For a time, the courtyard fell silent. Everyone watched Sasuke practice the Lightning Release Armor with concern, each occupied with their own thoughts.
Shin Uchiha knew that Mikoto would never go back to rest at a time like this. He stopped trying to persuade her and quietly stayed by her side, waiting for Sasuke Uchiha to finish training.
About half an hour later, Sasuke Uchiha, who had remained motionless all this time, finally showed a change. The armor of lightning enveloping him slowly grew thinner, diminishing at a rate visible to the naked eye. As the lightning faded, its low hum gradually died away as well.
At last, all the lightning surrounding Sasuke dissipated, and everyone who had been anxiously watching breathed a sigh of relief.
A moment later, Sasuke Uchiha opened his eyes. They shone brightly, brimming with barely contained joy. He slowly rose from the ground, but perhaps because he had exhausted himself, he staggered a little as he stood.
Uchiha Mikoto had rushed to Sasuke's side as soon as he finished training. When he staggered, she swiftly reached out to steady him. Her eyes were full of concern, but she did not scold him.
Seeing this, Shin Uchiha explained to Mikoto, "This was Sasuke's first time practicing it, and he pushed a little too hard, leaving himself physically drained. He's fine. He just needs some rest, and it won't have any lasting effects."
With Uchiha Mikoto supporting him, Sasuke Uchiha bowed to Shin Uchiha. "Thank you, Master. I'll work hard and won't disgrace you."
Although Sasuke Uchiha was young, he could still recognize what others did for him. Shin Uchiha had gone to great lengths to help him successfully learn the secret technique, Lightning Release Armor, even spending a month with him in the illusion realm. In