Chapter 35: Shisui's Request
Chapter Summary: Shisui makes his final will and testament.
Words: 3,410
Published: 11/4/23
Naruto's heart raced as he received the urgent summons from Tsunade, who had informed him that Shisui was on the operating table and requested to see him and Sasuke, "One last time.". His footsteps felt heavy as he made his way through the bustling hospital corridors. The gravity of the situation weighed on his mind, and a rush of thoughts swirled through his head.
Shisui... What does he want to tell me? Is it about what happened? Is he alright?
Despite his concern for Shisui, Naruto couldn't help but feel a sense of wariness and unease about seeing Sasuke again. Their recent encounter had been marked by violence, and the tumultuous history between them cast a long shadow.
As he reached the door to Shisui's room, Naruto hesitated for a moment, his hand hovering above the handle. Thoughts of their past clashes, Sasuke's pursuit of revenge, and the pain they had both endured flooded his mind.
Will there ever be a chance for reconciliation? Can we move beyond our past?
With a deep breath, Naruto pushed the door open and entered the room. His eyes met Sasuke's, and for a fleeting moment, the weight of their shared history and the uncertain path that lay ahead was palpable.
Shisui's voice was weak, but filled with resolve. As Naruto, Sasuke, and Tsunade - who was only there to keep watch of the latter - stood there, with worry etched on their faces, Shisui's eyes conveyed a mixture of pride, sadness, and wisdom.
"Naruto," Shisui whispered, his voice barely audible, "I'm entrusting you with the Uchiha legacy. Protect it with everything you have. You have the power to bring about change, and with that power comes great responsibility."
Shock ran over everyone in the room. Slowly, Naruto nodded, his eyes reflecting his determination to honor Shisui's wishes, hiding his confusion. "I won't let you down, Shisui. I'll... protect the Uchiha legacy."
I'm not even an Uchiha... Even if Sasuke isn't worthy, why not any other Uchiha, why me? And... What legacy?
Shisui then turned to Sasuke, and in a voice so soft that only Sasuke could hear, he whispered a final, secret message. Sasuke's eyes welled with tears, and he, too, nodded in response, albeit with his fists balled up.
In the sterile, dimly lit hospital room, Naruto, Sasuke, and Tsunade stood in somber silence as they watched Shisui, the man who had been a guardian and mentor to Sasuke and a protector to Naruto, succumb to his injuries. The monitors in the room emitted soft beeps, a stark contrast to the heavy silence that filled the air.
Shisui's breathing grew labored, and his life force slowly ebbed away. Naruto's eyes were fixed on Shisui's face, which had grown pale and gaunt. It was a painful sight, knowing that Shisui had taken the attack meant for him, and now, despite their efforts, he was slipping away.
Sasuke's gaze was equally intense, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. He had lost so much in his life, and Shisui had been a pillar of support and guidance for him. Seeing his protector and almost father-like figure on the brink of death was an unbearable weight on Sasuke's shoulders.
Tsunade was the embodiment of professional stoicism, but even she couldn't conceal the deep sadness in her eyes. She had seen many lives lost in the line of duty, but each loss was a reminder of the sacrifices that shinobi made for their village and the bonds they forged in the process.
As the seconds ticked away, Naruto, Sasuke, and Tsunade stood in helpless unity, bearing witness to the moment when the life left Shisui's eyes. It was a poignant reminder of the fragility of life, and the deep connections that existed between them. Shisui's sacrifice would forever be etched in their hearts, a testament to the enduring spirit of a protector and the bonds of friendship that transcended even the final moments of life.
In the end, no operation was performed for him.
After the painful loss of Shisui, Tsunade ordered that Sasuke be taken to a guarded room for his own safety and to ensure he wouldn't further endanger anyone else. As Sasuke was led away, Naruto's emotions were in turmoil. He couldn't bear to stay in the hospital any longer, needing some space to process what had happened.
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Half of an Hour Later
After leaving the hospital, Naruto wandered aimlessly through the streets of the Hidden Leaf Village, his thoughts heavy with grief and confusion. It was during this wandering that he happened upon Sakura's house. The familiarity of her home drew him in.
