Fugaku!
Sogetsu nearly slipped—but his mind steadied in time.
He wasn't doing anything wrong with Mikoto. No secrets, no crimes. Stand upright and the shadow stays straight.
He pushed his glasses up and turned to signal Mikoto to explain. "La—"
He froze.
Mikoto, round belly in her arms, tiptoed in white socks and slipped into his bedroom like a wife caught in an affair.
"Shh—don't—let—Fugaku—know—I'm—here."
She pressed a finger to her lips, silently mouthing each word.
Shh your—! Sogetsu went silent. Yellow mud on the pants: whether it's dirt or not, it looks like it.
What am I supposed to tell Fugaku? 'Your wife came to my room, but we're totally innocent'? He'll tear me apart.
The door slid open. Fugaku stepped in after only a token knock. "Sorry, Sogetsu. I knocked for a while. No answer, so I came in. I didn't interrupt you, did I?"
"N-no, Lord Fugaku." Sogetsu's smile twitched. He poured every ounce of Rank power into composure. Across one thin wall: the clan head… and the clan head's wife.
If this blows up, someone dies.
…Obviously Fugaku, he added dryly to himself.
He smoothed his expression and sat. "It's late, Lord Fugaku. How can I help?"
Fugaku sat cross-legged, though something had him faintly on edge. "It's about your role in the clan. I've spoken with the elders. We want to grant you the title of Elder."
"Me? Elder?" Sogetsu blinked, then hesitated. "Won't the others—"
"I'll handle the others." Fugaku cut in with a broad wave. "You've restored Uchiha's name in Konoha. That's a great service."
They spoke a while longer. Sogetsu kept the pace easy, the topics harmless. Through the wall, Mikoto's heart hammered; even she didn't know why she had sprinted into the bedroom on instinct. Scented air, unfamiliar room… and her husband one paper wall away. Heat climbed her cheeks; her body tingled with the mix of fear and thrill.
Calm down, Mikoto—calm down!
Time blurred. The door opened again—"Ah!" she flinched—then relaxed when Sogetsu slipped in.
His eye twitched. "Lady Mikoto, Lord Fugaku has left. Let's begin the therapy—before it gets too late."
"O-okay… here is fine." She duck-sat, shy fingers pinching her hem. "Y-you can start."
"Close your eyes. Breathe. Don't resist."
"Mm~."
Gold flecks moved in Sogetsu's gaze. To his surprise, Mikoto held no guard against him; her mind-sea opened with a sigh. She sank into a warm, sweet dream.
It ended quickly.
Mikoto opened her eyes, languid and light, stretching like a cat. "Mm~ thank you, Sogetsu."
"Therapy is an external aid," he said gently. "Don't pressure yourself."
"I know." For reasons she couldn't name, her voice turned unconsciously fond. "Can I come again next time?"
"Of course." An idea flickered. He took out a small, elegant charm. "If I'm away, carry this. I sealed a portion of my Hypnotist power inside. It's weak for now, but it should steady your emotions."
"Really? That's wonderful!" She tucked it away close to her skin. "Thank you, Sogetsu."
"It's my honor to ease your mind, Lady Mikoto." His tone was soft as wind.
Her blush deepened. "I—I'll go. See you next time—" She fled.
Sogetsu watched her go, a faint light in his eyes. In a voice only he could hear: "A blessing, or a curse… I hope you enjoy the gift, Uchiha Itachi."
The charm carried a sliver of his Hypnotist craft—
—and a trace of something else.
A whisper of forbidden murmurs.
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