NOVEL NEXT WORLD Chapter 48: Training I
[ Time Jump : 2 years ]
Under the dense branches of a large tree, a young boy of about two years old was peacefully resting. His hands crossed behind his head served as a natural pillow against the rough bark. A light breeze caressed his childlike features, making a few strands of his black hair dance. His right knee was bent in a relaxed position, while his eyes remained closed, savoring this moment of tranquility.
The rustling of the leaves and the distant song of birds lulled his daydream, when suddenly, the sound of footsteps disturbed his peace.
Pushing himself up with his left hand, he slowly straightened up, his back leaning against the massive trunk of the tree. When he finally opened his eyes, his face twisted into a displeased grimace at the sight of the newcomer.
"Tsss... what does he want?" he muttered, looking irritated.
Standing in front of him was another boy, slightly older, with a face already marked by a surprising maturity for his age. His black eyes fixed on him with an unreadable expression.
"Akira, mother is calling us," the other boy simply announced, his voice calm and composed.
As if to confirm his words, a feminine voice echoed in the distance: "Itachi, Akira!"
"I see," Akira acknowledged with a hint of annoyance. "Tell mother I'll be there in a minute," he added while lying back down, clearly showing his lack of urgency.
Itachi remained still for a few moments, observing his younger brother with an indefinable expression, before silently nodding and turning around, his steps fading away as discreetly as they had come.
Alone once again, Akira let his thoughts drift to his particular situation. 'Two years... It's already been two years since I entered the ninja world,' he thought, his eyes fixed on the sky visible through the branches. 'Strangely, I kept the same name I had. During these two years, I've tried to remember as best as I could the story of the Naruto series, but there's no guarantee events will unfold as I expect.'
The sun began to set, casting long shadows through the foliage. "I think I've rested enough," he stated out loud, opening his eyes and sitting up. "First, I'll just train to make this body much stronger."
With his hands in his pockets, Akira set off to walk through the streets of the Uchiha district. The traditional buildings, proudly displaying the clan's emblem - a red and white fan - lined both sides of the paved streets. A few villagers greeted him as he passed by, recognizing him as the second son of the clan leader.
Arriving in front of his house, he paused for a moment, observing the family home before saying, "I'm back," as he crossed the threshold.
"Ah, we were waiting for you," Mikoto greeted him with a warm smile. His mother, a woman of great beauty with long black hair, stood in the dining room entrance.
In the main room, Fugaku was already seated, his stern face turned towards the low table. Beside him, Itachi was sitting in seiza, maintaining a perfect posture.
"I see you're back, father," Akira said, respectfully bowing to Fugaku.
"Yes, your mother wanted us to all eat together," he replied in a curt tone, without lifting his eyes.
"I see," Akira simply acknowledged before taking his place at the table.
The meal was served by Mikoto, who also took a seat, and dinner began in the characteristic silence of Uchiha family meals. Only the occasional clink of chopsticks against porcelain disturbed the heavy atmosphere.
After a while, Akira decided to break the silence. "Father," he called out, his voice clear.
"Yes, what is it, Akira?" Fugaku responded, finally lifting his eyes from his bowl.
"I would like to ask for permission to use the training grounds," Akira declared, getting straight to the point.
This unexpected request caused a moment of surprise around the table. Even Itachi turned his head slightly towards his brother, a glint of interest crossing his usually impassive gaze.
Fugaku took a moment to think, his severe features slightly wrinkling. "Why do you want to use the training grounds?" he eventually questioned.
"For exercise, of course," Akira replied. "As your second son and a member of the Uchiha clan, I am destined to become a ninja. I would like to start my training now."
"I see," Fugaku acquiesced after a moment of reflection. Standing up from the table, he added, "Do not overexert yourself." Then, heading towards the exit, he said, "I have clan matters to attend to."
Mikoto began to clear the table, a gentle smile on her lips, clearly proud of her youngest son's early maturity.
"You should come too," Akira suggested, turning to Itachi.
His older brother looked at him for a moment before silently agreeing.
As they were about to leave, Mikoto approached them and crouched down to their level, placing a tender hand on each of their faces. "Promise me to be careful, my boys."
Akira looked at her for a moment before replying, "We promise, mother." Itachi nodded in agreement.
With a radiant smile, Mikoto kissed them both before returning to her household chores. Akira watched her walk away, an unreadable expression on his face, before turning away.
The rest of the day passed quickly. The sun eventually set, bathing the Uchiha district in the orange hues of twilight.
In their shared room, spacious enough to accommodate two individual beds, Akira lay on his back, gazing at the ceiling illuminated by the silver moonlight. His thoughts wandered freely.
"It annoys me having to call someone like Fugaku 'father'," he thought with a hint of bitterness, clicking his tongue. Then, after a moment of reflection, he murmured, "A family..." sniffing slightly. "It's not so bad after all," he added as a slight smile formed on his lips.
"Akira! Akira!" Itachi softly called from his bed.
Pretending to be asleep, Akira kept his eyes closed, feeling his brother's insistent gaze on him. The silence of the night eventually enveloped the room, only disturbed by the regular breathing of the two children.