The academy morning began like any other — subdued chatter, shuffling feet, and the creak of chairs as students filtered into the classroom. Akio took his usual seat near the window, resting his chin on his hand, eyes half-lidded but observant.
A faint gleam pulsed in the center of each of his pale violet irises — a small, glowing star, unmistakable to those who knew what to look for. The 1-Star Uchūgan never turned off. It didn't need to. It simply was, humming silently in his gaze like a quiet ember.
Few classmates noticed anymore. Akio had long since faded into the background — not forgotten, just hard to approach.
But this morning, Iruka entered with someone new.
"This is Saka Tengetsu," he announced. "She's transferring into our class starting today. Please make her feel welcome."
The girl standing beside him wore a calm expression, arms folded neatly in front of her. Her white hair was neatly tied back into a shoulder-length braid, and she had a cool, measured air about her — composed but not cold. Her eyes were striking: a soft lavender hue with a clearly visible, glowing star in each pupil. The 1-Star Uchūgan, unmistakable and active.
A few students murmured.
Akio blinked once, gaze shifting slightly to meet hers. She met his stare without flinching. Two quiet students with the same clan's dojutsu — visible proof that their bloodline hadn't faded into obscurity.
"You can take the open seat next to Akio," Iruka said, motioning toward the window row.
Saka moved quietly, sitting beside him without a word.
Akio didn't speak either. But he noticed the deliberate way she adjusted her notebook, the way she angled her body toward the chalkboard — not toward him. She wasn't trying to talk. She just existed comfortably beside him.
That, in itself, was unusual.
Break Period – Outside the ClassroomNaruto bounded out of the classroom with his usual chaotic energy, ramen crumbs still clinging to his sleeve. "New girl's kinda serious, huh?"
"She's from the same clan as Akio," Shikamaru muttered. "Figures she's quiet."
Choji nodded, munching from his ever-present chip bag. "They've got those glowy eye things."
"You mean the Uchūgan?" Ino asked, brushing her hair back. She'd noticed too — the way Saka's presence didn't seem like a disruption, but an extension of something already present in Akio. "She kinda looks like his cousin or something."
"Do you think she is?" Naruto whispered.
Sasuke, walking past them with his arms crossed, said nothing. But his eyes drifted toward the window where Akio still sat with the new girl beside him. He didn't look jealous — just thoughtful.
In the Classroom"I didn't think there were others our age," Akio said softly, pencil poised over his notebook but not moving.
Saka didn't look at him. "There aren't many. I was trained in a satellite branch of the compound until recently."
He studied her for a moment. "You've had the eyes for a while."
"I awakened at four. Same as expected."
She turned slightly, just enough for him to see her profile, the glow of the star in her eye barely pulsing.
Akio nodded. "Same."
"Most of the clan does," she added, then paused. "But we don't all use it the same way."
There was no challenge in her tone — just a quiet fact. He didn't respond immediately.
Eventually, he said, "You're not uncomfortable being seen with them showing?"
Her gaze flicked toward him. "Are you?"
He didn't answer.
Training Yard – LaterSparring drills were announced after lunch, and Iruka paired students off by drawing names. Akio usually didn't mind. Today, however, his name was called alongside Saka's.
Some students actually groaned — not out of annoyance, but anticipation.
Two members of the Tengetsu Clan? Both with active Uchūgan? Everyone expected something flashy.
What they got instead was precision.
Saka moved first, not aggressively but with perfect timing — a feint, a pivot, a slide-step meant to test. Akio matched her pace, eyes following the arc of her motion, the star in his own eye catching the faint flicker of chakra coiling around her muscles.
He sidestepped a sweeping kick and tapped her wrist, redirecting it. She spun into a defensive stance without hesitation.
No words. No wasted movement.
Iruka had to call the match early — not because it was over, but because it had gone on too long without either gaining ground.
"I see," Saka murmured as they stepped apart.
Akio glanced at her. "What?"
"You're not fast," she said. "But you see everything. It's subtle."
He didn't correct her.
After Class – Tengetsu CompoundBack at the clan estate, the halls were quieter than usual. Most of the main household was away — shinobi on duty or attending to village matters. Akio made his way to the rear courtyard, where Saka was already waiting beneath the cedar tree.
"So," she said as he approached, "you don't like the attention."
He raised an eyebrow. "Is it that obvious?"
"You wear makeup just to dull your features," she said plainly. "And when you don't have time, you use a mask. That's effort."
Akio didn't respond.
She glanced sideways at him. "Your hair's too bright. Your face draws stares. And now your eyes."
"You're not exactly blending in either," he muttered.
She offered the faintest smile. "I don't mind attention. I just ignore it."
Akio sat beside her, eyes drifting toward the pond at the edge of the garden.
"It's been... easier, since you showed up," he said quietly.
Saka turned her head slightly, but didn't say anything.
They sat in silence. No need to fill the space.
Two Tengetsu. Two glowing stars. And for once, Akio didn't feel like a collection of traits to be observed.
He felt — almost — seen.
End of Chapter 14