Hello, and welcome to the next chapter.
Jose19; That's Danzo for you.
djb0625; It was quite emotional huh? I don't speak Japanese fluently, but I do know some Japanese.
Isao Gin; He is yeah, and it is, it's going to help shape him and his future goals. Hehe, thanks~ He's one of it not the youngest to awaken it yeah. Astaroth Heir yes, Sitri Heir probably not, gonna rewrite one day, don't know when yet. And thanks!
TheChamp123; Thanks very much! Here's the chapter, hope the wait wasn't too bad~ He very well could do, it's a cool power that I've always liked. They will be yeah.
Pinkflamingwarriorofjustice; Shisui was poisoned, and he didn't have a way for him to cure it. We'll see what happens with Izumi quite soon. Ryouta's going to be going through quite the grieving process, but with his friends and loved ones...he's going to do his best to pull himself together, and try his hardest. Ryouta will be suspicious of Itachi, not exactly angry. For the moment, he isn't, but he'll try his best to get back to how he was before.
Jp18rc; Thanks! It is a good idea.
TheRagFromTheCrag; Thanks for the suggestions!
HolyKnightX; It was quite the emotional chapter huh. They did manage to work together at least, and stop Tobi for a little while. They'll do their best to provide assistance to him. He could've left that yeah~ Maybe she might~ Izumi's going to be important for the story regardless of what happens.
Bowzer15; Thanks! It's quite complicated yeah~
lord web of life of destiny; Thanks!
ShadowUzumaki55; It was quite emotional. Ryouta has been through quite a bit, this is a blow that nearly destroyed him. Sugaru's still going to be around, we'll see what happens with him. What his clones did, one will become apparent in this chapter, what others did will be revealed as the story goes on, the same with the order that Tobi has from Shisui now. We'll see what happens with that~ Ryouta does have it, and he'll begin using it rather soon.
Silver crow; It was quite the emotional chapter. It is, and it will come into play through the story, that's all I can say right now. Sugaru's going to be going through some stuff. It was quite hard. Thanks very much! Yeah, it might just be. Hiruzen will do something. He might end up just doing that. Ryouta's going to be going through his own journey this chapter, and with some help...he's going to try and be back to his normal self. It would do yeah. Maybe they might meet like that one day~ Who knows, maybe they could, a fight between Ryouta and Shisui would be epic when he's older. He wont succumb to it, he's the unusual uchiha after all haha~ Yamato could be. That would be a good idea yeah. That would be good for RWBY. I'm not fully up to date yet, but that looks good to me. I haven't read them either. He could have them. I don't see why not. They're pretty cool girls~ He could be a half breed yeah. Grayfia wont be. He'll use it when it's truly necessary to do so. He could do. Maybe so. It will be revealed soon about his Mother. The massacre is coming up very soon. Great Black Clover ideas! He would meet them if he was near them. Thanks for the suggestions! Hotaru could be. Pakura could be yeah. He will get summons, Sage Mode is a possibility also~
Guest 1; Thanks very much! I'm glad you're enjoying it so far. Definitely this is good for developing some characters, it's really hard for Ryouta. It will make him question a number of things in his life, and the world around him.
Guest 2; Yeah, it was quite heartbreaking. Sugaru had little choice thanks to Danzo. Sugaru's going to be going on his own kind of journey, what happens to him we'll see. Thank you~ I looked it up, and yeah, that would fit rather well. I understood no worries~ It would have been the Six Tails most likely. They could get swords, and use them differently, Ryouta will have some kind of weapon regardless.
Guest 3; Thanks!
Guest 4; Ryouta will be known for his speed like Shisui in the future. They are very fast. I can't reveal about that just yet, any kind of healing ability. Eventually he'll have great chakra control yeah. He might have those weapons, he might have some other weapons to use in Susanoo.
Guest 5; Quite heartbreaking, Ryouta's gone through quite a bit. He could find one, it would be rather interesting if he did, and yeah, it was rather implied Itachi found them, somewhere. I think either of those ways would be cool, the second option could be used for some development.
Guest 6; Hehe, it was quite the tear jerker~ Ryouta's going to be dealing with it in his own way. He does like cooking, it isn't brought up much, but he cooked a lot for Shisui when he came home from missions and it became something he actually quite liked to do. He also likes artistic stuff, like drawing, painting and other things of that nature.
Guest 7; Ryouta will be meeting a number of people, both alive and deceased~ He could do if he believed they'd be like that. Those are some good examples, thanks for the suggestions! It doesn't, they're rather valid points. No worries~ And yeah, it's got some sad moments here, but it's also got some hopeful ones too.
Guest 8; He would yeah, he's seen a few people do it with his Sharingan now, so he could learn it. When it's needed he could do yeah. He will master a number of things by the time he's an adult.
Brainstorm Sorcerer; It was quite the emotional part of the story yeah. Yeah, their bond was rather special, and now Ryouta's without it...it's going to be hard for the young man. He does have Itachi...we'll see where their relationship leads. He could do something like that, it would be a pretty cool ability if he did. He'd be able to make use of some cool abilities with his Susanoo, mixing in the Mangekyou Sharingan abilities he has. There are pictures of them in the home. I'm not really sure of the difference between them, they're basically the same thing. If he had that, then yes he would be able to awaken the Rinnegan eventually. Ryouta will be able to move that fast someday to create them. We'll see some, people like Zabuza and Mei's will come later. That would be cool if his was to copy the others abilities. Yeah, it's never really stated why they get the powers they do, I've seen some interesting theories about why they have their powers, like ones have to do with how they awaken it, or their personalities affecting their abilities. It most likely will resemble that only a different colour to green. He will, Ryouta will become rather powerful as the story goes on. I'll have to check it out~ Fugaku and Ryouta will speak, when they do, it's going to showcase a few things. Yeah, it's definitely going to be hard for Ryouta now. Thanks for reading it!
beenjammin0421; Yeah, it was a chapter filled with emotion and pain. Thank you very much, I tried my best. He wont turn out like that, Ryouta's going to do his best to overcome this after he remembers a few things about his brother. Thanks for the votes! That's true, he could become a swordsmen. It does fit rather well that style. Yeah, this chapter is the aftermath of that.
MDM11; He'll have some strong teachers as the story goes on. He might gain one of their swords later on~ Those having those releases would be fun to explore. Those three having the eight gates could be fun. Some kinder members perhaps could do. He could unlock those powers. Those summons would be good. Thanks for the suggestion!
War Sage; Thanks! It was quite sad huh. There could be a reason behind that~ Ryouta will realize he most likely has it, but due to the trauma of the situation, he'll be unsure of how to use them, but that wont be for long. Ryouta will get a scene like that. It does, Shisui at least helped him one last time. I'm not sure many really knew of Root, Ryouta at his age at least doesn't know about Root. He wont fall to the curse of hatred. Maybe they could if she was~ He has some but not to Karin level right now. He knows Great Fireball, Running Fire and Substituion along with Genjutsu Sharingan and while nowhere near Shisui's level, he does know the Body Flicker, he'll learn more as the story goes on. Danzo's opinion, he'll be very unsure for a good while. He could get that yeah~ I don't see why he couldn't go there. He'd have to fight at a younger age, so he'd have to learn how to fight quicker.
Guest 9; One handed signs he very well might be capable of doing in the future. Even no handed, I don't see why not.
Guest 10; He'd be able to use the default powers yeah. For unique powers, I'd have to think of anything that could fit. He would be able to decipher that yeah. I'd probably look up some powers, and put it to a vote, but suggestions always welcome. Perhaps it would be difficult. That's a pretty cool power, I like it!
Guest 11; He could be a sensor or have senory capabilities.
Guest 12; Those are some cool powers, thanks for sharing with me! I think by the near end, it would be fine if he had those.
Guest 13; That would be a cute moment between the two of them~ It could be, in this Ryouta will support Naruko, especially after finding out she has Kurama inside. Thanks very much! No worries at all~
Guest 14; It's quite strong, and since it's fully matured, he'll be capable of doing some cool stuff with it. He'll become a master of both yeah. Yeah, he can do some crazy stuff with the Sharingan. He'll be able to use a number of things with the Sharingan yeah.
