章 18: 18. Ally
Initially, Kakashi had seemed to be the one. But his instinct went to someone who seemingly brings him more tranquility. Minato has a calm demeanor and a shinobi that is true to himself. Unlike Kakashi, who wasn't as experienced, Minato was more likely to be the person Guren trusted. Ultimately, Minato's stability and authenticity provide Guren with the clarity he needs, contrasting with the more turbulent and less predictable dynamic he had with Kakashi.
Minato Namikaze's reaction to Guren Uchiha's new eyes was a mix of surprise and recognition. As a highly perceptive and experienced shinobi, Minato is well-versed in the various doujutsu (bloodline abilities) within the ninja world, including the Sharingan.
Upon encountering Guren's newly awakened Mangekyo Sharingan, Minato quickly understand the significance of the transformation. Despite not being of Uchiha lineage himself, Minato has a deep knowledge of the Uchiha clan's abilities and the lore surrounding them. The distinct patterns and the power inherent in the Mangekyo Sharingan would immediately signal to him that Guren has undergone a significant and potentially transformative change.
The Mangekyo Sharingan is a rare and powerful ability, often associated with intense personal trauma and significant milestones within the Uchiha clan. Recognizing these eyes led Minato to consider the circumstances that led to Guren's transformation and the potential impact on the ongoing situation.
Minato observed Guren's newly awakened Mangekyo Sharingan with a careful, studied gaze. His eyes widened ever so slightly, and he placed a hand on his chin. He has a profound understanding of the Uchiha clan's doujutsu, including its rare and powerful transformations.
"Your eyes carry great significance, Guren," Minato said, his tone serious and respectful.
Guren stood with a straight posture, his expression carefully controlled. His eyes, usually masked with a calm facade, reveal a flicker of vulnerability as he speaks, though his voice remained steady.
"It's Danzo. I understand the gravity of these eyes," He continued with a voice that betrays a hint of underlying tension. "but Danzo's obsession with them goes far beyond my own concerns." Guren's hand brushed over his eye as he reveals his normal dark eyes.
Minato's expression deepened into a serious, contemplative frown. He leaned slightly forward as he assessed the situation. He had always been wary of Danzo's methods, which were fundamentally at odds with his own principles. "Danzo's fixation on your eyes is indeed a serious threat," Minato acknowledged with a nod of empathy. "I will arrange for your protection. But, Guren, I sense there's more to this. What else brings you to me?"
"It isn't." After a brief pause, Guren added, "I need to know where you stand, Minato-sensei. Are you truly my ally?" His gaze meets Minato's, seeking reassurance.
Minato's response was measured, leaving the tension hanging in the air.
Minato's gaze remained unwavering, his eyes reflecting both concern and resolve. He took a deliberate breath, his voice calm but firm. "That depends on what I hear next," he replied. "Guren, during your questioning session for your disappearance, you had told that Amegakure's villagers came to your aid. But they weren't just ordinary villagers, were they?"
Guren's eyes narrowed slightly, but his expression remains guarded. He clenched his jaw, though his voice remains unwavering. "No, they weren't," he confirmed, his voice unwavering. "They were the Akatsuki. Their rising influence has unfortunately caught Danzo's attention in significant ways. I was discovered being under their shelter, and so i was attacked by Danzo's Anbus."
Minato's expression shifts, his brows furrowing as he processed this new information. He crossed his arms, contemplating the implications. "And I suppose you're deeply associated with them?"
Guren nodded, his eyes reflecting a mix of resolve and vulnerability. "Somehow, I am. But let me assure you, this association is not what it might seem."
Minato's concern deepened, his gaze sharp. "Would this connection pose a threat to our village?"
Guren took a moment to choose his words carefully, sensing the weight of Minato's scrutiny. "To Danzo, perhaps. But I swear, the Akatsuki's intentions were not as sinister as they might appear. They were committed to helping those in need, much like themselves. Their goal was to bring aid and relief to those suffering."
Minato nodded thoughtfully, acknowledging Guren's explanation. He uncrosses his arms, placing a reassuring hand on Guren's shoulder. "I remember hearing about them. It's alright, i believe you." His gaze grew serious, a hint of frustration creeping into his voice. "Danzo's fixation on the Akatsuki and their rising influence is not surprising, given his tendencies. His paranoia often drives him to see threats where there might be none, especially when it comes to any force that could potentially challenge his control or disrupt the balance he strives to maintain."
Minato's expression remained contemplative as he continued, "Danzo's fear of your association with the Akatsuki only adds to his apprehensions. His obsession with maintaining control and eliminating potential threats means that he views your connection with them as a significant risk. We must be cautious not to let his paranoia dictate our actions. It's crucial to base our decisions on a balanced and objective assessment of the situation, rather than reacting solely to his fears and warnings."
