Yukari Uchiha (English)

Chapter 35

The Hokage looks at me seriously, but I can also see a trace of relief in his eyes. "Alright, Yukari. You will have this chance," he says calmly, yet with firm determination in his voice. The elders and Danzo exchange glances, their dissatisfaction obvious, but the Hokage quickly waves off any attempt they might make to speak. "I will handle things here with the council. Your task will be to speak with the Uchiha."

I nod respectfully, but my eyes linger briefly on the stern faces of the elders. It's clear they are not pleased. As I turn to leave, I can't resist offering them one final remark. "If you consider the Uchiha such dangerous enemies, think about how strong they could be as allies. Both sides need to lay down their false pride."

With those words, I leave the office. Outside, I feel a momentary relief, as if a crushing weight has been lifted from my shoulders. But that relief is short-lived. The hardest part still lies ahead—facing the Uchiha. Thoughts about what awaits me weigh heavily on my mind once again. The clan must already be deep into their meeting, I think as I head toward the Uchiha district.

The streets are quiet and deserted, an ominous feeling hanging in the air. It confirms my suspicion—everyone is already at the gathering. My heart beats faster as I step deeper into the district. Suddenly, I hear a familiar voice behind me. "Yukari! Wait."

I turn around to see Izumi approaching me, her face full of concern. Her steps are heavy, as though the sadness she carries is weighing her down.

"Good evening, Izumi. How can I help you?" I ask softly, already sensing the burden of her question.

"Have you heard from Itachi?" she asks quietly, her voice tinged with sadness, her eyes desperately searching for an answer that will give her peace. "He's supposed to be in the village, but I haven't seen him for days."

A pang of guilt shoots through me. I know that Itachi isn't simply avoiding her—he's lost in a far darker reality. But I can't tell her the whole truth. "Yes," I finally reply with a gentle smile. "I spoke with him this morning. There's a lot going on right now, and he's still grieving deeply for Shisui. Everything will be alright, I promise."

Izumi looks at me, her eyes widening with sudden guilt and distress. "I'm so sorry, Yukari. It must be so hard for you too, and here I am, bothering you with my own worries."

I shake my head and place a comforting hand on her shoulder. "It's alright, Izumi. Itachi will be himself again. Just give him time to grieve. Be patient." She slowly nods, and I can see a glimmer of hope breaking through her sadness.

"I need to go now; the clan meeting is waiting for me," I add and bid her farewell. She seems a bit relieved, but the shadow of uncertainty remains.

With every step toward the temple, my heartbeat quickens. The silence in the streets feels oppressive, and although I managed to lighten my load for a moment, a much heavier responsibility now looms ahead.

When I finally enter the secret meeting room, all the Uchiha eyes turn toward me. The tension in the room is palpable, and I can feel it pressing down on me. Fugaku meets my gaze with a piercing look, his displeasure at my late arrival unmistakable.

"Where were you, Yukari?" my uncle asks, his voice controlled but stern.

"With the Hokage," I reply openly, not averting my gaze from him.

"Very well," Fugaku says with a brief nod. "Then you must have new information for us. We need a plan if we are to overthrow the village leadership. Shisui's sacrifice must not have been in vain." His eyes search for confirmation, full of hope that I will fan the flames of their rebellion.