Chapter 93

"You… you…"

Izumi's chest rose and fell rapidly, her eyes filled with shame and anger as she glared at the blond youth before her.

If it weren't for the fact that this man had saved the Uchiha clan — and that the clan's future would depend on him — with her personality, she would have already attacked the moment Naruto touched her face.

After all, she had grown up as childhood friends with Itachi. Many in the clan believed that once they reached adulthood, the two would marry.

But even then, she and Itachi had never shared anything truly intimate.

Yet this blond youth… had touched her face and even embraced her...

It made her skin crawl.

Shisui watched, lips parting as if he wanted to say something.

But when he saw the dozens of young Uchiha children nearby, he could only sigh, turning away from the scene.

Instead, he found Kabuto and began discussing what came next.

"Kabuto… right now the Uchiha clan only has a handful of survivors. But the Sharingan will surely attract the attention of other villages. We must conceal our identity…"

"I understand," Kabuto said with a smile, pointing to the ground.

"Menma-sama already arranged everything. For now, you can stay in the underground base."

"The conditions down there are a bit harsh, but Menma-sama said you won't have to live there long."

"Once he finishes his preparations, the Uchiha will return to the surface — and reclaim the glory you once had."

Shisui inhaled sharply.

Only now, listening to Kabuto speak, did he begin to understand just how much preparation Menma had done for them.

If they followed his lead, the remaining Uchiha wouldn't be in danger.

In fact, in a few years, they might truly rebuild the clan...

And Menma's strength… was undeniably terrifying...

Thinking this, Shisui suddenly felt regret.

If only he had listened to Naruto's advice back then.

Half a year was plenty of time to prepare.

Even if he couldn't save the entire Uchiha, he could've rescued more of them.

His mistake had cost them dearly.

The guilt tore through his chest.

But it also made his resolve clearer — he would follow Naruto.

"Missing-nin, evil organization… none of it matters. As long as the Uchiha survive, I will give my life for it..."

With his resolve firm, Shisui turned his gaze to Izumi in Naruto's arms.

His transplanted eyes shimmered with determination.

Before, he'd hesitated — perhaps because of Izumi's bond with Itachi.

But now, he'd made his decision.

For the future of the Uchiha, sacrifices were necessary.

Besides, Menma was an extremely powerful shinobi. The Uchiha would need him if they were to rise again.

In that sense, if Izumi became Menma's woman, it would be a step up.

Shisui spoke seriously:

"Izumi, it's just the two of us now. We have to bear the burden of rebuilding the Uchiha."

"Menma-sama is our benefactor. In every way, we owe him. We must support him."

"My body is still injured, so I'll have to ask you to follow Menma-sama… and help him with certain matters..."

Izumi, who had been trying to push Naruto away, froze on the spot.

She wasn't stupid.

To awaken a three-tomoe Sharingan at thirteen, she had already gone through many life-or-death crises.

So she immediately understood what Shisui was implying.

Her heart surged with fury.

The scarlet Sharingan in her eyes spun, the tomoe trembling.

She wanted to voice her rage.

Shisui knew about her relationship with Itachi, their childhood closeness — and yet he was still offering her to this blond bastard, who had dared to touch her right after meeting her.

But when she looked at Shisui's pale face, his black eyes — no longer Sharingan — and the bloodstained shoulder, she couldn't say anything.

Once, he had been the "Shunshin no Shisui," the Instant Flash.

Now, he was a broken man — barely stronger than she was.

And those crying Uchiha children nearby...

A painful understanding formed in her heart.

The Uchiha had been wiped out.

Now, even though she was only thirteen, she had to carry the clan's legacy.

Her eyes reddened. She bit her lip, grief flooding her chest.

Seeing the girl's tears well up again, Naruto smiled softly, wiping them away once more.

"It's alright. You're still alive. Shisui is still alive. These kids are still alive. The Uchiha haven't truly been wiped out."

"Give me a few years. I'll bring the Uchiha back into the world."

"No — I'll bring you back to Konoha. And when that time comes, I'll help your clan get justice."

Feeling the warmth on her cheek, Izumi still resisted — but she no longer dared to fight back.

She gave a cautious nod.

"I understand, Menma-sama. The Uchiha will help you."

Naruto smiled at her attempt to remain respectful despite her embarrassment and resistance.

"Good. Then come with me to the room. I'm quite interested in your clan's Katon (Fire Release) techniques."

Izumi's face flushed crimson.

Though still young, she wasn't ignorant. The shinobi world was cruel — she understood what such words might imply.

She had always thought only of Itachi. Never in her wildest dreams did she imagine she'd one day be in such a situation with a man she barely knew.

But with the Uchiha clan on the brink, she didn't dare defy him.

With cheeks burning and tears glistening in her eyes, she followed him.

Shisui let out a long sigh.

But he also felt this was for the best.

After all, Itachi had annihilated the Uchiha. Even if he had his reasons, it didn't absolve him of his crimes.

It was time for Izumi to let go of her past with Itachi.

Turning to Kabuto, he said,

"Kabuto, I'll leave it to you now. Please take us to the underground base."

Kabuto nodded with a smile.

Inside the Room.

Naruto sat calmly on the bed.

The black-haired girl stood before him, so tense she didn't know where to place her hands.

After a moment of quiet observation, Naruto smiled and gently pulled her hands forward, guiding her to stand in front of him.

"Now... kneel before me. I want to take a closer look."

(End of Chapter)

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