Kapitel 318: 317-You have no Idea

Renjiro froze, his eyes widening. "Mikoto… gave birth?"

The realization hit him like a lightning bolt. He had been training on the floating islands for the past two weeks, completely detached from the goings-on of the clan. He'd missed the birth of Fugaku and Mikoto's second child, a momentous occasion for the Uchiha.

"It seems things are moving fast," Renjiro mused, shaking his head. He followed the crowd, the cheerful atmosphere infectious despite his initial disorientation.

Lanterns strung across the rooftops glowed warmly, their light casting soft, flickering shadows. The hum of laughter and chatter rose in waves, punctuated by the excited squeals of children darting between clusters of adults.

Renjiro's steps slowed as he approached the heart of the gathering. The scene before him was a vivid tableau of familial pride and tradition. At the entrance to Fugaku and Mikoto's home, a low table had been set, adorned with ceremonial dishes and small offerings. The aroma of grilled fish mingled with the scent of blooming night flowers, creating an ambience that was both festive and serene.

Fugaku stood tall near the table, his usually stern features softened into a rare expression of contentment. Dressed in traditional robes, he exuded an air of pride and calm authority.

Mikoto, seated gracefully beside him, cradled a swaddled bundle in her arms. Her expression was radiant, a quiet joy emanating from her as she glanced down at the tiny form of her newborn son.

Renjiro blended into the crowd, watching as Mikoto raised a pair of delicate chopsticks. Held between them was a small piece of fish, which she gently brought to the baby's lips. The sight made Renjiro's brows furrow in bemusement.

"Do newborns eat fish?" Renjiro wondered aloud, his scepticism apparent. He knew that babies had to be weaned off and start teething before they could handle solid food, let alone meat.

But the sight before him defied logic. Mikoto delicately held the chopsticks to Itachi's tiny lips, and though the baby could only nibble ineffectively, the crowd erupted in cheers each time.

"This doesn't make sense," Renjiro thought, yet he couldn't deny the warmth of the moment. It wasn't about practicality—it was about tradition, about the collective hopes of the Uchiha clan resting on this small child.

Tradition dictated that the Okuizome marked a symbolic first meal for the child, a wish for a life free of hunger. Logic, however, told Renjiro that the ritual seemed absurd.

Babies this young weren't even capable of eating solids, let alone something as specific as fish. Yet, the moment the piece of fish touched Itachi's lips, the infant stirred, his tiny mouth making an almost instinctive motion to nibble.

The crowd erupted into cheers, clapping and laughing with delight. Renjiro blinked, taken aback. 'All logic from Earth blown apart,' he mused wryly, shaking his head. He couldn't deny the warmth of the moment. Despite the absurdity, there was something deeply moving about seeing the Uchiha clan united in celebration.

Every time Itachi made even the slightest motion, the gathered clansmen cheered anew. Some called out blessings for the child's future, while others marvelled at his tiny movements as though they were the actions of a prodigy. The joyous atmosphere was infectious. Children darted through the crowd, their laughter ringing like bells, while elders reminisced about Okuizome ceremonies of years past.

Renjiro lingered at the edges of the gathering, taking it all in. The Uchiha clan, so often consumed by ambition and internal strife, seemed almost unrecognizable in this moment of unity. The pride and joy on everyone's faces reminded him of what it meant to belong to a family, however complex and flawed.

A familiar voice pulled him from his thoughts. "Renjiro, what do you think of the little prince?" It was Asa, an acquaintance Renjiro had worked with in the force who had always been quick to tease.

He grinned, gesturing toward the centre of the gathering. "Quite a moment for the clan, isn't it?"

Renjiro nodded, his lips curving into a faint smile. "It is. Itachi's already got everyone wrapped around his finger."

Asa laughed heartily. "He's going to be something special, mark my words. Named after the founder himself, no less. You missed quite the announcement while you were off training."

'Special? You have no idea!'

Renjiro's smile faltered for a moment. "I suppose I did," he said softly. His gaze shifted back to Mikoto, who was now holding Itachi up for everyone to see. The baby's small form seemed almost fragile, yet the weight of the expectations placed upon him was already palpable.

The festivities grew livelier as the night deepened. Musicians appeared, their melodies adding a rhythmic heartbeat to the gathering. Plates of food circulated, the air filling with the savory scent of roasted meats and the sweetness of rice cakes. Renjiro accepted a small plate from a passing server but found himself more interested in observing the people around him.

