Hikari's Assist; I Have to Surpass Sasuke Uchiha!!

At the edge of the Training Ground in the Uchiha Compound, Izumi Uchiha had just finished a round of shuriken-throwing practice, fine beads of sweat forming on her brow.

News of her promotion to Jonin at sixteen had already spread throughout the clan, and many of her peers now looked at her with greater respect.

But Izumi knew that she was still far from being able to truly stand at Lord Chiyo's side.

"You look like you have a lot on your mind."

A gentle female voice came from behind her.

Izumi turned around and saw a woman in a pale purple kimono standing beneath the moonlight: Uchiha Hikari.

Her close friend, who was both a mentor and companion.

"Hikari!"

Izumi hurriedly bowed.

Hikari approached with a smile. Her features were gentle, while her eyes and brows carried the unique softness and resilience of an Uchiha woman.

"No need to be so formal. I was passing by and saw you training alone this late."

She sat down beside Izumi and patted the spot next to her.

After hesitating for a moment, Izumi sat down beside her.

The two remained silent for a while, watching the moonlight cast shadows across the Training Ground.

"I heard about it."

Hikari suddenly spoke.

"You confessed to Chiyo."

Izumi's body instantly stiffened, and her cheeks flushed bright red.

"H-Hikari, how did you...?"

"Tsunade and Mikoto mentioned it to me."

Hikari's voice was soft, carrying no reproach—only understanding.

"They said you were a brave girl."

Izumi lowered her head, unconsciously twisting the corner of her clothes between her fingers.

"I... I just couldn't control how I felt. I know Lord Chiyo already has all of you. I shouldn't have..."

"There's no such thing as should or shouldn't when it comes to feelings."

Hikari interrupted her and