On the second day, the rain stopped, and under the sunlight, Konoha was filled with a thriving vitality. A rainbow arched over the village, bringing innocent, joyful smiles to the faces of villagers and children alike. Even passing shinobi couldn't help but smile at the sight.
"Congratulations, Mikoto. You're about to become a Special Jōnin," Shirou said, smiling as he returned to the village and heard the news from Mikoto. However, upon hearing this, a trace of sadness and heaviness appeared in Mikoto's eyes.
"My grandfather's health is failing. Although my Sharingan has only reached two tomoe, I must start taking on the responsibilities of the clan." With just one sentence, she revealed a great deal: Uchiha Setsuna, the elder, was nearing the end of his days. As his only bloodline descendant, Uchiha Mikoto would inherit his legacy.
"The elder…?"
Shirou's face showed worry, though he felt a hidden thrill within. Mikoto gave a self-deprecating smile at his expression.
"It's fine. It might be best if that old man leaves sooner. It would bring the clan some peace."
The two walked side by side toward the Uchiha clan grounds, while Shirou's mind raced with the implications of what Mikoto had revealed. Though her promotion to Special Jōnin was somewhat forced, Mikoto, with her two-tomoe Sharingan and young age, was still needed as an heir by the hawkish faction of Elder Setsuna. This seemed… like an opportunity.
Suddenly, Mikoto turned to him, her slender hands cupping his face as she gazed deeply into his dark eyes.
"Shirou," she began, her expression becoming complex and solemn.
"We don't have much time. Your Chūnin appointment will come soon, but you must awaken your Sharingan as quickly as possible. I will need you in the future!"
Shirou nodded firmly.
"Sister Mikoto, don't worry. I'll help you."
Determined not to let her down, he understood that with Elder Setsuna's health declining, only Mikoto could inherit his power. But with her current limited strength, she urgently needed his support. That urgency explained her desire for him to awaken his Sharingan after she'd unlocked hers through emotional struggle.
Just as they reached the clan grounds, they heard shocking news.
"The First Hokage's grandson, Nawaki, has met with misfortune!"
Both Mikoto and Shirou were stunned.
Mikoto was taken aback because Nawaki was the last male direct descendant of the First Hokage's bloodline, while Shirou was shocked that even with Tsunade aware, such a tragedy could still occur.
In front of the Memorial Stone, rows of stone markers lay before Tsunade, who stood silently, wearing a blue coat that day. Clutching a necklace in her hand, her face was full of grief, and two streams of tears flowed down her cheeks. Beneath the silence, a palpable aura of killing intent hung in the air.
"Nawaki!"
Footsteps sounded behind her. Shirou, just back from a mission, arrived at the scene still in his travel-worn clothes, carrying a bouquet of white flowers. He walked up to Nawaki's gravestone, bowed his head, and quietly spoke.
"I just got back this morning and heard the news. Captain Tsunade, wasn't it already—"
Boom!
Before Shirou could finish, Tsunade swung her fist, sending him flying over ten meters away. The white flowers scattered across the sky as Tsunade, her face full of fury, glared at him.
"Cough, cough!"
Shirou slowly rose, wiping the blood from his mouth. He remained silent, carefully gathering the scattered flowers.
"Captain Tsunade, this must be an attempt to sow discord between you and the village!"
Shirou's face showed disbelief as he met Tsunade's grief-stricken gaze.
Could Nawaki's death have blindsided the Senju clan? Although he had already relayed the intelligence, Nawaki still perished! Whether true or not, Shirou had to take this seriously.
"Shut up!"
Tsunade, recognizing that Shirou was merely a pawn, nevertheless maintained the deception to mislead any hidden enemies.
"That information came directly from your clan's Elder Setsuna!"
Shirou's face fell, eyes flashing with determination.
"Captain Tsunade!" he declared, his expression resolute. This made Tsunade wary—was this guy truly taking matters this seriously?
Suddenly, Shirou proclaimed, "Captain Tsunade, as a Genin of the Uchiha clan, I will personally eliminate the village's traitors!"
"Shut up!"
Tsunade's fierce gaze swept over him, silencing the impassioned Shirou before he said anything more dangerous. Assassinate Uchiha Elder Setsuna? This guy is truly bold!
The circumstances of Nawaki's fake death were known only to her and Grandma Mito, yet this guy's presence added a new headache. Still, Tsunade couldn't expose the truth lightly.
"Remember the secrecy rules for shinobi!"
Tsunade's cold warning echoed as Shirou lowered his head further.
A gentle breeze passed, and Tsunade, still cold and distant, turned back to Nawaki's gravestone. Shirou moved forward, laying the white flowers before it, his head bowed.
Tsunade felt a twinge of regret for him. Nawaki's death carried great weight, and her hands were tied in what she could reveal. Finally, she spoke hoarsely, "This was the work of enemy spies."
Her statement made it clear to Shirou that the incident was classified, his information suppressed. He nodded, a sorrowful expression crossing his face.
"Because of the war, then," he murmured, implying that the matter's secrecy would prevent unrest in Konoha.
With neither truly mourning Nawaki, Shirou finally turned his back on Tsunade, clenching his fists with resolve. To Tsunade's surprise, he suddenly turned back, his eyes determined.
"Captain Tsunade, I request to go to the battlefield in the Land of Rain!"
At that moment, Shirou resolved to head to the battlefield, ready to bury this knowledge forever if necessary.
Tsunade clenched her fists in frustration. This stubborn Uchiha! But in the next moment, Shirou's face contorted in pain, his body beginning to tremble.
"Shirou!"
Tsunade, ever the skilled Jōnin, immediately sensed something was wrong with him.
Not good!