Good Friends, Oh, Good Friends

Shisui silently observed the boy for a long time, until he noticed that he had begun unconsciously imitating Koki's behavior. During breaks in his training, he would feed stray animals, and on his way to school, he would help elderly women carry things.

He had thought he would never have a chance to meet Uchiha Kōki, until some time ago, when he discovered that the clan head brought Koki to the training ground every morning. Watching the boy train each morning had become a habit for Shisui.

At times, he was glad he got up to train before dawn every day, for it gave him the chance to see Koki.

So Koki had awakened his Sharingan too? What had happened to make him awaken it? Had it been as painful for him?

At the thought, Shisui's heart tightened involuntarily. He felt as though he could already sense the pain Koki had endured.

Shisui had thought himself happy enough just to see the boy every day. He had never expected Koki to notice him and chase after him today. He had not intended to show himself, but when Koki got angry and started to leave, Shisui panicked and used the Body Flicker Technique to rush out.

But Shisui regretted impulsively rushing out. The moment Koki looked at him, he could not say a word.

He was the only one left at home, with no one to talk to, and no one at school spoke to him either, so he really was not good with words.

He hoped Koki would not be angry. At that thought, he summoned the courage to look up at Koki again. The boy's handsome face was still expressionless.

I really did mess it up! Shisui was utterly dejected, his heart heavy.

At that moment, Koki felt as though he had been struck by lightning. His thoughts froze, and he stared at the composed young man before him, who looked just like Shisui, speechless with astonishment.

The young man wore a black, high-collared, short-sleeved shirt and long pants, with clean white cloth wrapped around his legs. The Uchiha Clan crest was emblazoned on the back of his shirt, and an exquisite tachi hung over his shoulder.

Though the boy was still young, Koki recognized him at once. Wasn't this Uchiha Shisui, the famed young genius of the Uchiha Clan?

He was skilled in the use of the Mangekyō Sharingan and the Phantom Body Flicker Technique, and his name as "Body Flicker Shisui" inspired awe throughout the Shinobi World.

On the eve of the Uchiha Clan's planned coup, Shisui had intended to use Kotoamatsukami to stop it. But before he could put his plan into action, Shimura Danzō ambushed him, and he lost his right eye.

To prevent others from fighting over his left eye, and also to help Uchiha Itachi awaken the Mangekyō Sharingan, he entrusted his eye and Kotoamatsukami to Itachi. In the end, he jumped into the Naka River and took his own life.

Shisui could be called a breath of fresh air in Konoha. He possessed the power to destroy the world, yet had a kind and gentle heart. He devoted all his passion to his beloved Konoha, only to be cruelly betrayed. In the end, the sunny young man was no match for that scheming old fox.

Koki had long wanted to meet this renowned genius, but had never had the chance.

"Y-you... why were you spying on me?" Koki asked curiously, a hint of nervousness and anticipation in his voice. Could it be that even a genius thought he was doing well in his training?

Shisui's body trembled slightly when he heard Koki's voice. He lowered his head, unable to meet Koki's eyes.

He gripped the flower in his hand tightly. Fine beads of sweat appeared on his palm, and a faint blush spread across his cheeks.

"I... my name is Uchiha Shisui," he finally said in a low voice, summoning his courage.

"My name is Uchiha Kōki, so why have you been spying on me?" Koki pressed.

Shisui's cheeks flushed again at the question. He lowered his head and fell silent for a while before saying, "I'm sorry. I... I didn't mean to spy on you. I just thought you were a really nice person, and..." He raised his head and looked into Koki's eyes. "I want to be friends with you. Can we?"

How could I say no? Of course we can! Even if Shisui hadn't said so, Koki would have latched onto this powerful thigh! Kotoamatsukami, for goodness' sake-it was no joke. Wasn't this like being offered a pillow just when he was getting sleepy?

"Shisui, right? From now on, we're friends. Please look after me." Koki's smile was as warm and radiant as the spring sunshine.

Shisui's heart gave a sudden leap. He had not expected Koki to accept him as a friend so readily. He widened his eyes and gazed at Koki's young, adorable face, at a loss for words for a moment.

"R-really?" he asked cautiously, afraid he had misheard.

Koki nodded gently and patted Shisui on the shoulder with a smile. "Of course! We can train together from now on! Teach me how to use Shuriken. Why do one or two always miss the bull's-eye?"

"I'll do my utmost and teach you everything I know about Shuriken." Shisui felt as though he had seen a brilliant ray of sunlight break through thick clouds, and beautiful flowers bloom across parched earth.

His heart stirred, and an irrepressible warmth of joy filled it.

"This flower is for you." He carefully held out the flower to Koki, his fingers brushing gently over its petals, as though he feared disturbing the delicate life.

Koki took the flower, and an even brighter smile bloomed on his face. "Wow, what a beautiful flower! Thank you, Shisui."

Seeing how happy Koki was, Shisui felt a warm current well up in his heart. "You're welcome, Koki. This is the first time I've made such a precious friend. It feels... special."

The two smiled at each other.

"Watch closely, Koki," Shisui said softly, gripping a handful of sharp Shuriken. As soon as he finished speaking, the Shuriken tore through the air like lightning, flying straight toward ten distant targets.

Every one hit the bull's-eye!

Koki's eyes shone with excitement and anticipation. "Wow! Shisui, your Shuriken are so fast!"

Shisui smiled and shook his head. "That's still nowhere near enough, Koki. As a member of the Uchiha Clan, you must master all kinds of Ninjutsu and martial techniques."

Koki nodded solemnly and took a deep breath, preparing to begin his first practice session.

"First, you need to learn to sense the presences and air currents around you," Shisui instructed patiently. "Only when you become one with your surroundings can you accurately judge where the Shuriken will land and how fast they'll travel."

Koki followed Shisui's instruction, closing his eyes and beginning to sense the presences around him.

At first, he felt lost and uneasy, as though he were inside a vast maze. But as time passed, he gradually picked up faint changes in the air currents and presences.

"Now, try again," Shisui encouraged him. "This time, you can try throwing faster, but remember, speed isn't the only thing that matters. Stability and accuracy are the most important."

Koki gripped the Shuriken tightly, took a deep breath, and threw them sharply. This time, he felt that his hands and the Shuriken were better coordinated.

They all hit!

Koki was so happy he nearly jumped for joy.

"Not bad, Koki." Shisui nodded approvingly. "Your ability to grasp things is impressive."

"Hehe, thank you! It's getting late. Come eat at our house!" Koki glanced at the sky.

"Would that be all right? I wouldn't be disturbing the clan head, would I?" Shisui wanted very much to go, but hesitated.

"Of course not! He's been busy lately and might not even come home. My mom's really nice, and she'll be so happy I've made a good friend. Come on, please?"

"Okay!"

In the bright moonlight, Koki and Shisui walked home at an easy pace. The moonlight stretched their shadows, and the two boys grew firm in their paths for the future.