Naruto hesitated for a moment, then mustered the courage to knock on Sakura's door. She answered, surprise in her eyes at seeing him there. Without a word, Naruto requested entry, and Sakura, always perceptive to his emotions, granted him access.
Inside the confines of Sakura's home, Naruto finally felt comfortable enough to confide in her. With a heavy heart and a voice filled with raw emotion, he shared the request Shisui's had made.
Sakura took a moment to process this revelation. "The Uchiha legacy? What did he mean by that?"
Naruto sighed, his gaze distant. "I think he meant that he wanted me to look out for Sasuke. But I'm not sure what that entails, and I'm not sure I'm the right person to look after him, Sakura. You know how much contempt I feel for him."
Sakura placed a reassuring hand on Naruto's shoulder. "Naruto, we'll figure this out together. We'll find a way to help Sasuke and honor Shisui's last request. He was a good man, and we owe it to him to take care of Sasuke."
Naruto's eyes met Sakura's, filled with gratitude for her support. In that moment, they both knew that their friendship would be the pillar of strength they needed to navigate the uncertain path ahead and to help Sasuke in his time of need.
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Naruto's Apartment
After spending time with Sakura, Naruto eventually decided to return to his apartment. As he entered his home, he noticed something unusual among his mail. There was an unmarked envelope, piquing his curiosity. With a sense of anticipation, he opened it and found a key and a letter inside.
The letter bore Shisui's handwriting, and as Naruto read its contents, he was taken aback by the responsibility entrusted to him.
Dear Naruto,
I hope this letter finds you well. Life has a way of surprising us, doesn't it? In these uncertain times, I find myself reflecting on the importance of living with kindness and nurturing the bonds that matter most.
I wanted to share something with you, a place that has been a part of my life and holds significance. It's the penthouse that Sasuke and I shared. I'm entrusting it to you, Naruto. I believe that you can make the most of it and appreciate the opportunities it offers.
But I don't want you to bear this responsibility alone. I ask that you share this penthouse with your caretaker, Anko. I believe she'll enjoy the luxurious abode, and it would be a fitting place for her.
Remember, life is precious, and it's the connections we forge that define our journey. I've always seen potential in you, Naruto, and I want you to seize that potential with both hands.
Assume this responsibility not just for the penthouse, but also for the bonds that matter. Continue to watch out for Sasuke and, in your own way, make the most of life. Embrace the opportunities, the challenges, and the people that come your way.
You have the power to make a difference. I believe in you, Naruto. I'm grateful for the memories we've shared and the bond we've forged.
Take care of the penthouse, but also take care of yourself and the people who mean the most to you. You're capable of great things, and I hope you find happiness and fulfillment in your journey.
With trust and gratitude,
Shisui Uchiha
Naruto's emotions were a mixture of surprise and gratitude. Shisui's parting gift was a reminder of the deep connection they had, and the trust he had in Naruto. It was also a call to honor his legacy by caring for Sasuke and embracing the opportunities life had to offer.
Could Shisui have known my parents? Had he been watching over me in secret...?
With a renewed sense of purpose and responsibility, Naruto knew that he would do his best to honor Shisui's wishes and continue to forge his own path, all while doing his best to take care of the penthouse and the bonds that mattered most to him, as well as his shattered bond with Sasuke, even if he was still sour on it, whenever he would get the opportunity.
He sighed.
Now I gotta show this to Granny, and work things out with Sasuke... This is gonna be a long day.
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Tsunade's Office
With Shisui's letter in hand, Naruto made his way to Tsunade's office. He had an important matter to discuss, and he knew that the Hokage's wisdom and guidance was crucial in navigating the situation.
Tsunade looked up from her paperwork as Naruto entered, her expression shifting from stern to curious when she noticed the envelope he was holding. "What brings you here, Naruto?"
Naruto cleared his throat and began to explain the contents of Shisui's letter. As he finished recounting Shisui's wishes and the responsibility he had left, Tsunade listened attentively.
When he was done, Tsunade nodded thoughtfully. "It's clear that Shisui wanted you to take care of this penthouse and Sasuke. But I understand this must be a delicate matter considering Sasuke's current circumstances."
