Hiro sighed, recognizing the determination in Mikoto's eyes. He knew that convincing her otherwise was futile; her loyalty to her clan ran as deep as the Sharingan that marked her lineage.
"All right," he said quietly. "If that's what you want, then I'll help you. Together, we'll rebuild the Uchiha name and protect those who matter."
Mikoto's gaze softened, her steely resolve melting into something more tender. "Thank you, Hiro," she whispered.
"I don't know what the future holds, but knowing you're by my side… it makes everything feel a little less daunting."
After a pause, she hesitated before asking, "Like you resurrected me… can you bring back others too?"
Hiro shook his head. "No, I can only resurrect those who haven't been dead for long."
Disappointment flickered across her face, and for a moment, they sat in silence, the cool night air brushing against their skin.
Mikoto seemed different now, more open and trusting. She was no longer as suspicious or guarded as before.
Hiro knew he had to be careful, taking things slowly; if he rushed, she might grow to resent him.
Mikoto looked at him thoughtfully.
"Hiro… I want to know more about you. Why did you bring me back? Who are you, really? We've spent so much time training, but there's still so much I don't know about you."
He avoided her questions, his mind occupied with other concerns. She was twice his age—35 to his 18—and they were still in the Land of Fire, a place they couldn't hide in forever. They needed to leave soon.
The next morning, Hiro found Mikoto already awake. Their provisions were simple—just some fruit to eat.
"Let's get moving," Hiro said. "We've stayed here longer than planned."
Mikoto nodded. "Where are we going?"
"To the Land of Waterfalls," Hiro replied.
Mikoto's eyes brightened at the mention of the Land of Waterfalls. She had visited it once when she was young; it was a beautiful and peaceful country.
"As you wish," she murmured.
Staying any longer would only increase the risk of being discovered. Hiro knew he had to get Mikoto to safety, and the Land of Waterfalls seemed like the best option—remote, peaceful, and far from the turmoil.
As the first light of dawn broke through the trees, Hiro and Mikoto began their journey.
They moved swiftly, staying within the dense forests and avoiding main roads.
Both kept their faces hidden—Hiro with his hood pulled low and Mikoto with a simple cloth mask that concealed her features. They knew that being recognized could spell disaster.
The first day passed in tense silence, broken only by the sounds of the forest.
Every rustle of leaves or crack of a twig set Hiro on edge, his senses sharpened by the constant threat of danger.
Mikoto was equally alert, her eyes scanning their surroundings with the keen awareness of someone who had been hunted before.
As night fell, they found shelter in a small cave hidden behind a thicket of bushes. It was damp and cold, but it provided the cover they needed.
They ate a meager meal of fruit, the atmosphere heavy with unspoken worries. Mikoto's thoughts seemed to drift back to the life she had once known, a life taken from her in the blink of an eye.
Hiro noticed her somber mood but didn't press her. He understood the weight of what she was going through and knew better than to force her to talk about it. Instead, he focused on the journey ahead, planning their route to the Land of Waterfalls.
The next few days were much the same—constant movement, brief rests, and an ever-present tension that neither could shake.
They passed through small villages cautiously, Mikoto remaining silent, her face hidden beneath her mask, her thoughts a mystery to Hiro.
Despite the tension and danger, there were moments of quiet connection between them. Hiro would catch Mikoto's gaze occasionally, a shared understanding passing between them without words.
As they neared the border of the Land of Fire, the landscape began to change.
The dense forests gave way to rolling hills and wide, open plains. The air was cooler here, the sky a deep blue stretching endlessly above them.
The Land of Waterfalls was close now, and with it, the promise of safety.
But the journey was far from over. They still had to cross the border undetected, and pursuers were likely on their trail.
Hiro could sense the tension in Mikoto as they neared the border, her body coiled like a spring, ready to react at a moment's notice.
"I'll use a special ability to hide our presence," Hiro said quietly, preparing for the final leg of their journey.
Mikoto nodded, fully grasping the gravity of the situation. "I'm ready."
Hiro realized there was only one way to ensure the Shinigami's Veil would conceal them both: he had to carry Mikoto.
"Mikoto," Hiro began, glancing at her with a mix of determination and hesitation. "For this to work on both of us, I need to carry you. The ability can only extend its effect if we're in close contact."
Mikoto blinked in surprise, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. "You mean…?"
"I have to carry you," Hiro clarified, his tone serious despite the awkwardness of the situation. "It's the only way."
Mikoto hesitated briefly but then nodded, understanding the necessity. "If it's the only way, then let's do it."
Hiro carefully lifted Mikoto into his arms, cradling her gently against his chest. Despite the urgency of their situation, their eyes met for a brief moment.
With Mikoto securely in his arms, Hiro activated the Shinigami's Veil. Instantly, they vanished from sight, the world around them blurring as they became nothing more than whispers in the wind.
They moved swiftly, Hiro's steps quick and careful as he navigated the terrain.
Mikoto was struck by how effortlessly he carried her, but what fascinated her even more was the ability itself. Unlike ninjutsu, there was no sense of chakra being used—no hand signs, no visible energy. It was something entirely different.
She chose not to ask about it, feeling that she owed him too much to question it now.
But… how? How did he come to possess such an ability? As a member of the Uchiha clan, she was certain that this wasn't a bloodline ability.
Mikoto looked at him, a mix of awe and relief in her eyes. "That was… incredible. We're safe for now."
Hiro nodded, his expression serious. "We are. But we can't stay here long. The ability has its limits, and I have a feeling there are pursuers coming for us. We'll rest for a moment, then keep moving."
Mikoto agreed, but for the first time since their journey began, there was a hint of a smile on her lips.
As they continued their journey into the heart of the Land of Waterfalls, the surrounding land revealed its beauty and serenity—cascading waterfalls, lush greenery, and a sense of peace that contrasted sharply with the danger they left behind.