Chapter 70 – The Promise of a Brother
The night air in the Uchiha compound was quiet, but inside the household, warmth overflowed.
Mikoto rested peacefully after her long struggle, while Fugaku sat nearby, pretending to be composed but betraying himself with the way his hands wouldn't stay still.
Akira, however, couldn't take his eyes off the small bundle wrapped in soft white cloth.
A baby boy—tiny, fragile, and yet radiating a warmth that filled Akira's chest with something indescribable. The boy's soft breaths rose and fell, his small fists occasionally curling as if he was already practicing to hold something precious.
Akira leaned closer, his heart pounding.
"So this is… Itachi," he whispered, almost afraid his voice might disturb the newborn.
Fugaku glanced at him, his eyes softer than usual.
"Your little brother. Remember, Akira—you'll have to guide him."
Those words struck Akira deeper than any mission order, deeper than any lecture Jiraiya or Minato had given him. Guide him… protect him.
He sat down carefully, and Mikoto, even in her tired state, smiled faintly.
"Would you like to hold him?" she asked.
Akira froze. His hands suddenly felt too big, too clumsy, too unworthy. But Mikoto nodded reassuringly, and with careful guidance, Akira cradled the tiny boy in his arms.
The weight was so light… yet so heavy with meaning.
Itachi blinked his small eyes open for a moment, unfocused, but Akira felt it—an unexplainable warmth, as if the newborn could already sense his feelings.
Akira smiled nervously, his voice trembling.
"Hey… I'm your big brother. My name's Akira. From today on… you don't have to worry about anything. Because I'll protect you. Always."
Fugaku looked away, hiding a rare softness in his expression. Mikoto's smile deepened as she closed her eyes to rest, trusting her sons.
Akira's thoughts, however, turned heavy in contrast to the sweetness of the moment. He remembered… the other timeline. The boy in his arms would one day be forced to choose between clan and village. Would one day carry burdens too heavy for anyone his age. Would one day fall, leaving only grief behind.
Akira's grip tightened slightly, careful not to wake Itachi.
No. Not this time. I won't let that happen. This little brother… I'll make sure his path is different. I'll rewrite everything.
But the baby only gave a tiny yawn, completely unaware of destiny's weight. His little hand reached up, brushing against Akira's chin clumsily.
Akira chuckled, his eyes soft.
"You're so small… but already bossy, huh? Trying to tell me I have to do better?"
Fugaku gave a quiet hmph at Akira's muttering, though the corner of his lips curved slightly.
"You better mean those words, Akira. An older brother sets the example."
Akira looked down at Itachi again, and his expression turned firm.
"I do. I'll be the kind of brother he can look up to."
The baby wriggled softly, then nestled deeper against Akira's chest as if to accept that vow.
That night, as the household finally settled into calm, Akira sat quietly with his little brother in his arms. The world outside was filled with war, with schemes, with looming darkness—but here, in this small moment, there was only warmth, the bond of family, and a promise that would shape everything to come.
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Akira whispering to the sleeping Itachi:
"No matter what destiny says… I'll protect your smile. Always, little brother."
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