Inside the surgical operating room—
Tsunade and her two disciples were present.
Tsunade was the lead surgeon, Shizune assisted, and Nohara Rin lay on the bed.
"Rin, I'll ask you one last time—are you certain you want to transplant these eyes?"
On the bed, Rin was covered with a white sheet, her pure and adorable face scrubbed clean. The fear that occasionally flickered in her eyes showed that her heart wasn't as resolute as she appeared.
Even now, she still remembered what Uncle Rinjin had told her:
"These eyes come from an Uchiha, but don't worry—their original owner is long dead, and died miserably.
Rin, you want to become stronger. But you need to understand—this world isn't fair.
Or rather, unfairness is the norm.
Many people want to grow strong, but the truly powerful are always just a precious few.
I've thought about it for a long time. Perhaps these Uchiha eyes can help you grow faster and protect those you want to protect.
As for the price...
Honestly, I don't know what kind of price you might have to pay.
It could be endless darkness, or relentless pursuit, or maybe even happiness and fulfillment.
No matter what, I really admire your courage to challenge your own fate.
In this regard, you're truly like your mother."
Thinking of this, images flashed through Rin's mind—her mother's increasingly haggard face after her father died in battle, Obito's longing gaze before his death, Kakashi's back as he stood protectively in front of her.
Obito had entrusted her to Kakashi because he wanted her to live well!
If that was the case, then she absolutely had to live well!
Gradually, the determined light in Rin's eyes grew brighter and brighter.
She had decided—to abandon those brown eyes from Obito's memories and accept a brand new pair.
This wasn't just for herself! It was also for Kakashi, for Obito!
"Sensei, I've made up my mind!"
Looking at Tsunade in her white coat, Rin nodded with unwavering determination.
Seeing this, Tsunade let out a long sigh.
War—after so many years of fighting, what had it really brought?
Nawaki died, that silly Uchiha boy died, so many comrades died...
Besides hatred and grief, what do we have left?
Shaking her head to cast aside these distracting thoughts, Tsunade put on a serious expression and picked up the scalpel.
"Shizune, prepare to begin. Anesthesia!"
...
Under the large tree at the hospital entrance, Rinjin stood with arms crossed, taking one last look at the second-floor operating room window before preparing to leave.
Just then, a clear and gentle female voice suddenly called out from behind.
"Sensei?! Rinjin-sensei?!"
Who?
Besides Rii, when did I ever teach a female student?
Or is it some useless guy who practiced the Sunflower Manual?
Turning around, he saw a woman in casual clothes with gentle, graceful features holding a child's hand, standing not far behind him.
"You are?"
"Ah~ Nice to meet you, Rinjin-sensei.
I'm Fugaku's wife, Uchiha Mikoto. This is mine and Fugaku's son, Uchiha Itachi.
Itachi, say hello to Grandpa~"
Beside her, the black-haired, black-eyed little boy bowed politely and called out crisply, "Grandpa."
Seeing this scene, Rinjin felt his vision go dark.
Konoha Year 45. I, Rinjin of the North, thirty-five years old, and already being called grandpa...
He coughed twice to mask his heartbroken inner state, then put on a dignified air and nodded.
"Hello, little Itachi."
After greeting Uchiha Itachi, Rinjin looked up at Uchiha Mikoto and smiled as he delivered one of the top ten lines most beloved by young wives:
"This child looks like you—he'll definitely be a handsome young man when he grows up. Wonder which family's daughter will be lucky enough to have him."
As expected, Uchiha Mikoto immediately smiled like a fox who'd stolen a chicken.
After chatting and laughing for a bit, Rinjin asked about Fugaku's recent situation.
"By the way, how's that kid Fugaku been lately? Still with the Konoha Police Force?"
Hearing this, Uchiha Mikoto nodded slightly.
"Fugaku's still with the police force, but recently..."
"Recently what?"
"He wants to become the Uchiha clan leader. He's been recruiting people lately."
After speaking, worry flashed across Uchiha Mikoto's face.
Honestly, she was extremely satisfied with their current life.
Her beloved husband had a stable job and didn't have to risk his life fighting enemies outside the village. They also had a cute, well-behaved child.
Moreover, Fugaku's imposing and strong presence kept the Uchiha clan's arrogant traditions firmly outside their home, not affecting Itachi's upbringing at all.
But once Fugaku became the Uchiha clan leader, could such peaceful and beautiful days really be maintained?
Thinking this, the worried Uchiha Mikoto bowed politely to Rinjin.
"Rinjin-sensei, you haven't returned to the village for so long. Fugaku mentions missing you at home all the time.
How about this—let our family treat you to dinner?
Please bring Teuchi-senpai too. Everyone can get together."
Hearing this, a sharp glint immediately flashed in Rinjin's narrowed eyes.
Uchiha Mikoto's thoughts were too easy to guess—he saw through her intentions at a glance.
However, he didn't plan to interfere in Uchiha affairs.
With Fugaku, the "insider" he'd carefully cultivated, the Uchiha exodus was a foregone conclusion.
Most importantly, Fugaku, like himself, looked down on arrogant Uchiha and preferred humble ones.
This was just perfect~
So, Mrs. Uchiha, you also wouldn't want... Er, never mind that line.
After pondering for a moment, Rinjin smiled and shook his head:
"Thank you for the invitation, but let's skip it. I have some business in Sunagakure recently.
Tell Fugaku for me that there'll be plenty of time for gatherings in the future."
After saying this, Rinjin slowly crouched down and gently patted the head of Itachi, who was staring at him with big round eyes.
"Itachi, if you get in trouble in the future and your dad wants to beat you, just run quickly to 66 Mingcha Street—I'll help you beat up your dad."
Laughing as he made this joke, Rinjin stood up, waved goodbye, and turned to leave Konoha Hospital.
Watching Rinjin's departing figure, Itachi innocently tilted his head to look at his mother and asked simply:
"Mother, is Grandpa Rinjin very powerful?"
Hearing this, Uchiha Mikoto smiled and shook her head.
"I don't know Ask your father when we get home"
"Mm." Itachi nodded seriously, took his mother's hand, and walked into the hospital.
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
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