Bringing Shisui Home

"Mom, I'm home!" Koki called at the top of his lungs before he had even stepped through the door. He didn't know if it was all in his head or because of this body, but he felt more and more like a child.

"Big brother, big brother, hug!" The moment Itachi heard his brother's voice, he dashed to the door as though powered by a little motor and spread his arms, asking to be picked up.

Koki quickly scooped the adorable little fellow into his arms, screaming inwardly, Aah! My little brother is so cute I could burst! He's absolutely the cutest, best-behaved little kid in the world!

Holding Itachi's hand in one of his and Shisui's in the other, he stepped into the cozy home. Mikoto was busy in the kitchen, wearing an apron.

"Mom, thanks for all your hard work." Koki picked up a three-colored dango and fed it to his little brother. Seeing Itachi eat it so contentedly, he couldn't resist planting a kiss on his chubby cheek. Then he put him down and went into the kitchen to help Mikoto wash the vegetables.

"It's no trouble. Dinner's already ready, so go eat. These are for tomorrow's breakfast; I'm preparing them in advance." Mikoto turned to look at her eldest son as she washed the vegetables. "Don't get up so early to cook anymore. It pains me to see it, and after a long day of hard training, you don't need to come help me."

Her son was not only exceptionally gifted, but he also trained very hard. He looked after the members of the Uchiha Clan outside the home and his little brother at home. He also often worried about how hard she worked and came into the kitchen to help her. He was like a little sun, warming the people around him. No wonder Fugaku was so pleased with him.

Shisui stood quietly to one side of the doorway, watching the heartwarming scene.

"Oh, right, Mom, this is Shisui Uchiha. We met at the training ground today. He's amazing-he taught me how to use shuriken. Can I invite him to eat with us?"

Koki pointed at the boy by the door and said, "He's the first good friend I've made here."

"Oh, honestly, why are you being so formal? You didn't even tell me we had a guest." Only then did Mikoto notice Shisui standing by the door. She smiled and gave Koki a light tap on the head.

"Go on, invite Shisui into the dining room. I'll wash my hands and be right there."

"It's all right, Auntie. Don't blame Koki. Please, finish what you're doing."

Before Mikoto could answer, Koki called out in acknowledgment and pulled Shisui away, not forgetting to scoop up Itachi as well.

Mikoto wondered who the boy had inherited his impetuous nature from. She shook her head helplessly and followed them out.

In the dining room, warm yellow light fell on the exquisite tableware, casting soft patterns of light and shadow. A round table occupied the center of the room, surrounded by four comfortable chairs.

Mikoto sat at the head of the table, with Koki to her left and Itachi snuggling against him affectionately. Shisui sat on Koki's other side, a faint smile on his face.

The table was laden with all kinds of delicious-smelling dishes. From the main courses, perfect in color, aroma, and flavor, to the delicate snacks, every dish displayed Mikoto's superb cooking.

"Go on and try some, Shisui. But won't your family worry if you go home this late?" As Mikoto spoke, she tried to take Itachi so she could feed him, but he clung to his brother and refused to leave his arms.

"I'm the only one left in my family." Shisui's voice grew subdued. Family... It had been far too long since he had felt the warmth of a family.

"I'm sorry, Shisui. I didn't know..." Mikoto hurriedly apologized.

"It's all right, Auntie." Shisui shook his head and tried to muster a faint smile. He had been alone ever since his parents died. "I've gotten used to being lonely all these years."

"Shisui..." Koki softly called his name, but he didn't know how to comfort him. His eyes were full of concern, and he felt genuine sorrow for Shisui's troubled past. The anime hadn't said much about him, and Koki hadn't expected his past to be so difficult.

"Koki, there's no need for that." Shisui gently placed a hand over Koki's, trying to comfort him. "At least now we can eat and train together. That's already enough for me."

Mikoto looked at the boy with mixed feelings. "Shisui, from now on, think of this place as your home."

There was a hint of resolve in Mikoto's voice, which was full of affection. "We'll treat you like our own family."

Family? Koki pondered. After all, Shisui was only a few years older than him. Besides, he and Itachi became inseparable later in the anime, and Itachi had awakened his Mangekyō Sharingan because of Shisui's death.

When Koki had watched the anime, he had found it especially regrettable what happened to Shisui Uchiha, a genius among geniuses who could use Susanoo with one eye, along with the Body Flicker Technique and Kotoamatsukami.

When Shisui had been written out, Koki had really thought it was just the plot killing him off. With all that strength, he had still been fooled by that old bastard Danzo. What the hell was the Will of Fire?

That bastard Danzo had taken advantage of Shisui's kindness.

Koki hardly dared imagine what it would have been like if Shisui hadn't killed himself and had grown up healthy alongside Itachi.

People said the Uchiha were cold and heartless, not knowing that the Uchiha valued love and loyalty above all else. The Uchiha pursued love to its extremes, which was why they were prone to going mad and taking things too far.

Most importantly, if Shisui grew up with them, wouldn't he avoid being brainwashed by the so-called "Will of Fire"? What the hell was the "Will of Fire"? Koki couldn't understand it at all. Wasn't it just asking people to sacrifice themselves willingly? And the ones sacrificed had to be members of the Uchiha Clan.

Koki thought it over carefully for a moment. With Shisui by his side, he could spend every day with him and gradually change his thinking and his fate through steady, subtle influence.

"Then how do you support yourself?"

"Come to think of it, I have Clan Head Fugaku to thank for that. The clan gives us money to live on, and sometimes I take on low-level missions to earn money too."

"Mom, can Shisui come over to play often? I really like Shisui, and we can train together." Koki asked Mikoto in a pleading tone.

Mikoto was momentarily taken aback. She did have a very good impression of Shisui. From the moment they first met, she could sense the unique air and potential he possessed. As she spoke with him, she discovered that although he was young, he was not only bright and quick-witted but also humble and polite. His difficult past also filled her with sympathy.

Oh well, it was rare for Koki to have such a good friend, and having one more child in the house was no great trouble. She would discuss it with her husband.

"Shisui, would you agree? Would you be willing to become part of our family?" Mikoto's tone was serious, her gaze intent.

A flicker of surprised delight flashed in Shisui's eyes. He looked at Mikoto, then at Itachi, who was gazing at him expectantly. Finally, his gaze fell on Koki, who happened to be staring at him with those big, bright eyes, as if asking, "Would you like to stay?"

Shisui took a deep breath and tried to control his emotions. "Thank you." His voice trembled slightly. "I... I'd like that."

"Good, good," Mikoto replied, then gently hugged Itachi. "From today on, you'll have two big brothers."

"I don't want that! I only want my big brother!" Itachi loudly protested.

"All right, all right, that's fine. How about I be your big brother's big brother instead?" Shisui teased Itachi, who frowned, unable to understand what he meant for a moment.

"What? You're barely older than me! You want to be my big brother? Dream on."

The table was once again filled with cheerful voices and laughter, but this time, the laughter carried a hint of relief and tenderness.