Guest 15; Danzo will get whats coming to him, and he'll be forced to experience it with Ryouta's power. I can't answer what's gonna happen to Danzo, but I can say it's going to be rather cathartic.
Skull Flame; It really did yeah.
JhotoLoraxius; When we reach that age, there will be. There's a good number of people who could.
Andrew123456; It really was quite heartbreaking, and I'm glad it was quite impactful. He might get that~
Guest 16; I checked that out, and it would work really well. That would fit with Ryouta's Susanoo. That's a good way of doing it, thanks for the suggestion! No worries, I enjoyed reading it~
Guest 17; He might be able to~
Guest 18; I checked it out, and yeah, that fits rather well. I'd say that's a good representation of what it would look like.
Guest 19; The harem wasn't the reason for those stories. It depends on what I'd want for the story, if a harem or not a harem would fit.
Anime PJ; Quite the hit to the feelings huh~ It was quite the tradgic event that happened. He is going through quite a lot in his young life, but it will get better eventually. It does, and there will be.
Guest 20; It could be a case like that. I looked it up, and it looks pretty cool~ For EMS, yeah that would work quite well. Thanks for the harem suggestions! It's a good idea~ No, it isn't at all~ Those would be cool designs if he does have Sage Mode in the future. Looks good to me, thanks for the suggestions!
Guest 21; Yeah maybe~
Well, with those lovely reviews out of the way, it's time to start the chapter!
Ryouta's Grief
When Ryouta's eyes shot open...he saw that his body wasn't covered in wounds anymore.
He began recalling what had happened the previous night, or what he thought was the previous night. He hoped that it was a dream that he experienced. Going through his memories, with Sugaru's attack, the Anbu's attack, how he met Tobi…
It was all coming back to him.
But it was slow to return.
Perhaps because Ryouta didn't want to remember, he was trying to block his own thoughts from going back to that horrible experience.
He peered out of his window, and saw the sun beaming down.
When he went to go out of his room...he felt a twinge in his leg.
He remembered the pain that he suffered.
"So...it wasn't a dream..."
He murmured.
It hadn't hit him yet about his elder brother.
But, it soon came when he began walking down the stairs.
"S-Shi-chan…."
He began to panic.
He recalled Shisui's last moments, he remembered what happened with him going over the edge of the cliff side. He remembered being attacked by Sugaru, being confronted by Tobi, everything that had happened...
He saw Izumi sat there, with her eyes vacantly staring at the table. From the looks of it, it seems that she had been sat in the same position for a while, unmoving, as if she was waiting for something.
"Izumi-chan..."
Izumi's eyes went towards Ryouta, and gave a sad smile.
Ryouta looked perplexed for a few moments.
"Izumi-chan...Shi-chan's...okay...right?"
Ryouta didn't want to believe that Shisui was gone.
But Izumi delivered a harsh truth that shocked his reality.
"I...I'm sorry Ryou-kun..."
From her tone, and how sad she was…
He knew that his dream, wasn't a dream.
That his reality had been set before him…
"...He's gone, isn't he Izumi-chan?"
Wordlessly, Izumi stood up and went over towards him. Sitting down nearby him, she pulled him over to the couch, and allowed his head to fall onto her shoulder. Ryouta silently stared at the floor, he couldn't even begin to think on how he felt.
He couldn't even show sadness.
He couldn't show rage.
All he could do was think about what led to the circumstances behind Shisui's death.
"...Sugaru..."
"What sweetheart?"
Izumi didn't hear what he said, but she felt the young boy quaking within her arms.
It was clear that he was visibly distraught.
"Sugaru...he did this...he took Shi-chan away..."
"Ryou-kun..."
Ryouta got out of her arms, and shot off up the stairs.
Izumi became worried, and she ran off upstairs after him.
Getting to his room, she saw that he was packing some scrolls, along with looking determined. He held a short sword on his back, several kunai and shurikens. He even grabbed some light bombs, smoke bombs, among other things.
"Ryou-kun what are you doing?"
"I'm going to go find Sugaru."
Izumi gave a disheartened expression.
She felt the same.
She didn't want Sugaru to get away with what happened
"...I know how you feel sweetheart, I remember it with my Dad, and how I was angry at what happened...I also hate Sugaru for what he's done...but, he's gone already."
"G-Gone? What do you mean he's gone?"
Izumi shifted side to side as she began explaining.
"You've been asleep for three days Ryou-kun. The shock of what happened, the wounds on you. He...He's gone Ryou-kun. Hokage-sama has sent Ninja's to track him down...but, no one's found anything yet..."
"T-Tobi...w-was it him…?"
Izumi gained a confused expression.
"Who's Tobi?"
"...The man that's been watching me...he might be an Uchiha...Shi-chan fought him...he stopped him from taking me..."
Izumi gave a troubled expression.
"...Someone's been watching you?"
Ryouta nodded.
"Shi-chan...was looking into it...and now he's dead..." As he spoke, he welled up, fresh tears beginning to sting his eyes. "...Shi-chan's really gone...why did he have to die…?"
Izumi gave a pained expression.
"I don't know..."
"...Shi-chan was a good person...and he's really...gone...a funeral...I have to...arrange a funeral..."
"A funeral...would be nice. But his body...there isn't one Ryou-kun...b-but we could still have a funeral..."
"...I see...there's...no body...to bury..."
Izumi placed a hand over her heart, seeing the painful tears of Ryouta run out of his eyes.
All she could do was silently comfort him as she walked over, and embraced him once more.
But more questions came to her, and she...had to admit that she was very curious now.
Who Tobi was, what he wanted with Ryouta...and she knew Itachi had some idea.
She just knew it.
However, that didn't matter for that moment.
She had to make sure that Ryouta was safe and mentally okay.
Later on, Ryouta sat within his room, and stared at a long mirror. His eyes couldn't shed any tears, he didn't have the energy to do it after doing it for more than two hours.
"Shi-chan...I don't understand...why did this...have to happen…? Why did Sugaru...do this…? Why does Tobi want me…? What should I do…? Without you...I don't know what I'm supposed to do...you were always there Shi-chan...and now..."
Whispering that to himself, Ryouta wasn't any closer to having any kind of answer.
He didn't understand why it happened.
What Sugaru's true motives were, and why he chose to betray Shisui.
Ryouta wasn't even sure what happened to Shisui's eyes, he only ever saw Shisui with his eyes closed.
He didn't know if someone had stolen Shisui's eyes.
His eyes went towards the mirror once more, and his Sharingan activated.
Looking deeper into the mirror, Ryouta's eyes locked onto his Sharingan staring back at him.
"...Shi-chan...my eyes...did they also..."
Ryouta recalled what Shisui said about the Mangekyou Sharingan.
He couldn't remember if he had or not.
All of it when Shisui died bleeds together, the moment Shisui went over the edge...Ryouta couldn't look into his memories deeper than that, as if he was locking part of his heart away, and thrown away the key.
Though Ryouta knew most likely, he did have the Mangekyou Sharingan based on how he felt, he just wasn't sure how to make them come out, though it didn't matter right now.
Meanwhile Izumi sat within the living room, trying to keep her mind busy so she didn't think about Shisui and what had happened to him. She had made sure that he didn't leave on his own, she didn't want anything to happen to him.
When Itachi arrived, he spoke up, seeing her worried face.
"Izumi...is he awake?"
"Yes, he woke up an hour ago. He wanted to be alone."
Izumi revealed.
Itachi nodded gently.
"...It's understandable, after everything that he's been through."
"Itachi...who is Tobi?"
When she asked that...Itachi's face remained stoic, but he did begin to feel worried on how she knew that.
"Tobi..."
As he went to say something, Izumi cut him off, hearing his tone told her that he wouldn't be truthful with her.
"Ryou-kun already told me that he's the one that has been following him, he might be an Uchiha, and he's one of the people that attacked the night that Sugaru did. So tell me...what's going on? Who is this Tobi and what does he want?"
