ꜱʜᴀᴅᴏᴡꜱ ᴏꜰ ᴛʜᴇ ᴍɪꜱᴛ | ᴛᴇɴᴛᴇɴ ꜰꜰ|

Chapter 82

Ugetsu walked slowly, each step a careful, measured movement as he took in the calmness of the village around him. His body was still sore, bandages peeking out from under his shirt and around his arms. The aftereffects of the mission and his encounter with the Kyūbi's chakra lingered, but the fresh air and steady rhythm of his footsteps offered a sense of peace.

The gentle bustle of Konoha in the early morning filled him with a quiet satisfaction, a stark contrast to the turmoil he had recently endured. He let himself relax, trying to absorb the sense of normalcy that he'd been missing. But it wasn't long before he noticed something unusual—an odd presence hovering behind him, quiet but persistent.

Out of the corner of his eye, Ugetsu caught sight of Sai, trailing him a few steps back. Sai's expression was neutral, but his gaze followed Ugetsu with a curious intensity, as if he were observing a rare phenomenon. Ugetsu tried to ignore him at first, hoping Sai would lose interest and wander off, but Sai remained, his steps matching Ugetsu's pace as if tethered to him.

Finally, Ugetsu stopped and turned, giving Sai a tired but amused look. "Sai, is there a reason you're following me like a lost puppy?"

Sai blinked, clearly caught off guard by the comment, but his expression didn't change much. "Lost puppy? I don't think I resemble a canine, Ugetsu," he replied in his usual blunt manner, tilting his head as if genuinely confused by the comparison.

Ugetsu chuckled, the small movement making his sore muscles protest. "I just meant you seem... attached. Something on your mind?"

Sai paused, as if carefully considering his response. "I was curious about you," he said simply, his tone sincere. "I wanted to understand why you took on the Kyūbi's chakra like that. It was a... risky decision."

Ugetsu's expression softened, and he glanced away, his gaze settling on a nearby tree swaying gently in the breeze. "I did what needed to be done. Naruto's my friend, and Sakura too. We're a team. We protect each other."

Sai continued to study him, his eyes narrowing thoughtfully. "Protecting others by putting yourself in harm's way..." he said, sounding as though he were trying to grasp the concept fully. "I've been told that's part of being a shinobi, but you seemed willing to go further than most."

Ugetsu shrugged, wincing slightly at the movement. "Maybe," he admitted. "But sometimes, protecting others means putting yourself at risk. I couldn't just stand by and do nothing."

Sai looked down for a moment, considering Ugetsu's words carefully. "I see," he replied slowly, as if savoring each word. "Perhaps... it's something I could learn from you. To understand people better." His voice softened, holding an unfamiliar hint of vulnerability.

Ugetsu raised an eyebrow, slightly taken aback. "You already understand more than you think, Sai. You've come a long way."

A small, almost hesitant smile appeared on Sai's face. "If you say so. I'd still like to follow you, though... just to see how you approach things. To understand the way you care for your teammates."

Ugetsu chuckled, shaking his head. "Fine, but just don't get too close. People might start thinking I really do have a puppy following me around."

Sai's smile widened a fraction, a faint glimmer of humor sparking in his eyes. He gave a slight bow. "Understood, Ugetsu."

With Sai's presence trailing just behind him, Ugetsu continued his walk, feeling oddly reassured by the quiet but genuine curiosity of his unusual companion. 

-

-

The sun hung low in the sky as Ino walked through the village, her thoughts preoccupied with Ugetsu. Ever since he had returned from his ordeal, she'd been worried about him. He seemed different—more withdrawn, as if a weight he couldn't shake lingered over him. She finally decided it was time to check in on him.

Ino made her way to the Sarutobi Compound, her heart racing slightly with anticipation and anxiety. She knocked on the door and was greeted by a weary Ugetsu, his bandages still visible on his arms and face. His hair was a bit messy, and he looked like he hadn't been sleeping well.

"Ugetsu-kun," she said softly, stepping inside. "I just wanted to see how you're doing."

"Hey," he replied, giving her a small smile, but it didn't reach his eyes. "I'm managing."

She could tell he was putting on a brave face. "You don't have to pretend with me. I know things have been tough." She hesitated before continuing, " I know what happened.. it must be terrifying." 

Ugetsu leaned against the wall, his expression clouded with a mixture of pain and resignation. "Yeah, it was. But it's not just that. I keep thinking... if only things had been different."

Ino tilted her head, intrigued. "What do you mean?"

"If it's possible, I would go back in time and change my mother's fate," he said, his voice low and heavy. "I wish she had never met my father. Maybe then she'd still be alive, and I wouldn't have to carry this burden."

Ino's heart sank at his words. "You can't be serious," she replied, her voice trembling slightly. "If you did that, you'd erase your own existence."

He looked at her, unwavering. "I don't mind sacrificing myself. If it meant she could live, I'd disappear from this world without a second thought."

Her anger flared, surprising her. "How can you say that? You're not just some piece on a chessboard! You matter! I care about you!" Her voice rose as her frustration boiled over. "You can't just throw your life away like that!"

Ugetsu's expression softened, but he remained steadfast. "Ino, it's not just about me. It's about what my existence has cost. I've caused enough pain already. If I could change things, I would. For her."

Ino stepped forward, her eyes blazing with emotion. "And what about all the people who care about you? What about me? Do you think I could just stand by and watch you disappear? You mean something to this world, Ugetsu! You have friends who love you, who need you!"

"Love?" he echoed, his voice barely a whisper. "How can I accept love when I'm the reason for so much suffering?"

"Because you're not to blame for your past! You didn't choose your family!" Ino's voice cracked with emotion. "You're not responsible for his actions. You're just a kid trying to make sense of everything!"

Ugetsu looked away, a mixture of pain and confusion swirling in his gaze. "Sometimes I feel like I don't belong here. Like it would be easier for everyone if I weren't around."

Ino's heart ached at his admission. She took a step closer, reaching out to him. "You're wrong, Ugetsu-kun. You do belong here. You're not alone in this. You have us—me, Naruto, and the rest of the team. We're in this together."

He turned back to her, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Ino-chan..."

"Don't you dare think about disappearing," she said fiercely, her voice strong. "I won't allow it. You're worth fighting for. You deserve happiness, and you deserve to be here. You can't give up on yourself, not now."

Ugetsu's resolve wavered as he looked into Ino's earnest eyes. The intensity of her feelings was undeniable, and for a moment, he felt the weight of his despair lift slightly. "I... I don't know if I can be that person."

"You can be," she insisted, stepping closer. "We'll figure it out together. You don't have to carry this alone."

As silence fell between them, Ugetsu felt a flicker of hope—a tiny spark igniting amidst the shadows that had clouded his mind. He took a deep breath, the warmth of Ino's presence grounding him. "Okay. I'll try."

Ino smiled, relief flooding her heart. "That's all I ask. Just take it one day at a time. We'll support each other, okay?"

"Okay," he replied, a hint of a smile tugging at his lips.