Everywhere he looked, there was joy. Children danced in the open space near the musicians, their movements uninhibited and full of life. Elders sat in small groups, their conversations punctuated by bursts of laughter as they recounted stories of their own youths. Younger clan members moved between the groups, ensuring everyone was well-fed and comfortable.

Renjiro's attention returned to the heart of the gathering. Fugaku stood beside Mikoto, his arm resting protectively on her shoulder as they accepted congratulations from their relatives. The sight of them together, so strong and unified, stirred something in Renjiro.

'Well, the future would be cruel to them. Unless I meddle in it.' Renjiro thought.

He was always going back and forth regarding the issue, sometime deciding to change the clan's future, other times deciding to be a spectator and save his own skin. So he decided to leave the decision when he crossed the bridge.

The crowd erupted into cheers again as Itachi let out a small sound, somewhere between a gurgle and a laugh. Renjiro chuckled despite himself.

"There he goes," he thought, his gaze lingering on the baby. There was no denying the hope and pride the clan was investing in him.

For all the joy surrounding Itachi's birth, Renjiro still couldn't shake the thought of what the future might hold.

"The whole clan is in high spirits… because their future destroyer has been born," he mused grimly, the thought a shadow amidst the light.

As the festivities began to wind down, Renjiro slipped away from the crowd. The sounds of laughter and music faded as he made his way back to his home, the quiet streets of the Uchiha compound feeling almost serene in contrast to the celebration.

Closing the door behind him, he sat down heavily, his mind still spinning with the events of the evening.

Time seemed to be moving faster than ever. One moment he was training in isolation, and the next, the clan's future was cradled in Mikoto's arms. Staring at the ceiling, he let out a slow breath. "Things are changing," he murmured. "And not all of it for the better."

Yet, despite his unease, he couldn't deny the warmth he had felt tonight. For now, the Uchiha clan was united in joy, and that was something worth holding onto, however fleeting it might be.

=====

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Kapitel 319: 318-Improvise

The moon hung low in the night sky, casting its silvery light across the quiet village. The Hokage's office stood as a bastion of authority and vigilance, its windows glowing faintly from the lanterns within.

Inside, Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, leaned back in his chair, pipe in hand, exhaling wisps of smoke that spiralled lazily upward. The room was steeped in an air of gravity, the quiet punctuated only by the occasional crackle of the lantern flame.

Before him stood Renjiro, now a black-haired ANBU operative clad in a grey cloak that blended seamlessly with the shadows. His white mask gleamed under the soft light, its simplicity belying the complexity of the shinobi beneath it. Beside Hiruzen stood Jiraiya, arms crossed, his usual flamboyance muted in the face of the weighty conversation.

Hiruzen's gaze, sharp as ever, fixed on the masked figure. "You'll be heading to Kumogakure for your rank-up mission," he announced, his voice calm but resolute. As he spoke, he released a puff of smoke, the scent of tobacco lingering in the air.

Behind his mask, Renjiro furrowed his brows. 'Kumo again?' The thought flickered through his mind like a reflex. Though his face betrayed no emotion, a subtle tension gripped him.

Kumogakure. The very name stirred unease. It was a village steeped in hostility, its history with Konoha marred by bloodshed and mistrust. Renjiro's mind drifted briefly to the stories he had heard and knew before he came to this world—of the infamous Gold and Silver Brothers, Ginkaku and Kinkaku, whose treachery had ended the life of the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju during the first shinobi war.

The enmity had only deepened during the Second Shinobi War, the most recent one, when Hiruzen, then a young leader, avenged Konoha by killing the First Raikage in battle. Whatever hope there had been for diplomacy had been extinguished long ago, replaced by a cold animosity that persisted to this day.

Jiraiya stepped forward, his usually carefree expression replaced by a rare seriousness. "Listen closely, Renjiro. This isn't just another mission. It's a critical operation." His tone was firm, his words chosen carefully. "Kumogakure has always been ambitious when it comes to harnessing the power of their tailed beasts. Unlike us, they don't shy away from pushing the limits to control them. They've been working on this for years, but recently, they've made breakthroughs."

'What breakthroughs?' Renjiro wanted to ask but held himself. If it was important to know, then they would undoubtedly inform him.

'Or are they referring to the perfect jinchuriki mode that Killer Bee had in the future, the knowledge could have been passed down.' Renjiro thought.

Hiruzen nodded, taking another puff from his pipe. "The information we've gathered indicates they are developing new methods to weaponize the Two-Tails and Eight-Tails. If they succeed, it could tip the balance of power significantly in their favour. Your mission is to infiltrate their research facility, obtain the data, and destroy it. We cannot allow them to continue."

