I hold my breath, every muscle in my body taut like a drawn bowstring. The shadow approaching me looms ominously large. My hand grips the hilt of the swords on my back, ready to unsheath them in a heartbeat.
But as the shadow steps into the light and reveals itself, a sudden wave of relief surges through me so strongly that my knees nearly buckle. "Itachi," I whisper, my voice filled with surprise and disbelieving relief. My body relaxes, and I let my hand fall away from the sword hilts.
"How did you find me?" I ask, my voice now louder, almost accusatory, as worry rises within me. Had my tracks not been good enough? Did my plan have gaps I failed to see?
Itachi steps closer, his red Sharingan eyes gleaming faintly in the dim light of the cave. He appears calm, as always, yet there's something soft, almost soothing, in his demeanor. "Kitsune," he replies simply, as the familiar, fluffy figure of my loyal companion emerges from the shadows behind him. Kitsune lifts her head proudly, her golden eyes glowing warmly, as if proud of her accomplishment.
I glance between them, my relief mixing with a surge of frustration. Before I can find the right words, another concern pushes its way to the forefront. "How is the Hokage?" I ask urgently, my voice cutting through the stillness of the cave. My heart pounds heavily as I wait for his answer.
Itachi hesitates for a moment before nodding slightly. "He survived. Your strike was precise. The healers attended to him immediately. He's doing well," he says, his voice calm and steady, though I catch a faint undertone of concern.
I finally exhale the breath I hadn't realized I'd been holding. The tension in my shoulders eases slightly, though the knot in my chest remains. "Good," I murmur, more to myself than to him. "It couldn't have been any other way."
Itachi watches me, and in his gaze, I catch a flicker of something I can't quite identify—understanding, perhaps, or compassion. "And how are you?" he asks at last, his voice soft, almost concerned.
I avert my eyes, staring at the ground of the cave. How am I supposed to answer that? The images of Naruto and Sasuke's horrified faces blaze in my mind, and I feel the weight in my chest grow heavier. But I say nothing. Instead, I force myself to remain composed, my face impassive.
"I'm managing," I say at last, my voice hollower than I intended. "That's all that matters."
Itachi studies me for a moment, but he doesn't press further. Kitsune steps closer, her gentle presence bringing a faint sense of comfort to the cool darkness of the cave.
"Princess," she says softly, her voice warm and familiar in my mind. "We are with you. Don't forget that."
I nod faintly and shift my gaze back to Itachi. "Why are you here? It's dangerous if anyone sees you," I say, my voice steady once more.
"I wanted to make sure you were safe," Itachi replies, holding out a small bundle of cloth. "And to bring you something."
He hands me the bundle, and as I unfold it, I see fresh clothes inside. My eyes linger for a moment on the dried bloodstains on my current shirt. The memory of what happened runs deep, but I force myself to remain composed.
"Thank you," I say quietly, accepting the bundle. Yet the seriousness in his expression makes it clear that this isn't the sole reason for his visit.
"There's something you need to know," he begins, his voice calm but laden with a weight that hangs heavily in the air. "Konoha has officially labeled you a traitor. The rumor is already spreading in the village, and it won't be long before it reaches the neighboring nations."
His words hit me, even though I knew they were inevitable. The plan had been clear, but the reality is far heavier than I had anticipated. "I understand," I reply finally, working to keep any trace of uncertainty out of my voice. "It was necessary."
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Yukari Uchiha (English)
FanfictionYukari Uchiha is the younger sister of Shisui Uchiha and a member of the Uchiha clan. She is known for her gentle and kind nature, which has earned her much affection within her family and the village. As the younger member of her family, she lives...