บท 58: Chapter 53: And… Itachi Is Traumatized.
Author Note: Nothing of importance, just enjoy the chapter, and if you have any questions, make sure to comment!
And like always, remember if you want to read up to 18-22 chapters ahead go to https://www.patreón.com/cornbringer
I'm currently updating the novel 2-8 chapters a day in patreeeeon. On chapter 69 so far, though by the end of today it will be chapter 71-74
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Enjoy you sexy bastards.
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[Arata Takeshi - POV.]
Our sensei had enrolled us in the Chunin exams.
I will be the first to admit that I hadn't seen that turn of events coming my way. Not by a long shot. I mean, sure, I had mused about the idea of having a bigger challenge here and there, seeing that Genin life had been mostly boring, but I had never voiced my concern.
Mostly because I imagined it would've been rather pointless, seeing that we only graduated from the academy a few months ago, so in a way… it felt almost disrespectful to ask for a promotion so soon after the first one.
But hey, I wasn't going to complain. You know what they say: don't look a gift horse in the mouth. So, if the opportunity was presenting itself so easily, I was simply going to take it and make the most out of it.
Does this mean I thought I was going to pass the exam? I wasn't sure. Maybe if the passing grade was based on strength alone, sure, but there were many factors in play in the exams, other than just pure combat skill, so I wasn't sure about what the outcome would be.
Though… if you asked me personally, I think I had a very decent chance of getting that promotion.
But even if that wasn't the case, I was still glad for the opportunity, nonetheless. The chance of fighting against other Shinobi without restriction, most of whom their respective villages think are ready to be Chunins, was… too good of an opportunity to miss out on.
We had three months to prepare for the exams.
Three months free of missions, and anything other than training.
More than enough time to get ready.
"I can hardly wait," I muttered, a faint smile on my face.
I truly hope these exams don't end up being a disappointment, like the Genin exams… my memories of the anime show a lot of entertainment value in the exams, so my expectations were high, so here's to hoping they don't disappoint.
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[Uchiha Compound - Main House]
Mikoto sat across from Fugaku, her face etched with worry only a mother could feel. She had been pacing the room before finally sitting down, unable to shake off her concerns. "Fugaku, they're too young for this," she said, her voice trembling slightly. "The Chunin Exams are dangerous. They're just kids. We can't let them take the exam!"
Fugaku remained calm, his eyes steady as he met his wife's gaze. "I understand your concerns, Mikoto, but they're not just any kids. Takeshi and Itachi are prodigies, the future of the village. In their short lives, they've demonstrated skills and maturity far beyond their years."
Mikoto sighed, rubbing her temples. "I know they're talented, but talent doesn't mean they're ready for something like this. The exams are dangerous and have no rules… each year, more and more kids die taking the exam… What if something happens to them? I can't bear the thought of losing them."
Fugaku reached across the table, taking her hand in his. "Mikoto, I worry about them too. But this is an important step in their growth. They need to face challenges to become stronger. Shielding them from every danger will only hinder their development."
Mikoto's eyes softened, but the worry didn't leave her face. "I just… I just want them to be safe. Takeshi already lost his parents. I don't want him to face more danger than necessary, and Itachi is so… kind, too kind for our world. I just think they need more time before taking this step."
Fugaku nodded, understanding her fears as one of his hands ran through her hair. "I understand your worry, my love. But I believe their sensei, Yamato, wouldn't have recommended them if he didn't believe they were ready. But if it will ease your mind, I'll keep an eye on them. I'll make sure they're safe."
Mikoto looked at him, a glimmer of hope in her eyes. "You promise?"
"I promise," Fugaku said firmly, bringing her close to him. "I'll ensure they return from the exams safely. Be that as it may, I ask you to trust in their abilities, and trust in me when I say that they'll be fine."
Mikoto took a deep breath, smiling at him. "Thank you... It's just… hard. They're still so young."
"I know," Fugaku said softly, kissing her on the forehead. "But they're also strong. We've raised them well. Have faith in them, and in us."
Mikoto nodded. "Alright. But please, keep a close watch on them."
"I will," Fugaku assured her, giving her another kiss, this time on the lips. "They'll come back stronger and more prepared for the future. And they'll have us to support them every step of the way."
Mikoto released a soft sigh, leaning into Fugaku's arms. It was a safe place, a comforting place, where the worries of the world seemed to dissolve into nothingness. But as much as she wished she could stay in that moment forever, she knew it couldn't be. Their sons had chosen their paths… and she couldn't help but worry about them.
"Though… if you still need some peace of mind, I might have a way to make you forget about all this," Fugaku whispered, a playful yet naughty glint in his eyes. Normally stoic and stern, moments like these were a reminder of the man she had fallen in love with – a man who was capable of softness and humor amidst the harsh realities of their world.
Mikoto chuckled. "And how will you do that?"
His answer came as a mischievous grin that tugged at the corners of his mouth. "Well, I can think of a few things," Fugaku replied, softly nuzzling his nose against hers. The soft laughter that escaped her lips was a gentle melody to his ears, as the tension in her body melted away.
"How can you think of that in a moment like this?" Mikoto giggled, playfully hitting his shoulder.
Fugaku merely shrugged, his grin never wavering. "Well… is working is it not? Besides, the babies are sleeping…"
"Fugaku!" Mikoto reprimanded, crossing her arms.
"Yes, my love?" Fugaku replied, his voice dropping to a husky whisper as he gently brushed a few stray locks of hair behind her ear, relishing the softness against his rough hands.
Mikoto could feel the heat rushing to her cheeks, looking at her husband both annoyed and happy. "You're impossible," she murmured, failing to keep the smile off her face.
Fugaku chuckled lightly, cradling her closer into his arms. "And yet, you still love me."
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[Uchiha Itachi - POV]
Just as Takeshi and I were making our way back to our house, being done with today's training, Takeshi suddenly stopped us in our tracks, his expression changing, as he said that it was within our best interest to stay with Shisui for the night.
Based on the tone of his voice, and his lack of worry, it was easy to deduce it wasn't anything life-threatening.
So, I had to admit that I couldn't help but be a bit curious. I knew Takeshi wouldn't suggest staying at Shisui's without a good reason; after all, that meant putting up with Shisui's endless antics for hours on end - something Takeshi usually avoided.
However, every time that I asked for clarification, his response was that he was doing it for my own good. I didn't like that answer, as it implied that whatever the reason was… it was something that I wouldn't be able to deal with.
"Takeshi, I'm not a child," I protested, feeling frustration welling up within me.
"I never said you were," he replied calmly, his silver eyes meeting mine with unwavering resolve. "But there are some things that are...better left unseen."
His vague responses only served to fuel my curiosity even more. "You either tell me, or I will go and check for myself."
"Be my guest… if you want to see how your new sibling is being conceived, you are free to go," Takeshi said, the corner of his mouth twitching upwards in a knowing smirk.
My eyebrows shot up to my hairline. "What do you—" The realization hit me like a lightning bolt, and I felt my face turn red as a ripe tomato. "Oh," was all I could muster.
….
...
....
"So, going to Shisui's, you say?" I eventually muttered.
Takeshi's smirk widened as he nodded, patting my shoulder sympathetically. "It's the lesser evil, trust me."
Lesson learned… I will not question Takeshi next time he's evasive… I could've saved myself the experience of knowing what my parents were doing right now.
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