Yukari Uchiha (English)

Chapter 62.

"Yako... is Naruto currently in Konoha?"

My thoughts are scattered, my breathing shallow. The fear in my voice is unmistakable as I reach out to Yako mentally.

A brief pause. Then, he answers.

"No. He's searching for Sasuke with a team, which means he's near your location."

My heart skips a beat. Naruto is here.

I clench my teeth. That changes everything.

"Kitsune, stay with Itachi. Try to keep him alive. I'm heading to Konoha."

I hear Kitsune hesitate, as if weighing the situation, before she responds in a sharp tone.

"At normal shinobi travel speed, it would take two to three days to reach Konoha. But you're planning to combine Yoko Senpō with Denko Sekka, your lightning-speed technique..."

She pauses, and I can feel the concern in her voice.

"Your wound hasn't fully healed, and even if it had, that combination is dangerous for you."

I exhale heavily. I know that.

"But even with just Denko Sekka, I reach about the speed of the Fourth Raikage... and with Yoko Senpō, I would be even faster." My voice is firm. I've made my decision. There's no other option.

"I could be in Konoha within minutes. And summon you along with Itachi."

But Kitsune remains stubborn.

"Your body will reach its limits. Don't forget your wound, Princess. Even though it's been some time, it was never properly treated."

I clench my fists. I know that.

But Itachi is dying.

There's no time for hesitation.

I close my eyes, feeling my emotions crash over me—fear, anger, desperation. But amidst all of it, there is something else:

Determination.

"I won't let Itachi die."

My chakra surges within me. I feel the electric pulse in my veins, the tingling sensation as Yoko Senpō activates.

My wounds? My body?

None of it matters.

Not as long as he is still breathing.

The landscape blurs past me—trees, fields, hills—everything melting into a single vortex of color and wind.

My speed is barely controllable.

I feel every part of my body, the rushing of blood in my veins, the electricity coursing through me—and then...

A searing pain rips me from the flow of movement.

It's as if something inside me is tearing apart, like fire spreading through my core. I feel the warm blood spilling down my side again, soaking through my clothes.

Damn it... the wound.

But I ignore it.

I force myself to keep moving, to maintain my speed.

I can't stop now.

And then, I see it.

The gates of Konoha.

I'm almost there.

But even at this speed, charging into the village would be an incalculable risk.

I take a deep breath, forcing my body to endure one last, brutal push.