit to further his balance.
The contrasting taijutsu style of the Uchiha clan was called, the Interceptor Fist. The clan had seemingly created multiple adequate stance variations over the years by embedding many of their copied stances and had gone further by altering them to be used with their Kekkei Genkai. Way back before, or during the Warring States period when things were heavily reinforced on being traditional, all clansmen trained on the original stances of the old times that belonged purely to them, most of them being considered long since forgotten so nowadays on the surface every Uchiha fought in a different way than the other to appear deceptive and unpredictable to enemy shinobi, simultaneously embodying the form and essence of their clan's style.
To the children that didn't awaken the Sharigan yet, they are generally going through the same taijutsu style as their parents or anyone that awakens it. For instance, Fugaku trained under his father's taijutsu style while at the same time, Kajirama and Kasumi practiced their father's variation of the Interceptor Fist.
On the other hand, Fugaku didn't waste a second when he heard the signal.
He let out a battle cry as he charged forward, rushing at Kajirama running towards him. Kajirama merely stood fast in his stance, letting the boy make the first move and would then react accordingly.
...
He narrowed his eyes at Fugaku as his opponent got ready to launch his assault. Fugaku wasn't always this arrogant and boastful when they first met.
They met on a play date planned by their parents. Kasumi was four years-old at that time and Kajirama was five. Their youngest wasn't even born at that time and was still inside their mother's belly. Being in her early period of pregnancy, Jui's stomach didn't have the notnoticeableldge that comes with having a baby yet.
The Fugaku at that time was more outgoing and approachable.
"Ha! I win." Kajirama exclaimed when he tagged Fugaku from behind who was hiding on the covers of some bushes.
"Damn it!" Fugaku unexpectedly let out a loud curse that startled Kajirama.
Kasumi, who was nearby also heard what he said, she narrowed her eyes mischievously and said with a threatening tone. "Ohhh~ you cursed. I'll tell Ryōma-ojisan."
"What?" Fugaku's eyes widened and he stuttered nervously. "N...n-no d-don't."
"She's kidding." Kajirama interjected.
"I dunno, am I?"
"Anyways, you're it." Kajirama snickered as he noted with a grin at Fugaku.
They are about to continue playing when they suddenly heard a rough sound of Shōji opening sounded out, it the room where Kagami and Fugaku's father was in as the children recalled. When they turned their head to look, the kids saw Kagami walking out with an unpleasant look on his face.
[T/L: Japanese Shōji, in Japanese architecture, sliding outer partition doors and windows made of a latticework wooden frame and covered with a tough, translucent white paper.]
"Kagami wait." Not long after Kagami came out of the room, Ryōma followed suit with a troubled expression
"There's nothing more to discuss Ryōma, leave."
"Hear me out, you know damn well our clan can do more than watch over some crimes happening over the village, with most comprised of civilians and merchants having their things stolen and stopping disputes within our own village's shinobis or even drunkards. Our clansmen should be more out there in the field, that's what we are! Not some babysitters hidden away from it!"
"For the fifth time Ryōma. We were assigned by this responsibility by the nidaime since he trust we are capable and more suited for the job. You also know full well how large the scope of our responsibility here in the village is. Our job is very fundamental for upholding social order to minimize controversies."
"Kagami, you are smart. Can't you see what is happening to our clan? They are trying to weaken us! We were once feared as the strongest, but now!? The Sarutobi clan is considered on par with us by the masses just because a monkey was made Hokage-"
"Enough!" "I won't tolerate any of these misgivings any further."
"Alright. But I do want to say this as your younger brother." "You're being too favorably disposed to 'the will of fire'. A life philosophy the Senju has passed on."
"What are you trying to enunciate?"
"No more than trying to remind you what your heritage is, that of an Uchiha not of the Senju."
"You may leave."
...
What exactly happened after that?
'The next time I met my cousin he intentionally avoids interacting with me and Kasumi and it worsened to becoming like this. I want to find out why
'Oh the irony. The one I wanted to find out and help is hell-bent on defeating me.'
Kajirama was not ignorant to also know that changes to a person don't happen without reason. 'I can only guess that what ojisan and Father discussed in that meeting must have been one of the causes.'
'But, first.' Kajirama took a deep to calm his nerves and and thoughts. 'Fight.'
"What are you spacing out for Kajirama?!"
