Yukari Uchiha (English)

Chapter 42

The last few days had been filled with training and quiet moments spent with Naruto. It had been exhausting but also deeply fulfilling. This morning, as I brush my hair, a thought crosses my mind that makes me pause:

"I think it's time to remove the blindfold."

The idea is both exhilarating and nerve-wracking. My heart races as I step into the bathroom, sensing the mirror before me without seeing it. My fingers find the familiar layers of the blindfold I've worn these past days and begin to untie it slowly.

With each careful unwind, the light around me grows brighter. My eyes remain closed, letting the new brightness touch my face. For a moment, I stand there, the air brushing softly against my skin, my nervousness slowly giving way to quiet anticipation.

"It's time."

Slowly, I open my eyes. The brightness is overwhelming, and it takes a few minutes for my vision to adjust. Everything feels unfamiliar—sharper, yet foreign. The most striking difference isn't the light or clarity, but the simple fact that I can once again see the world through my own eyes. The familiar surroundings I've perceived through Kitsune's eyes now feel entirely different, like a rediscovered reality.

I close my eyes briefly before opening them again, taking a deep breath. "I can see again," I think, relief washing over me.

I reach out mentally to Kitsune and Yako, whose presence I can still feel within me. "Even though I can see again, I'm glad we trained so much together. It's bound to be useful in the future."

Kitsune's soft, sleepy voice responds in my mind. "It became easier for me too, focusing like that to show you images. Our bond has only grown stronger through our training."

Her words bring warmth to my heart, and I smile. "You two deserve a break today," I say in thought, quickly adding before they can protest, "I promised Naruto I'd train him a bit in throwing kunai. I'll be fine on my own, and if anything happens, I can always call for you."

Kitsune lets out a quiet sigh and lays her head back on the bed, choosing not to argue. Her trust in me is unshakable. A small smile crosses my face as I watch her.

After getting ready, I prepare myself some breakfast. Sunlight streams brightly through the open window, and the sounds of the village awakening fill the air. Setting two plates on the table, I call into the quiet space, "Commander Kakashi, breakfast is ready."

Moments later, he appears, as calm and composed as ever, his nose buried in a book. He takes his seat, and we eat together, as we have done these past days. Despite his casual demeanor, I can tell he's observing me closely.

"So, how are your eyes?" he asks eventually, his tone curious but with an edge of seriousness. "Did your vision return as Fugaku suspected it might, because of that legend about Madara Uchiha?"

I pause, setting my chopsticks down, and look directly at him. "Yes, I can see clearly again, as if I'd never strained my Sharingan," I reply. My voice is calm, though a note of relief is unmistakable. "Now, we'll just have to wait and see if the myth is true—that the sight won't fade again."

Kakashi nods thoughtfully, his posture relaxed but his gaze as sharp as ever. "That would certainly be an interesting twist. Myth or not, though, you should still be careful."

I smile faintly. "Being cautious is second nature to me by now, Commander."

He doesn't reply, shaking his head slightly before returning to his book as I finish my breakfast.

"So, I suppose my mission to protect you is officially over," Kakashi says as he rises from his seat. His tone is calm, almost offhanded, yet I detect a hint of respect in his words. "Still, it was interesting watching your training. Most people would have taken it easy. But I guess you've never been that type."