The scent of sugar drifted thick in the air as Mikoto led the group down the sunlit market street, stopping at a brightly decorated candy stall with colorful ribbons fluttering from the corners. "All right, everyone, pick whatever you want. I'll handle the bill," she said with a gentle wave of her hand. Naruto's eyes lit up as he lunged for a stick of dango and grabbed a handful of foil-wrapped chocolates. Ino squealed in delight and scooped a paper bag full of pink sugar-dusted candies. Sasuke, with a practiced air of aloofness, chose a single lollipop and quickly turned his head as if embarrassed. Raven quietly took an ice cream cone, her eyes never leaving Mikoto as she exchanged Ryo with the merchant.
Raven licked the side of the ice cream absently, lost in thought. Mikoto seems different than before… stronger, more confident. Back when I was Kushina Uzumaki, she was a soft-spoken, and patient woman. She was always gentle, never confrontational. But now, there's a proud sharpness behind her smile. A subtle authority that wasn't there before.
Activating her Rinnegan with the barest use of chakra, Raven studied Mikoto through her sight. Her chakra flow's immaculate. Refined. No damage, no strain—just balance and power. Raven narrowed her glowing eyes. She's not just healthy. She's powerful. Stronger than she ever was when we were alive together. Could Mikoto really be Kage-level now? When did she even find time to train to this level?
As they walked past rows of colorful banners and merchant stalls, Raven's thoughts turned darker. I've heard rumors. That Mikoto's no longer just a quiet clan matron—she leads a faction now. A conservative, all-women faction, resisting the male leadership within the Uchiha. Defying Fugaku. If that's true… then her influence might rival Danzo's. Raven's jaw tightened. What happened to her after my death? What forced her to become this strong? Was it… losing me?
The group stopped near a shaded bench. Mikoto stood calmly as Sasuke and Naruto began bickering over who would get the last stick of pocky. Raven's gaze lingered. Then her breath caught. There. Beneath her calm expression—hidden, but unmistakable. Her Rinnegan focused. The Mangekyō Sharingan.
A jolt ran through her, so sharp she nearly dropped her ice cream. No one was ever supposed to know she had those eyes. How…? What triggered it? Raven swallowed. I never reached that level. Not even with all the chakra and strength I had as Kushina. The knowledge made her chest tighten. But Mikoto has surpassed me in my previous life.
And in that realization came a moment of pride… and a bit of unease.
Mikoto suddenly paused mid-step. Her shoulders tensed. She turned and looked straight at Raven, eyes narrowing as she felt a sudden invasive pressure—a probing, dissecting energy—settled over her like invisible hands peeling back her secrets.
"Raven, is everything okay?" Mikoto asked.
Raven blinked, cutting off her chakra. The Rinnegan vanished. The pressure disappeared. Mikoto exhaled slowly, the sense of tension retreating.
"My, I never noticed how beautiful your eyes are," Mikoto said, her tone soft but wary.
"Not as beautiful as yours, Elder Sister Mikoto," Raven replied with a sweet smile.
Mikoto hesitated at the compliment. "You know, I had a best friend once who used to say that to me."
"I'm sure she was a wonderful woman," Raven said.
Mikoto tilted her head. "How did you know she was a woman?"
Raven smiled faintly. "I think any best friend of Mikoto Uchiha must've been a great and powerful female shinobi."
Mikoto let out a soft, almost bittersweet laugh. "She was important to me. But she was also a pawn… a prisoner caught in political games beyond her control, and her husband's control too. They used her as leverage in war. And because of it, I lost her."
She's talking about me, Raven thought. About Kushina Uzumaki—the Nine-Tails vessel. Dressed up as a hero, but always a hostage. Never allowed peace. Always treated like a weapon.
Naruto tugged gently on Mikoto's sleeve. "Big Sister Mikoto, what are you talking about?"
Mikoto smiled down at him. "Nothing, dear. Just remembering an old friend."
Sasuke, nibbling on his candy, glanced up. "Mom, are you thinking about that one woman again? The one you always talk about? The red hot habanero?"
Mikoto froze. Her lips parted slightly. "Who told you about that nickname?"
"You did, Mom! You've mentioned it a few times."
Raven's head tilted slowly. Her brow twitched.
"Did you just say you called her the Red Hot Habanero?" she asked quietly.
"Yeah!" Sasuke said cheerfully. "Mom says that woman had a fiery temper and she'd yell a lot—like a red hot chili pepper!"
There was a faint crack as Raven's jaw clenched. Her head turned, slow and smooth, until her eyes locked onto Mikoto.
"Oh? A fiery temper, huh?" she said, the sweetness in her tone now dangerous.
Mikoto's laugh caught in her throat. "O-of course, I was just joking about my friend having… anger issues!"
She forced a laugh, looking around, suddenly uneasy.
Why do I feel like my life is in danger right now? Mikoto thought. If I didn't know any better… I'd swear my old friend is still alive and glaring daggers at me.
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