Chapter 75 – The Return of a Sage
The gates of Konoha stood tall, familiar, and welcoming. Akira stepped through them at dusk, his cloak still carrying the faint scent of Mount Myōboku. The guards at the post turned their heads as he passed, a quiet awe in their eyes. Though none of them understood what had changed, they all felt it—his presence had grown heavier, brighter, like a flame that could not be ignored.
Jiraiya walked beside him with a lazy grin, though pride glimmered in his eyes.
"Don't get used to the silence," the Sannin muttered. "Your family's been waiting."
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At the Uchiha compound, Fugaku was pacing, arms crossed, eyes sharp with concern. Mikoto sat with baby Itachi in her arms, rocking him gently, though her gaze kept shifting toward the door.
The sound of footsteps outside made them both turn.
When the door slid open, Akira stepped inside. His golden eyes softened instantly at the sight before him—his mother, smiling through tiredness, and his father, whose stern expression cracked into rare relief.
"You're back," Mikoto whispered, rising to greet him.
Akira nodded, moving forward to kneel beside her. His gaze fell on the tiny bundle in her arms. Baby Itachi's dark eyes blinked open, curious, as though sensing the warmth radiating from his older brother.
Akira's chest tightened. He reached out with gentle hands, brushing a fingertip against Itachi's small hand. The baby gripped it tightly, and a smile spread across Akira's face.
"…I'm back," he murmured. "And I'll always be here for you."
Mikoto's eyes glistened. Fugaku turned away slightly, but Akira caught the faint upturn of his lips.
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Later that night, the house filled with warmth as Minato and Kushina joined them, Kushina cradling her growing belly as she leaned over to see baby Itachi.
"Look at him! So tiny, but already got that Uchiha sharpness," she teased.
Minato chuckled, his gaze shifting to Akira. "You've changed. Stronger." His voice was calm but firm. "Whatever you found on that mountain… it suits you."
Jiraiya, who had plopped himself down with sake already, barked a laugh. "Suits him? Brat mastered Sage Mode in a week. A week, Minato! You'd better watch out, your student might just outshine you."
Kushina's eyes widened. "Sage Mode? Already?!" She turned to Akira, her grin wide. "No wonder you're glowing like a sun."
Akira rubbed the back of his neck, embarrassed by the praise. "I just… had to be ready. For what's coming."
At that, the room grew quieter. The war was close, and everyone knew it. Even baby Itachi stirred uneasily, as if sensing the tension.
Akira glanced at his little brother again, then at his family, his friends, his teacher. His resolve hardened.
"…No matter what happens, I'll protect all of you. That's my promise."
Fugaku's eyes met his, steady and unflinching. "…Then make sure you keep it, Akira."
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That night, as laughter returned to the home and stories were shared, Akira sat quietly for a moment, gazing at his sleeping brother. He felt the weight of Sage Mode humming within him, and the heavier weight of responsibility pressing down on his shoulders.
But surrounded by warmth, he also felt something else. Hope.
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