Naruto: Faint Smile.

Remember if you want to read up to 40 chapters ahead go to https://www.patreón.com/cornbringer

I'm currently updating the novel 1 - 2 chapter a day in patreeeeon. On chapter 107 right now.

Discord invite: https://discord.gg/XHduApz

Enjoy you sexy bastards.

NOTE: Please go to my patreeon, and no this isn't me asking for money so control your tits. I have an ongoing project being posted for free there, meaning you don't have to pay to read it. The project itself in on a testing phase, so I need all the sexy eyes I can get.

——————————————

[Arata Takeshi - POV.]

I stared at the chunin vest hanging in front of me, its stiff fabric and official design making it look like some kind of battle-hardened life jacket. I sighed. Wearing it would probably make me look like a toddler trying on his dad's clothes. I wasn't exactly the tallest guy around yet, and this vest wasn't going to do me any favors.

"I guess I shouldn't bother too much about it. I mean... it's supposed to be optional, right?" I muttered to myself, holding the vest up to my chest. The bulky thing puffed out from my smaller frame like I was wearing a flotation device. I tossed the vest onto my bed with a resigned sigh. "No thanks, I'd rather not look like a shrimp playing dress-up."

That done, I grabbed my weapons pouch and checked my supplies. I was low on shuriken, and... it seemed I could do with a few extra explosive tags. Meaning it was time for a trip to the weapons shop.

Calmly, I slung my ninja tool bag over my shoulder and headed out.

But of course, as soon as I opened the door, there she was—the little princess of the house—Mito. Her big onyx eyes stared at me as she offered me a little grin that spelled trouble.

"Where're you going, big brother?" Mito asked, her voice dripping with the kind of innocent curiosity that only a toddler could pull off. But I knew better. Despite how adorable the little princess was, I wasn't blind. This kid was a master manipulator.

"Just heading out to restock my weapons," I said, patting her on the head as I continued walking, trying to sidestep her. No luck. She blocked my path, her grin widening.

"Can I come with you?"

Oh no... I knew where this was going. Mito had a special technique, one she used sparingly but with deadly accuracy—The Puppy Eyes no Jutsu. It was a move so powerful that it could bring even the toughest shinobi to their knees. And I was no exception. Or at least that's what I would tell myself.

"Hm, an interesting proposal, chibi, but I'm afraid I will have to say no. Believe me, you are not missing anything, all I'll be doing is chores," I replied, hoping the nonchalance in my tone would be enough to dissuade her from any further attempts. Besides, I wasn't lying… I was on a chore run, restocking, and such.

However, my plan was met with swift resistance, as her bottom lip began to quiver slightly, her eyes widening to planetary-like proportions. And then, for the finishing blow—she sniffed back unshed tears, her eyes drooping ever so slightly, just enough to make her look like the most pitiful creature in existence.

Oh, come on...

This was unfair, how was I supposed to beat that?

"But... but, big bwother, I promise I'll be good! I promise! I won't touch anything! Pleeease!" she begged, her voice quivering with just the right amount of desperation.

And just like that, I felt my resolve crumbling like a poorly constructed sandcastle. The Puppy Eyes no Jutsu was working its magic.

"Fine, fine... you win," I relented, a faint smile on my face as I rubbed the back of my neck. "But you better not cause any trouble, okay?"

"I won't! I'll be as quiet as a mouse!" Mito chirped, her expression instantly switching from catastrophically tragic to triumphant. The little brat knew she had me wrapped around her finger. Oh well, I will have my revenge when I don't let her date anyone who can't beat me in a fight… after all, what goes around comes around, right?

"Very well," I replied.

As we walked through the Uchiha compound, making our way to the village market, Mito skipped happily beside me, her small hand clutching mine. I couldn't help but notice the amused glances from other villagers.

Every now and then, I would hear the occasional woman or girl squealing at the sight of our little procession, their faces lighting up with delight. I'd even catch an approving nod or two from fellow shinobi, their stern faces softening just a touch as they watched us pass by.

Maybe Mito being this adorable was a Kekkei Genkai, that was an interesting theory to humor… at the very least. What would that be even called? Adoriblyrang? Cuteringan? Chibingan?

Hm, the naming needs some work.

——————————————————————————————————-

[Uchiha Mito - First Person POV.]

I skipped along, holding big brother's hand, grinning from ear to ear. It was the best day ever! I used my super-secret weapon, the "adoriblyrang," mom's name for it, and just like that, big brother Takeshi couldn't say no! He was all grumbly at first, but now he was taking me with him to buy cool ninja stuff. I squeezed his hand a little tighter, feeling super proud of myself.

I was becoming the strongest kunoichi there is!

We walked through the village, and I tried to remember all the important stuff big brother told me. Stay close, don't touch anything, and be quiet like a mouse. Easy! I was always good at those things. Well, most of the time. My eyes darted around, spotting a couple of dogs in the distance. But I stayed focused because big brother said this was serious business.

When we reached the blacksmith, I knew we were getting to the cool part. The place was full of shiny tools, weapons, and all kinds of neat stuff. Takeshi started talking to the blacksmith, who introduced himself as Takahashi Amano, and while they talked about weapons and stuff, I waited, being all quiet like I promised.

That's when I saw her.

A small girl, about my size, popped out from behind the counter. Her brown hair was tied up in two little buns on her head, and she was smiling way too much for my liking, looking at my big brother. She ran right up to Takeshi, wrapping her arms around his waist like she owned him or something.

"Big brother!" she squealed, hugging him like he was hers. What?! Since when does she call him big brother? That's my thing!

I felt my heart twist, and I puffed my cheeks a little, frowning. Who does she think she is? I glared at her, crossing my arms. I didn't like this one bit. Takeshi was supposed to be my big brother, not hers!

Takeshi, being all nice as usual, smiled down at her. "Big brother? Well, that's new... haha, so how've you been, Tenten?"

Tenten? So that's the name of my enemy...

I squinted at her, feeling a wave of... I don't know, but something bubble up inside me. Just who does she think she is? She's just the blacksmith's daughter; she doesn't get to call him big brother, only I do. She doesn't even know him like I do! I bet she hasn't even used the adoriblyrang on him.

I tugged on Takeshi's hand, reminding him that I was still here. He looked down at me with a gentle smile, but I could tell he was clueless. Mom was right… Boys never understand anything. I tightened my grip on his hand and puffed my cheeks even more.

Tenten finally let go of him and turned to look at me. "Oh, who's this?"

Takeshi introduced me, but I wasn't paying attention. I just glared at her, my cheeks still puffed out, arms crossed like a boss. I had to assert my dominance. I wasn't going to let her steal my big brother, not a chance. She could have Shisui if she wanted, not Takeshi or Itachi.

"Hi," I muttered, not really meaning it. I wasn't going to be nice to her. She could go find her own big brother. Or get Shisui, one of the two.

Tenten didn't seem to notice my grumpiness, though. She just smiled at me and then turned back to Takeshi, asking him all sorts of questions about his ninja training and weapons and stuff. I stayed quiet, but inside, I was fuming, plotting her demise. She was hogging all his attention! I bet she did this every time he came here.

And my big brother, as usual, didn't see anything wrong. He just kept talking to her, completely unaware that I was plotting to deal with her permanently. Maybe I could use the adoriblyrang again? Or... maybe something even better.

In time, she would regret her insolent actions today. I knew she would, for Takeshi was my big brother, and there's no way I'm sharing!