Yukari Uchiha (English)

Chapter 30

When I wake up, the night feels like a dark veil that had briefly hung over me, as if everything that had happened was nothing more than a terrible dream. For a fleeting moment, I hope that's what it is—that all the pain, the loss, the grief, only existed in my imagination. But the cold reality strikes me faster than I can bear. The pain hits me with full force, and I know none of it was a dream.

I lie still, staring up at the sky, but my thoughts drift toward Naruto. I glance over at his apartment and see him still peacefully sleeping. His small, blond head rests on the pillow, and he looks so innocent and carefree. A part of me envies the peace he has right now. He has no idea how dark the world can be, I think with a soft sigh, as the streets of the village slowly wake, and the first sounds of the day break the silence.

The world around me begins to move, but for me, it feels like I'm frozen in this pain. The emptiness inside me, left by the loss of Shisui, makes it nearly impossible to form a coherent thought. Yet I know I have to get up. I force myself to rise from the roof, even though every step feels heavy. I have to go home, I whisper, though the thought of returning there fills me with dread.

The walk through the streets of Konoha is heavy. People pass by, and the village begins to wake, but inside, everything feels numb and quiet. It's as if the world keeps turning while I'm trapped in my grief. When I finally reach the house where Shisui and I shared so many memories, my breath catches in my throat. The thought that he'll never walk through that door again makes the walls of the house feel smaller, as if they're closing in on me.

With trembling hands, I open the door and step inside. Every room feels colder, emptier. He's really gone, I think as I automatically make my way to the bathroom to wash and change. The water pours over my skin, but it feels as though nothing can wash away this pain. The loss is too deep.

After getting ready, I head into the kitchen. The emptiness of the house is overwhelming, and I fight back the tears that once again threaten to fall. But then, my eyes land on the dining table—there's a single letter lying there. The Hokage's seal is visible on it.

My hands tremble slightly as I open the letter and read the Hokage's words. I'm to come to him as soon as possible. His words echo in my mind, and suddenly, the room around me feels even heavier. What could this mean now? I wonder, but deep down, I know I can't waste any time.

Without further hesitation, I leave the house. Every step feels weighted, but I force myself to move faster. The pain is still there, gnawing and ever-present, but I know the Hokage might have answers. With a determined focus, I make my way through the bustling village toward the Hokage's office, my heart heavy and filled with questions.

As I stand before the massive wooden door of the Hokage's office, I hesitate for a moment. My heart pounds heavily, my hand hovers over the rough wood, ready to knock. But before I find the courage, I hear his calm, deep voice through the door. "Come in, Yukari."

I take a deep breath, trying to steady my thoughts, but the heavy feeling in my chest remains. With a soft creak, I open the door and step inside. The room is filled with the quiet stillness of the morning, and the Hokage sits at his desk, his dark eyes resting heavily on me. In them, I see a mix of knowledge and regret, and I feel that he already senses what I'm about to say.

"I've been looking for you. Where were you?" he asks, his voice calm but concerned. His gaze remains sharp, as if he's studying my every movement.

I swallow hard, trying to push away the coldness that's spreading inside me. "Good morning, Lord Hokage," I begin, my voice steady, even though I'm fighting not to break apart inside. "I... I slept on the roof across from Naruto's apartment." The words come out softly, almost emotionless, as if I'm trying to distance myself from what happened that night.