"B-but… I lost to you."
Akane lowered her head, her voice soft like shredded red silk, full of frustration.
Her curling black hair shimmered faintly in the sunlight, and her crimson eyes sparkled with hidden grievance.
"That doesn't mean you won't grow. Next time, maybe you can beat me. The Sharingan isn't invincible."
Seiji, thinking of entries, continued to encourage her.
Of course, the Sharingan wasn't invincible. To enhance it, one must increase tomoe—reflecting the power of one's own mind—synchronizing eye and spirit.
Like a kaleidoscope, rotating glass pieces form patterns; the Mangekyō Sharingan similarly rotates tomoe, forming a unique "pattern" from fragments of one's soul.
Spirit and mind, essentially, are linked to Yin Release. The Uchiha inherited this from the Sage of Six Paths, passed through generations.
Hearing this, Akane's eyes brightened, her expression improving.
"All right, Seiji. I'll prove myself!"
Her small crimson eyes now glowed with determination.
Seiji nodded slightly, a subtle, knowing smile playing on his lips.
"Get stronger. The stronger you get, the more entries you may unlock for me."
Asuma Sarutobi noticed the situation and quickly intervened, trying to smooth over his previous awkward comment.
Akane, however, didn't respond—she simply left.
Seiji stayed behind, continuing his training.
Chakra training with Lightning Release: Iron Fist required working on deep muscles, bones, and internal organs—things electricity alone couldn't reach.
Running on a river's surface simultaneously honed physical endurance and chakra control.
By evening, Seiji, drenched in sweat, returned home.
Unexpectedly, a red figure waited at the door.
Akane? How did she know where he lived?
"Are you ready to prove yourself again?"
Seiji asked calmly. Normally, she would train for some time before challenging him again, potentially unlocking more entries.
"I… I want to exchange genjutsu techniques with you," Akane replied, holding a scroll. "Though I've practiced, my theory is lacking. Your knowledge can help me improve faster."
Seiji frowned. Time was precious. He couldn't waste it frivolously, especially on someone who wasn't physically mature enough to pique his pupil reaction.
"You're short on money, Seiji?"
Akane noticed he was about to take a part-time job.
"I can… I can pay your tuition. I have some cash on me, and at home too."
She handed over 800 ryō—her father generous with allowance.
Seiji thought: excellent, now he can finally buy some ninja tools—at least a small sword—legally and without trouble.
"Really?" Akane asked hesitantly.
"Of course. Now, let me explain some of my insights on genjutsu…"
Seiji wiped his sweat and began teaching.
Even as he shared knowledge, he reinforced his own understanding.
The evening sunlight poured golden into the room; Akane nodded attentively.
A few days later, Seiji received a prepayment of three months' tuition, finally able to buy a second-hand small katana.
Standing in the courtyard, wind rustled fallen leaves.
Seiji's dark eyes focused on a leaf, left hand gripping the scabbard tightly.