Yukari Uchiha (English)

Chapter 27

In the distance, I can already see the grand gates of Konoha, and my heart races at the thought of finally returning home. It feels like an eternity since we left for this mission. The familiar sounds and scents of the village are like a balm for my exhausted soul.

As we pass through the gates and head directly toward the Hokage's office, my gaze drifts to the famous Hokage Rock. Shisui chuckles softly, pointing toward the painted faces. "Looks like Naruto's been at it again," he says, amusement lacing his voice.

I let out a light sigh of annoyance. "That's been his favorite hobby for months now," I mutter. It seems like little Naruto has no other pastime than repeatedly redecorating the Hokage Rock—much to the dismay of the villagers.

Just before we reach the Hokage's office, I hear a loud, familiar shout in the distance. Sensei Iruka's voice echoes through the streets: "Narutoooo!"

I can't help but laugh. "As always, Naruto's making sure Sensei Iruka gets his daily exercise," I say with a grin, and I notice even Itachi and Shisui smiling. It's comforting to see that despite all the tension of the past few days, some things never change.

When we arrive at the Hokage's office, we're already expected. Without much delay, we enter his office and stand before him to give our reports. The Third Hokage greets us with a calm but knowing smile.

"It was certainly no easy task," he begins, looking at each of us in turn. "But once again, you've accomplished it excellently as a team. I knew I made the right decision to have the three of you work together. You haven't failed a mission yet."

He taps the desk, officially marking the mission as complete. A sense of pride washes over me, but it doesn't last long as his expression suddenly turns more serious.

"Unfortunately, I have some bad news as well," the Hokage continues, his voice heavy with concern. "Tensions within the Uchiha clan have intensified significantly over the past few weeks. I fear we'll soon have to intervene to deescalate the situation."

His gaze shifts to Itachi and Shisui, and I can feel the weight of the atmosphere in the room grow heavier. "Itachi, Shisui," the Hokage says calmly but firmly, "I want you to gather information within the clan and provide me with a report by this evening. It's crucial we keep a close watch on this."

Both Uchiha nod respectfully. I know they've been aware of the growing unrest within the clan for some time, but the responsibility still weighs heavily on their shoulders.

The Hokage then turns to me, his eyes soft. "Yukari, you've earned a rest. Take a break. I'll reach out when I have your next mission."

I nod gratefully. "Thank you, Hokage-sama." The exhaustion I've been trying to ignore begins to creep into my body. The past few days have drained me, and a break will do me good.

As we leave the office, I can't help but glance at Itachi and Shisui. The tensions within the Uchiha clan are a matter that concerns all of us, but for today, I let those worries drift away.

"You two have a long day ahead. Being Anbu really isn't easy," I say as we walk through the village. I cast a quick glance at Itachi and Shisui, who walk beside me with serious expressions. The mission might be over, but I know the real stress is only beginning for them.

Itachi gives a slight nod, his demeanor calm, but his voice betrays the weight of his thoughts. "You get used to it," he says, though there's a hint of worry in his tone. "This task can't wait. If the tensions are as bad as the Hokage says, we need to act quickly."

I hear the gravity in his words, and it's as if a dark shadow passes over us. The situation in the clan has worsened significantly in recent months, and I know both Itachi and Shisui bear a great deal of responsibility.