'He makes it sound so easy,'

Renjiro thought as his posture straightened and the details sank in. "What's the estimated level of resistance?" he asked, his voice steady and professional.

Jiraiya glanced at Hiruzen before responding. "Heavy. The facility is likely guarded by elite shinobi and possibly even jinchūriki. The Raikage wouldn't leave something this important undefended."

Hiruzen exhaled slowly, his eyes narrowing. "This mission is not without risk, but your skills have been proven time and time again. You are to move swiftly and leave no trace of your involvement. If possible, avoid prolonged combat, but do not hesitate to neutralize anyone who stands in your way."

Renjiro gave a curt nod, the wheels of his mind already turning. "Understood. What about extraction?"

Jiraiya smirked faintly. "You're on your own for that. Get in, complete the mission, and get out without drawing attention. If something goes wrong…" He trailed off, shrugging. "Improvise."

Behind his mask, Renjiro fought the urge to sigh. 'Typical ANBU work,' he thought wryly.

Hiruzen leaned forward slightly, his voice taking on a more personal tone. "This mission is of the utmost importance, Renjiro. Do not underestimate the stakes. Success here could prevent countless casualties in the future."

Renjiro nodded again. "Understood, Lord Third."

As he turned to leave, Jiraiya's voice broke the silence. "Good luck out there. You're gonna need it."

Renjiro didn't respond, his focus already shifting to the task ahead. His footsteps echoed softly against the wooden floor as he exited the office. Once the door closed, Jiraiya turned to Hiruzen, his brows furrowed.

"Do you think he can handle it?" Jiraiya asked, his voice laced with concern.

Hiruzen took another slow puff of his pipe, exhaling a cloud of smoke. "Renjiro is one of our most capable operatives. He's young, but his resolve and skill are unmatched. If anyone can succeed, it's him."

Yet, despite his confident words, a shadow of doubt lingered in the Hokage's mind. He couldn't shake the uneasy feeling that had settled in his chest since assigning the mission. Forcing himself to dismiss the ominous premonition, he inhaled deeply, letting the familiar ritual of smoking calm his nerves.

Moments later, another ANBU flickered into the room, his arrival marked by the faintest whisper of air displacement. Silver hair peeked out from beneath his mask, and his posture was relaxed yet alert. Kakashi Hatake stood at attention, ready to receive his own mission briefing.

The village was silent under the cover of night, the streets bathed in pale moonlight. Renjiro moved like a shadow through the quiet lanes, his grey cloak blending seamlessly with the darkness. The soft rustle of leaves and the distant chirping of crickets were the only sounds accompanying him as he made his way to the forest's edge.

Once clear of the village, Renjiro picked up speed, his movements a blur as he darted through the trees. The wind rushed past him, carrying with it the scent of damp earth and pine. Each leap and flicker brought him closer to the Land of Lightning, his thoughts focused entirely on the mission.

The journey was long and arduous, but Renjiro's resolve remained unshaken. His mind replayed the details of the briefing, each piece of information carefully analyzed and stored. The stakes were high, and failure was not an option.

As he sped through the dense forest, his sharp senses suddenly picked up on something—a faint, unfamiliar presence lingering to his right. He came to an abrupt halt, his feet landing softly on the ground as leaves spiralled into the air around him.

His hand instinctively moved to his weapon pouch, fingers brushing against the cool steel of a kunai. The air felt heavy, charged with an undercurrent of tension. Renjiro's eyes narrowed behind his mask as he scanned the area, both with his eyes and chakra field, his body coiled like a spring, ready to strike.

Without hesitation, he made a hand sign, his voice a low murmur in the stillness. "Great Annihilation Flame."

With a sharp inhale, he expelled a massive wave of fire from his mouth. The flames roared to life, their brilliance illuminating the dark forest as they surged forward, consuming everything in their path all around him. The crackling of burning wood and the whoosh of the inferno filled the air, drowning out all other sounds.

Renjiro stood firm, his gaze unwavering as he watched the flames consume the forest cover around him. Behind his mask, Renjiro's lips curved into a small, satisfied smirk.

"Perfect," he murmured, the word barely audible beneath the chaos of the flames. His Sharingan, active and alert, scanned the surroundings, catching even the faintest movement beyond the veil of flickering firelight.

Raising his voice above the cacophony, he shouted,

"Your cover is gone! It's better you reveal yourselves now so we can end this quickly." His tone was sharp, laced with authority, leaving no room for doubt that he was in control of the situation.