Ever since he could remember, Uchiha Kiyoshi rarely felt lost.
He always knew what his role was, what expectations the clan had for him, and the weight of responsibility on his shoulders. As the heir to the Uchiha clan, he was expected to be the strongest of his generation, a leader who could guide the clan through the chaos of the Warring States era.
He wasn't allowed to falter.
But fate didn't care about expectations.
Kiyoshi raised a hand to touch the bandages covering his eyes. Beneath them were injuries so severe they robbed him of his sight forever. The wounds, self-inflicted in a desperate moment, destroyed his eyes and nearly his brain. He let out a dry laugh.
A few days ago, during a mission gone awry, he'd been cornered by members of the Senju clan—the Uchiha's greatest rivals. The skirmish was brutal. To prevent capture and protect vital information, Kiyoshi made the ultimate gamble. He destroyed his own eyes to escape detection.
Now, sitting in his room and listening to muffled voices outside, he couldn't help but feel the weight of his decision.
"The Uchiha heir who can't see… What's the point?"
The voices grew louder as clan members argued. Kiyoshi exhaled heavily and tried to stand. His body screamed in protest, and beads of sweat rolled down his face, but he pushed through the pain.
"They'll panic if they think I've given up, "he murmured to himself, smirking despite the sharp sting in his chest. "Father's already worried enough."
Blind, Kiyoshi's other senses had sharpened. He reached out, trailing his fingers along the rough tatami floor and the smooth walls. The effort was clumsy; his movements were slow, deliberate. He bumped into a cabinet, muttering curses under his breath.
The sound of the sliding door broke his focus. Footsteps followed, quick and heavy, accompanied by a familiar voice.
"Kiyoshi! What are you doing up?"
It was his father, Uchiha Tajima. The man's tone carried both worry and frustration.
"Father…" Kiyoshi stopped groping forward and turned his head toward the voice. He hesitated. What could he even say?
Before he could find the words, Tajima's strong hands rested on his shoulders. The warmth steadied him.
"You've done enough. Rest," Tajima said firmly. "You're alive, and that's what matters most. For me, and for the clan."
Another voice chimed in—a deep, authoritative one. "He's right, Kiyoshi. Your actions disrupted the Senju supply lines and earned us a critical advantage on the front lines. Even blind, you've brought honor to the Uchiha."
Kiyoshi recognized the voice. "Elder," he murmured.
The elder chuckled. "Good. You still recognize me. Now, stop overthinking and focus on healing. As the heir, your duty now is recovery."
Kiyoshi shook his head. "No… You need to find someone else to take my place as heir."
"Don't be absurd—" Tajima began, but Kiyoshi interrupted.
"Father, please. I know my injuries. I'm lucky to be alive at all. My eyes… they're gone. No healing jutsu can fix this. I destroyed them myself."
The room fell silent. Even the elder seemed at a loss for words.
Kiyoshi continued, his voice steady despite the emotions welling inside him. "What's more important now is keeping the clan united. The Senju will retaliate. Our people need guidance, not revenge driven by blind anger." He paused, a bitter smile forming on his lips. "If they need a target to focus their frustrations on, let it be me. Use me as the scapegoat. I don't mind."
The elder sighed. "You truly understand the burden of leadership, Kiyoshi. But don't sell yourself short. Your injury doesn't define you. Let us handle the fallout. Your only responsibility now is to heal."
Tajima knelt beside his son and gently placed a hand on his head. "You're only thirteen. You've already done more for this clan than most warriors twice your age. Don't let this moment define your future."
Kiyoshi swallowed hard, his chest tightening at his father's words. The warmth of Tajima's hand grounded him, but the weight of guilt remained.
"Father…" Kiyoshi's voice cracked. "This is my fault. I was reckless. I overestimated myself."
Tajima's grip on his shoulder tightened. "No, Kiyoshi. If anyone is to blame, it's me. I should've been there to protect you. As your father, that is my failure, not yours."
Kiyoshi lowered his head, letting the words sink in. He clenched his fists, determination flickering in his chest. "Even if I can't see, I won't bring shame to the Uchiha. I'll find a way to keep fighting."
For the first time, Tajima smiled. "That's my son. Never give up on yourself, Kiyoshi. If you give up, no one else can help you."
Kiyoshi nodded, his resolve hardening. "I'll remember that."
Tajima guided him back to the bed. "Rest now. We'll handle everything else. If you need anything, just call for me."
As the room emptied and silence returned, Kiyoshi was left alone with his thoughts. His fingers traced the edges of the bandages over his eyes.
"A blind Uchiha…" he whispered bitterly.
"What future could someone like me have?"
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