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Chapter 2: Training and Tantrum
It had been four years since Taichi was born into this world, and a lot had happened. He wasn't a helpless baby anymore—he had learned to walk, make sentences, jump, and even run. Most of all, he had figured out how to go poop all by himself. No more did Mikoto have to wash his butt every time he made a mess. ( Yaay!! Taichi cheered in his head, though he kept his little victory quiet. At four years old, he was growing up fast, and today was about to be a big day.
Fugaku, his father and the strict head of the Uchiha clan, had a rare day off. Instead of resting, he decided it was time to teach Taichi the basic chakra extraction technique—a skill every ninja needed to know. The whole family gathered in the backyard of their home in the Uchiha compound. Mikoto sat on a wooden bench, holding little Itachi in her arms. The baby, just a year old, swung his legs now and then, his dark eyes watching his father and brother. Itachi was already stoic, just like Fugaku, while Taichi took after Mikoto—spirited and full of smiles.
The backyard wasn't fancy, just a simple space with a few wooden posts and a small pond shimmering in the sunlight. Fugaku stood tall in the middle, his face serious as always. Taichi bounced on his feet, excited to start. He had a secret, though—one nobody knew about. The day before, he had gone to the main market of Konoha and signed in with some weird system in his head. When he did, he gained the chakra of a Chunin ninja! It felt like a river of energy rushing through him, and now he was ready to show off—even if he had to pretend he didn't know what he was doing.
"Taichi," Fugaku said in his deep voice, "focus. I'm going to show you how to extract your chakra. Watch closely."
Taichi nodded, trying to look serious. Fugaku made a few hand signs, and a faint blue glow appeared around him as he pulled out his chakra. It was steady and controlled, like a calm stream. "Now you try," Fugaku said, stepping back.
Taichi took a deep breath and copied the hand signs. With the Chunin-level chakra he got from the sign-in, it was super easy. He closed his eyes, felt the energy inside him, and let it out. A bright blue glow burst around him, stronger and smoother than Fugaku's. The air buzzed with power.
Mikoto's jaw dropped. "Taichi! How did you—?"
Fugaku blinked, looking confused but impressed. "Have you done this before?"
"Nope!" Taichi lied, shaking his head fast. "I just watched you, Father."
Little Itachi made a "burl burl" sound from Mikoto's arms, his tiny hands patting together like he was clapping. Taichi grinned and patted his brother's head. "Thanks, Itachi!"
Fugaku coughed, hiding his surprise. "Good job, Taichi. You've got talent. But this is just the start."
"Yes, Father!" Taichi said, beaming. Inside, he was laughing. This sign-in thing is awesome!
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Later that evening, when the sun was almost gone, Taichi got a wild idea. Mikoto was busy cooking dinner, and Fugaku was in his study. Perfect time to sneak out! He tiptoed out the door and ran into the Uchiha district, wanting to explore. The streets were quiet, with lanterns glowing softly. Taichi wandered around, looking at the big houses and cool statues, until he saw a boy about his age tossing a kunai up and down. A woman stood nearby, talking to someone—probably his mom.
The boy saw Taichi and waved. "Hi! I'm Shisui Uchiha. You're Taichi, right?"
Taichi's eyes got big. Shisui? The super cool ninja from the future? He smiled back. "Yeah, that's me! Nice to meet you."
Shisui's mom looked over and nodded before going back to her chat. The two boys started talking about ninja stuff and played tag, running around the courtyard. Taichi had so much fun he forgot about time. But then the sky got dark, and he stopped. Uh-oh… where's home?
"Shisui," Taichi said, his voice shaking, "I don't know how to get back."
Shisui scratched his head. "I'll help, but I don't know where you live either."
Taichi didn't panic—he was smart. He sat down and started crying loud, "Wahhh! I'm lost!" It worked. A Uchiha police officer walking by heard him and came over.
"What's wrong, kid?" the officer asked.
Taichi sniffled. "I don't know how to get home."
The officer squinted, then smiled. "You're Fugaku-sama's son, Taichi, right?"
Taichi nodded, still fake-crying. The officer picked him up. "Let's get you back."
Shisui waved bye, and the officer carried Taichi through the streets. When they got to Fugaku's house, Mikoto was waiting by the door, looking worried. When she saw Taichi, she ran over.
"Taichi Uchiha!" she yelled, grabbing him from the officer. "Where were you? You can't just leave like that!"
"Sorry, Mom…" Taichi mumbled.
Mikoto wasn't happy. She turned him around and slap!—smacked his butt. "That's for scaring me! Don't do it again!"
Taichi rubbed his sore butt. Ow… okay, I won't. Fugaku came out, looking stern. "What happened?"
"He snuck out and got lost," Mikoto said, calming down. "The police brought him home."
Fugaku stared at Taichi. "You're too young to go out alone. Ask next time."
"Yes, Father," Taichi said quietly.
Dinner was quiet after that. Taichi thought about his day—training with chakra, meeting Shisui, and getting in trouble. He smiled a little. It was worth it. As he fell asleep, he couldn't wait to see what tomorrow would bring.
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End of Chapter 2
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