I'll Protect You

As they neared the Uchiha Clan Compound, Homura gradually relaxed.

"What happened to Mikoto?"

"Hmph. At least you've got a conscience. I already sent someone to tell Mikoto. She's waiting at home."

The more Fugaku thought about it, the angrier he got. His voice turned helpless.

"Can't you stay out of trouble for once? You're going to be the death of me someday."

Let's hope he doesn't leave behind a child.

In his mind, Homura kept cursing the future "dutiful son" who wasn't even a fertilized egg yet.

Back at Fugaku's house, Homura composed himself at the door, then pushed it open with forced cheer.

"Mikoto, I'm home!"

"You're back. Wash your hands and get ready for dinner."

Her voice is as gentle as ever. Looks like everything's fine.

Whoosh.

Homura swallowed. "Mikoto, why are you using the Body Flicker Technique?"

"Why are you hiding a rope behind your back?"

[Battle begins! Opponent: Uchiha Mikoto (Housewife)!]

Homura turned to run, but Mikoto swiftly tied him up and dragged him to a tree, ready to hang him from it.

"I hear you skipped school and set Konoha Back Mountain on fire. Impressive."

Mikoto smiled gently as she bound him, then slowly took out a disciplinary ruler and dabbed it with iodine.

"I remember you pretending to be in the police force a few years ago to scare the other children. You said you'd dip the ruler in iodine between blows."

"What a wonderful idea. Why don't you try it first?"

"Mikoto, let me explain! It was an accident!"

"Fugaku, save me! Brother-in-Law, help!"

Smack! Smack! Smack!

Fugaku hurriedly lowered his head and stared at the stone paving in the courtyard.

That stone sure is... stone.

He even called me Brother-in-Law to save his skin? How disgraceful, Homura.

[Victory decided. Challenge against Uchiha Mikoto (Housewife) successful. Reward: 50 Gold Coins.]

Homura's cries gradually faded.

"Dear."

Fugaku jolted and raised his head, pretending to be calm.

Mikoto had returned to her usual gentle manner. She gave Fugaku a slight bow.

"Sorry for the trouble, but could you ask the school for a few days off for Homura tomorrow? He'll be confined to the house for now."

Fugaku nodded and glanced at the unconscious Homura. His gaze drifted to Homura's backside.

One look was enough. Fugaku quickly looked away.

That's rough, Homura.

Wait! If he's unconscious, that means no one will interrupt tonight...

Fugaku fought to keep the corners of his mouth from rising.

Other than our wedding night, Mikoto and I have never had a proper chance to be alone. Homura always finds an excuse to keep us apart late at night.

Even when he can't stop us, he starts coughing just as we're about to get close. What's Mikoto supposed to think when a child keeps coughing in the middle of the night? She thinks he's sick.

That precocious Uchiha brat!

Homura struggled to open his eyes. Sunlight slowly filled his vision, and his backside burned with pain.

"Awake?"

Fugaku's voice reached him.

The rope came loose, and Homura dropped onto Fugaku's shoulder.

"Ow. Easy."

Fugaku laid Homura face-down on the tatami. It looked like he wouldn't be able to stand for days.

"Stay home for the next few days. I'll ask the school for leave on your behalf."

"What do you want to eat? I'll have Mikoto make it for you."

Something's wrong!

There's something wrong with Fugaku!

Damn it. Is this Genjutsu?

There's no way he'd be this patient.

Normally, he'd put me down and leave.

Homura formed Hand Seals with both hands. "Release!"

Nothing happened.

Fugaku frowned at Homura's disbelieving expression.

"What are you doing? Mikoto didn't use her Sharingan to put you under Genjutsu last night."

She didn't hit his head last night either. Why does he seem dumber?

Homura's mind raced.

It isn't Genjutsu. So it's real.

Fugaku really is being patient with me. Did I misunderstand him all this time?

Or does he feel guilty for leaving me to die last night?

Wait. Last night!

"Is Homura awake?"

Mikoto walked in with medicine. When her eyes met Fugaku's, her cheeks flushed slightly, and she lowered her head.

Homura stared at them, wide-eyed. His fingers scraped across the tatami, leaving several marks.

Damn it! I took every precaution, and it still happened!

I should've started my plan to ruin Fugaku's stomach sooner. That would've solved everything.

I swear, you two had better raise that child right!

What kind of son grows up, picks up a blade, and massacres his entire clan?

Eighty thousand Uchiha elixirs!

"Homura, are you all right?"

Fugaku felt a twinge of guilt under Homura's wide-eyed stare.

Wait, what do I have to feel guilty about? Mikoto and I are married!

Besides, the kid couldn't know we had an in-depth discussion about raising children last night.

How dare he glare at his brother-in-law? I'll glare right back.

Fugaku stared back as Homura's eyes gradually turned red.

Is he about to cry? He's still a child, after all.

How can he handle anything if he's this fragile...

Wait. Why are black Tomoe spinning in his eyes?

Fugaku's pupils widened. He leaned in close to examine Homura's eyes.

"You... awakened your Sharingan?"

Seriously? All Mikoto and I did was spend some time together while he was unconscious.

Was that really enough? (Nothing incestuous happened!)

Then Fugaku burst into wild laughter.

"Hahahahaha!"

"My little brother-in-law, Homura Uchiha, has what it takes to become Hokage!"

What did it mean to awaken the Sharingan at five years old?

Even the legendary Madara Uchiha hadn't awakened his as early as Homura.

Watching Fugaku laugh, Homura grew even angrier.

Damn you, Uchiha Fugaku! Keep it in your pants!

A fair hand stroked Homura's head. Fugaku noticed the tears at the corners of Mikoto's eyes and wisely stopped laughing.

"Homura, you must be exhausted."

Mikoto paused. "I see you train until you're worn out every day."

"It's as though something is chasing you."

"I don't know what burden you're carrying. You're so afraid that you awakened these eyes."

"If I could have my way, you never would have awakened them."

"Whatever you're facing, I'll always be here for you."

The air seemed to freeze. Fugaku's mind raced until he found the perfect response.

"Me too."

Homura stared blankly at the tears in Mikoto's eyes. Scenes from the clan massacre in the original story flashed through his mind.

The Tomoe in both eyes spun furiously. At last, a new Tomoe appeared in each.

His Two-Tomoe Sharingan had awakened!

"Mikoto, I'll protect you. I promise."

Homura paused and glanced at Fugaku.

"You too."

That's a bold claim from a brat who isn't even a ninja yet, Homura. Still, not bad.

A faint smile appeared on Fugaku's face.

"Ow, Mikoto, easy! You hit me way too hard."

"You caused a disaster. You deserved it. Do it again, and I'll beat you at the entrance to the compound."

Homura lay on the floor while Mikoto applied medicine to his forehead where Anko had struck him. Meanwhile, he considered what to do next.

There's no stopping Itachi's birth now. I can't watch them every moment, and if it didn't happen this time, it'll happen next time.

Besides, Fugaku treats Mikoto well. I suppose I'll let him have a child.

So...

This is an emergency. Let's kill Obito Uchiha.

"Rin looks so pretty."

"Achoo!"

Obito, who had been sneaking glances at Rin Nohara, suddenly sneezed.