Before I was even born, my family had already been hiding for six long years. Six years away from the village we once called home — far from Konoha's busy streets, far from the eyes of those who hunted my father. My parents sought refuge in a small hidden village called Tori, tucked deep in the mountains where cold winds whispered secrets through the trees. It was the only place where they could keep me safe before I even took my first breath.
Now, at nearly six years old myself, I had grown stronger every day under their watchful eyes. Father pushed me hard, teaching me how to control my chakra, how to move my body with precision, and how to sharpen my mind. Mother, Sakuru, taught me the gentle but powerful art of ninjutsu — how to weave wind and water with grace and force.
Together, they shaped me, preparing me for the dangers I would face when the time came.
In those years, I learned much more than just chakra control or jutsu. I learned why we had to leave Konoha in the first place. Though Father never told me everything, I overheard enough to understand a dark truth — there was someone dangerous behind our exile, a man named Danzo.
Father once whispered to Mother, "I have proof now, Sakuru. Danzo is the root of this darkness. If I had stayed in Konoha, he would have killed me. And he wouldn't have stopped until you and Izuna were gone too."
Mother's voice trembled, "Why, Ry? Why did it have to be this way?"
Father sighed deeply. "Because no one else would stop him. The Hokage won't face Danzo. I had to take the secret and run, to keep our family alive."
Those words burned inside me. The name Danzo became a poison on my tongue.
That cursed Danzo... One day, I will make him pay.
Life in Tori was quiet but cold. The village was small and hidden — a place forgotten by the world. Sometimes it felt like a cage, locking me away from the home and family I never got to meet. Other times, it was a shield, protecting us from enemies I didn't yet understand.
Father trained me in taijutsu until my muscles ached, teaching me how to fight with speed and strength, how to anticipate an attack before it came. Mother taught me ninjutsu — how to control chakra with delicate precision, bending it like water or wind.
Their combined lessons made me strong, stronger than I ever thought possible for a child.
One evening, as the sun slipped behind snowy mountain peaks, Father called us close. His face was serious but calm.
"We're leaving, Sakuru," he said quietly. "It's time to return to Konoha."
My heart skipped. After all these years in hiding, we were finally going home?
Mother's eyes filled with hope and fear. "Are you sure, Ry? Is it safe now?"
Father nodded. "I have a friend waiting at the border of the Land of Fire. He will help us enter unnoticed. But the journey will be long and dangerous."
I looked up at Father, excitement and nerves swirling inside me. The place where my bloodline was born — the Uchiha clan — waited for me.
As we packed our few belongings — scrolls, food, and Father's old katana wrapped carefully in cloth — I looked one last time at the quiet village of Tori.
Thank you for keeping us safe.
Father rested a hand on my shoulder. "Izuna, this will be a long journey. You must be prepared for anything."
I nodded, determination burning inside me. I'm ready.
The next morning, under a pale sky, we set off. The cold air bit into my skin, but I barely noticed. Inside me, a fire was growing — fueled by hope, anger, and the promise of the future.
We traveled winding mountain paths, crossed frozen rivers, and walked through forests where shadows seemed to watch us. Father stayed alert, hand on his sword, eyes scanning for danger.
At night, I heard his quiet breathing, felt the weight of his secrets — the mission that tore our family apart, the hope for a future where I could be safe.
Finally, after days of travel.As we reached the border of the Land of Fire, a tall figure awaited us beneath the shadow of an ancient cedar tree. His sharp eyes scanned us carefully, and when he looked at me, his gaze softened with surprise.
"Is this your son?" he asked my father, voice steady but filled with quiet wonder. "He's grown so much."
Father nodded, a faint smile touching his lips. "Yes. This is Izuna."
The man stepped forward, extending a hand to me. "I'm Kagami — your uncle. I have a son, too. He's a little younger than you. His name is Shisui."
In my head, I thought, So Shisui is my cousin...
A strange warmth filled me, but then a shadow passed over my thoughts. I remembered the stories — Shisui's death, the cruel hand of Danzo in his fate.
A fierce promise rose inside me, fierce and clear: I will protect him. No matter what.