Yukari Uchiha (English)

Chapter 66

A few days have passed since I shared that meal with Naruto. The sun now shines more gently over Konoha, as if it's trying to show me that I've finally come home.

Naruto has since left for Mount Myōboku to train in Senjutsu under the Toad Sages. Not a single complaint—on the contrary. He was brimming with excitement, full of drive, and wore a smile so bright it could've chased away even the darkest clouds.

I think back to the way he said goodbye, eyes sparkling, voice loud and proud: "I'll make them proud!" A warm feeling spreads through my chest.

"I really am proud of how far he's come," I say softly to Itachi as we walk together along the dusty path that leads to Shisui's grave. My voice is gentle, almost reverent. "I'm curious to see how strong the Senjutsu training will make him. But more than that... I hope it helps him understand himself better."

Itachi offers me a small smile, one of those rare ones that says far more than words ever could. "It's good to see you slowly settling in again, Yukari." His voice is calm, filled with quiet warmth. "And more than anything... I'm glad you're here. With us. Home."

I pause for a moment, watching the cherry blossoms drift on a soft breeze, and take a deep breath. The familiar scent of Konoha... of memory and peace.

"Sometimes it still feels like a dream," I whisper. "Like I'll wake up any second—back on a mission, somewhere in the rain-soaked alleys of Amegakure, wearing an Akatsuki cloak... and a knife between my shoulder blades." I shake my head lightly. "And then I see Shisui's face. Or hold that little baby in my arms. And then I know... I've really come home."

Itachi also pauses, his gaze resting gently on me. "You were never truly gone. Maybe in body... yes. But for us—for me—you were never far. You were just out there, doing what no one else could."

I smile faintly. His words hit me deeper than I'd like to admit.

We continue on in silence, climbing the gentle slope past quiet memorial stones until we reach the grave. It's simple, but well cared for. A lone wind chime sways from a branch nearby, singing a soft melody on the breeze—so delicate, it almost sounds like Shisui's laughter.

I kneel down slowly and brush my fingers over the carved characters.

"Hi, big brother," I whisper, my voice catching ever so slightly. "So much has happened... I wish you could see how far Naruto's come. And Itachi..." I glance over at him, smiling. "He's a father now. His son bears your name."

The wind carries the scent of fresh earth, and for a moment—everything is still.

Itachi stands behind me, silent, but I can feel his presence like a protective shadow.

I rest my forehead gently against the stone. "I hope I haven't disappointed you, Shisui... and I hope you're at least a little proud of me."

The wind chime jingles softly—as if answering me.

Itachi places a hand gently on my shoulder. He says nothing—just offers silent understanding.

I don't know how much time passes. The minutes blur, stretching and dissolving into the wind.

I'm still kneeling at Shisui's grave, my forehead resting against the cool stone, my heartbeat steady—sorrowful, quiet, but full. I let the world fade away. Right now, only this place matters. Only my brother.

Itachi remains beside me, saying nothing, simply giving me the time I need. And I'm grateful for that.

In this moment, I let myself feel close to Shisui—not physically, but in that other way you only understand after losing someone dear. As if part of them still lingers here. In the wind. In the light. In the gentle curve of their name etched in stone.