บท 31: Chapter 28: Decorating.
Author Note: Nothing of importance, just enjoy the chapter, and if you have any questions, make sure to comment!
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I'm currently updating the novel 2-8 chapters a day in patreeeeon. On chapter 38 so far, though by the end of today it will be chapter 40-42
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Enjoy you sexy bastards.
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[Arata Takeshi - POV.]
In the quiet depths of the forest to the north of Konoha, I moved through the trees, swinging my claymore in a wide arc. The blade cut through the air with a satisfying whoosh. Since the utter disappointment of the academy, this part of the forest had become my sanctuary, a place where I could train without distractions or interruptions, a place where I could actually learn something instead of sitting all day, counting the seconds to go home.
The academy was… boring, to say the least. It was far too easy, nothing but a waste of time. Unfortunately, it was one of those things you needed to do, regardless of how useless it was, in order to advance up the ladder. So, instead of just not going, I sent a shadow clone to attend in my place.
That way, I would still graduate from the academy and learn something at the same time. A two birds, one stone kind of situation.
"Focus, Takeshi," Teresa commented, looking at me. "Your form is improving, but you need to work on your footwork. It's the foundation of your technique."
I nodded, adjusting my stance and concentrating on the movement of my feet. Using a claymore, or any sword for that matter, required two things: power and speed, but also impeccable footwork. If I stumbled, even slightly, it could mean the difference between victory and defeat.
As I moved through the forms she had taught me in these past few days, creating afterimages with my rapid movements due to the constant use of the Phantom Mirage, I began to wonder how long it would take me to reach a level of strength where eliminating Danzo became an achievable goal rather than a distant dream.
As I swung my claymore in a precise arc, fantasizing about killing an elderly veteran, finding myself completely lost in the rhythm of my training, I heard the soft rustle of leaves, followed by the unmistakable presence of someone approaching. I paused, glancing towards the source of the sound, as Itachi emerged from the shadows of the trees, his arms crossed and an amused expression on his face.
"Skipping school, are we?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.
I shrugged, lowering my weapon. "You know why. It's boring and easy. There's no point in going when I can learn more out here." I smirked. "Besides, you shouldn't be saying anything. Aren't you skipping too?"
Itachi's lips twitched into a small smile. "True, I did send a shadow clone to the academy." He uncrossed his arms and took a step closer. "But you should've told me you were planning to skip. We could've skipped together. I thought we were friends; I'm hurt."
I chuckled, tilting my head. "I didn't think you'd be interested. You follow the rules to the letter."
"Well, even a disciplined shinobi needs a break every now and then." Itachi moved closer. "So what are we doing today, Takeshi?"
I slanted a look at him, the corners of my lips tugging upward. "Improving my kenjutsu. You can do whatever you want."
Itachi gave a nod of approval, lowering himself onto the ground cross-legged. "Then I suppose I'll train my shurikenjutsu."
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[At the Academy.]
Takeshi's clone trudged down the hall, heading towards the bathroom to clean his hands. The boredom of today's class was so massive he almost popped from the sheer monotony and lack of stimuli of the day. "Curse the original," he muttered under his breath as he walked. "Sending me here to suffer while he gets to train. Cruel, that's what it is. I know we clones are basically slaves, but this is inhumane."
As he pushed the bathroom door open, several pairs of hands grabbed him, shoving him against the wall.
"Well, well, look who finally showed up," Saisu Kamano, the wannabe bully of the academy, sneered, flanked by his cronies. "Time you learned some respect, Takeshi."
The clone sighed inwardly. This was the last thing he needed. "You don't want to do this; it won't end well for you. Then again, it might just amuse me, making today worth it."
Saisu's face twisted with anger. "Shut up! You think you're better than everyone else, don't you? You think because you hang out with that Uchiha that you can look down on us?"
"Oh no, it has nothing to do with Itachi," the clone replied, deadpan. "I just think none of you deserve the attention, that's all."
One of Saisu's friends stepped forward, cracking his knuckles. "Let's teach him a lesson, boss."
God, the clone could only cringe at the scene. This was beyond cliche...
The moment Saisu and his friends moved to attack, the clone sprang into action. With swift, calculated movements, he dodged their blows, redirecting their momentum against them. Within moments, the bathroom became a chaotic mess of flailing limbs and panicked yells.
"You guys should really pay attention in Taijutsu class," the clone muttered as he maneuvered them into compromising positions. "This is just sad."
"Fuck you!" Saisu hissed, throwing a punch at the clone.
The clone smiled, shaking his head in feigned disappointment as he grabbed Saisu's wrist, twisting it behind his back, and with a swift motion, shoved his head into the nearest toilet bowl. "You need a good wash," the clone quipped. "Saying bad words is bad; that's a no-no."
One of Saisu's cronies lunged at him, but the clone sidestepped, causing the boy to trip over his own feet and land face-first into another toilet bowl. "Oops, watch your step," the clone said with a faint smile.