Kajirama was taken out of his musing when he saw his cousin already soup close in his face with a raised hand initiating the first move.
Fugaku cocked his fist back behind his head and brought it forward. Kajirama, who was in his defensive stance reacted in time to slap it away with the back of his extended right palm to let it whiz past his ear and blocked an incoming left fist with his own. The longer haired Uchiha kid went to put up a counter in the form of an uppercut under his opponent's chin to seemingly end the match but the raven-haired Fugaku jumped back a couple of steps to evade.
Kasumi watched the back-and-forth short bout with wide eyes, her heart swelling with pride for her brother. "Go Kajirama, kick his ass!" She happily shouted, gaining incredulous looks from her not-so-minced words from her felloUchihaha clan members. Kagami wrily smiled while Ryoma blankly watched the ongoing spar with not-so-subtle twitching eyes.
'I could've responded much better, much precise... I could've landed a clear blow disorienting Fugaku...' Kajirama yet again dropped into his defensive stance and put his palm in front of his face. His hand made a motion to Fugaku to urge him to attack. 'I need to concentrate, useless thoughts should be set aside for this.'
Fugaku saw his taunt coupled with his green temper got to him so he charged forward and spun mid-way close enough to reach Kajirama with a spinning back kick mustering all the power he could in his attack.
This time, Kajirama did not plan to deflect the attack, not that he could think of a way to do so. Instead, he formulated another plan on how to meet Fugaku's attack which he tried to do.
'Kajirama, the Intercepting Fist that I am teaching you focuses on minimizing the force behind your foe's attack and counter-attacking whenever possible to inflict damage to your opponent at the same time minimizing what you are going to receive.' Kajirama bends his arm to block the kick with his forearm as he recalled his father's teachings on his Taijutsu style. 'I'll teach you the basics and it only takes three simple but important steps, so remember it. The rest will come to you naturally with experience. So, whenever you are on the defensive and want to land a clean blow-'
'-First, block your opponent's attack-' When Fugaku's kick landed, Kajirama immediately adjusted his legs to further widen his balance forming a slanting line in-between his legs and then he lifted his leg at the front to take a step back. '-Second, lessen the force behind it by knowing where the trajectory would flow and to do so, you must trace it towards that trajectory slowly as you endure the brunt of the attack-'
Fugaku's eyes widened in shock when he saw the long-haired Uchiha kid smirk ever so slightly and realized how open his guard was now, while he was trying to end it with one powerful blow.
'-Lastly, at the same time you are managing the second step and by then you should already know-' Kajirama's eyes flashed as he flung Fugaku's foot to the side, making the latter lose his balance mid-air and his eyes were already in horror, knowing what would come up next, but was not in the position and don't know how to salvage it at that moment. '-To tighten your stance to get yourself ready for your attack!'
His left hand at right the position to do so, so he fully clenched it while holding his breath in his lungs mustering all the power he could gather to throw the hook he planned to fire aiming it at Fugaku's wide-open back.
When it made contact a loud and painful blunt 'bang' sounded out with Fugaku being sent rolling on the ground as a result, out of the encircled platform's boundary line to signify his defeat; seeing this, Kagami called the match.
"And that's the match, winner Kajirama Uchiha." Kagami clapped proudly while he looked at his son who was almost unscathed from the match. He turned his head at his brother beside him who had a frown between his brows.
"You're the best, Kaji-niisan!" Kasumi cheered happily as she pumped her bawled fist up in the sky, her fist trembling slightly from what she saw. She then rushed towards her brother's side with bubbling excitement and beaming joy.
...
Author's words.
:.The match might be short as it only took two-three exchanges between Fugaku and Kajirama. Nonetheless, do consider that they had no experience with sparring at all, only focused on applying what they are taught beforehand and accordingly to what I saw in the anime and manga, some fights between children their age would end lesser or similar in a way like that.
To those wondering how I got my inspiration for the children's dialogues, I sometimes work in a huge orphanage here in my city for quite awhile now, so I based their way of talking on them.:
Thank you so much for reading this humble person's work and am flattered you invested a few minutes of your time reading this chapter, I hope you find it entertaining and worth the read.
If you found any error with my grammar, please don't hesitate to bring it forward through the use of the comment feature. Additionally, if you held some recommendations for me: either for added original context or b.s it would be much appreaciated as they would greatly help with me managing what I would add in the fanfiction.
Ja ne, until next time, Brokenglass.
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