Gaara's Arrival

The next morning.

Kiyomi was woken by a knock at the door.

"Who is it...?"

She opened the door.

It was Sasuke.

"Up so early?"

"Come with me," Sasuke said. "There's something I want to show you."

Kiyomi followed Sasuke to a cave.

The cave was deep and dark inside.

"What is this place?"

"The Uchiha Clan's secret base," Sasuke said. "The clan used to train here."

They went to the deepest part.

The walls were covered in densely packed writing.

"What is this...?"

"The Uchiha Clan's secret techniques," Sasuke said. "Including how to evolve the Sharingan."

Kiyomi stepped closer and carefully examined the writing on the wall.

"Evolving the Sharingan requires intense emotional stimulation..."

"But it can also be strengthened through training." Sasuke pointed to a section of text. "This describes a method."

"What method?"

"Mental training," Sasuke said. "Strengthening your mind through meditation and genjutsu training."

"If my mind gets stronger, my Sharingan can evolve?"

"Not necessarily," Sasuke said. "But it can improve the chances."

Kiyomi nodded.

"I want to try."

"Then let's begin."

Sasuke taught her how to meditate.

Sit cross-legged, close your eyes, and focus your mind.

Kiyomi did as he instructed.

But she soon lost focus.

"I can't do it. I can't quiet my mind."

"Take your time," Sasuke said. "Meditation takes practice."

Kiyomi kept trying.

Once, twice, three times...

At last, she managed to calm her mind.

She felt her consciousness stretching outward.

Her vision grew blurry.

Everything around her disappeared.

All that remained was darkness.

"What is this...?"

A figure appeared in the darkness.

It was her.

"Who are you?" Kiyomi asked.

"I'm you," the figure said. "The you buried deep inside."

"Deep inside?"

"That's right." The figure stepped closer. "You want to become stronger, but do you know why?"

"Because..." Kiyomi thought