Guren nodded, absorbing Minato's insights with a thoughtful expression. "Earlier, when I mentioned that Danzo was concerned about my eyes, I should clarify that, in reality, he hasn't seen them yet."
Minato's brow furrowed slightly, his gaze sharpening with curiosity. "If Danzo hasn't seen your eyes, why would you be so concerned about his reaction?" His voice carried a note of suspicion, as if trying to piece together an underlying truth.
Guren's mind raced with the weight of unspoken fears. If Danzo were to uncover the true nature of my eyes, the scrutiny and control I would face would be as severe as Shisui's. The one that hasn't happened yet. The situation would undoubtedly spiral into something far more dangerous than it is now. He held these thoughts close, a quiet tension lingering as he faced Minato's probing gaze. There was no way he could explain that.
"Danzo has had the Uchiha in his sights forever," he said. Guren leaned slightly forward, emphasizing the weight of his knowledge and the long-standing tension. "We all are aware of his animosity, far better than anyone outside the clan." His fingers, resting on his temple, then his hand moved to gesture vaguely, as if encompassing the entire history of conflict and distrust between Danzo and the Uchiha. Eventhough the biggest accident hasn't yet happened. "Especially when a great power is awakened and is mistakenly viewed as a menace." He continued.
Guren's gaze was direct, searching Minato's face for understanding, his posture rigid with the weight of his unspoken fears.
Minato's expression grew more serious as he considered the implications of Danzo's high authority. "Given Danzo's position and the level of control he wields, we need to approach this with both caution and precision. Danzo's authority means he has considerable resources at his disposal, and his obsession with control could indeed pose a significant threat. It's crucial that we handle this situation carefully to avoid escalating tensions or provoking unwanted scrutiny."
Minato's demeanor remained calm but resolute. "I will take immediate steps to strengthen your protection and to monitor Danzo's activities more closely. We must be prepared for any potential actions he might take."
He paused, his tone reflecting a mix of strategic insight and reassurance. "We need to maintain a balance between vigilance and diplomacy. It's important to manage this situation in a way that safeguards your well-being while also considering the broader implications for the village. I trust you'll keep me informed of any further developments."
Guren nodded, his posture slightly relaxing as he felt a measure of reassurance. He looked at Minato with a mixture of hope and caution.
"Is it possible that we keep this between ourselves? At least for the time being."
Minato's gaze was steady and reassuring as he gave a firm nod.
"I will ensure that discretion is maintained. Your safety and the village's stability are my priorities." He added, with a faint smile. "Let's meet again later. Staying suspiciously like this will only draw unwanted attention."
*
*
*
Guren couldn't shake the seriousness with which Minato had delivered those remarks the day before. As the first light of dawn filtered through the window, casting soft golden hues across the room, Guren awoke to the rhythmic clanking of pots and pans emanating from the kitchen. The sound was a reassuring echo of the day's start, but Guren's mind remained occupied with the weight of their recent conversation.
Guren eased himself into a seated position, the faint creaking of the mattress echoing softly. He reflected on Minato's reaction to his newly awakened Mangekyo Sharingan, the seriousness in his voice, and the unwavering gaze that had met his own. It had been impossible for Minato not to harbor some doubt, given his sharp instincts and deep understanding of the ninja world. Guren had felt the weight of Minato's scrutiny, the unspoken questions that lingered in the air.
Yet despite the potential for skepticism, Minato had chosen to place his trust in Guren. The sharpness in Minato's eyes, always so perceptive and analytical, seemed to have found a reason to believe in Guren's sincerity.
As Guren rose and moved towards the kitchen, he pondered the reason behind Minato's trust. Why had Minato decided to place faith in him, despite the uncertainties and the complexities of his situation? There was no detailed explanation of how he knew why Danzo would go after him because of the Sharingan.
The question hung in Guren's mind, mingling with the warmth of the morning sun that began to chase away the shadows of the night.
He hoped that his decision to confide in Minato had been the right one, and that the trust he had been given would not be misplaced. As he reached the kitchen, the sight of Hanako's familiar silhouette working with deft movements was a reassuring presence, a symbol of the clarity he sought amidst the chaos of his own thoughts.
"Good morning, Hanako-san," Guren greeted, his voice soft but imbued with sincerity. He took a moment to watch her as she glided gracefully around the kitchen, her movements fluid and practiced, like a well-rehearsed dance. The gentle clinking of utensils and the comforting hum of the stove created a serene backdrop to the morning's routine.
His gaze drifted around the room, searching for a familiar figure. The kitchen, bathed in the warm glow of the early sun, seemed a bit too quiet. He noticed the absence of Hotaru's usual energetic presence and guessed that she was still fast asleep, tucked away in the peace and quiet of her dreams.
