Yukari Uchiha (English)

Chapter 64

I have no idea how long I slept. My body still feels exhausted, but it was the best sleep I've had in ages. Next to me, I can feel the familiar warmth of my two foxes. Kitsune and Yako, as always, have stayed by my side.

A noise outside the bedroom catches my attention. Instantly, my senses sharpen, my instincts kicking in. My body tenses automatically, ready to act. But the moment I step out of the bedroom, my tension dissolves.

Mikoto is in the living room, cleaning the house.

I blink in surprise. "Good morning, Aunt. That wasn't necessary." My voice is still groggy, and I run a hand through my hair.

Mikoto gives me a warm smile. "Good morning, Yukari. I didn't want to wake you. You've slept for almost twenty hours. I thought now that you're back in Konoha, you'd at least want to return to a clean home."

Twenty hours? My eyes widen in shock.

"I couldn't stop her," I hear Fugaku's voice from the doorway. He steps inside and regards me with his usual composed expression. "It's good that you're awake. Tsunade wants to see you."

I nod slowly and reach for my cloak, but Fugaku lifts a hand.

"That's not necessary. Word has spread—most people already know."

His words take me by surprise. I'm not sure if that reassures or unsettles me.

"Here," he says, handing me a small bundle of fabric. "Izumi sent this for you. It should fit."

Grateful, I take the fresh clothes and disappear into the bathroom to get ready. As I glance at the Akatsuki cloak still hanging on a hook, I pause. A part of me can hardly believe I'll likely never wear it again. I take a deep breath, then step out, dressed in the new outfit.

Mikoto's beaming smile is impossible to miss. Even Fugaku seems relieved.

"Let's go," he says, turning and leading the way.

"Don't worry. By the time you return, this place will be good as new," Mikoto calls after me. I can't help but smile as I follow.

Walking through the village feels... strange. I feel the eyes on me—some filled with disbelief, many with distrust. A few people even go out of their way to avoid me. But I don't let it get to me. I'm finally home.

The moment we step into the office where Fugaku and Tsunade are waiting, Naruto bursts toward me.

"Yukari, sis...!" He hugs me tightly, and I can feel his genuine happiness. "Grandma Tsunade told me everything. I should have trusted you more..."

I place a hand on his head, gently ruffling his hair.

"It's okay, Naruto. That was the plan—to make everyone see me as the enemy."

But Naruto hesitates as if something is still bothering him.

"But... I have a question, Yukari." He looks at me uncertainly. "My memories of it are blurry. But when I was training with the Pervy Sage... and the fox beast hurt him... in my memories, you were there too. But I'm not sure."

I have to reach up to ruffle Naruto's hair now. He's grown.

"Yes, your memory is correct," I confirm softly. "My loyal companion Yako was always near you and warned me. So I came, sealed the Kyuubi again... and at the same time, sealed part of my chakra inside you, so I could come to you instantly whenever needed."

Before Naruto can respond, Tsunade speaks up.

"We need to talk, Yukari." Her tone is serious. "You two can catch up later."