big brother shina: reborn in the Uchiha clan

The Uchiha household was calm that night. Fugaku had retired early after a long day of clan affairs, and Itachi was already fast asleep in his room, clutching a small training manual he had been reading earlier. Shina, however, was wide awake, sitting at the kitchen table with a cup of tea in hand.

Mikoto entered the room quietly, carrying a small basket of freshly folded laundry. Her footsteps were soft, but Shina still noticed her presence immediately.

"You're up late, Mom," Shina said, tilting his head. "Trouble sleeping?"

Mikoto smiled, setting the basket down. "I could ask you the same thing. You've been restless lately, haven't you?"

Shina shrugged, taking a sip of his tea. "Restless? Me? Nah, I'm just… thinking."

Mikoto raised an eyebrow, her soft eyes filled with curiosity. "That's a rare sight—my son deep in thought. What's on your mind, Shina?"

Shina hesitated, running a hand through his messy hair. "It's Itachi. He's a good kid, but he's carrying too much on his shoulders already. He's only six, and Dad's treating him like he's the future of the whole clan."

Mikoto sighed, sitting down across from him. "Your father means well. He just wants to prepare Itachi for the challenges ahead. The Uchiha carry a heavy burden, Shina."

"I get that," Shina said, his tone unusually serious. "But I don't want Itachi to grow up thinking he has to be perfect all the time. That's not fair to him. He's just a kid."

Mikoto reached out and placed a gentle hand on Shina's. "You've always had a good heart, Shina. Even if you like to hide it behind that carefree attitude of yours."

Shina chuckled. "Gotta keep people guessing, right?"

Mikoto laughed softly. "You remind me of your uncle—always so good at making others laugh, even in the darkest times. It's a rare gift, Shina. Don't underestimate it."

Shina looked down at his tea, his expression thoughtful. "Yeah, but laughter can't fix everything, Mom. I just… I want to protect him, you know? Itachi deserves to have a childhood, not just training and expectations."

Mikoto squeezed his hand. "And that's why he's lucky to have you as his brother. You may not always show it, but you care deeply. And that will make all the difference."

Shina smiled faintly. "Thanks, Mom. You always know what to say."

Mikoto stood and ruffled his hair affectionately. "That's what mothers are for. Now, finish your tea and get some rest. You'll need your energy for whatever trouble you get into tomorrow."

Shina laughed. "You know me too well."

As Mikoto left the room, Shina leaned back in his chair, gazing out the window at the moonlit sky. His resolve strengthened—whatever challenges lay ahead, he would do everything in his power to protect Itachi and their family.