Itachi could see that she truly was worried.
Perhaps it was for Ryouta's sake, which made it rather understandable.
"...Izumi, I wish that I could explain, but it's rather complicated."
He revealed sadly, Izumi exhaled slowly.
She could see that Itachi was keeping things back.
He was intentionally being silent.
She didn't know if it was because he didn't have a choice, or if it was for other reasons.
"...Why is he after Ryou-kun….? Sugaru...he wanted Shisui-kun's eyes...he said that he wanted special eyes...and Shisui-kun's were special...they had the Mangekyou Sharingan...I know that he did..."
Itachi couldn't reveal just yet what was going on, not wanting to endanger Izumi.
"I don't know why, but you have my word that I'll make sure that he's safe."
"...Itachi-kun, that child's been through too much...and because Shisui-kun's died...I know that he's either going to awaken it...or he's already awakened it...the Mangekyou Sharingan."
Izumi guessed that as well.
She believed that Shisui was the most important person to Ryouta, and since he already had the Sharingan, a fully matured Sharingan at that, it would evolve into such a powerful version, and since he was a young child...it would put him in clear danger.
Itachi didn't make a visible move to show that she was right on the money.
"...Yes, he very well could do."
"You have, haven't you?"
Itachi's eyes lowered.
"...If I have..."
Itachi tried to get around the question.
But Izumi stopped him.
"You don't have to say anything...I already knew how you viewed Shisui-kun...he was someone you considered a brother...you were really close to him...and I can tell...something's changed within you, ever since Shisui-kun's death...you have those eyes, don't you? The Mangekyou Sharingan..."
"Izumi...please, I can't...it's too dangerous. Please trust in me."
Izumi looked into Itachi's eyes.
Searching for anything that could help her.
Help her understand what Itachi was thinking.
What happened that night.
Anything that could lead her to a better solution that she didn't have.
Itachi though didn't give anything away with his eyes, so Izumi spoke from her heart.
"...I have to do what's best for Ryou-kun. Shisui-kun...he left me a note, he told me to take care of Ryou-kun. But I can't do that if I don't know what's going on. This Tobi...Sugaru's activities...he was saying odd things...things that make me believe he was working for someone else..."
"...I see..."
"Tobi...is he someone you've met before?"
"I'm sorry, I can't tell you."
With that, Itachi went towards the stairs.
Izumi looked on with perplexed eyes.
"Where are you going?"
"I'm just going to check on him, then I'll go. I truly am sorry Izumi..."
Izumi lowered her eyebrows, wishing that Itachi wouldn't hide things from her.
"...I know you are, and I get it...you're trying to keep me safe. It's all I'm trying to do for Ryou-kun also."
Itachi bowed his head.
He hated this.
He didn't want to lie to her.
But the more she knew, the more Tobi could use her as a Pawn, or attack her or something. Maybe even Danzo getting involved.
"I'm sorry Izumi."
With that, Itachi disappeared up the stairs, going towards Ryouta's room.
Getting to the room, he knocked on the door, but he gained no reply.
"Ryou...it's me, Itachi. I...I want to see how you are."
Once again, he didn't have a reply.
So he walked in, to see that Ryouta was just staring into his large mirror.
His reflection looking right back at him.
"Ryou..."
Ryouta's eyes lift to meet Itachi's.
"...What happened to Shi-chan's eyes?"
Itachi furrowed his brows.
"Why do you want to know that?"
"...I know how dangerous his eyes are. His Kotoamatsukami." Itachi looked slightly surprised. "He told me...on a mission when we met Haku-san. I saw his Susanoo...his Mangekyou Sharingan. He told me you knew about his eyes also. He also told me how he got it…did you see what happened with his eyes? His eyes...they could be used by a truly great evil...Tobi...could have his eyes...or Sugaru...he could have his eyes..."
Itachi was caught between a rock and a hard place.
If he told Ryouta he had Shisui's eyes, it could place him in danger.
But if he lied, he wondered if Ryouta would see through it.
"...I believe Shisui crushed his eyes."
He thought lying for the moment was the best thing to be done.
He didn't know if Ryouta believed him, but for the moment, if Ryouta didn't know, then he'd not be an even bigger target than he was.
"Shisui told me what happened that night, with you, and Sugaru. Izumi also told me."
"T-Then we have to go to Hokage-sama and..."
"Hokage-sama is aware."
Ryouta presumed that was the case, but he needed to make sure either way.
"...That man killed my brother, Sugaru...and Tobi...he had to have some kind of hand in it..."
Itachi didn't know what to say.
He didn't know if he said anything, it would make a difference.
"...They both have to be stopped...that Tobi's powers...and Sugaru..."
Itachi could see the anger in his eyes.
It was rather relatable, he had lost the person he loved because of people like Tobi and Sugaru.
"We have to keep...it between us right now. If others found out...it would cause mass panic."
"...Then others would search for him...right?"
"That isn't a good thing, many could die if that's the case."
"Like Shi-chan?"
Itachi nods slowly, somberly.
"Yes, we have to prevent as much death as we can. We can't be sure of his true motives, beyond the fact that he tried to take you. It seems he only did so while you weren't within sight of others, so he wishes to remain hidden. As long as you stay here...he wont be able to harm you, he wont make a move. I'll watch over you. You have my word."
Ryouta's eyes looked out of the window.
Memories of what happened that night flooded his mind, the thoughts of Shisui's face.
Even though he couldn't see his eyes…
He felt as if Shisui truly didn't have a choice.
"...Hokage-sama wishes to keep up the investigation and make sure that only a few people are aware, people that we can trust..."
"...Who can we trust?"
Itachi exhaled out of his nose.
That was a good question.
Even Itachi didn't know who they could truly trust.
"I know right now...it doesn't feel like it will, but with time, it wont ever go away...but it will become easier. Just remember what Shisui said to you. Trust in Shisui."
"...Shi-chan..."
Itachi looked on, seeing that Ryouta most likely wouldn't talk anymore, decided to leave for the moment.
He knew it would be difficult for Ryouta to deal with anything at the moment...so, he had to make sure that he stayed strong. He was the older one...and he had to make sure that Ryouta's Mangekyou Sharingan wasn't discovered...or rather, make sure that his eyes aren't taken advantage of.
Hours later, Satsuki finally arrived.
She would have stayed all of the time if she could, but her Mother didn't want her to become more worried than she was, and she knew Izumi would look after Ryouta, so when they finally heard he was awake, Satsuki rushed over as fast as she could.
When she got there, she was greeted by Izumi.
"Hey...Satsuki-chan."
"H-He's awake...r-right? Itachi said that..."
"Yes, he's awake. But Satsuki-chan...you have to understand, losing Shisui-kun...Ryou-kun's in a fickle place right now in his life."
"I know...that's why I'm here...I want to...I want to help him..."
"Help him...the most anyone can do right now, is be there for him."
"Then I'll do that."
Izumi smiled.
The crush Satsuki had on Ryouta was quite evident at that moment.
Satsuki then shot off up the stairs, with Izumi smiling awkwardly.
But then Mikoto came towards the door, bringing what seemed to be different meals.
"With Shisui-kun gone now...I didn't know what I should do to help, so I ended up making a few meals for you both here."
"Thank you, Mikoto-san. Your cooking is always great, and I know that Ryou-kun would love it also."
Izumi said as she invited Mikoto in.
The young woman moved closer, and looked around.
"Quite a big house, for just Ryou-kun now."
"I've decided to move in to make sure that he's okay. I don't want him to have to leave the home he had with Shisui-kun, and I don't mind being here, I see my Mom everyday anyway so I'm not missing much."
Mikoto smiled.
"You are quite a mature woman Izumi, perfect for my son."
Izumi giggled awkwardly, and scratched her reddening cheek.
"W-Well, Itachi-kun is...well, he is..."
"I know, there have been a few rumours going around that Itachi killed Shisui-kun."
"I...I can't believe that for even a moment."
