She wanted to shoulder more responsibilities for Fugaku.
Mikoto was clad in a ninja uniform, with a green flak jacket over it, and her black pants outlined her rounded thighs as she stood up.
The shadows under the dim light accentuated the contours of Mikoto's features, making them more three-dimensional.
Seeing that it was Mikoto, Fugaku immediately said softly,
"Alright, I'll leave it to you then."
There was mutual affection between the two of them, only the final barrier remained.
In Fugaku's view, it was only a matter of time.
***
Kiyoshi had not walked far before he heard someone calling his name.
When he turned around, he saw a woman with a gentle face.
"Lady Mikoto," Kiyoshi said.
Though Mikoto usually appeared to be a housewife, the official databook explicitly states that she retired as a Jonin.
And a Jonin is already considered among the upper ranks of the ninja hierarchy.
"Tsunade, one of the Three Sannin, will be arriving soon. I'll take you back to your room first," Mikoto suggested.
"Okay."
Kiyoshi nodded and silently followed behind Mikoto, keeping half a step back.
He had been in the Uchiha compound for a month and was already familiar with where his room was.
Yet, Mikoto offered to lead the way for him.
The two walked for a while, turning a corner.
Mikoto suddenly said,
"The Sharingan is a rare Kekkei Genkai. People in the Land of Lightning must have found it strange, and you probably suffered many odd looks outside, Kiyoshi."
She turned slightly, lowering her head, her gaze resting on Kiyoshi, who was shorter than her.
Before Kiyoshi could say anything, Mikoto showed a gentle smile and said,
"Also, you don't need to call me 'Lady,' it sounds too distant. You can call me older sister. If you are ever wronged, you can come and talk to your older sister."
Mikoto's words were full of care for Kiyoshi.
"Lady Mikoto... Older Sister Mikoto, you are truly kind. It's been a long time since anyone has cared about me."
Kiyoshi said, sounding moved.
He paused, seeming to think of something, then added.
"But, no one else saw my scarlet eyes, so people didn't do anything to me."
The Art of Speaking (White) Trait was still active.
Kiyoshi's words carried sincerity.
Yet, his heart was completely calm.
Even now, she was not forgetting to test him.
Mikoto might be a housewife after retiring, but she was still a genuine Jonin.
And a ninja has never been a "righteous profession."
Beyond the surface adventures, there is more darkness hidden beneath.
Poisoning, espionage, assassination... these are the unchanging main themes.
"Is that so? That's wonderful."
Mikoto smiled faintly.
A child of a few years old is the easiest to unconsciously reveal information.
It seemed very likely that Kiyoshi was indeed a person with a clean background.
Mikoto felt a little relieved, but she still maintained a degree of vigilance. The truth would only be revealed through long-term observation.
The two continued walking and soon arrived at Kiyoshi's room.
"Wait a little longer, they should be arriving soon."
"Okay."
Kiyoshi waited inside the room, while Mikoto stepped out.
"Next, I need to find a way to improve my strength."
He didn't have much peaceful time left.
The Third Great Ninja War was about to break out.
The Hidden Leaf Village might even be invaded all the way to Kikyo Pass, and the village itself was not far from there.
The Hidden Cloud Village might be a good starting point.
They knew they had missed out on the Uchiha bloodline and sent a spy to 'coincidentally meet' Kiyoshi.
Kiyoshi chose not to report them.
In the Hidden Leaf Village, where the class structure was already solidified, the Hidden Cloud's attempts to recruit him could secure him more benefits.
After a brief thought, Kiyoshi immediately closed his eyes and began practicing chakra refinement.
A panel appeared before him.
[Trait: Muscle Memory (White)]
[Achievement Requirement: Repeat a tedious training exercise to establish an unconscious habit.]
[Progress: 99%.]
[Effect: After repeating a large number of actions, your muscles have gradually changed and become accustomed to these movements. These movements can be performed without thinking, purely as a reflex.]
[Your Muscle Memory is increased by 10% compared to ordinary people.]
[Currently, incorrect muscle memory cannot be washed away.]
[Note: Can be upgraded later.]
This was the Trait Kiyoshi was about to acquire.
Kiyoshi looked at the text on the translucent panel. If he continued as expected, he would obtain this Trait within three days.
Since entering the Hidden Leaf Village, he had been constantly practicing chakra refinement.
This was an ability with immense potential.
As long as he had this Trait, Kiyoshi would learn anything faster than an ordinary person.
Currently, Muscle Memory (White) cannot wash away incorrect movements, requiring Kiyoshi to correct them himself.
Since it specifically mentions "Currently, incorrect muscle memory cannot be washed away," it might be passively corrected when the Trait is upgraded in the future.
Furthermore, with the current 10% increase in muscle memory compared to ordinary people, this value might be even higher later.
He might reach a point where his body permanently remembers a movement after learning it just once.
***
Half an hour later.
"Sorry to keep you waiting, Kiyoshi."
Mikoto, who had left a while ago, entered the room again.
She was followed by two female ninjas.
Leading the way was a buxom woman with long blonde hair tied back, and a diamond-shaped mark on her forehead.
With just one glance, Kiyoshi recognized who this was.
Only Tsunade could possess such grandeur.
One of the legendary Three Sannin.
The second female ninja, following behind Tsunade, had short black hair and looked like a quiet girl.
Shizune.
The frequent assistant following Tsunade around.
Kiyoshi calmly analyzed the information.
It was already after the Second Great Ninja War. Tsunade had lost her lover, Dan Kato, and suffered from hematophobia (fear of blood).
Because of this, she was very protective of Dan Kato's niece, Shizune.
"This is Tsunade, and Shizune."
Mikoto introduced them to Kiyoshi one by one.
"Hello."
Kiyoshi's tone was humble, maintaining the same respectful attitude even towards Shizune, who was slightly younger than him.
"Hurry up and show me your Sharingan."
In contrast to Tsunade's beautiful face, the words that came out of her mouth were full of impatience.
She was clearly not very eager to be at the Uchiha compound.
Upon hearing this, Kiyoshi closed his eyes. When he opened them again, his left eye had turned scarlet, and a single tomoe emerged from it, slowly rotating.
His right eye was pitch black, like a normal person's eyeball.
"It is certainly strange."
Tsunade's finger, coated in red nail polish, pressed on Kiyoshi's eyelid, pulling it wider.
Being this close, Kiyoshi could smell the faint fragrance on Tsunade.
After about five minutes, Tsunade finally withdrew her hand.
"Are there any changes?"
"I feel like my physical fitness is getting stronger."
"And what else?"
Tsunade stared at Kiyoshi.
Her great-grand-uncle was a master researcher of the Uchiha, and she knew a few things from the many documents he had compiled.
Once these Uchiha awaken their eyes, their personalities change drastically.
Was Kiyoshi's case a half-change?
"That's all."
Kiyoshi said sincerely.
Tsunade then continued to examine him further. Kiyoshi did not understand medical ninjutsu, so he could only allow Tsunade to touch and inspect him.
Shizune, who had been silently following Tsunade, took this moment to secretly glance at Kiyoshi out of the corner of her eye.
***