章節 17: 17. Gamble

Today, Guren had taken Hotaru around the villages. She had not been outside the compound for so long. He had promised her a few days ago and Hanako already gave them her permission in a condition that he had to bring her before sunset.

Hotaru had listed a few places she'd liked to visit and eat. He didn't mind it, consider the fact that he won't lose anything from it except for his pocket money. He was reluctant at first, asking himself why money has to be involved in whatever era he's in. Hotaru though, didn't even spare him a mercy and had asked for toys and accessories for her hair. He had second thoughts before spending it on unnecessary things although all he did was gave in when the girl had shown him her puppy eyes and boy he was weak towards that.

Guren had taken a break from his usual activities, from training or even communicating with anyone except for Hanako and her children. Even his team that had tried to greet him before- he'd ignored them all, saying he's not feeling well.

Of course it wasn't a waste of time. He had to lay low for awhile, he can feel the eyes watching him from afar. All he had in mind at the time was that they were probably Danzo's people. Thus this has led to the reasons why he hadn't experimented on his new eyes yet.

Firstly, he didn't want to be find out by Danzo. Who knows if what will happen to Shisui in a few years to come will happen to him now if he were to be found having these eyes. Secondly, there was no one he could use his Mangekyo on without revealing that he had gained one.

There are two people with Mangekyo Sharingan whom Guren knew would be able to help- the clan's leader, Uchiha Fugaku and his own supervisor, Uchiha Shisui.

Guren had met Fugaku twice in his life, only when Hamada had brought him to visit the family. Once when Itachi was born and another was when Fugaku wanted to see Guren's progress after hearing that his Sharingan had awakened. Although through all those times, he noticed that Hamada never really likes it when he had to bring the boy to Fugaku.

Other than those times, Guren had simply greeted Fugaku when he saw him, then left without conversing any further.

Even so, asking for help from the clan's leader isn't what Guren would likely do. There is too many risks to take. He didn't want to gain unnecessary attention like Shisui did. This will further restraint his movements to take any actions.

The latter, was a much better choice. Uchiha Shisui isn't someone who would give his subordinate's secret to anyone. He's that trustworthy, but if there is the only thing that would make it a problem is that Shisui is loyal to Konoha. He will take a side that is different from Guren's, so it is likely for Hiruzen to find out about his Mangekyo.

He wondered if the Root has certain places they aren't able to enter except for noble clan's compound. Certainly, they can't enter the prideful Uchiha's as they like because from his observation up until now, he can't feel any Root in the clan-- whenever he's at home.

Even so, he needed to sort out his thoughts properly.

It was all over his head, waiting to explode. Not until Hotaru had asked him out that he won't stop thinking.

"Guren, look! An apple candy!" She beamed while tugging the hem of Guren's shirt. Then she ran off to the stall.

"Hotaru!"

*****

Uchiha Obito had failed in bringing back Guren's father home alive. Eventhough he had promised Kakashi, Guren had already arrived safely in Konoha.

After finding the body of Uchiha Hamada, Obito and Genji were stuck in the battle. Not only them but also a team of medical shinobi who tried to help bring the dead bodies back, were unable to get back to Konoha. Fortunately, they were able to return not long after that with the helps of unfallen jonins and chunins although, by that time the battle was already over.

When he had came to, Guren was already in the hospital, not allowing anyone to visit him except for Shisui.

The only one thing that he had managed to bring back home was a new pair of Sharingan that he had never expected to awaken during those time he had stepped in front to protect the other medical shinobi.

Today was the first he had seen the boy since Guren had been avoiding everyone for the past few days. Although today, in his grip held a small hand. The owner of the hand was none other than Guren's little cousin, Hotaru. Apparently, Hotaru is the closest to Guren so whenever he spent time at Hanako's, the one Obito would see to be together with him was always Hotaru.

Obito was watching from a distant.

Just now when he was with Rin and Kakashi, talking about their worries of Guren's sudden change of behaviour after the death of his father. He tends to avoid people and only cold treatment was given to whoever came to greet him. It was understandable, nevertheless the concern they felt towards the boy was relentless.

