Itachi and Fugaku accompanied Shisui to the hospital to check on Arashi. The halls were silent, a sharp contrast to the urgency Shisui felt pulsing through his veins.
"Nurse," Shisui's voice was tight with worry, "a boy was brought in here. Difficulty breathing, coughed up blood, then fainted. Which room is he in?"
The nurse's face fell. "He should be waking up soon," she replied, "but he's in bad shape. Respiratory disease, severe nerve damage... A Hyuga even confirmed his chakra network is damaged."
She looked at Shisui, her voice heavy. "Look, most wouldn't have survived this. He's showing some incredible regenerative abilities, but... if this boy wanted to be a shinobi... it's impossible. As it stands, he can't even manage a basic clone."
Shisui's heart plummeted. "What?!" he choked out. "Are you sure?"
The nurse nodded sadly and said, "If he uses ninjutsu, it'll be only a fraction of what it was. His chakra is permanently disrupted. Even simple things like running and jumping will cause him intense pain. He won't be able to speak loudly or even laugh like he used to."
She continued, "The doctor prescribed medication to slow things down and ease the pain, but we didn't get a name. Are you his guardian?"
Shisui swallowed hard. "Yes. Shisui Uchiha."
"And his name?"
"Arashi Uchiha. He's my brother."
The nurse nodded. "Room 219. Pick up his medicine on your way out."
Fugaku moved to follow, but Itachi placed a hand on his shoulder. "Father, it's best if Shisui goes alone. We should leave."
Fugaku, understanding in his eyes, nodded. "Shisui," he said, his voice gruff but sincere, "we'll talk later. I hope he recovers."
Shisui bowed his head. "Thank you, Captain."
Itachi and Fugaku departed, leaving Shisui to face the harsh reality of his brother's condition. He walked towards room 219, each step heavy with dread and determination.
'Arashi's dream is to become a shinobi, just like me.' Shisui's heart ached with the weight of the nurse's words. 'But now they're saying he won't even be able to become a shinobi? That's just so unfair.'
A new determination ignited within him. 'I have an additional duty now... Arashi is my kid brother, and I won't allow his dreams to be crushed so soon. They haven't even begun. But I'll make sure he achieves his goals, even if I have to sacrifice my own.'
With a resolute sigh, Shisui approached the door to room 219 and knocked gently.
"I'm coming in!" he called out softly.
He entered the room, his gaze immediately drawn to the small figure lying in the hospital bed.
"Shisui..." Arashi's voice was a hoarse whisper, barely audible.
'My voice... it hurts...'
Shisui knelt beside the bed, his expression filled with concern. "Please, don't speak too much," he urged. "The doctor said you're still sick and recovering. But you're safe now. The village won't bother us anymore, and you can live with me. We'll even go see Father together."
He leaned closer, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "A lot will change from today. You'll have a family. A clan, too! We'll be a family... you and I. I got the Hokage to back off. You'll finally be who you were supposed to be."
"Who I was supposed to be?" Arashi echoed, his eyes widening slightly.
Shisui smiled. "Arashi of the Uchiha clan. That was the name our mother gave you."
"I see..." Arashi attempted to sit up, but a wave of pain washed over him.
"Ah... It aches..."
Shisui gently helped him back into a reclining position. "What aches?"
"Everything..." Arashi admitted, his voice strained.
Shisui's heart ached for his brother. He carefully helped Arashi to his feet, supporting his weight. "Let's go home, Arashi."
Arashi looked at Shisui, a flicker of gratitude in his eyes. He leaned on his brother, allowing himself to be guided towards the exit.
Shisui presented the prescription at the reception desk and paid for the medicine.
"Keep cold drinks to a minimum," the nurse reminded him. "If possible, no more cold drinks or you'll risk further damage. Also, no more strenuous activities, and—"
"I spoke with the other nurse already," Shisui interrupted politely. "But thank you for the reminder."