Hanako glanced up from her work, her eyes warm. She offered him a gentle smile. "Good morning, Guren," she replied, her voice carrying a hint of cheerful routine. "Are you going to the training grounds again?" She placed a steaming cup of tea on the table, its aroma filling the room and adding to the comforting atmosphere.
"I don't know yet. Perhaps so."
Guren moved to the table and sat down, taking a moment to savor the peacefulness of the scene before him.
As Hanako continued with her tasks, she suddenly paused, her expression shifting as if something had just crossed her mind. "Oh, Guren," she said, turning to face him with a slightly apologetic look. "I nearly forgot—Obito stopped by early this morning. He returned your wakizashi. I placed it by the entrance."
Guren nodded, his eyes widening slightly in surprise. Although he had expected Obito to return the wakizashi eventually, the fact that he had done so so early in the morning caught him off guard. Knowing Obito, something must have been weighing on his mind; otherwise, he would never wake up earlier than Guren. "Thank you, Hanako-san," he replied, his voice carrying a gentle warmth. "I appreciate you letting me know." His tone was sincere, reflecting both his gratitude and the subtle curiosity now sparked by Obito's unusual behavior.
Curiosity and a sense of nostalgia pulled at him as he turned and walked toward the entrance. The house was quiet, the soft morning light casting long shadows along the corridor. When he reached the entrance, Guren found the wakizashi resting neatly where Hanako had placed it. The familiar weight of the blade as he picked it up brought a sense of comfort, a connection to memories that were both painful and precious.
He took a moment to examine the blade, running his fingers lightly over the hilt, feeling the cool, smooth surface beneath his touch. He hasn't held it in such a long time. As his fingers traced the familiar grooves, a wave of emotion washed over him. It was of guilt but at the same time comforting. A memory resurfaced to the day he had received the blade.
"This is an heirloom. I want you to have it."
With the wakizashi safely back at his side, Guren then made his way back to the kitchen, suppressing his conflicted feelings.
*
*
*
Guren made his way through the village, the morning air crisp and fresh. His destination was his old house, a place that held a training ground where he often sought solitude and discipline. But as he walked, a familiar sight caught his eye—the Yamanaka flower shop, nestled between other small businesses, its colorful display of blooms a vibrant contrast to the stone streets.
He hesitated for a moment before stepping inside. The shop was filled with the fragrance of flowers, a comforting blend of scents that made the space feel alive. Guren's eyes wandered over the neatly arranged bouquets, each one more beautiful than the last, until they settled on a small bouquet of white lilies. Something about their simplicity and purity drew him in.
He picked up the bouquet, his fingers brushing gently against the delicate petals. The soft touch of the flowers brought a sense of calm, a stark contrast to the usual intensity of his training. It was as if the lilies, with their quiet elegance, were offering him a moment of peace before the challenges that lay ahead.
Guren approached the counter, where the shopkeeper greeted him with a warm, welcoming smile. "Good morning, can I help you with something?" she asked, her tone both friendly and inviting.
Guren glanced at the flowers displayed, his gaze resting on the lilies. "The lilies," he said quietly. "I'll take them."
The shopkeeper's eyes flickered with a brief, soft recognition as she arranged the lilies into a bouquet. There was a subtle shift in her demeanor, a delicate trace of nostalgia that hinted at a deeper connection. Guren, however, did not notice the change in her expression. His focus was entirely on the flowers and his own thoughts.
As she handed him the bouquet, he thanked her with a polite nod. Despite the shopkeeper's unspoken acknowledgment of his past—an echo of memories shared with his late mother—Guren remained unaware of the significance. He took the bouquet and exited the shop, the delicate scent of the lilies accompanying him as he headed toward his old house and the training grounds beyond.
The shopkeeper watched him leave, her gaze lingering for a moment longer, filled with a quiet reverence for the connections that time and memory had woven into her life.
After purchasing the flowers, Guren continued on his way to the training grounds. The bouquet rested in the crook of his arm, a silent companion on his journey. The flowers seemed almost out of place against the backdrop of his serious expression and the weapons he carried, yet they added a layer of quiet beauty to the morning.
As he reached his old house, the familiar sight of the training ground greeted him, a place where he could sharpen his skills and clear his mind. But before he stepped onto the grounds, he took a moment to place the lilies in a small vase near the entrance. The sight of the flowers standing there, delicate and white, brought a subtle sense of balance to the austere surroundings.
With a final glance at the lilies, Guren turned and walked onto the training ground, the calm they brought him lingering as he prepared to begin his practice.
週次パワーステータス
-- 推薦
ランキング 
-- 推薦
チケット