Kakashi had said to leave Guren alone for a few days, "Everyone have had losses."

And Obito can't help staring at his teammate's patched left eye when he mentioned that.

He had asked Kakashi once about it and all he said was nothing but empty words that can make Obito go mad.

Although when his glance shifted to Rin standing next to Kakashi, he felt relieved that she wasn't wounded badly and she told Obito that the grey head had saved her from being harmed.

Obito only had guesses but Kakashi really had changed. Perhaps he was just embarrassed to speak of his eye.

It made him want to annoy Kakashi.

Sometimes, the naught in Obito had greatly rose and he had revealed of his new eyes to Kakashi, earning a slight eyetwitch from him. How badly he had boasted of his Sharingan despite the eye that Kakashi had lost. Honestly if Obito had a talent, it is to make Kakashi annoyed.

Right now, Team 7 was told to take a rest. They had partaken in something big and played a significant role in the battle. So they had been given an excuse for doing a good job.

It hadn't been that long since they took off and heading towards Ichiraku Ramen's. That was when they saw Guren and Hotaru.

He looked a little better.

They were hesitant at first but Rin stepped forward, waving her hand. "Guren!"

After realising their presence, Hotaru hastily hugged Guren's leg from behind, her glares shot up at the three of them.

"Rin-san?" Guren patted Hotaru's back, "They're good guys." he whispered to the girl as she loosened her grip on him, believing in his words.

To their surprise, Guren responded well, unlike the cold treatment Team Genji had received back then.

"Hey, Guren." Obito spoke up, still feeling a bit awkward after what had happened. His mind immediately thought of Hamada's face and Guren's back against him at the funeral. He felt guilty.

However, Guren didn't even hint his sadness. A small genuine smile was plastered on his face, "I'm glad you're all doing fine."

Everyone knew what he had been referring to.

"That's right, the battle is over now." Kakashi muttered.

"What about you?" Rin interrupted.

Guren didn't spit a word. Rin's question was answered with just another smile from the genius Uchiha.

"And what are you doing in the middle of the street?"

Guren turned his head towards Hotaru. She was still standing close to him. "Just.. bringing her around."

"And what is your name, little miss?" Rin bent down and lowered her eye level to the child's.

Hotaru had her eyebrows together in a frown. "... Hotaru."

"She's Guren's little angel. Always stuck with him at home." Obito interrupted.

Suddenly, they can hear a loud growling coming from Guren's. They simultaneously look at his calm face.

"... It wasn't me." He said.

But no one believed him.

They had decided to go to Ichiraku together, ordering the largest ramen available. Hotaru was in the middle of slurping her noodles when she stopped midway. Her eyes darted toward Guren, a bit worried if it wasn't good to eat this much. When she looked at his face, he had nodded, indicating that it was fine. Although in his tiny little heart, he had wished that he has enough money to pay the bill. Seeing how Hotaru was smiling brightly, he just decided that he was willing to wash the dishes otherwise.

Hotaru was enjoying her ramen with Rin by her side, staring in adoration. Sitting one meter from them were Obito, Guren in between and Kakashi, taking his seat at the very end. They had ramen served in front of them except for Guren who had only asked for a hot tea.

"I really thought that was your tummy angry."

"You hurt my feelings." Guren dead-panned with his eyes closed but his expression remained the same. Obviously, he didn't mean what he said but Obito was dense enough.

"Ack-- why didn't you feed your cousin then? Don't blame me for getting it wrong."

Guren hands stopped from sipping the tea, "I was a little bit distracted."

They all went silent at that. Apparently the boy had suffered from the battle and from what they've heard, he was treated by Amegakure's villagers. Only after he was fully recovered that he had asked to go back home and when he did, a bad news hit him. They all felt bad.

The silence were suddenly broken by Guren himself, as if noticing their concerns.

"I'm doing fine. Things happened but i don't plan on lingering on it for long." he said, composed like an adult.

He added, "Because we're shinobi, death happens all the time."

They were shocked, his mind was truly made to think maturedly but they understood that if Guren felt that way, they had no rights to go against what he believed. Now that he looked better, they didn't want the boy to be reminded of sadness again.