"I don't either, but you know how rumours can become facts for some people. Just look at the situation with my husband and Ryou-kun. They believed he felt a certain way and with Fugaku not being there to correct them...it naturally developed into that. Itachi...I don't understand what's going on in that boys head. There's something wrong...ever since Shisui-kun's death..."
Izumi thought the same thing.
But she didn't know what was truly going on with Itachi.
As they talked, Satsuki rushed up the stairs, and knocked on Ryouta's door.
But he didn't answer.
She waited for a few moments, before knocking again.
"Ryou, it's me. You in there?"
She didn't get an answer.
So she opened the door, and saw Ryouta sat on his bed.
It seemed that he had just didn't answer.
She walked closer, and he didn't react at all.
Placing a hand on his shoulder, he jumped and saw that Satsuki was stood there.
"...Sorry Satsuki-chan, I didn't even hear you."
Satsuki sat down beside him.
Without exchanging words, Satsuki merely allowed her arms to wrap around his body and pulled him close.
She didn't even have to say anything, her being there was enough for him to feel at least a little better.
And she stayed there for hours, neither saying a thing.
Satsuki wouldn't even know what to say.
She just thought that being there was more than any words could say.
Eventually, Satsuki was being called home, so she looked towards Ryouta who hadn't spoke.
Seeing him this depressed broke her heart also.
"I'll come back tomorrow...and everyday. Whatever you need...I'll be here for you."
Ryouta looked towards her, and saw that she was giving a soft smile.
He truly did appreciate her kindness at this moment in time.
"Satsuki-chan...I'm sorry."
Satsuki shook her head.
"Don't be, I know you'll be okay."
"I wish I had your confidence right now...because I don't know if I will be..."
Satsuki was troubled, she didn't want Ryouta to have to suffer anymore, so she pulled closer, and ended up placing her lips against his cheek.
His eyes shot open, and his eyes went to Satsuki who had already moved towards the door.
Her face was filled with embarrassment…
But she felt that it was right.
She felt like she wanted to do that.
"...Whatever happens Ryou...I'll always be with you."
Ryouta felt his cheeks turn slightly red when she said that.
Before he could say anything, the door closed behind the fleeing Satsuki.
"...Thank you, Satsuki-chan."
Though he couldn't say it to her face, he also was feeling the same, wanting to be with Satsuki always. Besides Shisui and Izumi, Satsuki was someone that he had the closest relationship with, and due to being similar ages, they had an understanding that he didn't have with many others.
A few days after this event, Izumi heard a knock at the front door once more. She moved closer, and allowed her fingers to pull the door open, only to see that Hiruzen was stood there. Her face turned white, and her eyes widened.
"H-Hokage-sama!"
"Ah, Izumi-san. I'm sorry for coming so early, I'd like to speak to Ryouta-kun, if that's allowed?"
"Hehehe, you're so humble, you can do as you like~"
Hiruzen offered a wise smile, as he came into the room.
"It seems you're doing well. I'm sorry about the event with Sugaru."
"...Thank you Hokage-sama. To be honest, I try and not think about it."
"I can understand that rather well. Still, you did the right calls in your fight and managed to survive. Thank you for also explaining about what happened with your side. If Ryouta-kun is up to it, I'd also like to know more details."
"I don't know if he'd be up to it, but you can certainly try Hokage-sama. Ryou-kun...he's not himself right now, I'm worried that Shisui-kun's death has broke him...he used to be this bubbly and loving child...but now, he's a shell of that. I'm worried that he might not recover. Shisui-kun was...he was very special to Ryou-kun..."
"I can understand. For a child to suffer all of these things...and at such a young age. Even now losing the most precious person, and the person closest to a parent, and his own sibling wrapped up into one...it must be so hard."
Izumi nods, and brings the Hokage up the stairs.
She knocks on the door.
"Ryou-kun, Hokage-sama is here to see you."
[...Please come in.]
Though he said it with a polite manner, Hiruzen could tell there was no real emotion behind his words.
"I'll leave you alone, Hokage-sama."
"Thank you, Izumi-san."
Izumi bows, and leaves, leaving the elder man to open the door, and step inside, seeing Ryouta sat on his bed.
Hiruzen walked forward, pulling a nearby chair close, and then sat down close by.
"Ryouta-kun, I'm sorry that we couldn't meet under better circumstances and to begin...I am sorry about what happened. I'm sure you've heard this quite a bit right now, but I genuinely am sorry about what happened that night."
"...Thank you Hokage-sama."
Hiruzen bows his neck.
"And...I'd like to ask you a few questions, about that night. I understand if it would be too hard right now..."
"...Would it help stop Sugaru and Tobi?"
"It might."
Hiruzen replied truthfully, not wanting to bring false hope to the child.
Ryouta took in a breath, and began explaining what he saw and what he knew had happened.
Hiruzen listened quietly, and showed a disheartened expression.
"...I see, so that's what transpired. That Tobi, he has the ability to phase through any attack?"
"...According to Shi-chan, he has a time limit...but Tobi brought up that it would be difficult getting that time limit down..."
"Yes...being untouchable for so long would be difficult for any opponent to win. Still, it gives us understanding."
"Hokage-sama...the night that Sugaru attacked...he came with other Anbu..."
"Yes, I'm afraid those Anbu betrayed Konoha. Sugaru hasn't been seen since, and while we are investigating his disappearance...we don't know what he is going to do next. If he enters Konoha again, he shall be detained and dealt with accordingly. He is the cause of Shisui-kun's...untimely demise."
"...He is, and I...I hate him Hokage-sama...but, I also...feel sad that...I couldn't do more to...prevent what happened..."
Hiruzen placed a hand on Ryouta's back, and gently patted.
"You don't have anything to be criticized for, you did all that you could. I know for a fact that Shisui-kun would say the same thing. He always told me that he was proud of you, or telling me of a new achievement that you did. He loved you...no, he loves you, Ryouta-kun. Never forget that. He died...while loving you, his only family."
Ryouta shed a few tears at the Hokage's words, and was thankful to him for saying that.
"Hokage-sama...with Shi-chan gone now...I'm the only one left...from my Mom and Dad..."
"That's true, that's why you'll inherit their wills. Do you know what the Will of Fire is?" Ryouta tilted his head, so Hiruzen began chortling. "The Will of Fire burned bright within Shisui-kun, someone that would do anything for those he loved, and always wanted to do what was right." Hiruzen then pointed towards Ryouta. "You, also have that deep within you. And it burns just as bright. Never forget that, the fires burn bright within you Ryouta-kun."
He didn't know it at that moment what Hiruzen was truly saying.
But it felt oddly comforting either way.
"Ryouta-kun, I also have to ask you this question...so we can make sure that you're protected. I am aware of Uchiha, that awaken...a next evolution of Sharingan..."
"The Mangekyou..."
Hiruzen wasn't surprised he was aware of it.
"Yes. Are you aware of if you have awakened it? With the trauma you have suffered...I learned from a few trusted Uchiha friends of mine who also awakened it with the death of someone very close, or under very high stress traumatic experiences."
Ryouta looked into his mirror, into his eyes.
"I...I don't remember Hokage-sama. But...if I have...I don't know how to...make them come out..."
"I understand. No one else shall know of this conversation, and if you do find out, please only tell myself, and we shall discuss it further, and alert those who we can trust. The eyes you could have, might be wanted by others, and for me to offer you the maximum protection I can, I shall have to know of your circumstances."
"I...understand Hokage-sama. To be honest...I don't care if I have my eyes...I'd gladly trade them...if Shi-chan could come back..."
Hiruzen understood why.
Ryouta wasn't a boy that sort power, he was a boy that sort love and connections, and power was only necessary to protect those connections. He wasn't power hungry like he knew a certain few people could be.
"Power...at personal loss, it isn't right. It isn't how the world should be."
"No...it isn't Hokage-sama. But that's...how it is."
"Sadly...you're right."
Hiruzen bows his head respectfully.
Then they talked some more for a little while, and Hiruzen could tell that Ryouta truly had been through a hard breaking experience.
But, he was holding on.
Somehow, he was.
Afterwards, Hiruzen returned to his office, and found Danzo sat in there.
