big brother shina: reborn in the Uchiha clan

A few days after Shina and Itachi's sparring match, Shina was summoned to a meeting with the clan's elders. He had barely finished breakfast when a messenger arrived, looking uncharacteristically nervous.

"The elders?" Shina repeated, raising an eyebrow. "What do they want with me?"

"They didn't say," the messenger replied, bowing slightly. "But they've requested your presence immediately."

Shina sighed, pushing back his chair. "Alright, alright. Tell them I'm coming."

As he made his way to the elders' meeting hall, Shina couldn't help but wonder what this was about. The elders rarely summoned anyone outside of Fugaku or the senior clan members. Whatever it was, it couldn't be good.

---

The room was dimly lit, with the elders seated in a semi-circle at the far end. Fugaku stood to the side, his expression unreadable. Shina entered with his usual relaxed stride, though he could feel the weight of their gazes on him.

"You called?" Shina said, folding his arms and leaning against the doorframe.

One of the elders, a stern-looking man with a long white beard, cleared his throat. "Shina, we've heard of your recent success in capturing the rogue shinobi. It seems you have more potential than we initially believed."

Shina smirked. "Glad to hear I'm finally earning your approval."

"Don't get ahead of yourself," another elder said sharply. "Potential means nothing without discipline and loyalty. We've called you here because we believe it's time you proved yourself further."

"Proved myself?" Shina repeated, straightening up. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Fugaku stepped forward, his tone calm but firm. "The elders have arranged a test for you, Shina. A mission that will determine whether you're truly ready to take on greater responsibilities within the clan."

Shina raised an eyebrow. "A test? Sounds… interesting. What's the mission?"

The elder with the white beard spoke again. "A group of bandits has been causing trouble on the outskirts of the Fire Country. They're skilled and well-organized, far more dangerous than the average thugs. Your task is to eliminate them and retrieve the stolen goods they've been hoarding."

"Alright," Shina said, his tone light. "Sounds easy enough."

"You'll be going alone," the elder added, his eyes narrowing.

Shina's smirk faltered for a moment. "Alone, huh? No backup?"

"This is a test of your abilities," the elder said. "You've claimed to be capable. Now it's time to prove it."

Shina glanced at Fugaku, who gave a small nod. "Very well," Shina said, his confidence returning. "I'll take care of it. Don't worry—I'll be back before dinner."

The elders exchanged skeptical looks, but none of them objected.

---

Later that day, Shina prepared for the mission, checking his gear and mapping out the bandits' reported location. As he packed his supplies, Itachi entered the room, his small face drawn with concern.

"You're going alone?" Itachi asked softly.

"Looks like it," Shina said, tying a pouch of kunai to his belt. "Don't worry, Itachi. I'll be fine."

"But what if—"

Shina crouched down, placing a hand on his brother's shoulder. "Hey, listen. This isn't just about proving something to the elders. It's about showing everyone, including you, that I can protect this family. And that includes you, little brother."

Itachi hesitated, then nodded. "Be careful, Shina-nii."

Shina grinned and ruffled his hair. "Always."

---

The mission proved to be more challenging than Shina anticipated. The bandits were well-trained, their leader a former shinobi who had abandoned his village years ago. The battle tested Shina's skills and strategy, forcing him to rely on both his Sharingan and his quick thinking to outmaneuver the group.

In the end, Shina emerged victorious, though not without a few cuts and bruises. He returned to the Uchiha compound with the stolen goods in tow, earning astonished looks from the clan members as he dragged a heavy sack into the elders' hall.

"Mission accomplished," Shina said, dropping the sack in front of the elders.

The white-bearded elder inspected the goods, then nodded approvingly. "You've done well, Shina. Better than we expected."

Shina smirked, though his exhaustion was evident. "Glad to hear it. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need a nap."

As he turned to leave, Fugaku's voice stopped him. "Shina."

He glanced back, his expression curious.

"Well done," Fugaku said simply.

Shina's smirk softened into a genuine smile. "Thanks, Dad."