Obito raised an eyebrow. "Is that so?"

He nodded, "I'm grateful that you're all doing well."

"Say, Guren," Obito continued, "What happened back when you were on the job?"

"Oh, don't ask, Obito. I'm sure he had a hard time. Besides, he's been told to rest." Rin cut in.

Guren took a sip of the tea and stared dagger into it. "It's alright, there's nothing much to talk about. I was simply defeated by a rogue ninja and I spent my time resting in a village until I recovered fully, then came back to Konoha. The people there were kind to me."

"When they knew who I was, they helped me go back."

The topic they were talking about was rather uncomfortable. Obito didn't want to hear it. He felt a rush of guilt whenever they talked about the battle, so he raised his voice to talk to Hotaru instead.

"Hotaru-chan, do you like it?"

The girl nodded. "Oni-san, this is so good."

"If you want more, tell me."

"Really?"

He nodded his head, giving a smile.

"Thank you, Oni-san."

"Guren, you're a respectable guy." Kakashi spoke, his eyes forward.

Obito nodded in agreement as well as Rin who had been listening from afar.

"... Thank you," was Guren's late response.

They all started to dig in their food after that.

Kakashi however, stole a glance next to him. What he had found perturbed him a little. Guren's face was grim, maybe a little darkened but the only one who noticed was Kakashi himself. Obito was distracted by the ramen while Rin, on Hotaru's messy eating.

'Does he hate being complimented?'

"By the way Guren, there's something i want to show you."

Obito put down his chopsticks. Then he covered his eyes with a hand.

Guren had his eyebrows raised, wondering what Obito was doing until he revealed a pair of scarlet eyes with two tomoe, eyes that every Uchiha knew so well.

Unlike the others, Guren didn't have a strong impression. All he did was congratulated him and continue sipping on his tea.

Obito was disappointed. "Why aren't you surprised?"

"Because Guren had awakened his Sharingan long before you did." Kakashi said, satisfied with his statement. "Stop bragging if you don't want to lose shame."

"You--" Obito was flustered, his face turned a bright red. "A-anyway, how is it now? Where are you staying at?" He covered, clearing his throat but then turned serious.

"Hanako-san's." Guren answered dryly.

Perhaps he didn't want to be asked anymore. Rin elbowed Obito for being insensitive.

"I had to move my things over there this whole week, so i have been a bit busy." Guren added, trying to reduce their worry. "I'm truly fine now so you don't have to be bothered about hurting my feelings."

"Really?"

"Yeah so don't bother him anymore!" Hotaru suddenly interrupted, "Stop overreacting you bastard."

And they all simultaneously looked at the said Uchiha in shock.

Was Guren wrong about Hotaru being a sweet child?

With a calm face, he spoke, "No, i didn't teach her that."

No one believed him.

"I told Kakashi that he's worst than a scum if he leaves a comrade behind."

Guren had wondered why Rin was still alive and Kakashi lost his eye. They didn't deviate from the original. When he asked Obito if he had said anything to Kakashi, Obito answered it proudly.

The only thing that had changed was Obito's status.

Rin was saved because Kakashi had listened to that famous quote.

But what triggered Obito to say them if not to save Rin?

Guren was the answer.

Somehow, Guren had slightly understood what happened.

Unlike Shisui who was closer to Hiruzen and also from Uchiha. Guren wanted to choose someone who doesn't have anything to do with the clan. Fugaku won't know. Hiruzen won't get suspicious.

Now that Kakashi had broken the rules of shinobi and has the mindset to prioritise his friends first.. Guren just wanted to bet on him.

Today, just like any other days at the training ground of his old house- there were no eyes watching. It was night where a full moon beamed, brightening the dark sky. Guren's eyes wondered around, looking for any signs of his expected guest. Then, came a voice from behind. Soothing but filled with curiousity, the man said, "It's a bit late to ask for a meeting. What's wrong?"

Guren turned around, seemingly a bit calmed after looking at the figure. Then his eyes suddenly spinning into a different scarlet, the ones he never shows to anyone.

It was like a whole new Sharingan.

"I need your help, Minato-san."

*****