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Chapter 53– “The Pressure of Blood”

  Scene 1: Hyūga Clan Council Room

  The air was thick, the elders whispering in shadows.

  Elder 1 (hissing): “If we cannot control Yuta, then we mold him. He will become our Itachi—our weapon, our scapegoat.”

  Elder 2: “Yes… a boy that strong cannot be allowed to walk freely.”

  A sudden chill ran through the room. The candlelight flickered. A ripple of chakra—dark and sharp—swallowed the silence.

  Sasuke appeared, seated casually on the long wooden table, his Sharingan glowing faintly.

  Sasuke (calm, venomous): “Well, well, well. You want to make Yuta your next Itachi?”

  The elders froze.

  Sasuke (leaning forward): “I almost destroyed Konoha for what the elders did to my clan. I killed Danzō with my own hands. He was the head elder of the entire village. Compared to him, you’re… insects.”

  Elder 3 (trembling): “Y-you can’t. You’re the Shadow Hokage!”

  Sasuke (smirking coldly): “The police force works under me. They’d bury your bodies before sunrise. No one would ever know.”

  The elders’ composure shattered, their eyes wide with fear, lips quivering. Some of them began to cry quietly, the weight of Sasuke’s killing intent pressing against their throats.

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  Sasuke stood, his cloak swaying.

  Sasuke (low, dangerous): “Cross Yuta again… and you won’t live to regret it.”

  He vanished in a flicker, leaving the room drenched in terror.

  Scene 2: Uchiha Household – Rooftop

  The night was quiet. Sakura sat on the rooftop, a small bowl of coconut oil beside her. She looked up at the stars, waiting.

  A distortion—then Sasuke appeared beside her.

  Sakura (without looking): “Sit down.”

  Sasuke (hesitant): “…Hn.” [sits]

  Sakura poured oil into her hands and began massaging his scalp. Sasuke’s shoulders, usually tense, softened slightly.

  Sakura (soft smile): “You went to the Hyūga council room… because you want to protect Yuta, don’t you?”

  Sasuke (shocked): “…How do you know?”

  Sakura (poking his forehead): “I’m your wife. I know what you’re doing even when you’re not here.”

  Sasuke turned away, cheeks burning red.

  Sasuke (grumbling): “…Tch.”

  Sakura (teasing): “Hehe. You still blush for me, you little dummy.”

  Sasuke (face red as a tomato): “…Stop.”

  Her playful smile faded into something more serious.

  Sakura (quietly): “But Yuta’s going to be under more pressure from now on, isn’t he?”

  Sasuke (eyes narrowing at the stars): “…Yeah.”

  Scene 3: Uzumaki Household – Hokage’s Room

  Hinata snuggled close to Naruto, her head resting against his chest.

  Hinata (whispering): “Do you think I can fight this emotional war? For Yuta… for Hanabi… for our family?”

  Naruto (poking her forehead gently): “Dummy. You were the reason I pushed myself again and again, until I became Hokage. Without you… I might’ve given up long ago.”

  Hinata’s eyes widened softly.

  Naruto (smiling warmly): “Trust yourself. Push our son in your own way. He’ll shine brighter than anyone.”

  Hinata (hesitant): “…But his opposition is my little sister. Hanabi.”

  Naruto (serious, steady): “Then help whoever your heart says is right. Whether it’s Yuta, or Hanabi. That’s your strength.”

  Hinata closed her eyes, comforted by his words.

  Scene 4: Konoha Café

  Inojin and Ryouta sat across from each other, glaring.

  Inojin: “Face it. Himawari’s closer to me.”

  Ryouta: “Hah? She talks to me way more than you.”

  The door jingled. Himawari walked in, bright smile on her face, and sat down between them.

  Himawari (pouting): “I don’t know why you two always fight. But… can you stop for once?”

  Inojin & Ryouta (together): “…Huh?”

  Himawari looked down, her small hands tightening into fists.

  Himawari (quietly, determined): “I don’t know how to help my big brother Yuta… but I want to protect him like my mom does.”

  Inojin and Ryouta exchanged glances. The rivalry melted away, just a little.

  Inojin (serious now): “…Fine. I’ll help.”

  Ryouta (nodding): “…Yeah. Not for you, though.”

  Inojin (grinning faintly): “Right. Not for you either.”

  Both (together, firm): “For Yuta.”

  Himawari’s face lit up, her smile returning.

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