His lone eye didn't betray anything that could be considered concerned, more like he was searching for something, and it didn't take Danzo long to speak about it.
"So, what did the boy say?"
"He confirmed what Izumi-san had told me previously, along with the fact that Sugaru, or I should say Yoji Aburame was someone that had attempted to use the boy to take Shisui-sans eyes. Though it troubles me Danzo, you were against the plan with Shisui-san using his eyes, then he's attacked by Yoji..."
"That reckless fool did it of his own accord."
Hiruzen didn't believe him.
Deep down, he had a horrible feeling that Danzo had tried to do something.
"...That boy, is in turmoil right now, the pain that Yoji has caused, and we've also lost a good Ninja."
"...Yes, it is tragic. Did he say anything else?"
"What he said, stays between myself and Ryouta-kun."
Danzo's lone eye focused intently on Hiruzen.
"Keeping secrets Hiruzen? What happened to trusting others?"
"I'm not sure if I can trust you Danzo, I can't be sure you didn't have anything to do with his death, directly or indirectly."
"You're accusing me now? I had nothing to do with this. Why would I want to attack Shisui?"
"As I said, you were against the idea of him using his Kotoamatsukami, perhaps you decided to take it into your own hands."
Danzo felt his heartbeat increase ever so slightly.
"I don't know what you expect me to say to this accusation."
"This is no accusation. This is a warning." Hiruzen had serious eyes as he stared at the elderly man. "Do not, under any circumstances, ever try anything with Ryouta-kun. Do not ask for him to join you, do not try and sway him in anyway, do not have any contact with him, is that understood?"
"What is this nonsense? Do you truly not believe me?"
Hiruzen raised an eyebrow.
"You're asking me to believe you when evidence before me says that you at least had an indirect hand in this? I can't prove you did this, and I can't prove you would sink so low as to use a child for your own ends. But this is your last warning. If one more thing you do goes against my wishes, then you will be stripped from the council and severally punished. Am I making myself clear?"
Danzo looked shocked that he would say these things.
Believing the words of a child, it just didn't ring true with him.
"Hiruzen-"
"Am I making myself clear!?"
He raised his voice, Danzo grit his teeth, showcasing his annoyance, but also saw the anger on Hiruzen's face.
"...I understand."
"Then leave my office at once, I need to make some preparations."
"For?"
"My business, Danzo."
Danzo stood up wordlessly, trying to contain the rage that he felt.
Then he walked towards the door, but not before Hiruzen spoke up.
"If you did have a hand in Shisui-sans death, and causing Ryouta-kun to suffer, and nearly die also...I wont tolerate it and you will be punished for it. Now stay away from Ryouta-kun, he has lost enough, he doesn't need to be bothered by anyone that isn't necessary for this moment, and his place at the Academy will be held for as long as he wishes to be off for this moment in time."
Though it didn't sound threatening with the words, the intent behind them was very clear.
Hiruzen wouldn't allow Danzo to be near Ryouta.
He wouldn't allow Danzo to even try to approach him at all.
"Also Danzo, I'd like to look over the rest of Root, and will disband it if I deem necessary."
Danzo gasped at the revelation.
"Pardon?"
"Root, attacked a child, and I saw his wounds. He could have died, Ryouta-kun's recollection of events...it was truly disgusting what Sugaru was doing, and if he had that much sway within Root, I'd like to see all of its members, and I'd like for it to be put on hold before I make my decision to disband it or not."
"Root have done all of the deeds your frail heart would never allow. If you do this, then we'll lose a good deal for our village."
"And if I don't do anything at all, will another child like Ryouta-kun suffer? Will they also lose their cherished ones? Maybe it was a mistake leaving Root to you, Danzo."
Danzo tightened his hand, and began making his way away from Hiruzen.
His mind was directed all to anger, he was enraged, and he wanted Hiruzen to disappear.
As he left, Hiruzen's old eyes stared at the door.
"Danzo...Root has to end...whether you did this or not, Root caused Shisui-sans death."
Hiruzen looked out of the window, and didn't reveal it to Danzo, but he was going to have Root disbanded, he wanted to see what reaction Danzo had to the accusations, and while not having the evidence, since Ryouta nor Izumi didn't actually see Danzo, he had a sinking feeling that Danzo had a hand in all of this.
It had taken a week, but finally Fugaku walked towards the house Shisui had, and now Ryouta owned. He wasn't sure what he was going to say...but deep down, he felt he at least should go and say something, even if Ryouta didn't want to really hear it.
He knocked on the floor, and waited for it to be answered.
Eventually, the door opened, and revealed Izumi.
"F-Fugaku-san...why are you here…?"
"Izumi...is he here?"
"Ryou-kun...he's not up to visitors right now."
Izumi spoke, Fugaku placed his hand out.
"I understand, he also probably wouldn't want to see me anyway. I...I have been terrible in the past, and I..."
Fugaku's words, caused Izumi to begin nodding in understanding.
"Can I be honest?" Fugaku merely nodded so Izumi continued. "...I'm not sure you being here is a good idea. Ryou-kun and you...your relationship isn't the best at the best of times. So right now when he's suffering...I think it would be best for both if you didn't see one another. Please forgive my words..."
"...You're right, my presence wouldn't bring any good. So, instead...allow me to offer to take care of any payments that this house might need."
"...T-That's very generous..."
Izumi wasn't expecting it.
Especially from someone that she thought for sure wouldn't care about Ryouta, even after Shisui had died. Though seeing that Fugaku was saying these words, it just made Izumi be more surprised than she thought she'd be when starting the conversation with him.
Fugaku put on a repenting expression.
"I've spent a lot of that boys life in my own anger...and now that he has lost his only relative in this world...my personal feelings aren't relevant, and he doesn't need to worry about where the food and other things are going to come from."
Izumi was surprised by Fugaku's personality shift.
Perhaps it was because like how Fugaku lost people he cared for…
Ryouta had just lost the most important person to him.
Fugaku then turned, and walked away.
Izumi watched on, and saw Fugaku turn back briefly.
She didn't get a chance to question him further when he had already left.
Later on that day, Izumi once more sat within the living room, and Ryouta sat within his bedroom. She was becoming more worried, she would give him food...but he didn't eat it. Or if he did, it wouldn't be much.
As she was sitting around, there was a knock at the door.
Going towards it, she opened it and was surprised to see that there were kids there.
Naruko, Haku, Sakura, Ino, Karin, Hinata and Lee all were stood there.
They came often, something Izumi appreciated, showing how much they truly did care.
"H-Hey Izumi-san..."
Naruko greeted, Izumi smiled.
"Hey everyone. Erm...I'm sorry, but Ryou-kun isn't up for visitors right now..."
She said with a sorrowful face.
Haku nodded.
"We understand. We just came round to drop off these cards."
Izumi saw Sakura, and Ino present the cards.
She smiled gently, and took them.
"Thank you, I'm sure Ryou-kun will love them."
"Is...I-Is he okay…?"
Hinata spoke him, Izumi didn't know how to answer that.
"...Right now, he's not okay. But...I'm sure with time...he'll be okay. He's a very strong boy...he'll be fine."
Izumi hoped that would be the case anyway.
"Y-Yes! I'm sure my rival shall soon snap back to normal!"
Lee said with a positivity that the others appreciated.
Izumi smiled.
"Yes...and these lovely cards will remind Ryou-kun on how much he is loved. I think that's the most we can do right now, help Ryou-kun remember that there are other people around here for him and that he doesn't have to be alone."
The others agreed, bowed their heads, and left.
Izumi looked at the cards, and was rather touched.
She then walked up the stairs, and knocked on the door.
"Ryou-kun, I've got something for you."
[I'm not hungry.]
"It isn't food."
Izumi said, opening the door, and saw Ryouta sat on the bed.
Izumi smiled, walking forward, and presented the cards the children brought.
"Your friends brought these cards."
Ryouta looked up, and gazed at the cards.
He got off the bed, and took the cards from Izumi.
Izumi saw that he placed the cards on the bed, and went back to sitting with his knees against his chest.
