Chapter 12: Trouble Comes Knocking"Sister! Your injury!!!"
"Sasuke, don't tell anyone about this. Let's keep it a secret—just between us."
Chika raised a finger to her lips and gently shushed Sasuke Uchiha. Sasuke immediately blushed, raising both hands in a flustered oath.
"Yes! I promise! I won't tell anyone!"
After receiving his agreement, Chika lowered her gaze to the wound she had inflicted on herself.
She had gambled correctly.
Even though she had been mentally prepared, she still couldn't suppress her amazement at what she was witnessing.
The wound had already closed.
This level of regeneration… it was almost comparable to Hashirama Senju.
Could it be that she had some connection to the Senju Clan?
…No.
Chika quickly dismissed the idea.
Compared to a rare bloodline mutation, it made far more sense that this was simply a "benefit" of transmigration—something beyond the logic of this world.
A cheat ability.
And honestly… it wasn't bad.
After all, she had been stabbed by Itachi Uchiha on the very first night she arrived—the night of the Uchiha Clan Massacre. She had genuinely believed she was about to die before even understanding her situation.
Back then, even as her consciousness faded, she had been ready to fight back—to at least land a punch on Itachi before collapsing.
Unfortunately, she had lost consciousness before she could do anything.
Now, however…
Everything was finally moving in a better direction.
Chika clenched her fists, a complicated emotion surfacing in her eyes.
Beside her, Sasuke was quietly smiling to himself, head lowered. Compared to the shock of her sudden recovery, he was far more excited about sharing a secret with his sister.
At the same time, something else had changed.
His resolve had deepened.
"Sister! Let's continue! I want to become stronger—strong enough to catch up to you as soon as possible!"
Sasuke raised his head, his expression firm.
"So motivated? Good. I'm full of energy too. Let's continue."
Chinatsu smiled.
The bell test continued.
For Sasuke, it was training.
For her, it was also experimentation.
She had a strong feeling that her abilities went far beyond simple regeneration. There were still things hidden within her that she had yet to uncover.
Soon, half a year passed.
During that time, Chinatsu and Sasuke trained relentlessly—day and night.
From the bell test to chakra control exercises like tree climbing and water walking, to shurikenjutsu and close-range kunai combat—every basic foundation was drilled repeatedly.
Although Chinatsu herself wasn't an experienced shinobi, the natural talent of her Uchiha body, combined with the insight granted by the Sharingan, made guiding Sasuke more than manageable.
Then—
One morning, half a year later—
Sasuke was unceremoniously pushed out of the Uchiha Clan Compound.
"Half a year has passed. It's time to go back to the Ninja Academy. If you stay cooped up any longer, you'll lose touch with the outside world!"
"Ah~ what's so great about the Academy? I'm already strong. What can they even teach me?"
Sasuke grumbled, clearly reluctant. Still, under his sister's insistence, he could only shoulder his small backpack and prepare to leave.
"I'm going… Sister, you have to pick me up later!"
"Yes, yes, I'll be there. Honestly, you're still such a child."
Sasuke blushed, turned his head away, and walked off.
Chinatsu waved with a smile.
At the same time—
She sensed it.
Another presence.
Her shift…
Was over.
The ANBU had taken over.
Chinatsu watched Sasuke until he disappeared from sight, only then letting out a quiet breath.
"Finally… some alone time."
She stretched her arms.
For the past six months, she had been both sister and guardian, constantly watching over Sasuke.
It had been exhausting.
But worth it.
Thanks to her efforts, Sasuke had grown—not just stronger, but more stable. At the very least, he could now walk through the village alone without being overwhelmed by fear or anger.
Still…
"A rare moment like this… how should I spend it?"
She paused.
Then her expression shifted slightly.
"…Seems like I won't get to enjoy it after all."
Her eyes narrowed as she scanned her surroundings.
One.
Two.
Three.
Four.
Multiple presences.
ANBU?
No.
If it were ANBU under Hiruzen Sarutobi, there would at least be room for communication.
But this feeling…
"Come out. I know you're there. Or do you want me to drag you out one by one?"
As her voice fell, several figures appeared around her.
Uniform attire.
Emotionless masks.
Not ANBU.
Root.
The faction led by Danzo Shimura—specialists in dealing with the village's darkness.
"Miss. You will come with us."
A cold voice spoke.
Chika sighed.
So that was their goal.
Negotiation?
Unlikely.
Still—
They had made one mistake.
If they had come immediately after the massacre, she would have been powerless.
But now?
Too late.
A faint smile appeared on her face as her eyes shifted—
Three tomoe.
The Sharingan spun slowly, glowing crimson.
"I'd ask what happens if I refuse… but we both know the answer."
Her tone was light.
Almost casual.
"Well then… I don't like violence. But that doesn't mean I can't use it."
Her gaze swept across them.
The Root operatives exchanged glances, silently coordinating.
Then—
They moved.
A simultaneous assault from all directions.
But in the center—
Chinatsu didn't move.
Her eyes narrowed slightly.
The Sharingan activated one of its most fundamental abilities—
Genjutsu.
Her voice dropped to a whisper.
"Genjutsu…"
A faint crimson glow flickered in her eyes.
"Crimson Illusion."