Several consecutive, contentious scenes showed that in every meeting since then, the Uchiha returned empty-handed, and those in the know each had their own thoughts, not daring to stick their necks out.
The overall atmosphere of Konoha was rapidly dragged down, and villagers would show expressions of impatience or resentment whenever they saw The Uchiha Police Force.
[This is how the world is: when the oppressed demand their rightful benefits, they are met with hostility from others.]
[If the Uchiha want to stand up, they will overturn those who originally stood on their backs.]
[Constant compromise is not an option, but only engaging in verbal disputes will not achieve fairness.]
[Fortunately, what the Uchiha lack least is the power to fight to the death, and the fighting spirit that is about to be fully revived.]
[This is their last possibility to continue to survive.]
The screen went dark and then bright again.
On a cloudy morning, Kushina brought Kana to visit Mikoto.
Mikoto's belly was already very large, and she had been resting at home recently, not going out much, so the delivery time was probably not far off.
Kushina gently pressed her ear against it, her eyes full of curiosity and anticipation.
"No matter how many times I see it, it's still hard to believe that Mikoto has a baby in her belly~"
She suddenly sat up straight, blinking her large eyes: "Hey, Mikoto, when he grows up, can I take him to play with me?"
"Of course," Mikoto touched her belly, "I'd be delighted."
The screen flickered, showing the memories that surged in her mind.
That memory was covered with a warm, hazy filter. In the scene, Naraku, the day before his departure, was just like Kushina, carefully pressing against her, softly saying it must be a younger brother.
[When my younger brother is born, I will protect him.]
Naraku slightly curved his lips, his expression gentle and joyful, and he uncharacteristically spoke many words to her.
[In spring, I'll take him kite-flying; in summer, we'll go fishing by the river; in autumn, we'll climb mountains to pick wild fruits; in winter, I'll accompany him to build snowmen...]
[No matter what he wants to do, I'll be with him.]
Mikoto said cheerfully, "If you spoil him like that, it'll be a lot of trouble later."
[It's okay, just leave the hard work to me. My younger brother just needs to be happy.]
Naraku just smiled, looking very much like an older brother.
She never thought this would be the last time she saw Naraku's smile.
The screen returned to clear and stark. Mikoto wiped her face, leaving a streak of water on the back of her hand.
[So Naraku once truly looked forward to the future]
[He never even got to see his younger brother]
[Will Mikoto's child ever know he had an older brother he never met?]
[Yes, he will grow up listening to Naraku's stories]
[Naraku was so sensible, how could Mikoto and Fugaku ever let go?]
"Don't be too sad, Mikoto."
Kushina hugged her friend's shoulders, knowing she was still grieving for Naraku.
"Cheer up. Naraku wouldn't want to see you like this from above. You still have a baby, so you must take care of yourself."
Kana also forced a smile and said, "Yes, that silly boy, he must be pacing anxiously in heaven right now."
Slowly exhaling, Mikoto hesitated several times, as if wanting to tell them the truth about Naraku's death.
But in the end, she said nothing.
Even what the Uchiha couldn't achieve with the strength of their entire clan, telling Kushina and Kana would only drag them into danger for nothing.
[The girls are all so kind.]
[Now that the Uchiha and Konoha are at loggerheads, it makes me a bit scared... According to the plot, next...]
----------------------------------
I've already posted 70 new chapters on Patreon!
If you like the story and want to reaad more, please visit my patreon. Every support is very meaningful!
[patreon.com/Kazenova223]
Thank you very much!
"And If you're enjoying it, drop a Power Stone for me!"