"Alright," the nurse conceded. "Remember, one of the medicines is three times a day for the next five months. When you're done, come back for a check-up. The other medicine is permanent. Unfortunately, he's suffering from a rare and serious disease. No one knows the cure for it, but count yourselves lucky that it isn't fatal."
Shisui nodded gratefully. "Thank you."
After collecting the medication, Shisui led Arashi towards Ichiraku Ramen, a familiar comfort amidst the uncertainty of their new reality.
"Tsuki? It's been a while, hasn't it?" Teuchi welcomed them with his usual warm smile.
Arashi attempted to respond, but his voice was barely a whisper.
"What was that?" Teuchi leaned closer, straining to hear.
"He says his name is Arashi, not Tsuki," Shisui explained. "It's a long story."
"Oh, Arashi, huh?" Teuchi mused. "Not a bad name." He paused, then added with a knowing look, "Anyway, what can I get ya? I hear you're struggling to speak, so I'll add some extra miso soup."
"Thanks," Arashi managed, his voice raspy.
"What was that?" Teuchi asked, cupping his ear.
"He said thanks," Shisui answered for him.
"Anytime," Teuchi replied, disappearing into the kitchen to prepare their meal.
"Hey! Tsuki! You're already out of the hospital?!"
A loud, vibrant voice echoed across the street, instantly capturing their attention.
"Huh? Shisui? What are you doing here?" Naruto rushed over, his face alight with surprise and concern.
"Naruto, come sit with us," Shisui said gently. "He could use your company."
Naruto grinned and joined them at the table. "Hey, you alright?" he asked Arashi, his brow furrowed with worry. "You haven't talked much, you know?"
"Yes, I'm fine, thanks for asking, Naruto," Arashi replied, his voice still strained.
"You sound sick," Naruto observed. "Is it the medicine they gave you at the hospital or something?"
Arashi tried to respond, but his throat tightened, a painful cough wracking his body.
"Cough! Cough! Cough!"
"Naruto, that's enough," Shisui intervened. "He got sick recently. He has a disease that won't allow him to be the same. He's forced himself to speak, just for you, but he can't do it anymore."
"A disease?" Naruto's face fell.
"Here," Shisui said, rising from his seat, "let's get going. Will you help us?"
"Help you? But Tsuki lives with me, you know?" Naruto's confusion was evident.
"It's Arashi Uchiha," Shisui explained, his voice gentle but firm. "That's his real name. Someone else gave him the other one."
"His family?" Naruto asked, his eyes wide.
Shisui nodded. "Arashi is my brother."
"Hey, that's not fair! What about me?!" Naruto protested, his voice rising in anger.
"Relax," Shisui chuckled. "That doesn't mean you'll never see him again. Come on, help us move."
Naruto, though still slightly pouty, nodded and joined them. They left Ichiraku Ramen and headed towards the Uchiha compound, their footsteps echoing in the twilight.
"Hey, Arashi, go ahead," Shisui said, gently touching his brother's shoulder. "I want to talk to Naruto for a moment. I won't be long, alright?"
Arashi nodded, a flicker of concern crossing his face. He continued walking towards Shisui's house, his steps slower than usual due to his lingering injuries.
Shisui turned to Naruto, his expression grave. "Hey, I need you to do something for me," he began, his voice low and serious.
"Something? Like what?" Naruto asked, his usual carefree demeanor fading as he sensed the gravity of the situation.
"Well, I don't want to say it to him directly, but..." Shisui hesitated, choosing his words carefully. "Arashi is suffering from an untreatable disease. He won't be able to become a shinobi with this condition."
"What? Are you serious?!" Naruto's voice rose in shock and disbelief.
"Shhh, keep it down," Shisui cautioned. "Few people know this. Only Itachi and his father are aware. I want to keep it that way. If Arashi finds out the truth, it'll crush his spirit and hinder his progress."
Shisui's gaze met Naruto's, pleading for understanding. "I'm telling you this because you're his best friend. You can push him to overcome this sickness. I just want him to be successful, that's all. That's all I want for him, but I need you to push him."