Naruto nodded in agreement, his brow furrowed with concern. "That's right. Sasuke's in a guarded room. He's lost his marbles, but as much as I hate him, I wanna help him, just like Shisui asked."
Tsunade leaned back in her chair, her expression serious. "We can't ignore the legal aspect of this situation, Naruto. There will be a preliminary court hearing for Sasuke tomorrow, to determine the extent to which he should be criminally charged for what happened."
Naruto shrugged weakly, succumbing to the gravity of the situation. "What am I gonna do, Granny?"
Tsunade offered her guidance, her experience as a leader shining through. "Naruto, I would advise you to make a statement at the court hearing. Share what you know about Sasuke's actions and his state of mind, but be honest and impartial. That way, we can ensure a fair legal judgment of him."
Naruto considered Tsunade's words, recognizing the importance of striking a balance between honoring Shisui's request and respecting the legal process. "I'll do it."
Tsunade nodded in approval. "I know you will, Naruto. This is a complex situation, but I trust your judgment. We'll get through this, and we'll make sure both Shisui's wishes and the legal process are respected."
With a sense of determination and responsibility, Naruto left Tsunade's office, ready to face the challenges that lay ahead and to serve Sasuke justice while honoring Shisui's request.
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Naruto's Apartment
Naruto sat at his desk, the dim light of the room casting long shadows across his face. A stack of paper and a pen lay in front of him, ready to be filled with words that carried the weight of his responsibility. He took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm of emotions raging within him.
I gotta learn to drive. Ugh, and this statement...
He was faced with a dilemma - he had to set aside his hatred for Sasuke in order to make a legitimate statement that would not only enable a fair legal judgment but also allow him to fulfill Shisui's request.
As Naruto began to write, his thoughts swirled in a maelstrom of conflicting emotions. The memories of their past confrontations, the anger, and the desire to personally punish the boy loomed large in his mind. It was a battle against himself, an internal struggle to put aside the hatred that had festered within him.
But Naruto knew that this was an opportunity to show growth and maturity, a chance to make a difference not just for Sasuke but for himself. He needed to honor Shisui's last wish, and that meant making a statement that was impartial and truthful, no matter how difficult it was.
As he poured his heart and soul into the statement, Naruto realized that this was a moment of growth, a step toward healing the wounds of the past. It was a testament to his resilience and the strength of his character, showing that he could rise above his own hatred and do what was right.
Hours turned into the night as Naruto continued to write. He was driven by the memory of Shisui, the weight of his trust, and the belief that he could make a positive impact not just on Sasuke's life but on his own journey toward forgiveness and understanding.
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Hidden Leaf Court
The day of the preliminary court hearing arrived, and Naruto found himself seated in the courtroom, clutching the statement he had prepared the night before. The atmosphere was tense, and the eyes of the village's leaders, as well as the public, were focused on him.
As Naruto rose to speak, he knew that his words would carry significant weight, and he was prepared to be honest and impartial. He couldn't help but feel a heavy sense of responsibility, both to fulfill Shisui's request and to ensure that justice was served.
With determination and a resolve born from experiences that forced him to undergo growth and maturity, Naruto began to read the statement he had prepared. His voice was steady, and his words were unwavering as he recounted the events of the day, the altercation with Sasuke, and the circumstances that had led to Shisui's tragic sacrifice.
"Sasuke Uchiha, my teammate as a genin in Team 7, is a troubled individual. To the best of my knowledge, he hasn't recovered from the loss of his family, as it is the reason he attempted to leave the village; he wanted to train under the notorious Orochimaru, in order to gain enough power to execute his brother, Itachi, who killed his family. He allowed his anger and desire for revenge to blind him, and it led to the events that have brought us here today."
Naruto didn't hold back. He spoke the truth, even when it was unfavorable for Sasuke. He acknowledged that Sasuke's actions had consequences and that they needed to be addressed. It was a difficult decision, one that required him to set aside his personal feelings and his history with Sasuke, but he knew it was the right thing to do.
