Family Reunion and Training
"Keiko, long time no see."
"Indeed, Zhi Zi, it's been two or three years, hasn't it? Is this your daughter, Koari?"
"Yes. It's a pity—despite her excellent talent, she's a bit introverted."
"It's fine. Shirō can just spend more time with her from now on. They should get along well."
"After all, they're both geniuses. Come, Koari, this is your Shirō brother."
"Shirō brother, we meet again."
"Haha, we meet again indeed. I didn't expect us to have such a connection."
"What? Do you two already know each other?" Keiko asked curiously, noticing the way Shirō and Koari greeted each other. Zhi Zi also looked over in surprise.
"Ah, we met during a mission not long ago," Shirō explained casually.
"I see. Well, you kids go play. I'll chat with your Auntie Zhi Zi."
"That's right. Koari, take Shirō and show him around."
"Eh? Mom, that's it?"
"Come on, I'll show you that new skincare product I mentioned. It's really effective."
"Really? I wonder how it's different from what I've been using."
Shirō could only watch, dumbfounded, as the mothers drifted away into their own little world.
"Hehe, let's go, Shirō brother. I'll take you on a tour," Koari said with a smile.
"Sigh, I guess I don't have a choice. Lead the way."
"Mm."
As they walked, Shirō suddenly asked, "By the way, Koari, your surname is Yuan Lai?"
"What's wrong? What did you think it was?"
"Yuan. I once knew someone with that surname, so I just assumed yours was the same. Who knew it was actually Yuan Lai?"
"Yes, it's a rare surname."
"The most surprising part is that my mom actually knows your mom. Tsk tsk."
"Yes, I never expected it either. What a surprise."
"My mom swears she came here just to 'show off.' She really knows how to make things up."
Koari lowered her head, cheeks flushed. "So… Shirō brother, do you know the real reason they brought you here?"
Shirō looked at her helplessly. Shouldn't kunoichi from shinobi families be more like tomboys?
"Alright, whatever they're scheming has nothing to do with us. We're still young. Instead of worrying about that, we should focus on improving our strength."
"As for them, just humor them. Don't think too much. Anyway, can you take me to the training ground?"
"Hiss~ Phew~ Okay, I'm ready." Koari took a deep breath, steadying herself. "Mm, let's go, Shirō brother."
Halfway there, she added with a mischievous grin, "Oh, by the way, has anyone ever told you—"
"What?"
"You'll be single your whole life if you keep acting like this!"
"..." Shirō stared at her, speechless. "Sigh, how does every girl I meet end up teasing me like this? Am I really cursed?"
"Hmph, it must be your fault, Shirō brother."
When they arrived, Shirō looked around in confusion. "Here? But this is just a large house. Where's the training ground?"
Koari walked up to the building, pushed open the door, and gestured inside. "It's here."
Shirō blinked. "Wait… your whole clan only has this small space for training? Isn't it cramped?"
"It's enough. Our family specializes in swordsmanship. For that, you don't need wide areas, just focus and precision. This place is already sufficient. As for ninjutsu, we use the public grounds."
"Oh, right. Sword meditation requires quiet surroundings."
"Mm. But nowadays, not many in the clan still practice swordsmanship. Most of the time, I'm training alone."
"Then how about I train with you today?"
Koari's eyes lit up. "Really? Thank you, Shirō brother. But… do you even know swordsmanship?"
"Of course I do. Lord White Fang is my teacher. How could I not?"
Koari's eyes widened at the mention of Hatake Sakumo.
So, for the rest of the day, Shirō and Koari trained together. Koari helped correct Shirō 's fundamentals, while Shirō guided her on technique and precision. Their styles complemented each other perfectly. Time slipped away as they practiced.
During a short break, Koari suddenly leaned closer, her cheeks pink. "Shirō brother, you and Miyue… are you two… you know…" She pressed her little fingers together awkwardly.
"..." Shirō gave her a flat look. "No. We've only met twice. And besides, how old do you think we are? Why are you even thinking about that?"
"W-wait, don't tell me you like someone? Is that why you're asking me?"
"Of course not! Don't spout nonsense!"
Shirō sighed. "Your face is as red as a tomato. You've already betrayed yourself."
"Ah!" Koari yelped, covering her face and curling into a ball.
"...Get up. There's no one else here. If Auntie shows up, you won't be able to hide it."
Reluctantly, she straightened.
"So, who is it?" Shirō asked curiously.
Koari hesitated, then whispered, "It's… it's Miyue's older brother. Uchiha Tsuki."
"Tsk tsk, another Uchiha, huh? Looks like you're in trouble."
"Why?" Koari asked quickly.
"Because Uchihas are complicated. From what I've seen, they either obsess over power, their brothers, or their teammates. Very few actually pay attention to girls. If you're serious about this, your road's going to be long and difficult."
Koari exhaled in relief. "Phew~ At least he doesn't already have a girlfriend. I won't give up!"
"Does he even know how you feel?"
"No…"
"Then good luck. Honestly, you think too much for your age."
The two resumed training until evening. Eventually, Shirō returned home with his mother.
On the way back, Keiko glanced at him. "So, how was Koari? She's not bad, right?"
"Sigh, Mom, don't start matchmaking. I have my own plans. It's too early for that."
"Too early? Koari's a nice girl."
"But if she already likes someone else, wouldn't that only hurt her in the end? Better to let things happen naturally."
Keiko sighed. "You… why aren't you more ambitious?"
"Am I not ambitious? There are barely any peers stronger than me," Shirō shot back.
"You know that's not what I mean."
"I know, I know. But I'm still young. Don't worry, I'll make sure you get to hold your grandchild on time."
"Hmph. Dream on. You'll raise them yourself too. Don't think of dumping them on us."
"Yes, yes, I'll raise them myself."
After that day, Shirō threw himself back into his usual routine of training and missions. The D- and C-rank assignments barely covered his training expenses, but he managed to save a little along the way.
This steady rhythm continued until one afternoon, when his team was summoned by Anbu. They had been chosen to participate in a joint mission.
Shirō stopped his regular missions the day before departure, spending the time checking and replenishing his supplies. He was determined to be in the best condition for what lay ahead.