Yukari Uchiha (English)

Chapter 55

Since the meeting with Naruto, some time has passed. The days blur together, and my life with Akatsuki falls into a monotonous rhythm. Missions, reports, and Kisame's endless commentary about our assignments—I endure it because I know why I'm doing this. Yet, deep inside, a part of me counts the days until I can finally return home.

As I ponder our next mission, Kitsune's voice suddenly breaks the silence in my mind.

"Princess, Sasuke has left the village. He's on his way to Orochimaru."

I stop dead in my tracks, shocked. Kitsune's words echo through me like thunder.

"What?! Why would he do that? I saw it..." My breathing quickens, and I try to swallow the lump in my throat. "Ever since I saw that mark on him, I knew it was a mistake to let Orochimaru live. Damn it! I'll take care of this!"

"No." Kitsune's voice is gentle but firm. "Itachi knew you'd say that. He's already handling it. He doesn't want you to jeopardize your mission. You need to focus, Yukari. The sooner you understand Akatsuki from the inside, the sooner you can return to Konoha."

I clench my fists, struggling to suppress the rising anger and worry. "Itachi... he knew. Of course, he knew." I close my eyes and take a deep breath. Images of Sasuke flash before me—his furious, determined eyes, the mark poisoning his soul, and my own words to him: 'If you rely on someone else's power, you won't grow.'

"Damn it, Orochimaru!" I growl quietly and punch the nearest tree. The bark splinters, but I barely feel the pain. "Sasuke is walking straight into his hands. Why did it have to come to this?"

"Princess," Yako interjects now, his voice calmer and steadier than Kitsune's.

"You're doing what you can. Your mission has already protected Naruto once. Remember why you're here. Tsunade has everything under control now—the village is safe. Itachi will stop Sasuke or at least influence his decision. You have to trust him," Yako says calmly.

"Trust..." I repeat softly, gazing up at the sky. The clouds drift lazily by, as though they have all the time in the world, while I feel like I'm suffocating. "Easier said than done, Yako. How can I sit idly by when I know Sasuke is heading down the wrong path?"

"Because you are Yukari Uchiha," Yako replies with a certainty that makes me pause. "You're doing what most wouldn't be able to. You're sacrificing your own well-being, your freedom, to protect them—Sasuke, Naruto, the village. You bear this burden because you're strong enough to carry it."

I let his words sink in, and the anger within me begins to subside. Kitsune speaks more gently now, "If you betray Akatsuki now or act recklessly, you'll lose everything you've worked so hard for. Stay strong, Princess. Your time will come soon."

My shoulders sag, and I let out a heavy sigh. "I know... you're right. As hard as it is, I have to stay true to my role."

The wind rustles through the trees, and for a moment, I let it clear my thoughts. Sasuke... my little brother, so desperate to gain the strength he believes he needs. Itachi... quietly working in the shadows to protect both of us. And Naruto... a bright light cutting through the darkness.

"If this keeps going," I murmur as I continue on my journey, "I'll have to start making plans. Orochimaru... Sasuke... Akatsuki—they all have their own goals. But I won't let everything I've fought for be in vain."

I spend several more weeks with Akatsuki. The organization grows increasingly cautious. Mercenary missions are a thing of the past; instead, the group focuses almost exclusively on bounty hunting and the systematic planning of Bijuu collection. It's a suffocating routine, but for now, I find comfort in the thought that Naruto and Master Jiraiya are safe on their training journey. No one in Akatsuki seems able to track their movements.