Naruto: Threads of Crimson

"We believe that it would be a worthwhile decision to graduate Shiro from the academy early." My teacher, Hibiki-sensei, spoke with a straight face, his eyes shifting between my parents as I sat off to the side, listening with rapt attention.

"I understand that," my mom began, her voice steady but cautious, "but doesn't it still seem pretty early? He only turned seven. And is there even a place to put him since he's so young?" Her gaze locked with Hibiki's, searching his face for any hidden motives.

Hibiki nodded slightly, acknowledging her concerns. "I understand your hesitation, but if I'm being honest, I think Shiro's already genin material. On his very first day, he managed to cast a subtle genjutsu with nothing but a wave of his hand." Hearing him bring up that moment made me smile inwardly as my father turned to look at me, his silent pride evident in his eyes.

"And then, during the midterm exams," Hibiki continued, "Shiro decided that no one in the class, except Shisui, was a real challenge for him. So, he took on his taijutsu instructor and won. Instructor Mizuki wasn't going all out, of course, but he was still fighting at a chunin level." My dad's smile widened a bit at this as he shifted his attention back to my teacher.

"In addition to that," Hibiki said, sounding almost exasperated, "Shiro created a genjutsu strong enough to fool his genjutsu instructor into thinking he was awake the entire class. He's also mastered the first two steps of chakra control, all within his first year. There's simply nothing more the academy can teach him. The only way for him to grow is to officially graduate and start taking on real missions." Hibiki's voice carried both respect and contemplation as his eyes flicked toward me.

"We'll have to think about it," my mom responded, still unconvinced. "Besides, if there's no team for him to join because of his age, this conversation might be pointless."

Hibiki seemed to expect her pushback. "Normally, that would be the case with early graduates, but this year is different. We don't usually share this kind of information, but considering how close Shiro and Shisui are, I think it's only fair to tell you. The academy is also recommending Shisui for early graduation." 

Both my parents exchanged contemplative looks at that news.

"So," my father said, connecting the dots, "if Shisui's mother approves, the two of them would be placed in a two-man squad with a jonin sensei."

"Correct," Hibiki confirmed. "I know this is a difficult decision, and there's no need to rush it. Take your time, deliberate. The academy is simply presenting you with the options."

He paused for a moment, then added, "Shiro is one of the most talented students I've ever had the pleasure of teaching. I'd say he's on par with a student who graduated about three years ago—Kakashi Hatake, the son of the White Fang."

I couldn't help but smile at that comparison, everyone in the academy from the fifth years to the first years knows who Kakashi Hatake is. I bowed my head gratefully toward Hibiki-sensei. "Thank you, sensei," I said, my voice filled with pride.

Hibiki nodded. "That's all I wanted to discuss at this end-of-year conference. If you have any further questions, feel free to reach out to the academy. We're more than happy to assist."

With that, my parents and I stood up and quietly left the classroom. The silence that settled over us was thick, almost tangible. It wasn't until we were well down the road toward our clan compound that my father finally spoke.

"I think we should let him graduate early," he said, turning to my mom. "Like Hibiki said, there's not much more he can learn at the academy. If we keep him there, we might be holding him back. He needs real-world experience if he's going to grow."

My mom's eyes were filled with worry as she whispered, "I just wish it wasn't happening so soon. Maybe a couple more years would have been better. And with the state of things right now, if he graduates, he could be sent on war missions…"

My dad sighed but remained resolute. "I know, but it's an honor, and it would reflect well on the Uchiha clan if two of our members graduated at seven. And besides, from what I hear, the war is close to ending. I don't think he'll be sent on too many dangerous missions. My only concern is the jonin they assign to him. Most of the top jonin are already tied up in the war effort. I don't want him to be placed with someone weak—that would be an insult to the clan."

Mom nodded slowly, though the worry still lingered in her expression. "I suppose you're right. It would be good for the clan. But I wonder what Shisui's mother will think about all this…"

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As the golden sun slowly peeked over the eastern horizon, casting long, soft shadows over the village, Shisui and I perched on a sturdy tree branch. The morning air was crisp, filled with the smell of dew-soaked leaves and the distant chirping of birds waking with the dawn. We sat quietly for a while, watching the world around us come to life, both of us wrapped in our thoughts. The anticipation of the day ahead was like a hum in the air.

"I hope they're nice," Shisui muttered, breaking the silence, his voice thoughtful as he rubbed his face with both hands, trying to ease the tension that had been building. He lay back across the branch, stretching his arms behind his head as the wood beneath him creaked slightly. His spine crackled as he shifted, letting out a small groan of relief. "Not many people have been interacting with us lately, not since we started wearing the clan symbol openly. Outside the compound, it feels like people just... avoid us."

