Chapter 72 – Friends Gather, Bonds Deepen
The sun spilled gently through the Uchiha compound as morning arrived. The scent of freshly brewed tea drifted through the halls, mixing with the quiet cries of the newborn. Mikoto, though tired, looked radiant, cradling baby Itachi in her arms. Fugaku lingered nearby, a rare softness flickering in his stern eyes.
The calm was interrupted by familiar voices outside.
"Oi, Mikotooo! We heard the good news!"
Kushina's cheerful call echoed before she burst through the doorway, Minato walking behind her with a small basket of fruit and gifts.
Mikoto laughed, though her voice was soft from fatigue. "Kushina, you're as loud as ever. Come in, come in…"
Kushina's eyes immediately sparkled as she spotted the bundle in Mikoto's arms. She rushed forward, carefully but excitedly leaning down.
"Awww, so tiny! He's adorable! Mikoto, Fugaku, congratulations!"
Fugaku gave a small nod, clearly embarrassed by Kushina's boundless energy. Minato chuckled as he set down the basket.
"He has your calm face already," Minato said warmly, peeking at Itachi. "Maybe he'll grow up as composed as his father… though, hopefully with less of his father's glare."
That earned Minato a rare smirk from Fugaku.
Meanwhile, Akira had been quietly sitting at the edge, his gaze soft on his baby brother. Kushina noticed him and grinned.
"Akira! You're a big brother now, dattebane! How does it feel?"
Akira blinked, then gave a shy but bright smile. "It feels… good. Like my world just got brighter."
Kushina melted instantly, clutching her chest dramatically. "Aaah, so sweet! Minato, did you hear that? He's already the perfect nii-chan!"
Minato chuckled. "Akira always had a strong heart. I'm sure he'll be an amazing brother."
Akira lowered his gaze, embarrassed but deeply touched. He glanced at Itachi, who stirred slightly in Mikoto's arms. That tiny movement somehow strengthened his silent vow.
The room filled with light chatter and warmth — friends teasing, laughing, sharing stories of sleepless nights and promises for the future. For a brief moment, the world outside, with all its wars and burdens, felt distant.
And in that living room, surrounded by bonds of family and friendship, Akira felt something new: a hope that maybe, just maybe, this time the story could change.
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