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Chapter 2: Muscle Memory Terms
She wanted to share some of Fugaku's burdens.
Mikoto was dressed in a standard Konoha flak vest over a green top and black pants, outlining her firm figure as she stood up.
The dim light highlighted her graceful features.
When Fugaku saw her, he smiled softly.
"All right, then I'll leave it to you."
There was an unspoken understanding between them—it was only a matter of time before they crossed the final boundary.
In Fugaku's view, it was inevitable.
—
Aoshi hadn't walked far when he heard someone call his name.
Turning around, he saw a kind-looking woman.
"Lady Mikoto," Aoshi said respectfully.
Despite Mikoto's usual image as a gentle housewife, the official databook Shinobi Formation Records listed her as a retired jōnin.
And a jōnin stood among the elite.
"Tsunade-sama of the Legendary Sannin will arrive soon. Let me take you back to your room first," Mikoto said.
"Okay," Aoshi nodded and followed a half step behind.
He'd already been staying with the Uchiha for over a month and was familiar with the layout, but Mikoto insisted on guiding him personally.
As they turned a corner, Mikoto suddenly spoke.
"The Sharingan is a rare bloodline trait. People in the Land of Lightning may have found it unusual. That's why you drew so many curious stares, Aoshi."
She tilted her head slightly and looked down at Aoshi, who was shorter than her.
Before he could speak, Mikoto gave a warm smile.
"Also, you don't need to call me 'Lady.' It's too formal. Just call me 'Sister.' If something troubles you, you can come to me."
Mikoto's voice was full of sincere concern.
"Mikoto… Sister Mikoto, you're so kind. It's been a long time since someone showed me this much care," Aoshi murmured, touched.
He paused thoughtfully and added,
"But no one's tried to hurt me. They only stared because of my scarlet eye."
[The Art of Speaking (White)] remained active.
His words carried believable sincerity.
Though calm on the outside, he remained inwardly cautious.
Mikoto was kind, but she was still a shinobi—a jōnin.
And shinobi were never truly "righteous."
Poison, infiltration, assassination—those were often their real work.
"Is that so? I'm glad," Mikoto smiled faintly.
Young children often leaked truths subconsciously.
Aoshi seemed simple, yet pure.
Still, Mikoto remained on guard. Observing quietly was part of her nature.
They arrived at his room.
"Wait here a bit. She should be arriving soon," Mikoto said.
"Okay."
Mikoto stepped out, and Aoshi sat cross-legged.
"I need to find a way to grow stronger."
The Third Great Ninja War was looming.
Konoha might soon be invaded through the Kikyō Mountain pass.
The Cloud Village's spies were already active—one had even approached Aoshi.
But he hadn't reported it.
In a village where social class was solidified, such spies could offer useful opportunities.
Aoshi closed his eyes and began chakra refining.
[Trait: Muscle Memory (White)]
[Requirement: Repeat a specific movement pattern until it forms a subconscious habit.]
[Progress: 99%]
[Effect: After repeated practice, the body performs these movements automatically. Muscle response speed +10%.]
[Note: Future advancements possible.]
This was the trait he was about to complete.
Aoshi stared at the panel. If he kept refining chakra like this, he would unlock the trait in three days.
Ever since arriving in Konoha, he trained relentlessly.
This trait would allow him to learn techniques faster than ordinary shinobi.
Current muscle memory flaws: cannot be corrected by this version.
Passive corrections may become possible at future levels.
He was on the brink of becoming much more than just an average orphan.
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Half an hour later—
"Sorry for making you wait, Aoshi."
Mikoto returned, this time accompanied by two kunoichi.
One had a voluptuous figure, long golden hair tied behind her head, and a rhombus mark on her forehead.
Aoshi recognized her instantly.
106 centimeters!!.
Only Tsunade-sama possessed that legendary figure.
The second was a quiet girl with short black hair: Shizune, Tsunade's loyal assistant.
"This is Tsunade-sama, and this is Shizune," Mikoto introduced.
"Hello," Aoshi greeted politely.
He remained composed even in front of Tsunade—despite being much younger.
"Show me your Sharingan," Tsunade demanded impatiently.
She clearly didn't want to be here.
Aoshi didn't react emotionally. He calmly closed his eyes.
When he opened them—
His left eye turned crimson, a single tomoe slowly spinning within it.
His right eye remained black, like a normal one.
"…It really is unusual," Tsunade said, pressing his eyelid wider with fingers painted in red polish.
From this distance, Aoshi could smell her faint herbal fragrance.
After about five minutes, she retracted her hand.
"Any changes?" she asked.
"I feel stronger physically," Aoshi replied.
"Anything else?"
Tsunade stared at him, brows lightly furrowed.
Her great-grandfather had been an Uchiha researcher, so she knew a fair bit about the clan's secrets.
Uchiha usually experienced sharp personality changes after awakening the Sharingan.
Aoshi was… only halfway there?
"…Nothing else," Aoshi answered truthfully.
Tsunade continued examining him. He had no clue about medical ninjutsu, so he let her do as she wished.
As Tsunade finished, Shizune peeked sideways, secretly observing Aoshi with cautious eyes.
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