"What about Izumi?" Konan asked, a concerned expression on her face. She had developed a special bond with Izumi after spending more than half a year together, and she really didn't want this simple and kind-hearted girl to get hurt.
"Wait until she grows up, and then she can marry me together with Mikoto," Kirito said with utmost seriousness.
"You... Should I call you a scumbag? Or someone who's overly amorous?" Konan gave him a disbelieving look, caught between scolding him and giving up entirely.
On one hand, she admired Kirito's loyalty for defecting from Konoha for Uchiha Izumi. But on the other hand, Kirito had a certain restless energy, much like Jiraiya. While Kirito wouldn't sneak around bathhouses like Jiraiya, his lustful tendencies were evident in other ways—perhaps even worse than his former teacher.
At least Jiraiya had limits and never dared to cross certain lines. But Kirito? He clearly had no such reservations, as evidenced by his actions with Mikoto.
Konan knew Mikoto too well to believe she would have initiated anything with someone so much younger. The only explanation was that Kirito had pursued her relentlessly.
"Thanks for the compliment," Kirito replied, without any trace of embarrassment, clearly proud of himself.
As soon as he returned home, Kirito's Observation Haki picked up the sound of Izumi sobbing in her room. In the adjacent room, Mikoto seemed to be wallowing in guilt and loneliness. Realizing the situation, Kirito stopped abruptly and turned to Konan in shock. "Konan, does Izumi already know?"
"I'm not sure," Konan replied, uncertain. "Mikoto asked me to keep it a secret, and I wasn't planning on telling you unless it became necessary. Unless Izumi found out on her own, I don't think she knows."
A drop of sweat formed on Kirito's forehead, and for the first time in a while, his usual calm demeanor broke. His face revealed a hint of panic. In an uncharacteristically embarrassed tone, he said, "Konan, please go to my wife's room and keep her company. Tell her I'll speak to Izumi first, before things get worse. I owe you for this."
Konan had never seen Kirito so flustered, and it brought her a strange sense of satisfaction. She couldn't help but smile faintly, enjoying his discomfort. "I never thought someone like you—who wouldn't even flinch in front of Orochimaru—would be so shaken by a situation like this."
She continued, teasingly, "By the way, what about the favor you promised me? It seems like I haven't seen much progress on that front."
"That's easy," Kirito responded, eager to deflect the conversation. He didn't hesitate to sell out Obito. "Whether that masked man is really Uchiha Madara, I can't say for sure, but I have figured out some of his abilities."
He continued, "He can use two kinds of space-time ninjutsu. The first allows him to make himself intangible, avoiding attacks by transferring the part of his body being attacked to another dimension. But it can only last five minutes at a time. The second technique allows him to teleport objects nearby through space-time. However, when he attacks or teleports, he has to materialize, which is his biggest weakness."
Kirito paused for a moment before adding, "He also controls a secret technique called Izanagi. It sacrifices one of his Sharingan to alter reality, making it so any damage he receives becomes an illusion, preventing his death. At the same time, his attacks become reality. The duration is unknown, but this technique is incredibly dangerous. I've managed to kill him twice before in Konoha, which is why he's so cautious around me."
Konan frowned, absorbing the information. She realized just how difficult and dangerous the masked man was. Especially with his ability to alter reality and avoid death, paired with space-time ninjutsu—it was a nearly unbeatable combination.
"Fine," Konan finally said. "I'll help you find more information about him. In return, the leader and I will guarantee the safety of your wife and future child."
Kirito nodded, acknowledging her agreement. With that, he pushed open the door to the living area, leaving behind the laughter-filled life he once had with Izumi and Mikoto.
Izumi's room was on the opposite side of Mikoto's, with the kitchen and bathroom separating the two. Kirito wasn't worried about disturbing Mikoto as he carefully knocked on Izumi's door.
After a pause, he called softly, "Izumi, it's me, Kirito."
Moments later, the door creaked open, and what Kirito saw shocked him. Usually, Izumi greeted him with youthful energy, a shy smile gracing her beautiful face. But today, she looked haggard. Her eyes were red and swollen, and despite her attempts to cover it up with makeup, it was clear she had been crying for a long time.
"Izumi, what happened?" Kirito asked, feeling a growing sense of dread. He quickly added, "Please, tell me what's wrong."
"I'm fine," Izumi replied with a forced smile, turning her head to avoid his gaze. But her tears betrayed her. She wasn't one to hide her emotions well, and it was obvious something had deeply hurt her.
Seeing her like this, Kirito's heart sank. He spoke softly, "You found out, didn't you? About me and Mikoto?"
Izumi nodded gently, then pulled Kirito into the room. She closed the door behind him and, without a word, wrapped her arms around his waist, burying her face in his chest as she cried. She was careful not to be too loud, afraid Mikoto might overhear from the other side.
"The night before last," Izumi began, her voice trembling, "I went to Konan's place, but when I realized I'd forgotten something, I came back. When I knocked on the door, I heard you and Aunt Mikoto talking. I overheard that Aunt Mikoto is pregnant... and you're the only man in the entire tower… Kirito, how could you do this? She's Itachi's mother! She had a family! If you wanted someone, why couldn't it be me?"
Tears streamed down Izumi's face as she poured out her heart. Her words were filled with confusion, hurt, and love.
Kirito felt a surge of guilt. He held Izumi tighter, unsure of how to explain. "Izumi, it's not what you think. Mikoto lost her husband and family long ago. She's not the person you imagined. I never meant to hurt you."
As much as Kirito wanted to comfort Izumi, he knew any explanation might hurt her more. But if he didn't clarify things now, it would only make matters worse.
(End of this chapter)
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