Winning Her Own Heart

Time flowed like water.

Sweat dried on the training ground, only to soak their skin again.

For Genya Uchiha, life seemed to settle into a steady, fulfilling rhythm in the days that followed.

Aside from training, the most important part of his life was "building a bond" with Uchiha Nami.

Two small figures could often be seen training diligently together on the training ground.

"Genya, watch this!"

Nami let out a sharp cry and attacked Genya with a side kick.

Genya calmly blocked with one hand, shifted his footing, and stepped in close, touching a finger to her waist.

"Here. Your balance is off, and you put too much force into it."

His guidance went far beyond what an ordinary training partner could offer.

Nami went from being shy and reserved at first to becoming completely comfortable with him.

She had even grown dependent on Genya's company.

They practiced taijutsu together and compared their shuriken-throwing skills.

Occasionally, he also guided her through chakra-control exercises.

"Genya, you're amazing!"

Nami's eyes sparkled with admiration.

Every patient lesson from Genya deepened that admiration a little more.

The two often stayed together after training, too.

"Genya, I made these rice balls. Would you like to try one?"

"Mm, they're delicious."

"Genya, shall we walk home together?"

"Sure."

They were inseparable, always staying close to each other.

To the other clan members, they were the very picture of innocent childhood sweethearts.

Only Genya knew that the notifications constantly chiming in his mind were his greatest motivation for being so "devoted."

[Ding! Uchiha Nami's affection +5!]

[Ding! Uchiha Nami's affection +5!]

[Current affection: 65]

Her affection kept climbing and had already reached a considerable level.

Genya could feel Nami's feelings for him.

What had begun as astonishment and admiration had gradually developed into a deeper closeness, trust, and dependence.

Meanwhile, beyond the Uchiha Clan Compound, within the Hyuga Clan.

In the bedroom of the Hyuga Main Family Eldest Daughter.

Hinata took the handkerchief out of an elegant wooden box.

The handkerchief was made of ordinary cotton.

It seemed to retain a trace of that snowy night's chill, along with... a little of the warmth from that black-haired boy's palm.

She stroked the handkerchief, and the scene from that night seemed to appear before her again.

The swirling snow, the street, and the boy in a black coat, his eyes smiling as he offered her the handkerchief.

"Genya... Uchiha..."

Hinata murmured his name, a blush rising to her cheeks.

That unfamiliar boy had given her a rare bit of warmth and kindness.

The memory had etched itself into her tender heart.

Although they had not met again since then.

Her gratitude and initial fondness quietly deepened as she remembered him and longed to see him.

[Ding! Hinata Hyuga's affection +3!]

[Ding! Hinata Hyuga's affection +2!]

[Current affection: 45]

Genya was listening to Nami talk about what she had learned in training that day when those two notifications suddenly appeared in his mind. He paused midstep, an odd look crossing his face.

*???*

It went up again?

Twice in a row, at that?

I haven't even been anywhere near the Hyuga Clan Compound.

How is this affection multiplying all by itself?

Is Hinata... sitting there thinking about me?

And thinking about me makes her affection shoot up?

An inexplicable sense of déjà vu filled Genya.

Winning your own heart for me? That's Hinata for you!

This was even more efficient than all the hard work he put into "guiding" Nami.

It made Genya want to give Hinata a thumbs-up for winning her own heart for him over in the Hyuga Clan.

"Genya, what's wrong?"

Nami tilted her head up and asked curiously.

"Nothing."

Genya gathered his thoughts and smiled at her.

"I was thinking about training. We're at your house."

Nami's home was a detached house with a small courtyard.

"I'm home!"

Nami pushed open the courtyard gate and called inside.

A woman who looked to be in her thirties stepped out of the house. She had a gentle face, faint traces of age at the corners of her eyes, and a bright, alert gaze.

She wore an apron, and a little flour still clung to her hands. Seeing Nami and Genya behind her, she smiled warmly.

"You're home, Nami."

Her gaze settled on Genya, carrying a hint of curiosity and goodwill.

"And who is this?"

"Mother, this is Genya Uchiha, the one I told you about."

Nami hurried to introduce him.

"Genya, this is my mother."

Genya bowed politely.

"Hello, ma'am. Sorry to intrude. I'm Genya Uchiha. I walked Nami home."

"Oh, so you're little Xiao Ye!"

Nami's mother's eyes curved with her friendly smile.

"Nami talks about you at home all the time. She says you're very talented and so patient when you help her train. Thank you so much for looking after her."

"You're too kind, ma'am. Nami and I learn from each other."

Genya answered modestly.

He could sense the gentleness and strength that radiated from this mother.

"Come in and sit for a while. I'm making some treats, so you can try them."

Nami's mother invited him warmly.

"Thank you, ma'am, but it's getting late. I should head home, or my parents will worry."

Genya politely declined.

"I see. Then you must come over another time."

Nami's mother looked a little disappointed, but her smile remained.

"Nami, see Genya out."

"Okay!"

Nami nodded eagerly.

At the gate, Nami looked at Genya with dependence and reluctance to part in her eyes.

"Genya, thank you for walking me home."

"Mm. See you at the training ground tomorrow."

Genya nodded to her, then smiled at her mother, who stood in the doorway watching them with a smile.

"Goodbye, ma'am."

"Be careful on your way home, Xiao Ye."

Nami's mother gently reminded him.

Genya turned and left. After a few steps, he looked back and could still see Nami waving enthusiastically at the gate, her mother's arm around her shoulders.

Mother and daughter watched him go together, making a heartwarming sight.

Genya felt a tug at his heart.

This was a little home filled with love and warmth, held together by a mother alone.

Nami's father had died on a mission years ago. Her mother must have given so much to raise her into such a cheerful, hardworking girl.

Genya returned home.

His father, Sosuke Uchiha, and his mother, Uchiha Izumi, were already waiting for him at the dining table.

"I'm home."

Genya spoke as he changed his shoes.

"Welcome home, Xiao Ye."

Izumi smiled gently, studying his face before teasing him.

"How did things go with Nami today?"

Genya's movements paused, but he walked over and sat at the table with an unchanged expression.

"Well, we trained together and sparred a little with taijutsu."

Sosuke spoke in his steady voice.

"It hasn't been easy for Nami's mother to raise her alone, but the girl has a resilient nature. Since you're close to her, be patient and considerate."

It sounded like tacit approval. Genya nodded.

"I understand, Father."

After dinner, Genya set down his chopsticks and looked at his parents, his expression serious.

"Father, Mother, I've already mastered the clan's basic Fire Release techniques. I want to learn Fire Release ninjutsu that's more advanced, more powerful, or involves more complex changes in form."

"Do we... have any scrolls at home that I could study?"

Sosuke and Izumi exchanged a glance, each seeing pride in the other's eyes.

Their son was diligent, ambitious, and clear about his goals. Naturally, they supported him.

"Yes."

Sosuke gave a concise nod.

"Come to my study after dinner. I'll find a few B-Rank Fire Release Scrolls suited to your current level."

"But remember, don't bite off more than you can chew. Make sure you build a solid foundation and stay safe."

"Thank you, Father!"

Acquiring more powerful ninjutsu was a crucial part of his plan to grow stronger.