Training

As the eldest son of the Uchiha, Madara's growth was always accompanied by extraordinary expectations from the family.

In his childhood memories, most of his time was spent alongside his father. Sweat flowed like rivers on the training field, and his father's teachings in the study still echoed in his ears. He moved step by step toward becoming the pillar of the family.

The appearance of Koki was like a ray of dawn, illuminating his long-standing lonely years.

In their tender youth, they shared countless warm moments, chasing and playing under the cherry blossom trees in the courtyard, the pink petals drifting in the wind and falling on their shoulders. Under the gentle moonlight, they poured out their hearts to each other.

Back then, after getting injured during training, Koki would always confide his grievances to Koki, who would comfort him with her warm embrace.

However, the death of his father was like the collapse of the sky and the earth, causing the whole world to lose its color.

Ban felt as if he had transformed from a child into an adult overnight. The passage of time brought a strange emotion to his heart, and the weight of self-esteem and family mission made him feel alienated.

He began to realize that he could no longer rely on Koki as he had when he was a child, and he could no longer reveal his vulnerability to her without restraint.

What pained him even more was the whispering of the old folks in his family.

They always hinted, both openly and subtly, that Koki was someone of dubious origin.

He was worried that his closeness with Koki would bring him unnecessary trouble.

At this moment, Madara's gaze fell on Izuna teased Koki crossed his eyes, and an indescribable feeling welled up in his heart, which seemed to be jealousy or worry.

He clenched his fists involuntarily, releasing all the inner turmoil and struggle within him.

"Izuna, come with me to the training grounds tomorrow. Even though there is no war now, we cannot neglect our training."

"Huh? Why? Brother, I already promised to take Koki out for a trip." Izuna protested, his face full of displeasure.

"Ahem, I haven't been training lately either, but I'll come along tomorrow." Koki coughed twice, breaking the awkward silence between the three.

"Alright! I'll go then." Izuna's eyes flashed with joy upon hearing this.

"..." Madara could only remain silent helplessly.

The Uchiha training ground was deserted, save for the setting sun streaming through the high windows, casting a warm golden glow across the old wooden floor.

A gentle breeze stirred, and the dust motes dancing in the air displayed a subtle beauty Hashirama. Two black-haired youths moved gracefully in this dappled light and shadow, and each tense exchange of blows was accompanied by the soft rustling of the wind, causing the surrounding curtains to flutter gently.

Koki stood on one side of the dojo, dressed in light-colored clothes, gazing at the two people in the arena. This competition was actually more like a delicate lesson.

"Koki, look at him, he won't give me an inch!" Izuna's aggrieved shout broke the tranquility of the dojo.

He was kicked away by Ban, his body arcing gracefully before crashing heavily to the ground.

Izuna's delicate face was slightly contorted with pain. Sitting on the ground, her eyes held a hint of coquettish reproach, "It hurts so much."

Koki quickly stepped forward, knelt down to help Izuna up, and couldn't help but smile, "You need to keep trying."

Ban stood still, his posture as straight as a pine tree. The dark patterns on his kimono shimmered faintly in the sunlight. His dark eyes were deep and cold, like an unfathomable pool. Just by standing there, he exuded an undeniable majesty, as if he were the monarch of this space.

However, when his gaze turned to Koki and Izuna, the sternness in his eyes instantly softened into tenderness.

"If you had just paid more attention in your daily life, you wouldn't be in this situation." Madara Uchiha looked at his younger brother's pleading expression and shook his head helplessly. Although his words contained reproach, they were mostly filled with affection.

Sweat beaded on Izuna's forehead as he panted, a hint of resentment in his eyes, and he loudly protested to Madara, "Do you think everyone is as gifted as you, able to learn so quickly?"

Though his words were tinged with complaint, a glimmer of pride shone deep within his bright eyes. He wiped the sweat from his brow and said to Koki, "In the family, no one can rival you and your brother."

Upon hearing Madara Uchiha surprisingly revealed a faint smile, his long, jet-black hair swaying gently in the breeze. His voice was gentle yet firm. "Alright, I will pass on this technique to you. As long as you practice diligently, you will surely be able to catch up with me."

Koki gently stroked Izuna's head, her tenderness seemingly calming Izuna's inner turmoil.

However, his expression immediately turned serious, his brows furrowed slightly, and his gaze became sharp and earnest. "You definitely need to work twice as hard."

Upon hearing this, Izuna felt a surge of indignation and wanted to retort, "But..."

Before he could finish speaking, he felt a sharp gaze, as sharp as a sword, fixed on him. Koki's gaze seemed to materialize, making Izuna feel breathless.

Koki's voice trailed off slightly, carrying an undeniable air. "Hmm?"

Izuna felt his heart skip a beat, nervously swallowed, and obediently shut his mouth, daring not to say another word.