big brother shina: reborn in the Uchiha clan

The Uchiha compound buzzed with whispers and murmurs after Shina's unexpected success. Clan members who had once dismissed him as the lazy older brother now regarded him with quiet respect. But the most surprising change came from Fugaku himself.

The day after the mission, Shina was called to Fugaku's office once again. This time, he arrived on time—though not without his usual air of nonchalance.

"You wanted to see me, Father?" Shina said, stepping into the room.

Fugaku looked up from his desk, his expression unreadable as always. "Close the door, Shina."

Shina raised an eyebrow but did as he was told, stepping inside and leaning against the wall.

"I wanted to speak with you about the mission," Fugaku began, his tone measured. "You handled yourself well. Better than I expected."

Shina blinked, genuinely surprised. "Is that… a compliment?"

Fugaku's lips twitched ever so slightly. "Don't let it go to your head."

Shina chuckled, crossing his arms. "Too late."

Fugaku stood and walked to the window, looking out over the compound. "You've always been different, Shina. You've never approached things the way the rest of the clan does. It's… frustrating at times."

Shina tilted his head. "Gee, thanks, Dad. This is starting to sound less like a compliment and more like a critique."

Fugaku turned to face him, his expression serious. "But perhaps that's not a bad thing. Your unconventional approach worked in this instance, and it's clear that you care deeply for your brother and this family."

Shina's grin softened, and he stood up straight. "I do care, Dad. I just… I don't want to be a copy of you or anyone else. I want to protect this family in my own way."

Fugaku nodded slowly. "I see that now. And while I may not always agree with your methods, I can respect the results."

There was a pause, the air between them lighter but still charged with unspoken emotions.

"Thanks," Shina said finally, his voice quieter than usual. "That… means a lot, coming from you."

Fugaku stepped closer, placing a hand on Shina's shoulder. "You've proven yourself, Shina. But don't let this be the end of it. The challenges ahead will require even more from you."

Shina nodded, his grin returning. "Don't worry, Dad. I've got this. You'll see."

Fugaku's hand lingered for a moment before he stepped back, returning to his desk. "You're dismissed."

As Shina left the office, he couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. For the first time in a long time, he felt like his father truly saw him—not as a disappointment, but as someone capable.

---

Later that evening, Shina found Itachi waiting for him by the river, skipping stones across the water.

"So?" Itachi asked without looking up. "What did Father say this time?"

Shina smirked, sitting down beside him. "Oh, you know. The usual stuff about responsibility and challenges. But I think he might actually respect me now."

Itachi glanced at him, a small smile playing on his lips. "That's good. You deserve it, Shina-nii."

Shina ruffled Itachi's hair. "Thanks, kiddo. But don't go thinking this means I'm going to stop slacking off. A little laziness is good for the soul."

Itachi laughed softly, and the two brothers sat in comfortable silence, the bond between them stronger than ever.