UCHIHA KING OF THE SOULS

At the Uchiha clan's private training ground, Uchiha Gen was sprinting in steady laps around the open field. The clan's iconic fan symbol, emblazoned on the stone walls surrounding the area, stood as a silent witness to his rigorous training.

Although the morning sun was still mild, his black short-sleeved training gi was already drenched in sweat, clinging to his well-toned muscles. The repeated cycles of perspiration and evaporation left white salt stains, making his clothes uncomfortable. Without hesitation, he pulled off his damp shirt and continued his workout bare-chested, the faint scars on his body hinting at past battles.

But it wasn't just running. His training regimen included push-ups, sit-ups, pull-ups, frog jumps, and the Uchiha clan's traditional agility drills—high-speed shuriken throws followed by rapid movement exercises.

His goal was to refine his taijutsu, enhance his stamina, and improve his reaction speed. He wasn't just relying on the Sharingan's predictive abilities; he knew that true strength lay in a body that could keep up with his eyes.

For Gen, endurance was especially crucial because of his Soul-Soul Fruit ability. Unlike most ninjutsu, his power didn't consume chakra, but it did drain stamina rapidly. Though chakra control could ease the burden, physical strength was the real foundation.

What frustrated him was his lack of a natural lightning affinity. If he had been born with it, he could have strengthened his body like the Third Raikage, whose legendary endurance allowed him to fight ten thousand enemies alone. But Uchiha were known for their fire affinity. While acquiring a new chakra nature was possible through training, it wasn't easy.

Still, with the Soul-Soul Fruit's ability, Gen had an edge over others. He could accelerate his training through unique methods. Once his physical prowess reached a bottleneck, he planned to create advanced homies infused with lightning, not only for combat but also to assist in developing his own lightning release.

Mastering Raiton (Lightning Release) would open new doors. If he could replicate the Raikage's Lightning Armor technique, he could dramatically enhance his speed and defense, reinforcing his taijutsu skills. However, he had no interest in the Eight Gates. That path came with an unavoidable price—crippling injuries or death.

If only there was a way to trade for the Third Raikage's physique. With that, he could push his Soul-Soul Fruit to its absolute limit without fear of exhaustion.

Most shinobi naturally developed one or two dominant chakra affinities, but those were only their strongest elements. In theory, any ninja could train to acquire all five elemental releases, though few ever succeeded. The human body contained yin, yang, and all five elements, but manifesting them through chakra was difficult.

For most, two elemental affinities were enough to qualify as a jōnin. To fully master even one chakra nature change required years of practice.

As Gen maintained his grueling routine, a familiar presence entered the training grounds.

"Gen, come here."

Hearing the voice, he accelerated, arriving before the visitor in an instant.

"What's up, Sister Mikoto?"

Wiping sweat from his forehead, he grinned.

Uchiha Mikoto, the gentle yet dignified wife of Fugaku Uchiha, observed him with an amused expression. Despite being a mother and former kunoichi, her beauty hadn't faded in the slightest.

Her silky black hair, tied in a neat low ponytail, framed her delicate features. Her deep black eyes, reminiscent of an untouched lake, held both wisdom and warmth. The well-fitted yukata she wore subtly highlighted her curves, and her natural fragrance carried a soothing effect.

Gen caught himself staring. If Mikoto hadn't been married and the mother of Uchiha Itachi—arguably the greatest prodigy of their generation—she would undoubtedly have suitors lining up for her.

"You're in good shape, I see," she remarked with a teasing glint in her eye. "Handsome and well-built. If I were younger, I might have found you quite charming."

Gen smirked but said nothing. Compliments from Mikoto were rare, and he didn't mind taking them in stride.

Then, she raised an eyebrow as she noticed the intricate fire dragon pattern coiled around his left arm.

"Wait… is that a tattoo?"

"How does it look?" Gen flexed his arm slightly, causing the 'tattoo' to shift as if alive. Of course, he wasn't about to reveal its true nature.

Mikoto sighed. "You know, Gen, kids shouldn't be getting tattoos."

Gen scoffed. "Sister Mikoto, I'm not a kid anymore. I'm a jōnin now."

"Plenty of people are jōnin." She brushed a strand of hair behind her ear and smiled softly. "Rank alone doesn't determine maturity."

Her smile, warm like spring water, carried a subtle allure.

Gen exhaled, forcing himself to remain composed. A gentle older sister, the future matriarch of the Uchiha, the mother of Itachi and Sasuke—Mikoto possessed an elegance that was rare among kunoichi.

To make things worse, he could feel his blood pooling in places he'd rather not acknowledge. He quickly suppressed the distraction by reciting the Ice Heart Technique in his mind.

"Mikoto-san is actually a jōnin?" he asked, half in genuine surprise and half in playful pretense.

He knew she was strong, but he hadn't expected her to be officially ranked that high.

Mikoto chuckled. "I was, but I retired. I fought in the Second Shinobi War, you know. I may not look like it now, but I wasn't just a delicate flower back then."

As she spoke, her pupils spun, revealing the crimson glow of the three-tomoe Sharingan.

The aura around her shifted, turning momentarily sharp and unapproachable. A fully matured three-tomoe Sharingan signified more than just skill—it was a testament to combat experience.

Gen nodded. "I believe it."

"Normally, people see me as just a gentle housewife." Mikoto smirked. "But every shinobi learns to disguise themselves."

"Of course."

Gen suddenly tilted his head. "But what do you mean by 'grown-up,' Mikoto-san?"

The innocence in his tone made her pause.

Despite his political sharpness and battlefield experience, he was still a boy in some ways.

Her expression softened. This child… he had lost his parents early, forcing him to mature far too quickly. Without parental guidance, there were things he likely never had the chance to learn.

The maternal side of Mikoto awakened, and her voice became even gentler.

"Well… for me, being an adult means getting married, starting a family, and being responsible for your loved ones."

"Do you have a girl you like, Gen?"

Gen shook his head. "Not yet."

Mikoto smiled knowingly. "Then what kind of girl do you like? I can keep an eye out within the clan."

The Uchiha, a prestigious bloodline, rarely married outsiders to preserve their kekkei genkai. Most pairings were arranged within the clan to ensure strong offspring.

Gen tapped his chin. "I don't interact with many girls. But the most beautiful and admirable woman I know is you, Mikoto-san."

His words were spoken earnestly, without hesitation.

Mikoto's cheeks tinged pink.

Was he teasing her? No… given his inexperience with romance, he was likely just being honest.

Still, the compliment lingered pleasantly.

Back in her youth, many within the clan had vied for her attention, including those as capable as Fugaku and even more handsome men. Though she had married well, hearing praise from a younger, promising Uchiha still flattered her.

"Well then, I'll help you find someone like me." She smiled warmly. "Now, I should head back and cook for Itachi."

She turned to leave, her elegant movements accentuating her natural charm.

"Make sure to shower before heading to the police force. And don't forget—visit me more often."

Gen watched her go, eyes narrowing in thought before he silently put his shirt back on and left for home.

Time to get stronger.