The courtyard lay beneath the moon's cold gaze, its pale light spilling over the polished stones and casting long, wavering shadows. The night, once peaceful, now carried a tension so thick it pressed against the gathered Uchiha like an unseen force. The imposing walls of the compound, once symbols of strength, now felt like a cage, trapping them in the moment before the storm.
"Did Itachi betray us?"
Tekka Uchiha's voice broke the silence, raw with disbelief and fury. His fists clenched so tightly his knuckles went white, his breath sharp and uneven. Around him, others stood frozen—expressions hardened, minds racing. They had trained together, laughed together, and built their futures within these very walls. And now, one of their own had turned against them.
Kaito Uchiha stood in the center, his face illuminated by the flickering torchlight. His gaze was steady, unreadable, even as the weight of their expectations bore down on him. He met Tekka's eyes, and with a calm that belied the chaos in his mind, he answered.
"Yes. Tonight, Itachi moves against us."
A heavy silence fell over the courtyard, the words settling like a death knell. The air was thick with restrained emotion—anger, sorrow, fear. No one spoke, but their shifting stances and tightened jaws spoke volumes.
"That traitorous bastard," Tekka spat, his voice trembling with rage. "After everything we've done for him..."
A murmur of agreement rippled through the crowd. Faces contorted with barely restrained fury. It was easier to be angry than to acknowledge the deeper wound Itachi had carved into their hearts.
"What do we do now?" someone asked, voice tight with desperation.
All eyes turned to Kaito.
He exhaled slowly, aware that his next words would shape the fate of those before him. "We gather everyone we can trust. Secure the compound. Set up defenses. If Konoha comes for us, we will not go quietly."
Tekka nodded sharply. "I'll rally the others."
A brief flash of determination flickered across the group, but it was quickly overshadowed by the reality of what they faced. Then, hesitantly, another voice spoke.
"And Itachi?"
The question hung in the air. It was different from the rest. More than anger, it carried the weight of pain, of uncertainty. Because despite everything, Itachi was still one of them.
Kaito's jaw tightened. He knew there was no room for hesitation. "I'll deal with him."
The quiet rustle of fabric and shifting feet followed, but no one challenged him. They had seen what Kaito was capable of, and tonight, they needed to believe in something—someone.
Then, in the dim torchlight, something changed. Kaito lifted his gaze, and his Sharingan spun, warping into something far more ominous. A gasp rippled through the elites as the unmistakable pattern of the Mangekyo Sharingan blazed in his eyes.
"The Mangekyo..." someone whispered in awe.
Kaito didn't acknowledge the murmurs. His focus was unwavering, his voice cold and resolute. "With these eyes, I will make Konoha answer for this betrayal."
No more words were needed. The courtyard, once a place of training and unity, now stood as the last stronghold of a clan on the brink. The Uchiha elites dispersed, moving with silent urgency. The wind carried the distant scent of rain, a warning of the storm closing in.
Kaito remained still for a moment longer, his gaze lifting to the sky. The moon's pale light seemed to mock him, a silent witness to the tragedy unfolding below. Somewhere in the darkness, Itachi was waiting—his once-friend, now his enemy. Kaito's hand tightened around the hilt of his blade, his Mangekyo Sharingan blazing with resolve. He had trained for this moment, but no amount of training could prepare him for the weight of what lay ahead.
The wind shifted, carrying the faint scent of rain and the distant sound of footsteps. The storm was coming, and Kaito would be ready.
T/N: This chapter is a bit shorter than usual as I'm refining earlier parts of the story for better pacing and impact. Hope you enjoy the improvements! Let me know what you think!