Today was a particularly special day—flush with money and attention from admirers—and Shorai, in an uncharacteristically good mood, hurried out the moment the last bell rang, leaving the class buzzing with surprise and speculation about his strange behavior.
He returned to the shop and was greeted by Aya's warm smile.
"Cutie is back!" she called, her voice drawing curious glances from customers as they noticed the white-haired boy.
"Come to my office, Shorai-san," Ren said, opening the door with a flourish.
The female patrons were taken aback by the owner's presence, their eyes following Shorai with quiet fascination.
"I've studied your designs," Ren said, his eyes glued to the scrolls like a dragon guarding treasure. "Extraordinary! Marvelous! I've never seen anything like this! Even my dear Aya hasn't been this innovative lately."
"That's just an experiment—ideas from training and daily wear," Shorai replied with a helpless smile. "But she's definitely more talented than I am."
"In some aspects, yes, Shorai-san," Ren said, smirking at the boy's humility. "After all, Hasu Aya works for me, not someone else. Ho-ho."
"These designs should be enough. Please don't expect more—I only had a momentary inspiration. But for patterns and coloring, I can offer some suggestions," Shorai added earnestly.
"I'm already thrilled by what you've brought," Ren said, eyes shining. "To be honest, I didn't expect this. Look at it—twenty different designs! Of course, I'm very interested in your decorative ideas! Your current look says it all—sharp and daring… a storm about to approach! Swiftly Electrifying!"
Shorai caught himself twitching and sighed.
"When will my… modeling… begin?" he asked nervously.
"In about a week. First, we'll prepare a few of yours, then mix them with Aya's for the very first Heavenly Spring album. Ho-ho! I can hardly wait!"
"Seasonal…?" Shorai murmured under his breath—quietly, but not quietly enough.
"Marvelous! Incredible, Shorai-san!" Ren's eyes lit up. "Your idea is even greater than mine! An album for each season!" He grabbed his notebook and began scribbling.
Crap, Shorai thought, grimacing. Does this mean more modeling?
After finalizing the details, Shorai checked the time and headed straight for his meeting with Sasuke.
On the Academy training ground, they faced each other.
"Would you prefer to spar here," Shorai asked, "or perhaps at the Uchiha compound?"
"…Here should be fine…" came the gloomy reply.
"Alright, suit yourself," Shorai shrugged.
He made a mark in the dirt with his foot—two small scratches. Then, to Sasuke's surprise, he activated the Reality Stone, scanning the area. When no observers were detected, he coated his shoe with a hidden weight and pressed it into the first mark, creating a small dent. After deactivating the Stone, he studied the indentation. "Good. No one's watching. We can go all out."
Sasuke stared, puzzled.
They assumed their stances—Sasuke in a hybrid of Academy and Uchiha taijutsu, Shorai in his own blend of fist and half-palm.
Sasuke's eyes narrowed. There was a clear difference in Shorai's presence—something he hadn't sensed in their class spars.
They began.
Sasuke surged forward, perhaps unconsciously channeling chakra into his limbs, moving faster than before. Shorai remained calm, raising his right palm to deflect a jab aimed at his face, guiding it past his shoulder. As his hand rose, his left fist snapped forward, striking Sasuke's stomach with subtle speed that hardened on impact, driving focused force deep into his core.
Unprepared for the sudden shift in speed and precision, Sasuke was sent staggering back two meters, clutching his stomach, breath ragged.
He stared at Shorai, stunned.
Shorai calmly returned to his stance.
"You were underestimating me," he said. "I can see it in your expression. If we're going to be honest—as fellow warriors, as future shinobi—never underestimate an opponent, even if you believe yourself stronger. You never know when it might cost you your life on the battlefield."
Sasuke's shock hardened into a frown, his eyes narrowing.
"Shorai, we're just beginning."
"Then... should I attack?"
Sasuke lunged forward.
Left-right punches to the face, followed by a right knee aimed and quickly stretched leg.
Shorai's mind was sharp—perceiving, processing, responding. His body moved with natural speed. Sasuke was too slow.
He dodged the punches, stepped aside to evade the leg strike, then swiftly grabbed Sasuke's extended limb. With a sharp motion, he pulled it taut and drove his right palm into Sasuke's chest, sending him flying before releasing his leg.
Sasuke slowly rose, coughing, eyes bloodshot and burning with fury.
He charged again.
The fight continued—Sasuke's attacks failed to land, each one either deflected, countered, or ending with him thrown across the field. Every strike was aimed at his body, never his face.
With each clash, Sasuke grew angrier, more frustrated, his movements growing desperate.
"Sasuke!"
Sasuke snapped out of his rage.
"We stop here," Shorai said firmly. "Your mind isn't focused. Emotion has taken control. You're completely vulnerable."
"We're not finished!" Sasuke barked.
"Enough!" Shorai's voice rose, carrying an uncharacteristic command. "Rest. Reflect on the fight. See your flaws. That's how you improve." His tone softened. "We'll meet again next week. We'll show each other how much we've changed."
He formed the final fight seal and gave a nod.
Sasuke trembled, fists clenched, ready to charge—but stayed rooted.
"Rest well and reflect," Shorai said, his expression serious. "If I won today, it only means I'm a fool who hasn't yet been shown my own weakness. Unlike you, I can see what needs work. Don't let that chance slip away in anger. I'm not mocking you."
Shorai paused, staring at the frustrated dark-haired boy.
"Good night, Uchiha Sasuke."
With that, he activated the Reality Stone, scanned the area, then left to train on his own.
Amidst running, Shorai gave a last glance behind his back, power connecting with Sasuke's mind.
"Damn it!" Sasuke slammed his fist into the ground. "How much has he hidden?! Damn it, damn it, damn it!" His knuckles split, blood staining the dirt.