Yukari Uchiha (English)

Chapter 50

POV Itachi

The first rays of sunlight break through the shutters, bathing the room in a soft glow. I slowly open my eyes, my gaze landing on Izumi, who still sleeps peacefully. Her breathing is steady, her face relaxed—a sight that, for a fleeting moment, could lift the weight from my shoulders if not for the relentless reality.

I remain lying there for a moment longer, letting the stillness of the morning settle around me. Izumi has no mission today, and I don't want to wake her. She deserves this moment of peace. Carefully, so as not to disturb her, I push the blanket aside and rise quietly.

The room is simple yet warm—a home that Izumi has filled with her presence. As I dress, my eyes drift back to her. Her closeness gives me strength, reminding me why I endure all of this. But today is different. The Hokage asked me to meet with him yesterday, even though I had no mission scheduled. The weight in his words left no doubt that this matter was of great importance.

I tie my forehead protector with care, my hands pausing briefly. The burdens of the day already creep into my thoughts, but I push them aside. As a shinobi, I've learned to carry this weight—even though it grows heavier with each passing day. I cast one last glance at Izumi before turning and quietly closing the door behind me.

The streets of Konoha are already bustling, even though the sun has yet to fully rise. Merchants are setting up their stalls, while shinobi gather in small groups to prepare for their missions. I walk briskly along the main road, keeping my head slightly bowed to avoid drawing unnecessary attention.

My path takes me through the village, and I can't help but notice the familiar sounds and scents. Konoha is my home, yet sometimes it feels like I'm a stranger within these familiar walls. People smile at each other, children laugh, yet behind these facades lies a constant tension I cannot ignore.

When I reach the entrance to the Hokage's office, I nod politely to the two guards. They salute briefly and allow me to pass without a word. My steps echo softly in the old building as I ascend the stairs toward his office—a sound that strangely feels reassuring.

Pausing in front of the Hokage's door, I take a deep breath before knocking. A muffled "Come in" carries through the heavy wooden door, and I step inside. Hiruzen Sarutobi sits at his desk, surrounded by stacks of scrolls and documents. His face is etched with fatigue, but his eyes still exude the calm and wisdom I have always associated with him.

"Itachi," he greets me with a slight nod, setting a scroll aside. "Thank you for coming."

I incline my head slightly. "Hokage-sama, you wished to speak with me?" My voice is calm and measured, as always.

He leans back slightly, folding his hands on the desk before him. "Yes. I called you here because there are matters we need to discuss. This concerns Yukari."

His tone becomes more serious, and I feel my posture instinctively stiffen. "Please, have a seat. This will be an important conversation."

I follow his direction, taking the chair in front of his desk and waiting as Hiruzen searches briefly for the right words.

"I didn't expect you to arrive so early on your day off," the Hokage begins with a faint smile, moving a few papers aside. "We're still waiting for your father. Since both you and Yukari are Uchiha, it's essential for him to be part of this discussion." He turns toward the window and opens it with a fluid motion. The fresh morning air flows in, carrying the scent of dew and blossoming flowers.

"Kitsune, you're welcome to come in. We need you here," the Hokage said calmly.

The moment he spoke, Yukari's fox companion entered the office with a composed elegance. Her graceful movements and vigilant gaze made it clear that nothing escaped her notice. Since Yukari's departure, Kitsune had been by my side, just as Yukari had commanded. Yet, she always remained out of my direct sight and far from the view of others.