Chapter 96: Fugaku's Wedding
"Th-this... when did this happen?" the Second Elder stammered.
"It's been a while," Nagisa replied, before recounting the full story of how her eyes had awakened.
From her description, the others in the room pieced together what had happened. Although Nagisa had only recently become aware of her awakened Sharingan, the trigger was clearly the kidnapping incident. To be more specific, it was the death of Uchiha Chiko and the other clansmen that had caused Nagisa's eyes to awaken.
Ordinarily, this news would have been a cause for celebration, but a heavy feeling settled in the room instead. Fugaku, in particular, couldn't even bring himself to look Nagisa in the eyes. He knew exactly why she had declared her intention to go to the battlefield. Because of that, Fugaku felt a profound sense of shame.
Just then, Kyosuke finally spoke. "I will get revenge for you. As for going to the battlefield..." He paused, meeting the little girl's defiant gaze. "It's too soon for you."
"Aren't you the same age as me? Why can you go, but I can't?" Nagisa's voice was flat, and the cold, determined look on her face felt alien to Kyosuke. For a moment, even with all his arguments, he was at a loss for how to dissuade her.
Thankfully, the Second Elder stepped in. "You know how strong Kyosuke is, Nagisa. When you're strong enough to surpass him, then we can talk about you going to the battlefield."
"Oh," the little girl replied faintly, then turned and walked toward her room. As she went, Kyosuke and the others clearly saw a single tear trace a path down her cheek. It was obvious she was still consumed by grief over the deaths of Chiko and the others.
Seeing this, Kyosuke nodded to the Second Elder and Fugaku, then followed her. He couldn't leave her alone like this; there was no telling what desperate thoughts might enter her mind. Behind him, the Second Elder and Fugaku exchanged a look, both letting out a silent, heavy sigh.
Bang, bang. Kyosuke knocked twice on the door. When Nagisa didn't answer, he simply applied a slight burst of chakra, jarring the lock open before walking inside.
He casually sat down in a chair and saw the little girl huddled in a corner, hugging her knees. "Still upset?" he asked softly.
She didn't respond, turning her back to him completely.
Kyosuke sighed and began to patiently comfort her. It took a great deal of effort, but she finally began to speak.
"I... I want to avenge them with my own hands, but I..." Nagisa choked back a sob, her small fists clenched tightly.
Kyosuke knew she was blaming herself for her own weakness. But in a way, this wasn't necessarily a bad thing. Like love, hatred was one of the most powerful motivators for growth. While it was a cruel kind of motivation, as a member of the Uchiha clan, it was a fate she couldn't escape. Especially now. Kyosuke didn't expect her to be a major asset, but she at least needed the ability to protect herself.
"If you feel powerless, then all you have to do is become strong," Kyosuke said, gently stroking her head.
"But..." Nagisa looked up at him, still confused.
"I'll take care of avenging Chiko and everyone else, for both of us. Your mission right now is to get stronger, to make sure something like that never happens again. Do you understand?"
"I understand."
"Get some rest."
"Okay."
A week passed in a flash.
Today was the wedding day of the current Uchiha clan head, Uchiha Fugaku.
Before the sun had even risen, the entire Uchiha compound was a hive of activity. Setting up the venue, arranging tables and chairs, and greeting guests—the preparations were in full swing.
Kyosuke and Nagisa had their own roles to play. With such an important event, Konoha's most influential figures would be in attendance. The job of greeting them was given to the two of them. One was a renowned young prodigy, the other was the Uchiha clan's little princess; no one was more suitable for the task.
"Hey Kyosuke, who do you think will get here first?" Nagisa asked, dressed in a white kimono, her eyes scanning the distance.
Beside her, Kyosuke, wearing a formal black kimono, was letting out a tired yawn. Just as Nagisa was about to scold him for his lack of enthusiasm, the first guests arrived.
Seeing them, Kyosuke forced himself to stand straight and called out, "Guests have arrived!"
The newcomer saw Kyosuke and said with a warm laugh, "I'm not late, am I?"
It was Minato Namikaze and his wife, Kushina Uzumaki. He was here to offer congratulations on behalf of his master, Jiraiya.
"Not at all, Brother Minato. You're the first to arrive," Kyosuke replied with a smile.
"See? I told you we were early, but you just had to rush me," Kushina complained to Minato, clearly displeased.
"Uh..." Minato shot Kyosuke a wry smile, a rare look of embarrassment on his face.
Kyosuke inwardly chuckled but pretended not to notice. Instead, his gaze fell on Kushina, whom he was meeting for the first time. The character who had appeared so rarely in the original story, and the current jinchuriki of the Nine-Tails, was now looking at him with equal curiosity. She had often heard Minato praise him and had long wanted to meet this famous young prodigy.
Minato, finally recovering, quickly introduced his girlfriend to Kyosuke and Nagisa.
After they chatted for a while at the gate, Minato and Kushina entered the Uchiha compound.
Soon after, other prominent figures from Konoha began to arrive. The Aburame clan came second, followed by the Nara, Akimichi, and Yamanaka clans arriving together.
By the time the Third Hokage and the rest of Konoha's high command arrived, Kyosuke and Nagisa's duties were finally complete.
"Whew... so tiring," Kyosuke muttered, rubbing his cheeks, which were stiff from smiling so much.
But before he could rest, Nagisa grabbed him and dragged him toward the wedding ceremony, eager to join the festivities.
Kyosuke could only sigh and let the little girl pull him along. After all, he was heading to the battlefield soon, and he knew he wouldn't have much time to spend with her after this. He decided he might as well let her have her fun for the day.
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