Scene: Segawa’s Lab — Night

  The dim light flickered across the room as Karin leaned against the desk, arms crossed.

  Karin (quietly):

  “So tell me, Segawa… why did you really bring me here? You said something about hiding — about people thinking you sleep around?”

  Segawa turned away, staring at the wall — her voice steady, but low.

  Segawa:

  “Yeah… in my clan — the Shin Clan — only the males are allowed to live with this power.

  If a girl is born with it… they kill her.

  They don’t want a woman being stronger — or marrying someone from another clan.”

  Karin’s eyes softened.

  Karin:

  “So that’s why you… pretend to sleep around?”

  Segawa let out a shaky laugh — tired, but sharp.

  Segawa:

  “My power — time travel — it only activates through physical touch.

  If someone touches me the wrong way… my body could accept it without my will.

  So I let rumors spread. Said I’ve got a body count in triple digits.

  If they think I’m ruined… no one will want me.

  Messed up, huh?

  But I’m still untouched. Still me.”

  The silence that followed cracked something inside Karin.

  Her eyes welled before she stepped forward and pulled Segawa into her arms.

  Karin (voice trembling):

  “You’re just a kid… surviving hell like that…”

  Segawa closed her eyes against her shoulder.

  Segawa (softly):

  This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

  “I saw your past too, Karin. You were used once, weren’t you?”

  Karin nodded silently.

  Segawa (pleading):

  “Please… save me from my clan.”

  Karin:

  “I will. I’ll add that to my list.”

  Segawa leaned into her — tired, nuzzling her face into Karin’s neck before falling asleep.

  Karin looked down at her — a faint, bittersweet smile forming.

  Karin (thinking):

  “Can I… adopt her?

  I always get jealous seeing Sakura and Hinata with their kids…

  Maybe I could…

  But she’s the princess of her clan. Would it even be okay?”

  The candlelight dimmed as the two slept — survivor and protector, both scarred, both still fighting.

  Scene: Hyūga Clan — Elders’ Room

  The elders sat in shadow, murmuring.

  Elder:

  “Appoint Sai to guard them. Keep this quiet.”

  Sai entered silently — eyes sharp, expression unreadable. Across the room stood Ryouta, now dressed in dark gear reminiscent of his uncle, Itachi.

  Sai (calmly):

  “So… walking in your uncle’s footsteps?”

  Ryouta activated his Rinnegan and Star Rinnegan — eyes glowing with deadly resolve.

  Ryouta:

  “I have to.

  If I don’t… the world ends.”

  He stepped forward, fist tightening — ready to strike. Sai didn’t flinch.

  Sai (flat):

  “You’re Sasuke’s sword — his son.

  Whatever you do… I’ll trust it’s for Konoha.”

  Ryouta (solemn):

  “Yes, sir. I have to save everyone.”

  Sai gave a faint smile.

  Sai:

  “If there was a universe where Naruto and Sasuke were both women and married each other…

  their kid would be exactly like you — Naruto’s will to save everyone… and Sasuke’s cold resolve.”

  Ryouta smirked slightly.

  Ryouta:

  “I’ll take that as a compliment.”

  Sai stepped back.

  Sai:

  “I’ve moved the elders who support Yuta to the far side.

  The ones plotting against him — they’re here.

  Go all out.”

  Hours Later — Dawn

  Blood dripped down the hallway.

  Ryouta emerged from the chamber, eyes dull, cloak torn, hands shaking.

  Sai stood waiting, unreadable.

  Sai (quiet):

  “Still a teenager… and you’ve already done what Itachi once did.

  How does it feel, nephew of a legend?”

  Ryouta looked at his bloodied hands, voice calm but broken.

  Ryouta:

  “Like I’ve fulfilled my purpose.”

  Sai gave a small, sad nod.

  Sai:

  “Good.

  That’s what ninja are.”

  The dawn light hit Ryouta’s face — not as a hero, but as a shadow born from necessity.

  End of Chapter 60 — “The Weight of Survival”