As he finished reading his statement, the courtroom was filled with a heavy silence. The truth had been spoken, and the weight of Naruto's words hung in the air. The outcome of the hearing remained uncertain, but Naruto had done his part to ensure that justice was served, and that Shisui's trust was honored, even if it meant facing the consequences of Sasuke's actions.
As Naruto stepped away from the podium, the weight of his words bore down on him. He couldn't help but feel a profound sense of conflict within himself. He had spoken the truth, and he knew that it was necessary for justice to be meted out and for Sasuke not to be a danger to others. But at the same time, he couldn't shake the feeling that he had, in some way, betrayed Shisui's trust.
In Naruto's heart, he carried the memory of the man who had not only saved his life but had also believed in his potential. Shisui had entrusted him with the responsibility of the penthouse and the well-being of Sasuke, and Naruto had taken that responsibility to heart. Now, by speaking the truth at the hearing, he had placed Sasuke in a difficult position.
The courtroom fell into a heavy silence as the judge, after careful consideration of the evidence and Naruto's statement, made a solemn decision. With a firm and resolute voice, the judge declared, "Sasuke Uchiha will be charged criminally on the counts of murder in the 2nd degree and treason."
Naruto's heart sank as he heard the words, knowing that it was a necessary step to ensure justice was served and to protect the village. Sasuke was led away, his face expressionless, and the trial date was set. The weight of the impending legal proceedings loomed over the courtroom, a reminder of the consequences of Sasuke's actions and the gravity of the situation.
Naruto couldn't help but feel a sense of sorrow and conflict as he watched Sasuke being taken away, knowing that this was a painful but necessary step on the path toward healing and reconciliation, both for Sasuke and the village.
The conflict raged within him, tearing at his emotions. Naruto understood that Shisui's request had been made out of love and concern for Sasuke's well-being, and he had wanted to honor that request. However, he also knew that he had to prioritize the safety of the village and the well-being of others.
As he left the courtroom, Naruto grappled with the complex emotions that swirled within him. He couldn't help but question if there was a way to reconcile his duty to justice with his loyalty to Shisui's memory. In the end, he carried the heavy burden of knowing that sometimes, doing what was right meant making painful decisions, even if it meant betraying the trust of those who had believed in him.
After the courtroom proceedings, Tsunade recognized the emotional toll it had taken on Naruto. She knew that he had made a difficult but necessary choice, one that weighed heavily on his conscience. With a sense of understanding and concern, she whisked him away to her office, providing a moment of respite.
Tsunade reassured Naruto that he had made the right choice, emphasizing that justice and the safety of the village had been their top priorities. She understood the inner conflict he must have felt, but she also made it clear that he had done what was needed.
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Office
Tsunade leaned back in her chair and regarded Naruto with a warm but firm expression. "Naruto, you've faced a difficult situation today, and I want you to know that you made the right choice. It wasn't easy, but it was necessary."
Naruto nodded, his gratitude evident in his eyes. "Thanks, Granny. It's just... really tough. I want to help Sasuke, but I also know I did the right thing."
Tsunade's gaze softened. "You did, Naruto. And now, I want you to focus on something else, to clear your mind and regain your strength. We have a mission for you."
Naruto perked up, his curiosity piqued. "A mission? What is it?"
Tsunade explained, "There have been reports of a skilled thief in the nearby city of Kamurodate. We need someone who can track and apprehend the thief. That's where you come in."
Naruto's eyes brightened at the prospect of a mission. "Sounds good. Who's coming with me?"
Tsunade continued, "You'll have a capable team with you. Team 8 - - Kurenai-sensei, Hinata Hyuuga, Shino Aburame, and Kiba Inuzuka. They've got a good mix of skills and abilities, and I believe you'll make a formidable team."
Naruto nodded in agreement. "I'm in. When do we start?"
Tsunade smiled, "Tomorrow. Get some rest, gather your team, and make preparations. This mission will allow you to focus on something positive and keep your ninja skills sharp."
Naruto left Tsunade's office with renewed determination, grateful for the mission and the support of his Hokage. He knew that it was a step toward healing and strengthening both himself and his bonds with his comrades.