"I want to train Arashi and get him back into shape," Shisui continued. "But if he knows about the possibility of him not being able to become a ninja, he'll give up. He'll live under the illusion that whatever he does will never work."
"That's where you come in," Shisui's voice was firm, his eyes filled with hope. "You'll train with him every day, right?"
Naruto's fists clenched, his determination burning bright. "Of course!" he declared, his voice ringing with conviction. "I'll help him out, believe it!"
Shisui smiled, relieved. "Great, thanks a lot, Naruto. You know," he added, his tone softening, "you can stay with us for the night. I have a mattress you can sleep on."
"Really? You want me to come to your house?!" Naruto's face lit up with excitement.
Shisui nodded. "Arashi could use a close friend. Come on, follow me. I'll show you to our house so you can swing by anytime."
"Man, I've never been invited to someone else's house!" Naruto exclaimed, racing ahead with unbridled enthusiasm.
"Hey, Arashi, stop walking so fast," Naruto called out, giggling as he caught up to his friend.
They reached Shisui's house, and Shisui gave them a tour. "You'll be sleeping here from now on, Arashi," he explained, pointing to a cozy room. "My room is directly in front of yours, and to the left is our parents' room. It's locked because no one's sleeping there. To your right, and then another right, is the bathroom. Ahead is the living room, and the left side is the dining room, which is also close to the kitchen. So yeah, that's it. That's my house... our house." Shisui ruffled Arashi's hair affectionately.
"I need to go," Shisui said, a hint of urgency in his voice. "I'll be back later."
He left Arashi and Naruto to their own devices, heading towards the Uchiha compound with a heavy heart. He met with Fugaku, and the weight of his recent actions and revelations pressed down on him.
Fugaku sat in the dimly lit shrine, his gaze fixed on the Uchiha Stone Tablet. He sensed Shisui's approach before he even entered the room.
"I'm sorry for making you wait," Shisui said, bowing respectfully.
Fugaku's voice was gruff, his concern evident. "Is he safe?... Arashi, isn't it?"
"Yes, it is Arashi," Shisui confirmed, a flicker of warmth crossing his features. "And he's fine now. He's resting at home as we speak. His friend accompanies him."
"His friend?" Fugaku inquired.
"Yes, Naruto Uzumaki. They have a strong bond. He needs such a friend to help him recover."
"I see..." Fugaku opened his eyes, his Sharingan briefly flaring to life.
"I'll be straightforward with you," he said, his tone leaving no room for evasion. "I want to know what you spoke of with the Hokage."
Shisui nodded, steeling himself for the difficult conversation ahead. "The truth is," he began, "the village only recently found out about Arashi. We believe either my enemy or my father's enemies attempted to kidnap him as an infant but were caught. Arashi was returned, but the person who saved him likely died. To keep him safe, that person changed his name."
"What?" Fugaku's surprise was palpable.
"Yes," Shisui continued. "Hokage-sama believes someone from inside let the kidnapper in, but he requests we do not investigate further."
"Tch!" Fugaku clicked his tongue in frustration.
"I accepted this," Shisui admitted, his voice heavy. "And in exchange, he'll drop all charges against us and even keep his Anbu out of the clan's business."
Fugaku nodded slowly, his expression thoughtful.
"Fugaku-dono," Shisui pleaded, "please give me and Itachi more time. We can use this to mend our relationship with the village."
Fugaku shook his head, rising from his seat. "I can't hold the clan back for too long," he said, his voice grave. "But this is the first time I've seen any progress. If you and Itachi continue like this, I'll do my best to delay the coup d'état. But if things get worse..." He trailed off, the unspoken threat hanging in the air.
"I understand," Shisui replied, bowing his head. "I can't thank you enough."
'That could've gone a lot worse,' Shisui thought as he left the shrine. 'I'm glad it didn't.'
(Edited on: 05/10/24)