I could hear the slight edge in his voice, a mix of frustration and something heavier. I understood what he meant. Things had felt different since we'd started wearing the Uchiha crest, like an invisible wall had sprung up between us and the rest of the village. Still, I tried to lighten the mood. 

"Yeah, me too," I agreed, adding a touch of dramatic flair as I stretched my arms out, feeling my own joints pop. The sun's warmth against my skin made me feel a little more alive, a little more eager. "But honestly, I just hope they're amazing. I mean, what if we get stuck with one of those lazy senseis who only teach the basics because that's all the village requires?" I leaned forward, excitement flickering in my eyes. "We need someone who can push us, you know? Someone who sees what we're capable of and drives us beyond our limits!"

Shisui smiled at my enthusiasm but before he could respond, a voice, light and teasing, cut through the air behind us.

"Well, I'm going to try my best to live up to your lofty expectations, but it doesn't seem like you're setting the bar too high."

Startled, both of us spun around, nearly losing our balance on the branch. A young kunoichi stood below us, her arms crossed casually, blonde hair catching the morning light. Freckles dotted her face, softening the sharpness of her features. But it was her eyes that struck me—they were bright, assessing, and a little amused as they flicked between the two of us.

Without missing a beat, Shisui and I jumped down from the branch, landing neatly in front of her. We stood straight, shoulders squared, trying to make a good impression. My heart was pounding, not just from the surprise but from the sudden realization that *this* could be our jonin sensei.

"So," she began, walking around us slowly, inspecting us like we were new recruits at a military drill, "you're the two Uchihas Lord Third has assigned me to look after for the time being?" Her voice was neutral, neither warm nor cold, but there was something sharp underneath it—like she was testing us already, weighing us. "You've certainly got the look of Uchiha. The onyx eyes, sharp features, pale skin. But tell me—what makes you special?"

The question hung in the air for a moment, and I took a deep breath, stepping forward first. I wanted to make sure I left an impression.

"My name is Shiro Uchiha," I said, trying to keep my voice steady but confident. "Right now, I'm strongest in genjutsu and ninjutsu. My taijutsu's decent too, and I've been really interested in learning kenjutsu. Oh, and I'm excited to learn more advanced ninjutsu as well!" I smiled, hoping my enthusiasm didn't come off as childish.

She gave a small nod, her eyes narrowing slightly as she considered my words. "I can sense your chakra—there's quite a bit of it, and I've heard your control is top-notch. You've made a name for yourself at the academy already."

I couldn't help the small smile of pride that tugged at the corners of my mouth. She turned to Shisui next, who, as always, was beaming with his usual bright enthusiasm.

"My name is Shisui Uchiha," he said, his voice full of energy. "I'm fast, my taijutsu and genjutsu are strong, and I'm pretty good at ninjutsu too, especially fire style. I'm really looking forward to learning from you and giving it everything I've got!"

"Good," she said. "It sounds like you two complement each other well. Where one of you is strong, the other could use work. And you both have a common strength in genjutsu, which is rare at your age."

She stepped back, eyeing us both with a little more warmth now. "I'm Reika Yamanaka, and I'll be your sensei. I'm a special jonin, 23 years old, and I excel in my clan's secret techniques, ninjutsu, genjutsu, and taijutsu. But enough about that—I want to know something about you two." She reached into her pouch and pulled out two small, off-white pieces of paper, handing one to each of us.

Shisui and I exchanged a quick glance. We knew exactly what this was for. Without hesitation, we infused our chakra into the paper.

My paper immediately ignited, burning black and crumbling into dirt. Shisui's burned too, but then it ripped cleanly down the middle, leaving two charred halves in his hand.

Reika's eyes twinkled with intrest. "Good. Fire for both of you, with a second nature—earth for you, Shiro, and wind for you, Shisui." She smiled, a real one this time. "No wonder you're both graduating early. Looks like I might have more of a challenge on my hands than I expected."

Shisui and I grinned at each other, the weight of the moment sinking in. She wasn't just assessing us—she seemed genuinely interested in what we could do.

"Now," she continued, her tone firm again, "I want both of you back here at 8 a.m. tomorrow sharp. If you're late, I won't be happy. Got it?"

"Yes, Reika-sensei," we responded in unison, still smiling.

"Good," she said with a flicker of amusement. "You're dismissed for today." And with that, she disappeared in a blur, leaving Shisui and me standing in the clearing, feeling the thrill of what lay ahead.

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