"The Hokage's already told us what you did in Kirigakure."
In the Uchiha compound's main house, Fugaku sat in the guest room with his usual straight back and reserved expression. Today, though, there was a faint smile on his face as he looked at the young man across from him.
"You did well," he said, tone firm, appreciative. "I've heard some of what's being said outside. Ignore it. We Uchiha do things our way."
If you weren't a little overbearing, could you really call yourself an Uchiha?
"Lord Fugaku, please don't praise me too much."
Sogetsu smiled bitterly and shook his head, playing the part of the man who'd narrowly escaped death.
"This time… if I hadn't gotten a bit lucky, I really might've died in Kirigakure."
"Kirigakure?" Fugaku snorted, eyes cooling. "They're trash."
His voice dropped, hard as stone.
"Don't worry, Sogetsu. That blood debt for hunting you—we Uchiha will collect it."
"Ah—uh, that really isn't necessary, is it?" Sogetsu's heart gave a guilty twitch.
He was the one who'd charged into Kirigakure alone, wiped out the Seven Swordsmen, and assassinated the Mizukage.
Yet somewhere between Mist and Leaf, he'd somehow turned into the victim.
"No need to say more. We'll handle it."
For once, Fugaku didn't play the mild, patient patriarch. He cut him off with a short, sharp sound.
"You are one of us," he said. "If Kirigakure dares to hunt you, then they should be ready to pay the price."
Sogetsu was honestly impressed.
So this is what real backing feels like.
He liked it. A lot.
"You must think I'm being unreasonable," Fugaku said, watching his expression. A hint of amusement flickered in his eyes.
"Remember: in the shinobi world, strength rules all. Forget one dead Mizukage. Even if you turned Kirigakure upside down, the Uchiha could still shield you." He held Sogetsu's gaze. "Do you understand what that means?"
Sogetsu let his face take on a faintly dazed look, as if he sort of got it—but not really.
"You will, someday," Fugaku said, chuckling softly.
He didn't explain further.
In his heart, his thoughts were already running far ahead.
A sixteen-year-old shinobi hadn't yet reached his physical peak. His chakra, his combat experience, his technique—everything would only grow from here.
And at this age, this boy had already killed a Mizukage.
What would he be like in another five, ten years?
With Uchiha Sogetsu's talent, as long as he didn't die early, it was almost inevitable that he'd surpass even the Legendary Sannin.
When that day came… the resurgence of the Uchiha would be unstoppable.
For a moment, Fugaku almost saw it:
At the front, the genius Uchiha Sogetsu.
Behind him, his own son, Itachi.
The future of the Uchiha burned bright in his mind—so bright he couldn't hold back his smile.
Master and disciple both Hokage, teacher and student both Uchiha… wouldn't that make quite the story?
With that fantasy stirring his blood, Fugaku suddenly remembered something.
"Oh, right."
He leaned forward, almost unable to sit still.
"I didn't want to disturb you yesterday since you'd just gotten back, but there's good news. Mikoto gave birth. It's a boy."
He laughed, almost boyishly pleased.
Sogetsu blinked.
…Come again?
The last time he'd seen Mikoto, she'd only been about five months along. His mission had taken a month.
Six months total.
And she'd already given birth?
Seeing his face, Fugaku's smile widened.
"Mm. It was a bit early," he admitted. "Probably because Mikoto didn't rest properly. The baby couldn't wait to come out."
Born four months early… isn't that how you get a disabled kid? Sogetsu thought darkly.
He smoothed his expression and smiled.
"Congratulations, Lord Fugaku. On your son."
"Hahaha. He came early, but it's still a joyous thing."
Thinking of the child—born with open eyes—made Fugaku's gaze soften even more.
He looked Sogetsu over carefully.
"Speaking of which, you haven't seen your future 'student' yet, have you? Come on. I was going to invite you yesterday, but you needed rest. Let's go see Itachi. I guarantee you'll be satisfied with him."
He didn't wait for Sogetsu to answer.
He just stood up, grabbed him by the sleeve, and hauled him toward the back courtyard.
Sogetsu had considered pretending to be busy, but Fugaku clearly had no intention of taking "no" for an answer. He could only let himself be dragged along.
