"You are...?"
Shisui's voice carried obvious confusion and wariness as his gaze swept over the three masked figures behind Menma.
"Come in first," Menma said calmly. "This isn't something too many people should know about yet. Once we're inside, you can take off your masks."
He entered the room first, and the others followed in turn. It was a small yet tidy stone chamber, fully furnished with daily necessities. It had a separate bathroom and washing area, even a bookshelf filled with Braille books.
"Shisui, who has come?"
A soft female voice, tinged with unease and dependence, rang out. Its owner sat at the edge of the bed, her hands neatly folded on her knees. Her eyes were closed, and beneath them lay two quiet, empty hollows that no longer burned.
Uchiha Yū—or rather, the former Itachi Uchiha. Her Mangekyō Sharingan had long since been removed, and she had already endured ten years without light.
Yet ironically, it was only after those eyes had been taken that the Bloodline Disease stopped worsening. She had traded her sight for a healthy body.
And for ten long, peaceful, nearly stagnant years within this stone chamber.
During those ten years, the only person she could speak to, rely on, or touch was Shisui Uchiha—even though he had completely rejected her ninja way and her choices.
"...Itachi."
Mikoto's trembling voice sounded as she removed her mask. The lamplight illuminated her expression—a tangled mix of ten years of longing, countless sleepless nights, and emotions so complicated that this reunion nearly crushed her beneath their weight.
She had finally seen this child again.
And at first glance, she saw those eyes that would never open again.
Of course... prisoners were not permitted to retain the Mangekyō Sharingan. She knew that, from the perspective of a mother