Yukari Uchiha (English)

Chapter 74: When the Wind Turns

A few days have passed since the Kage Summit.

Sasuke is still being held for now, until Kakashi is officially named Hokage.

Of course, they can't keep him locked away forever... they'll need him in the coming war. I pushed for him to at least receive his father's eyes, so that his light wouldn't go out. He's still adjusting, slowly. I visit him regularly and tell him the truth. Not the twisted version Tobi planted in his mind. The real truth. About Shisui's death. About my mission with Akatsuki. About everything we lost — and everything we managed to save.

And Sasuke... has grown calmer. Not healed, no. But the storm in his eyes isn't raging quite as wildly anymore.

I also spoke to the Uchiha. I told them about Fugaku, about his final wish. And to my relief, they accepted Itachi as his successor. He no longer has to go on missions. He can stay with his family. A small victory. A quiet one.

The preparations for war are in full swing.

The Kage have decided to keep Naruto and the Hachibi Jinchūriki hidden — for their protection. Naruto will soon be sent on an "S-rank mission." Officially. In reality: a journey to learn how to control the Kyūbi. And I will accompany him.

But today, only this moment matters.

I am on my way to Izumi. In my shadow, I have summoned my brother... Shisui. So he can meet the child of his best friend and brother.

When we arrive, and Shisui holds the little Shisui in his arms, his gaze is soft, almost reverent.

The baby grabs at his hair and giggles, while Shisui laughs — a quiet, warm laugh that could heal an entire world.

I let the moment wash over me. It feels like old times.

And yet... everything is different.

Not just the world — but myself too.

And I have made a decision.

I haven't told anyone. Not yet.

But Shisui knows.

Because when I summoned him in my shadow, I unintentionally shared my thoughts with him — just like it once happened with Minato.

A side effect of my Dan Eien no Seishin... not planned, but honest.

And now he knows.

Without me ever saying a word.

He holds the little Shisui in his arms, smiles at me — and in his eyes, there is no regret. Only understanding.

I take a deep breath. For today, that's enough.

Some decisions... aren't carried on the tongue. They're carried deep in the heart.

"Princess..." I hear Kitsune's soft voice in my mind. "Tsunade has awakened. She'll be taking back the Hokage position from Kakashi."

I smirk. "Well, looks like Kakashi got away with just a bruise. I can already picture the look of relief on his face."

Still, I can feel the tension doesn't ease.

It lies over every breath, every step, like a fine dust.

The war is drawing near.

Itachi will lead the Uchiha.

Izumi and little Shisui will soon be brought to safety.

But despite all these measures, the unease grows day by day.

I know I could do a lot on the battlefield.

Maybe more than I'm willing to admit to myself.

But... because of Aunt Kushina's legacy, and everything she taught me in that short but intense time, I know that standing by Naruto's side is even more important right now.