Prologue Rewrite: A Legacy Divided
The Uchiha compound was quiet, bathed in the pale glow of the moon. Izuna Uzumaki Uchiha strolled through the training grounds, her black hair flowing behind her, the crimson streak catching the moonlight. She spotted her elder brother, Madara, seated on a stone bench with his sword resting on his lap.
He was sharpening it, the rhythmic scrape of the whetstone filling the silence. His shoulders were relaxed, but Izuna could sense the tension beneath. He never stopped, not even after a victory, always chasing an ideal of perfection.
She approached silently, her steps deliberate. She wasn't trying to sneak up on him—Madara always knew when she was near.
"You've been staring long enough," he said without looking up, his voice carrying that familiar mix of teasing and authority.
Izuna smirked and folded her arms. "Maybe you're just easy to read."
Madara chuckled, finally looking at her. "Doubtful." He set the whetstone down and gestured for her to sit.
She hesitated, then joined him. For a while, neither spoke. The night was still, save for the distant chirping of crickets.
"Why do you always train so late?" she asked, breaking the silence.
Madara shrugged. "Why do you always keep your powers hidden?"
Izuna stiffened, her smirk fading. "What are you talking about?"
He glanced at her, a knowing look in his dark eyes. "I'm not blind, Izuna. I've seen you. The seals you use. The chains. You think I wouldn't notice?"
Izuna clenched her fists. "It's not about hiding. It's about not drawing attention. You know how the clan is."
Madara frowned. "The clan respects strength. You're stronger than most of them, even if they don't know it."
"That's exactly the problem," she muttered. "I'm not just Uchiha. If they knew the extent of my Uzumaki heritage, they'd see me as an outsider."
Madara was silent for a moment. Then he said, "Their opinions don't matter. What matters is what you do with your strength."
Izuna looked at him, her crimson-streaked hair falling into her face. "And what if I don't want to use it? Not like you do?"
Madara's gaze softened. "Then you'll find your own path. Just remember, Izuna, you're not walking it alone. I'm always here."
She smiled faintly, appreciating his words even if she didn't fully believe them. Madara was always focused on the clan, the bigger picture. Her path felt smaller, more personal. But perhaps that was why she could afford to stay in the shadows.
As they sat in the quiet of the night, Izuna allowed herself a rare moment of ease. Madara didn't need to know everything, and for now, that was enough.