Chapter Six: Shisui Uchiha

Until the very end, Naruto never made it clear whether Yu Higashino’s noodles were tastier, or if Ichiraku Ramen held the crown; he simply mumbled that both were delicious. Perhaps, to him, these two things were equally precious and impossible to compare.

“Thank you for the meal!” After finishing his noodles, Naruto offered a polite word of thanks.

Yu’s response, however, was less courteous. “No need to thank me—just wash the bowls. From now on, you can come here for meals every day, but if you eat, you’re responsible for the dishes.”

“Really?!” Naruto showed no sign of annoyance at the prospect of washing dishes—only delight.

“Mm.” Yu enjoyed cooking, but he truly loathed washing up. Getting someone else to do the dishes in exchange for an extra serving seemed like a fair trade to him.

“This is just too good to be true!” Naruto exclaimed, thrilled by Yu’s confirmation. “All I have to do is wash some bowls and I get to eat delicious food every day for free? This is something out of a dream!”

“You don’t know what you’re talking about. Washing dishes is troublesome—they get greasy, leftovers sometimes stick to the sides and take a lot of effort to scrub off, and soaking your hands in water is uncomfortable. You make it sound far too easy.”

Yu’s words were perhaps a bit exaggerated—it was hard to tell if he truly hated dishwashing that much, or if he simply didn’t want people to think he was doing Naruto a favor.

“Don’t worry, Yu. I, Naruto Uzumaki, am the best at washing dishes!” Naruto patted his chest with pride.

“Then stop talking and get to it.”

“Alright!”

With Naruto dispatched to the kitchen, Yu went to his own room to change clothes. He picked up a wooden sword that lay beside his bed.

He’d intended to practice swordsmanship the day before, but for various reasons hadn’t managed it. Today, then.

“Yu, I’ve finished washing the bowls—oh, are you heading out?” Naruto emerged from the kitchen just as Yu, now dressed in black training attire, was about to leave.

“Yes, I’m going to practice my swordsmanship. As for you… watch over the shop. If you get bored, you can leave early.”

“Swordsmanship?” Naruto looked intrigued.

“It’s a family tradition. Can’t let my inherited sword skills rust,” Yu offered as an excuse.

“No more talk—I’m off. I’ll leave the shop to you.”

“Ah! All by myself? I’m not sure I can handle it!”

“It’s fine. There’s rarely any business. Do as you like, and if someone does come, just take the request and I’ll handle it when I get back, understood?”

“Got it.”

After a brief pause, Yu added, “I won’t be gone long—just an hour or two.”

Having settled everything, Yu left, heading for a secluded training ground on the west side of the village, a place he remembered from his predecessor’s memories.

The former Yu had practiced swordsmanship here; it was quiet and seldom visited, so there was little risk of disturbance.

But today, Yu’s luck seemed wanting. When he arrived, he found someone else already there training—a boy about his own age, with a Leaf forehead protector and a standard-issue ninja vest. Clearly a shinobi, and at least a Chunin.

This boy was also practicing sword techniques, wielding a short blade.

Yu considered finding another place, but that seemed like a hassle. The grounds were spacious enough for several people to train without getting in each other’s way, and besides, he was just doing basic exercises. There was no harm in being seen.

So, he found an open spot not far from the boy and began his own practice.

Naturally, Shisui Uchiha noticed Yu. The growing tension between his clan and the village had left Shisui troubled, but he paid little attention to this ordinary citizen, focusing on his own intense training to vent his frustration.

Thus, the two of them trained side by side, each pretending the other wasn’t there.

Yet, one person cannot truly ignore another completely. Yu would occasionally glance at Shisui; the boy’s movements were swift, his techniques dazzling—impressive, even a bit flashy.

For his part, Shisui stole a few looks at Yu. Though Yu was performing only the simplest of exercises, his movements flowed naturally, with a special rhythm—unusual and striking.

He looks formidable. Is he a character from the original story?

He’s not a ninja, but his swordsmanship is strong. Could he be from a samurai family in the village?

Both wondered about the other as time slipped by, their mutual curiosity growing. At last, one of them paused training and approached.

“Hello, I’m Shisui Uchiha, a jonin from the village. May I ask who you are?” Shisui’s tone was humble.

“Yu Higashino.” Yu was surprised—he hadn’t expected that this chance encounter would be with Shisui Uchiha, a character so steeped in tragedy.

“Yu, I noticed you practicing your swings just now. Your swordsmanship is impressive… Don’t misunderstand, I wasn’t watching on purpose—it just happened—”

“It’s fine,” Yu replied evenly. “I watched you train too—you’re very skilled.”

“Yu, are you from one of the village’s samurai families? You don’t seem to be a ninja.”

“I’m not a ninja, that’s true. As for my family… I’m the only one left now, so there’s no family to speak of.”

“I’m sorry, I…”

“It’s alright.”

Yu’s slightly distant tone made Shisui uneasy; he assumed Yu’s reticence was due to his being an Uchiha, and felt a bitter taste rise in his mouth, his worries deepening.

Has my clan’s reputation fallen so low among the villagers? The moment they hear ‘Uchiha,’ they don’t want to talk to me… Alas.

“Sorry for bothering you. Please, continue your training—I’ll take my leave.”

Shisui bowed and turned to go, but Yu suddenly called out.

“Care for a spar?”

“Hmm?” Shisui stopped and turned back, puzzled.

“A little match?”

“But…”

Yu cut him off, guessing what Shisui was about to say. “No ninjutsu—just pure swordsmanship.”

In truth, even if Shisui used ninjutsu, as long as he didn’t activate the Mangekyo Sharingan, Yu still had a fair chance of winning. The level-3 swordsmanship skill wasn’t mere technique—it could unleash slashing energy akin to sword waves, no weaker than ninjutsu.

Still, Yu didn’t want to reveal all his abilities so soon, so pure swordplay would suffice.

Seeing the seriousness in Yu’s eyes, Shisui considered it carefully, then nodded.

“If you’re interested, Yu, I’d be glad to spar with you.”