The last of Saisu's friends hesitated, looking between his incapacitated comrades and the clone.
The clone raised an eyebrow. "You want some too?" he asked.
The boy shook his head frantically, backing away. "N-no, I'm good."
"And just like that, you are the smartest of your group," the clone said, patting him on the shoulder before calmly leaving the bathroom. Maybe the academy wasn't such a bad place for a clone to have some fun in their short life.
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[Uchiha Compound - Main House.]
Mikoto hummed softly to herself as she moved about the room, placing finishing touches on the decorations. The room was bright and welcoming, with a fresh coat of paint and new furniture arranged carefully. She had spent the last few days preparing it, wanting everything to be perfect. The walls were a soothing shade of blue, chosen to bring a sense of calm and comfort.
She placed a few framed photos on the dresser, smiling at the memories they held. One picture showed a younger Itachi, beaming with pride as he held his first kunai. Another captured a rare moment of Fugaku smiling warmly at his family during a picnic. A soft rug covered the floor, and the bed was neatly made with fresh linens. It was a room filled with warmth and care, a stark contrast to the emptiness Takeshi must have felt in his own home.
On the desk, Mikoto had arranged a few school supplies, neatly stacked notebooks, and a new set of writing tools. She even added a small bookshelf with some of her favorite childhood books, hoping to spark a similar love for reading in Takeshi. A comfortable chair was placed by the window, perfect for sitting and enjoying the view of the garden below.
Fugaku entered the room, watching his wife with a thoughtful expression. "You're really going all out, aren't you?" he remarked, leaning against the doorframe.
Mikoto turned to him, a warm smile on her face. "Of course. I want him to feel at home here. He deserves a place where he feels safe and loved."
Fugaku nodded, stepping further into the room. "The Hokage's permission was worded carefully. The clan elders believe that Takeshi has been given to us as a ward, because none else but the Uchiha's could bring him to his full potential. This means there hasn't been any significant political backlash, at least not yet."
In other words, they didn't need to put Takeshi under the care of another.
Mikoto's smile faded slightly as she considered the implications. "Do you think there will be trouble later on?"
"Perhaps," Fugaku admitted, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "But for now, we have the Hokage's support. As long as we present this as an act of protection and political importance, the elders won't have much ground to stand on."
Mikoto sighed softly, leaning into his touch. "I just want him to be happy, Fugaku. He's been through so much already."
Fugaku's gaze softened as he looked at his wife. "I know. And we'll do everything we can to make sure he feels like part of our family."
Mikoto nodded, a sad smile on her face. "Thank you, Fugaku. Your support means everything to me."
He squeezed her shoulder gently. "We're in this together, Mikoto. Takeshi will have a home here, with us."
Mikoto smiled again, her heart swelling with hope. She turned back to the room, adding a few final touches. She placed a small potted plant on the windowsill, a vibrant green fern that added a touch of life to the room. Next to it, she placed a small picture frame that held a family photo taken during a festival, everyone dressed in traditional attire, smiling brightly at the camera, a photo she had taken of Mai and Toshiro last summer.
"I hope he likes it," she murmured, arranging a few decorative cushions on the bed.
"He will," he assured her. "You've done a wonderful job."
Mikoto glanced at the room, her eyes lingering on the details. Her mind wandering between Takeshi… and Danzo, things were never simple.
Mikoto's smile faltered slightly as she turned to him, a thoughtful expression crossing her face. "Fugaku, I've been thinking about Naruto," she began softly, her voice tinged with concern. "He's just a newborn, and with Kushina and Minato gone... Is there truly nothing we can do?"
Fugaku's expression darkened slightly, and he sighed deeply. "I understand your sentiments, Mikoto. But taking… or rather trying to take Naruto in would put our clan in great danger. His status as a Jinchuriki would put us under the eyes of the village. Not only that… there's already a lot of suspicion surrounding the Uchiha clan after the Nine Tails attack."
Mikoto nodded. "I know, but it just feels wrong to leave him alone. He's just a baby. He needs a family."
Fugaku reached out, taking her hands in his. "I know. But there's nothing we can do without hurting the Uchiha as a whole. The Third Hokage has arranged for him to be cared for. While it may not be the same as having a family, it is the safest option for him and for our clan. The village needs to heal, and the suspicion surrounding the Nine Tails needs to settle. Trying to add Naruto to our household would only escalate the tensions."
Mikoto looked down, her heart heavy with the weight of their reality. "I just wanted to do right by Kushina," she whispered, her voice filled with sadness.
Fugaku lifted her chin gently, looking into her eyes. "I know… But we are doing what we can, within the bounds of safety and reason. Takeshi's situation is something we can help with, and we need to focus on him…. in time, when things get better for the clan, we might have the chance to help Lord Fourth's son."
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