Bowing her head, she left the room, and Ryouta alone.
He stared at the cards for a short time, before his fingers brushed them open.
He saw cards from a few of his classmates, seeing Naruko's one that had rough edges cut, Sakura's one which was mostly pink, Ino's one that had flowers drawn onto them, Lee's one that had a crudely drawn Ryouta and Lee attacking one another, Hinata's was a nicely decorated one, Karin's one seemed to be normal, except one word that looked like "Love" had been scribbled out, and replaced by "From", and Haku's was made up of a white colour.
Each of them looked especially made for him.
Each also had a message for Ryouta, which all said the same thing one way or another.
Showing their concern for him, and hoping that he'd get better soon.
Ryouta couldn't help the smile that forced itself onto his face.
"Thank you...everyone."
Ryouta stood up, and took the cards, placing them on his bedside table.
He was glad that he had friends like them.
They truly were people that Ryouta had to care for.
Two weeks after Shisui's death had passed, Izumi hadn't seen much change, so today she thought maybe some fresh air would do some good for him.
Izumi held onto Ryouta's hand as they walked out of the house. She could see that he didn't want to, but she knew that staying in and thinking about it over and over again.
She didn't think that it was healthy.
She didn't want him to experience such a trauma.
"So, I'm going to take you to get some dango, and we're going to go and have some fun~"
She tried her best.
She truly thought that this would be good.
But Ryouta didn't reply at all.
He hadn't really spoken since Shisui's death.
"Ryou-kun..."
She spoke up, but Ryouta kept his eyes down on the ground.
"...Can we hurry? I...I want to get back home."
Izumi could hear the emptiness within his voice.
"...Okay, sweetheart. Anything you want."
Hearing him without his cheerfulness...without his happy demeanour...it was disheartening.
She didn't want Ryouta to suffer anymore.
As they walked, they came across a curious scene going on in the Uchiha Compound.
Outside of Itachi's home in fact.
A few Uchiha had gathered around, and were shouting abuse towards Itachi.
"You did it, didn't you?"
"You killed Shisui!"
"He was a pride of our clan, and you killed him!"
Izumi scowled when she heard it.
But she then remembered Ryouta, and saw that he was staring on.
His eyes went towards Itachi, and saw that his hand was clenched.
"Ryou-kun, maybe we should..."
Izumi was going to suggest that they should leave.
But Ryouta walked closer, with Izumi following.
They both stood off to the side, not being noticed by the others as they watched was was going on.
Itachi was standoffish, he was keeping his distance from the other Uchiha.
Ryouta could see that Itachi was becoming more angry by the moment.
But he was suppressing it rather well.
"No, I didn't kill him."
"Are you sure? His suicide note doesn't feel real." One Uchiha accused. "He was someone that loved his clan and loved his brother. He wouldn't of killed himself for that reason of the clan and he wouldn't have left the brother that he cared for. The night he died, only you and he were missing from the clan meeting."
"I was busy on a mission for the village, that's all. Check with Hokage-sama, he'll vouch for me. Besides, using Ryou in such a manner when you yourself have been terrible to that child. So, your words are filled with your own bias nature."
Despite him saying it calmly, Izumi could see that his anger was building.
Ryouta also believed Itachi's words.
It wasn't ever about him, it was more about their disdain for Itachi than anything, and using this as an excuse...was something that he just couldn't forgive.
"You could've finished early, and come back. You've been acting suspicious lately."
"You might have killed him, and covered your tracks with that suicide note. You had intimate knowledge on him."
Two Uchiha sent at Itachi with an accusing tone each.
"Are you truly accusing me of killing Shisui?"
"Yes, we are. We're going to ask the Anbu to get involved, and investigate you."
Itachi for the first time that Izumi could recall, showed true anger on his face.
She saw that his knuckles were turning white.
His eyes had shown the Sharingan, and so had the other accusing Uchiha.
"I didn't kill Shisui Uchiha."
"I don't know about that, you've been acting different since you joined the Anbu."
Izumi didn't like how they accused Itachi, when she knew that he was hurting from the loss of Shisui.
"We, of the police force, will be investigating you Itachi, your actions could have cost us a lot. We can't accept Shisui Uchiha killed himself."
As one Uchiha said that, Ryouta noticed that Itachi's eyes were having a mixture of anger and sadness.
A feeling that Ryouta understood all too well.
He saw the Uchiha giving off their own scowls towards Itachi.
The air was thick with tension.
It was clear that the feelings around weren't going to quell, and Itachi was close to unleashing his anger…
When Ryouta stood forward, and got between them, seeing Itachi was about to raise his fist to them.
"...If you truly believe that Itachi-kun killed my brother...then you really have been underestimating my brothers capabilities. If Itachi-kun had come after him, my brother wouldn't die without making sure Itachi-kun wouldn't walk away either, at least without having suffered major injuries. Leave Itachi-kun alone. I'm Shi-chan's brother, I knew him better than anyone else, and I knew how he felt for Itachi-kun, and how Itachi-kun felt about him. So don't throw around accusations without any evidence to back it up. If he did kill my brother, I'd be the first person wanting justice...but, he didn't do anything. Leave Itachi-kun alone."
Itachi was surprised that despite his own pain, Ryouta was able to say such words, and how he sounded like an adult when saying them also. It went to show Itachi that he truly was someone that had been through a lot, and even though he was in pain, he was grieving, he wasn't being stupid, he wasn't someone that didn't see from different angles.
The Uchiha's stood off, not sure on what to say.
Fugaku appeared as the stand off was going on.
Seeing Ryouta, Itachi, Izumi, and the Uchiha, he cleared his throat.
"What is going on here?"
The Uchiha looked on with unsure feelings, and eventually just walked off.
Fugaku's eyes went towards Ryouta, but he ignored him and turned to Itachi.
"...Itachi-kun, I don't believe that you killed my brother. No matter what anyone ever says."
Itachi gave a surprisingly small smile.
"Thank you."
Ryouta nods, and walks off, Izumi gave a troubled expression, before following after him.
Fugaku remained unsure of what was going on, and tried to question Itachi…
But Itachi lowered his head.
"If it hadn't of been for him, I could have let my anger get the better of me. Uchiha...it truly is a clan that's going down the drain. With Shisui gone...this clans lost a bright light, and I'm not sure it can ever truly be brought back."
Fugaku didn't like those words.
But deep down he understood them also.
Itachi then walked away from the area.
Fugaku looked on, seeing his eldest son being more distant as time had gone on.
He didn't know what was going on with Itachi, he just hoped that Itachi was on his side.
Over a month had gone by since Shisui had gone, and Ryouta...he couldn't recover. A fact many understood. No one tried to push him to do anything he didn't want, he hadn't been to the Academy for a good while, ever since the last time he was there before Shisui's demise.
Izumi herself was becoming more concerned with everything that was going on.
She knew that something was off, she knew that circumstances weren't adding up.
But right now, Ryouta and Izumi stood together within Shisui's room, a room that Ryouta hadn't been in since the day that he had died.
"Come Ryou-kun, I'm sure that this room could need a little clean."
Izumi thought that this would be a good idea, so she suggested it to Ryou.
Maybe it would give Ryouta the ability to think positively about the life of Shisui if he saw the moments they had together that were scattered across the room. In pictures, in collectables that he had gotten over the years.
Ryouta looked less than willing, but Izumi urged him in a gentle way.
Not exactly forcing him, but helping him do the best thing that she thought she could do right now.
Izumi saw that he didn't move, so she walked forward, and sat on the bed.
Her eyes went towards a picture frame, and saw an image of a three year old Ryouta, and Shisui standing beside him with a large smile on his face.
"I remember this picture, when it was taken. It was the first time that you successfully threw a kunai, do you remember?"
Ryouta didn't say anything.
So Izumi continued on.
"Shisui-kun was so proud that day, he was bursting with joy. Though...he always did when he saw you doing something new. Seeing you progress...he always was so proud of you, Ryou-kun."
"..."
