Chapter 10: Chapter 10: Proving His Strength
The news spread through the Uchiha compound like wildfire: a rogue shinobi had been spotted on the outskirts of the village, dangerously close to Uchiha territory. Fugaku called an emergency meeting, summoning the clan's best and brightest to discuss the situation. Shina, of course, arrived late, strolling into the room with his usual nonchalant demeanor.
"You're late," Fugaku said, his tone sharp.
Shina shrugged, leaning casually against the wall. "You know me, Dad—fashionably late is my specialty."
Fugaku ignored the comment and turned to the gathered clan members. "This rogue ninja is highly skilled and has already injured two shinobi from the village. We cannot allow this threat to go unchecked. I'll lead a team to handle it."
Before anyone could respond, Shina straightened up, his usual grin replaced by a serious expression. "Let me handle it."
The room fell silent, every eye turning to Shina in surprise.
"You?" Fugaku said, raising an eyebrow. "This is no time for jokes, Shina."
"I'm not joking," Shina said, stepping forward. "You're always saying I need to take my role seriously. Well, here's my chance. Let me prove I'm more than just the lazy older brother."
Fugaku studied his son for a long moment, his expression unreadable. Finally, he nodded. "Very well. But you won't go alone. Shisui will accompany you."
Shisui, who had been leaning against the doorframe with a grin, gave a mock salute. "Guess I'm your babysitter now, Shina-nii."
Shina smirked. "Try to keep up, Shisui."
---
The two of them set out at dusk, moving swiftly through the forest. Shisui's usual playful banter was subdued, replaced by a quiet focus that mirrored Shina's.
As they neared the rogue shinobi's last known location, Shisui glanced at Shina. "You sure about this? I mean, I know you're strong, but this guy's dangerous."
Shina grinned, though there was a determined edge to it. "Don't worry, Shisui. I've got a few tricks up my sleeve."
---
They found the rogue shinobi in a clearing, crouched over a fire. The man was tall and imposing, with scars crisscrossing his arms and a jagged blade strapped to his back. He looked up as they approached, his eyes narrowing.
"Well, well," the man said, his voice rough. "The famous Uchiha clan. Come to take me in, have you?"
"Something like that," Shina said, stepping forward. "But first, let's see if you're as tough as they say."
The rogue shinobi smirked. "You've got guts, kid. Let's see if you've got skill to match."
---
The battle was intense. The rogue shinobi moved with incredible speed, his blade slicing through the air in deadly arcs. Shisui engaged him first, using his agility to dodge and counter, but the man was relentless.
Shina watched carefully from the sidelines, his Sharingan activated as he studied the enemy's movements. After a few moments, he stepped in, drawing a kunai and deflecting the rogue's blade with precision.
"Not bad," the rogue said, his grin widening. "But you'll need more than that to take me down."
Shina smirked. "Good. I was hoping for a challenge."
---
The fight escalated, the forest around them becoming a whirlwind of shattered trees and flying debris. Shisui provided support, his Sharingan working in tandem with Shina's to outmaneuver the rogue.
Finally, Shina saw an opening. Using a feint to distract the rogue, he unleashed a fireball jutsu, forcing the man to retreat. As the rogue stumbled back, Shina closed the distance, delivering a powerful blow that knocked the blade from his hands.
The rogue fell to his knees, breathing heavily. "You're stronger than you look, kid," he admitted, his tone begrudging.
Shina sheathed his kunai, his expression calm. "You've caused enough trouble. Surrender now, and we'll take you back to the village alive."
The rogue hesitated, then nodded reluctantly.
---
When Shina and Shisui returned to the compound with the subdued rogue in tow, the clan members were stunned. Fugaku stepped forward, his gaze fixed on Shina.
"You succeeded," he said simply.
Shina shrugged, his grin returning. "Told you I could handle it."
Fugaku's lips twitched, as though he was suppressing a smile. "Well done, Shina."
As Shina walked away, Shisui clapped him on the back. "Looks like you're finally earning some respect, Shina-nii."
Shina chuckled. "Took long enough."