Chapter 68: The Bonds That Bind

In the quiet, candle-lit interior of the Uchiha main residence, the atmosphere was unusually heavy.

Sasuke and Shizuka sat across from each other at the large, rectangular table in the family's private hall. Opposite them were their parents—Fugaku and Mikoto. The tension in the air seemed to press down on them all, silence filling the space between the flickering candlelight and the low hum of distant crickets beyond the walls.

Fugaku's sharp gaze was fixed directly on Shisui, who stood before them, silent and composed.

"Shisui," Fugaku said in a low voice, one filled with restrained emotion. "You disappeared for a long time. Explain yourself."

The moment weighed heavily.

Shisui's face remained calm, but his eyes reflected the burden of the truth he was about to share.

"It was Danzo," he said simply, voice flat but steady. "He ambushed me. He… stole my Mangekyo Sharingan."

A stunned silence followed.

Fugaku's brows furrowed sharply.

His fingers curled into a fist resting on the polished surface of the table. Anger flared in his eyes—an anger directed not at Shisui, but at himself.

His voice trembled slightly. "Am I so incompetent…? I wasn't even able to protect my own clansmen. I didn't even know of this conspiracy!"

He slammed his clenched fist lightly on the table in quiet frustration.

Mikoto gently placed her hand atop his, her touch soft and grounding.

"Husband," she said in a gentle voice, "let's focus on what's in front of us now. The past cannot be changed."

Fugaku inhaled deeply and gave a slow nod. "You're right."

He looked up at Shisui again. "Continue."

Shisui didn't hesitate.

"After I escaped, I was severely injured. I fell off the cliff, unconscious. But… I was saved by Gojo."

Sasuke blinked in surprise. Mikoto raised her brows. Fugaku simply narrowed his eyes.

"Gojo found me, treated me, and told me everything—about Danzo, the planned Uchiha massacre, and Itachi's role in it."

As the words sank in, Fugaku's jaw tightened.

"What…?" he muttered. His voice dropped to a deadly whisper. "That bastard Danzo… that damn Third Hokage… they were plotting our extermination…"

Shisui nodded solemnly.

"Itachi had been manipulated. He was about to carry out the plan—"

Fugaku slammed his hand harder against the table.

Murderous intent spilled into the room like a wave. The pressure made even Sasuke stiffen.

"My own son… prepared to kill his clansmen… for that old man?!"

Mikoto's face darkened. The warmth in her features was replaced with a cold, aching grief.

Sasuke stood abruptly.

"No! It's not true! My brother would never do something like that! You're lying!"

But Shisui's voice was calm and unwavering.

"Sasuke… I confronted him. I saw it in his eyes. He was resolved to do it."

Sasuke's fists trembled, his body still standing but shaking.

Shizuka sat silently.

Even in this timeline… Itachi's path is the same, she thought, a dull ache forming in her chest. He still chooses the burden of darkness to protect others. Stupid, noble brother.

Shisui spoke again.

"He came with someone—a masked man. He called himself Madara Uchiha."

Gasps sounded from Mikoto and Sasuke. Fugaku narrowed his eyes even further.

"Impossible," Fugaku muttered. "Madara is long dead."

"He's an imposter," Shisui confirmed. "He's only using the name to manipulate and further divide. But Gojo… he faced them both."

Fugaku raised his head.

"He… fought both Itachi and this so-called Madara?"

Shisui nodded.

"He defeated them. Forced them to retreat."

Shock washed over Fugaku's face.

A boy—just a boy—able to force back two of the most dangerous shinobi in the world?

"Such power… in someone so young… His potential is beyond comprehension."

Mikoto's lips curved into a soft smile.

"He protected us. Even though we doubted him. Even though we insulted him. He still protected us."

Sasuke dropped back into his seat. His heart felt heavy. His thoughts, chaotic.

Brother… how could you…

Shizuka turned her head slightly.

If it weren't for Gojo, she thought, Sasuke's path… it would've followed the same road of vengeance. He would've lost everything.

Her hands trembled slightly.

Did Gojo save us because of me…?

Her cheeks flushed slightly. She looked away.

Fugaku turned his attention back to Shisui.

"And now? What will you do?"

Shisui looked away.

"I… will leave the village. Live a peaceful life. Away from blood and betrayal."

Fugaku didn't speak at first.

Then, slowly, he smiled. A rare, tired, but genuine smile.

"At least now… you can live your life, Shisui. Your own way."

Mikoto gave a small nod. Shizuka simply watched with quiet respect.