Ryouta didn't say anything, so Izumi placed the picture down, and took out a moon shaped necklace. It looked a little worse for wear, but Izumi held it up before her eyes, and showed it towards Ryouta.
"Did Shisui-kun ever tell you about this?"
Ryouta looked at it.
"...It's the necklace my Mother got from my Father."
Izumi nods, as she continues.
"Right, I remember seeing this on your Mom everyday. She said that it was a cheap thing that he got her...but your Mom was happy that he got her something. It was the time when it was her birthday, and no one really had gotten her anything...she kept it all this time, and Shisui-kun did also. It shows that their bond was really strong."
"...I never met Mom...or Dad...so, I don't know what they were like..."
"They were great, Ryou-kun. You remind me of your Mom actually. She always wanted to do the best for the others, and was kind to everyone she met...though she'd not take crap from anyone, and she'd smack sense into people, she did that a few times with Fugaku-san." Ryouta's lips curled upwards, something Izumi loved to see. "Your Dad was rather goofy like Shisui-kun, but he was a good person also, they were...a great balance for one another..."
"Like...me and Shi-chan...we had a dream...to become Ninja together...and now we wont be able to do that..."
Izumi slowly nods, placing the necklace down.
"Even if you can't be with Shisui-kun, there's still you being a Ninja, Ryou-kun."
"...I don't know what I'm going to do anymore..."
Izumi wore a troubled face, and continued looking around.
She then saw the sword that Ryouta had gotten Shisui left in a special place.
"Look Ryou-kun, the blade you got for Shisui-kun."
Ryouta's eyes went towards the blade, Izumi lifted it up, and took out the blade from the sheathe, and held it out.
"...It's really clean..."
"Shisui-kun made sure that he took care of it. Every mission he had, right afterwards, he'd make sure that any damage on it would be fixed, because he said it was the important present he got from you, Ryou-kun."
Ryouta batted his eyelashes, his feelings began to bubble to the surface.
Ryouta then walked closer as Izumi placed the sword back in its sheathe.
"You know, Ryou-kun...I know you're feeling sad right now...and that's okay to feel sad...but, you should also remember the good times with Shisui-kun. You had many times with him...the times that showed you two truly were the best brothers. Like...when you went on a mission together, it didn't end up being the mission you thought...but you worked together, and you managed to overcome that together."
Ryouta began nodding…
But he found it difficult.
"Each time I try...all I can picture is Shi-chan's face...he was in so much pain...and anguish...he looked so sad...that's all I can see..."
"...You know, when my Dad died...I felt so sad...I felt so alone. I didn't want anyone to talk to me either."
Izumi revealed, surprising Ryouta.
"You never...talk about your Dad..."
"It's….It hurts to do so, Ryou-kun. But it doesn't mean I don't have good times with my Dad. I was very young when he died...but, I remember he used to carry me on his shoulders, and run around. He used to treat me to ice cream every Sunday..."
"Why?"
At Ryouta's question, Izumi held a small smile on her face.
"Hehe, just because he could. That's what he always said...just because he could."
Ryouta's face began curling upwards.
"...He sounds nice."
"He was nice...I remember when he died...it was during the Nine Tails attack."
"...The Nine Tails...I heard about that...it's a scary chakra monster...right?"
"Erm...not necessarily, maybe it's just misunderstood. We don't know why it attacked, and what reasons it had. But, we do know that it was stopped, and we were saved. Yes...my Dad died that day, protecting me."
"P-Protecting you?"
Izumi nods with a sad expression on her face.
"Yes, his death...it's why I awakened my Sharingan as young as I was. I had grief, and regret that I couldn't save him...the same thing you're feeling right now, aren't you?" Ryouta didn't say anything, but he began nodding ever so slightly. "You know, it's okay to feel like that. It's okay to not be okay."
"...Everyone wants me to move forward...but, I don't want to yet..."
Ryouta murmured, so Izumi smiled gently.
"Then that's okay. If you don't want to do something...then don't do it. Don't do anything to appease others...if you're not okay, then you're not okay, and you can't force yourself to be okay either Ryou-kun. Trust me, I tried to force a smile, fake a laugh when my Dad was gone...and it was so hard, I couldn't keep it up in the end and my bottled up emotions came pouring out. You should do things at your own pace...if you want to go out...then do. If you don't...then don't. Whatever you want to do Ryou-kun...is what you should do."
"...I don't know what I want to do..."
He admitted.
His life had been thrown into turmoil, he didn't know which way he was supposed to turn.
Izumi continued to smile, allowing her hand to pet his head gently.
"Then that's okay too." Izumi comforted kindly. "But you know...even though my Dad is gone, he still lives on...in here." Izumi's hand went to her chest. "As long as I keep him in here...he's always going to be here. And it's the same for Shisui-kun." Ryouta began to tear up as Izumi pulled closer, moving her fingers to his chest, to his heart. "Shisui-kun is in here, and as long as you remember him...he'll always be in there. He'll...always be with you, and so will I. I know...I'm not your real sister...but the amount of time we've spent together...I think of you like my little brother also. Even if I'm not that strong...I'll stand in front of any enemy, I'll face down any person...to make sure you're safe..."
Ryouta smiled, and cried at her words.
To him, it was something that was so beautiful.
He didn't have many people in his life.
His own clan for the longest of times despised him.
Many didn't want to know him.
They only wanted to know when they could get something from him.
But Izumi was never like that, and neither were the people he had grown to care for, and to love.
Izumi's face then curled upwards.
"Ryou-kun...you know, Shisui-kun is dead...yes, he is gone. And his death…will always hurt. Whether it is now...or years into the future, it will always hurt. But...you can move forward. Shisui-kun would want you to move forward. He told me that you were strong, and he truly was proud of you. Even if he's gone...he'll always be with you, and so will I...so will Satsuki-chan and everyone else...they'll always be beside you."
Ryouta truly did appreciate her words.
She was someone that he truly did think was a good person.
"Izumi-chan...can I have sometime in here...on my own?"
Izumi nods.
"Anything you want."
Izumi smiled, as she walked to the door.
As her hand went to pull the door open, Ryouta's voice came to her ears.
"Izumi-chan...you might not be my real sister...but you are still my sister."
Izumi smiled towards the door, before her eyes turn back to see Ryouta staring at her.
"Ryou-kun..."
"I'll protect you, Izumi-chan. I...I couldn't save Shi-chan...but, I'll become the strongest...so you can live...happily with Itachi-kun."
"...Ryou-kun, you are a kind boy...see you later, Ryou-kun."
Izumi opened the door, and soon exited.
Ryouta looked around the room, at the different pictures around.
Seeing ones of him when he was born, with Shisui carrying him proudly. One of him, Izumi and Shisui together, just last year. Ones of when Ryouta had just entered the Academy, he remembered taking that picture.
All of the memories of him and Shisui flowed into his mind.
All of the love that Shisui had ever given Ryouta.
His hand cupped his sheathed blade he bought for his brother.
"Shi-chan..."
He whispered...but then noticed something on the blade.
Something...seemed to be slightly peeling off.
Curiosity came over him, and he poked it with his finger…
It felt like there was something there.
Ryouta quickly laid the sword out on the bed, and he allowed his fingers to open the hole even more in the guard of the sword…
He saw that it was a sealing.
Something had been sealed.
"Release!"
Ryouta did what he needed to do, and undid the seal.
What came out in a puff of smoke was...
A note.
It seemed to be front and back of the paper.
Ryouta overlooked the handwriting, and became extremely happy when he realized who it was.
"S-Shi-chan...y-your handwriting..."
He murmured with some happiness, and read it to himself.
[Dear Ryou. By the time you read this, I'll be gone. I'm sure you'll find this note, this blade is the safest place I thought I could keep it, the blade you gave me for my birthday. I wanted to say a lot to you, I wanted to tell you so much. But all I can tell you right now is that I love you.]
Ryouta felt a pulse from his heart.
Ryouta began to tear up as the note continued.