—
"Ah?"
Mikoto, wrapped in a blanket and sitting in the winter sun, turned her head at the sound of footsteps.
Her pale face lit up with a delighted smile.
"Look, Mikoto, Sogetsu's back," Fugaku said, practically beaming, hand still clamped on Sogetsu's sleeve.
He couldn't resist glancing back and adding, half-complaining, half-proud:
"You don't know how long she's been talking about you, Sogetsu. She's been waiting for you to come back and take Itachi as your disciple."
"You… you're back?" Mikoto's eyes shimmered, a faint flush rising in her cheeks.
Relief and joy mingled on her tired features.
"Thank goodness. Fugaku told me what you did in Kirigakure. You nearly scared me to death."
"Thank you for worrying about me, Lady Mikoto. I'm fine."
Please don't look at me like that, big sis… Sogetsu screamed silently inside.
If he'd known this would happen, he'd have left his charm stat alone.
Now look at this:
The clan's model wife, eyes soft, smiling tenderly at him and fussing over him right in front of her husband.
Fugaku, however, didn't seem to find anything strange in it.
He clapped Sogetsu on the shoulder again.
"You see?" he said. "Mikoto really cares about you—like an older sister."
He laughed heartily at his own joke.
They chatted for a bit in the courtyard. Then Fugaku remembered some clan business and excused himself, leaving the two of them alone.
The atmosphere cooled and warmed at the same time.
Mikoto's gaze lingered on Sogetsu more openly now, the gentleness in her eyes deepening, softening. It was the look of a wife watching her husband finally return from a long war.
Her pale face was tinged pink.
Her fingers nervously twisted the hem of her clothes.
Her eyes glittered like autumn water.
Sogetsu could practically feel the danger level rising.
He coughed.
"Lady Mikoto, ah… where's Itachi?"
"Ah—oh. Itachi is inside. I'll take you to him~"
Mikoto jerked as if snapped out of a trance.
Realizing how she'd been staring, she blushed even harder, then got up and headed for the house.
She walked carefully, steps small but graceful.
From behind, she looked softer than ever since giving birth, curves fuller, lines more mature. Her clothes clung just enough to outline a shapely waist and hips. Her legs, hidden beneath her skirt, moved with effortless balance, bare toes peeking briefly from under the hem as she stepped over the raised sill.
Every sway of her hips was a temptation.
If this were that kind of story, the next few pages would be very different.
Lost in her own thoughts, Mikoto's foot missed the edge of the threshold.
She stumbled forward with a little cry.
Sogetsu moved without thinking.
He stepped in, one arm wrapping around her slim waist, steadying her before she could fall.
"Are you alright, Lady Mikoto?"
His hand was warm against her.
Mikoto flinched, then seemed to melt. Heat crawled up her neck and into her cheeks, her whole body going weak for a moment.
She almost leaned fully into him.
Her lips parted, breath light.
"I—I'm fine," she managed, voice barely above a whisper.
"Thank you…"
Madam, please… have some self-respect!
Sogetsu smiled gently, then withdrew his hand as casually as he could.
"Please be careful, Lady Mikoto," he said. "Watch your step."
"…Mm."
A tiny, ridiculous part of her felt disappointed.
But she quickly composed herself, pushed the door open, and said:
"Come in. Itachi's still resting."
Sogetsu smoothed his expression and followed her inside.
As soon as he stepped over the threshold, his brows tightened slightly.
…This feeling. I know it.
He didn't let it show.
Just stood in the doorway as if taking in the room.
"Something wrong?" Mikoto blinked. "Come on, don't just stand there."
"No, it's fine."
Sogetsu smiled and let a layer of Spirit Vision slide over his eyes.
"By the way, Lady Mikoto," he asked casually, as if making small talk. "How's the protective charm I gave you? Has it helped at all?"
"About that—I still haven't thanked you properly~"
Mikoto's lips curved.
She brushed a lock of hair behind her ear, eyes soft.
"Thanks to your charm, I've been sleeping very well these past months."
That was all Sogetsu needed to hear.
He pushed his glasses up slightly.
"I see. That's good," he said gently. "So… where's Itachi? Let me have a look at him."
"Over here~"
Mikoto led him into the inner room.
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