It's the best outcome for him, she thought. He was always too kind for the darkness of this world.

Then Shisui looked toward the door as if remembering something.

"Before I go… one more thing. Itachi has joined the Akatsuki. As a spy."

The room grew quiet again.

Mikoto looked down, her heart heavy but also relieved.

Fugaku leaned back.

"So even now… he carries that burden. For us."

Shizuka sighed deeply, her mind echoing with the same thought.

Even now… even still… big brother chooses the dark for the sake of the light.

Fugaku turned his head toward his daughter.

"Shizuka," he said, voice low but thoughtful, "what do you think about Gojo? He is strong, capable, and someone who has already protected this clan when we didn't even ask. What would you say… to an engagement with him?"

The question struck like lightning.

Shizuka froze.

Her ears burned red, and her cheeks flushed with a deep crimson hue. She opened her mouth, but no words came out. Her heart was thudding in her chest, faster than any battle she had faced.

Mikoto giggled softly, eyes gleaming with mischief. "He really is perfect for you, you know. Kind, powerful, polite… and he clearly cares about you. He risked his life for our clan."

Fugaku nodded again, his voice steady but filled with rare warmth. "With Gojo's background and talents, this bond could do more than just benefit the clan. It could also help integrate us further with the village. It's not just a matter of strength—it's about legacy."

Shizuka's lips quivered slightly as she processed the sudden weight of the conversation. Her eyes flicked to her younger brother, unsure how he would respond.

But Sasuke's reaction came quickly.

He scowled. He stood up, his chair scraping harshly against the wooden floor, his eyes locked with his father's.

"He's our cousin! Isn't he?! Gojo's mother is your younger sister. That makes him family. It's wrong!"

Shizuka blinked.

Her expression changed drastically. Panic spread in her eyes like ripples in still water.

Wait… if Gojo really is our cousin, then… then I can't marry him. I can't complete my system task. I won't get the Mangekyo Sharingan. And worse—I… I'm already in love with him…

Her face turned pale. The blood drained from her cheeks. She felt dizzy.

Sasuke crossed his arms, smirking slightly, feeling like he'd won a battle without even drawing a blade.

Let's see you get around that, he thought smugly. No way I'm letting that idiot take my sister. Never.

But Mikoto, ever composed, raised her hand gently, her expression one of calm amusement.

"Actually," she said in a gentle but correcting tone, "Gojo's mother was adopted by your great-grandfather. So technically, there's no blood relation."

Fugaku confirmed it with a slight chuckle and a look at Sasuke. "Yes. There's no biological link. So there's nothing inappropriate about it. They can marry."

Shizuka exhaled sharply, the tension escaping her body in one long breath. Her shoulders dropped slightly as relief washed over her.

But the moment she relaxed, her eyes widened in embarrassment. Her family had seen everything—every flicker of emotion, every expression she couldn't hide.

Her blush deepened. The color in her cheeks returned with full force, and this time it wasn't from panic.

Mikoto stood and moved beside her daughter, embracing her gently with one arm.

"Don't be embarrassed," she whispered warmly. "It's normal to feel this way. You're growing up. And there's nothing wrong with feeling love, especially toward someone as admirable as Gojo."

Shizuka tried to hide her face, but it was impossible. Even the tips of her ears were red. Her mother's words only made her more flustered.

Fugaku smiled faintly, a rare sight, and stood up slowly. "This discussion has helped clarify many things. But I trust you, Shizuka. Whether it's Gojo or your own path—you must choose wisely."

Shizuka nodded silently, still overwhelmed.

Sasuke turned away, his teeth clenched.

Damn it… damn you, Gojo…

His fists trembled.

I'll defeat you one day. I'll surpass you. And I'll protect my sister from your stupid smirk. Just wait.

The boy's pride and budding rivalry burned quietly beneath his calm expression.

Mikoto patted Shizuka's head gently before walking back to sit beside Fugaku.

The atmosphere in the room slowly calmed. The earlier heaviness had faded, replaced by a quiet warmth.

In that room, amidst memories, expectations, and quiet laughter, a new future was being silently woven between them all—one stitched with feelings that were still blooming and ambitions that had just begun to stir.

End of Chapter 68

---

Want to read advanced chapter?

Give me your stone to this novel to reach the milestone that will give you bonus chapter per day!!!

5-10 Power Stones = 1 Bonus Chapter / Day

10-20 Power Stones = 2 Bonus Chapters / Day

20-30 Power Stones = 3 Bonus Chapters / Day

Please support me?

See ya!