[As I write this, I feel sad that I wont see you grow up. But, I know you'll be the kind and brave Ninja I've always known you'll be. I know times now will be tough, but don't give up. I know you, I've known you your entire life. Your strength of heart, your capacity to love. Show Uchiha that love doesn't have to turn to hate. Don't fall into darkness, and don't ever lose your love for life or humanity. I know sometimes humanity can be rather cruel, but for every horrible person, there's another good person like you stop them. Whatever obstacles you face now, whatever trials you have, I know you'll be okay. You're stronger than anyone knows. You'll survive, and thrive, I know you will. One day, we'll see one another again, but I don't want that to be until you're a really old man, so I can make fun of you for being such an old guy.]
Ryouta held a hand to his mouth, and began laughing.
But tears also fell.
However, unlike the sad tears he had kept shedding, these tears were filled with happiness.
[I also know that my death, it might cause you to awaken the Mangekyou Sharingan. Those eyes, are a great power Ryou, but they're also highly coveted, be very careful when using them since the more you use them, the more light they lose, and make sure they never fall into enemy hands. I don't know what powers you'll gain, but I'm sure they'll be wonderful like you.]
Ryouta understood what Shisui was saying.
He did have the Mangekyou.
Ryouta thought that he did anyway.
He didn't know how to activate them yet, when they first appeared he didn't even register it.
But, he also knew that others might want his eyes, so he'd have to keep it a secret.
He had to make sure that enemies didn't get his eyes.
"Lose their light...Shi-chan...that means...overusing them...will make me...go blind…?"
Ryouta recalled when Shisui talked about them once, and how it alluded to such a thing happening.
If that was true, then Ryouta knew that he'd have to be careful when using them.
Using them constantly would only make him go blind.
He didn't even know what kind of abilities he had with the powers he had.
Shaking his head, Ryouta continued on with the note.
[But most of all Ryou, be happy. Become a great Ninja like you always told me you wanted to be, get married, maybe to Satsuki-chan since I know you and her would be a nice couple together, and have a good life. Though I think some of the other girls might have something to say about that. And you know, if you do have kids and one happens to be a boy, it would be great if you named one after me, just saying.]
"S-Shi-chan...that's embarrassing..."
He said with a childlike innocence when it came to love and romance.
But, he didn't mind if that was the case.
Passing on Shisui's name to his future child...he wouldn't mind that at all.
He then continued the note.
[Fill your life with many dreams, and love, and kindness. I know you'll be someone that makes great changes to the world. Make it a world like we've always said it could be. Make this world better. Make Uchiha better Ryou. It's lost its way, the Uchiha are beings filled with love, and it might hurt the most, but it doesn't have to lead to darkness, hurt can turn into passion, remember that.]
"Okay Shi-chan...I'll do my best..."
He promised.
Even if it took him a long time, he'd do his best for the clan Shisui loved so much.
[I might not experience this better world with you, but I pass on everything I know, to you for you to achieve it. You'll get it when the time is right, I made sure you would. Maybe, you could become Ryou of the Body Flicker and take the mantle from me. Has a nice ring to it, doesn't it?]
"Shi-chan...saying things like that..."
It was like he could visualize Shisui speaking to him at that moment.
His tone of voice, being goofy, playful, but earnest and kind.
[Remember, I'm always with you, even if you can't see me, I'll be right there with you. The time I spent with you, was the happiest I had ever been in my life. I am proud to call myself your brother, Ryou. Whatever you do now, I'll be proud. I know you'll become strong, stronger than me, but always keep your kind heart, that heart that helped me keep going. Love from Shisui.]
Ryouta finished the note, and sat there for a good while, just crying happy tears.
Though the note itself was full of life like Shisui was in his memories, it was sad as well as this was the last thing he had written.
Still...it was still Shisui's words.
He would do what he could to make sure the love Shisui had didn't go to waste.
"I wont...give into it Shi-chan...I've felt so angry since you died...angry at Sugaru...angry at Tobi...but I wont give into darkness...you wouldn't want that, and neither do I. I wont let Sugaru, Tobi or anyone get away with what happened to you...but I'll always be me...and I'll fight for Uchiha...I'll make sure the love both you and Mom saw...is what many people see. Uchiha is a clan that loves the most...I'll remind everyone of that fact. Even if it takes me a long time...and become that old man you want me to be Shi-chan...I'll make Uchiha better, I promise."
Ryouta began smiling and laughing.
Remembering all of the fun times he had with Shisui.
The times they were training.
How he used to read bedtime stories to Ryouta when he was a younger kid.
Whenever they camped out under the stars.
That, and more happy memories came to him.
Though it was painful to remember Shisui…
It was also nice.
He could think and fall back on the good times they had together.
All of the love that they shared with each other.
"Thank you, Shi-chan."
Ryouta placed the note back into the seal of the blade, and placed the blade onto the bed, making sure that the note stayed safe, as did the blade Shisui took so much time in taking care of.
Ryouta then got up, and walked down the stairs.
Seeing Izumi sat there, he went over, and stood before her.
Izumi looked up, and saw a smile on his face.
The first she had seen in a good while.
"Ryou-kun..."
"Izumi-chan...I'm not okay."
"Yeah..."
"But...Shi-chan would want me to...keep going...and not give into my depression. I wont...give into hate...or anger...I am angry and I hate them...but it wont...consume me. Tobi...Sugaru...they will be stopped...but, I'll never lose who I am. Shi-chan would want that...and so do I. Tobi...Sugaru...they don't get to win like that. I'll become strong...to make sure that others...don't have to suffer like I have...I'll do what it takes. Shi-chan saved me that night...I wont let his sacrifice go to waste. I'll live...and I'll thrive."
Izumi smiled at the sight before her.
"Yes...that's exactly right sweetie."
"Yes...that's why, can we...go out? It's a nice day, I'd like to spend sometime outside, been inside too long."
Izumi giggled, jumping to her feet, and held out her hand.
"Yes, lets go Ryou-kun."
Together, they walked to the door.
Ryouta looked back, and saw a picture of Shisui smiling, so he smiled back at it.
"See you later...Shi-chan."
Izumi smiled, glad to see that while he wasn't over Shisui's death, he was beginning to try and move forward again, and she'd do her best to support him in that.
End chapter!
So, this chapter was focused on Ryouta dealing with his grief...and he hasn't fully dealt with it. Right now though, after the encouragement and support of the others, then finding the note from Shisui, reminding Ryouta of how he was, and what he'd say, giving some moving words so Ryouta could begin moving forward again.
Izumi meanwhile seems to be becoming more concerned by what's going on, some Uchiha are suspicious about Shisui's death, and accused Itachi about it, though Ryouta quickly shut them down with logic. Fugaku also showed a hint of his more human qualities by making sure that whatever Ryouta needed to be paid for, he'd personally take care of it, showing that his previous feelings were a mistake.
As for Danzo...things will be happening with him soon, Hiruzen already has decided to disband Root, so what happens after another certain event...we'll see~
Finally, I've been thinking about Ryouta's Mangekyou Sharingan abilities, I thought about Ryouta having a different Mangekyou in the reflecting power.
He'd still have the erasing power since I've got a few fun ideas on how that can be used but reflecting one after speaking to a few people is quite like the Deva Path's power and without spoiling anything about that...I've thought of one that could replace it.
The ability to teleport via his eye, using it for different applications. It would share some similarities with Kamui, but it would have something unique to distinguish itself from Kamui also and vice versa so Kamui would have something unique that Ryouta's couldn't do.
I thought a power like that, together with erasing would be a perfect mixture of attacking and defensive I believe anyway, and could be used quite creatively, especially with Susanoo later on.
Or, another idea having been suggested is having his eyes act like portals, one at close range, and one at long range. It would act differently to Kamui since Ryouta wouldn't be able to become intangible, but he'd be able to make portals to his own dimension for quick transportation if he knows where he's going, or other dimensions.
So yeah, that's what I've been thinking about to let you all know after a few people asked about it.
Well, until next time, thanks for reading!
Ryouta; Satsuki, Sakura, Naruko, Hinata, Ino, Haku (fem), Kurotsuchi, Karin, Konan, Mei,