No Knowing When He Would Wake

In the quiet space of the hospital, the oppressive atmosphere was like a thin fog enveloping everything, tightly enveloping people and making them feel an invisible pressure.

The arrival of the four Uchiha elders added a shadow to the oppressive atmosphere, making the feeling even stronger.

These four elders have always held their own opinions and refused to yield to each other; they seem to have been born to argue and debate.

At every clan meeting, they would argue endlessly, their faces red and necks thick, their voices sharp and shrill, seemingly without end.

However, when they gathered on the hospital bench today, they unexpectedly chose to remain silent. The four of them had strikingly similar expressions, which were chilling.

Their faces were covered with wrinkles that etched deep worry, as if their hearts carried a moving mountain.

The once sharp, intimidating gaze has vanished, replaced by a rare depth and self-control.

They sat there quietly, without saying a word, yet one could sense the desolation in their hearts.

Behind this silence lies their deep concern for Koki and their anxiety about the uncertainties surrounding the future of the Uchiha Clan.

Although they often disagree and argue, the core of these disputes actually stems from their concern and responsibility for the Uchiha Clan.

Every argument they had was an attempt to find a better solution, to find the most suitable path for the clan's development, so as to ensure that the Uchiha Clan could stand forever in Konoha and even the entire Shinobi World.

However, the attack on Koki was like a bolt from the blue, shattering their world, especially for those of their people who had witnessed Koki's growth, who were now heartbroken.

Because not only is Koki exceptionally talented and strong, but more importantly, he also has a kind and resolute heart.

This quality, so different from other members of the Uchiha, not only earned him great respect within the clan but also won him the affection of some villagers.

Even the elders of the clan regarded him as the rising star of the Uchiha Clan, firmly believing that he would lead the clan to a more glorious future.

It can be said that Koki's growth and achievements are not only his own glory, but also the supreme honor of the entire Uchiha Clan.

However, when they heard the devastating news that Koki had been attacked and was on the verge of death, everyone turned ashen-faced and filled with endless despair.

Such an outstanding young man should have been the pride of the Uchiha Clan, but now he has suffered such a misfortune. How can this not be heartbreaking?

Those arguments and conflicts that once arose from trivial matters have long been forgotten.

Now, everyone shares a common wish—to pray that God will protect Koki and keep him safe.

This silence contained deep love for Koki, a sense of responsibility for the entire family, and profound anxiety about the future.

After all, if the Uchiha Clan loses such an outstanding young man as Koki, they will likely suffer an unbearable blow and lose a highly promising successor.

The Grand Elder closed his eyes tightly, his expression solemn, as if he were trying hard to recall something important.

His weathered face was as rough as the bark of an ancient tree, with countless deep and shallow marks left by the years.

Suddenly, his eyes sharpened like knives, snapping open with a look of grief and indignation.

He gritted his teeth and said, "Who dares to do such a cruel thing to such a young child? If I find out, I will tear him to pieces!"

No sooner had the Grand Elder finished speaking than an untimely, cold snort drifted from afar. "Hmph, now is not the time for empty talk. Our top priority is to ensure Koki's safety, not to spout nonsense and make empty pronouncements."

A hint of displeasure flashed in the Third Elder's eyes. He was about to respond to the Fourth Elder's words when the Second Elder stopped him in time.

The Second Elder frowned and reprimanded in a stern tone, "What time is it now? Why are you still arguing?"

His voice was as cold as ice, his reproach evident in his words, and his gaze was sharp as torches, sweeping over everyone present, especially the Third Elder and the Fourth Elder.

His words, sharp as a sword, pierced through the impending conflict.

A deeper silence then descended upon the hospital corridor.

As the crowd in the long corridor was nearly overwhelmed by the endless wait, the operating room door, which had been closed for hours like a time gate, finally opened slowly, almost with a sense of pity.

At that moment, time seemed to stand still, and all hearts and eyes focused on the slowly widening crack in the door.

Everyone's heart was racing, their emotions oscillating between tension and anticipation, like swinging on a swing.

As the door swung open, a weary doctor emerged.

His eyes revealed an undisguised weariness and sorrow, sending a chill down the spines of everyone present.

People crowded forward, eager to get news about Koki from the doctor.

However, the doctor's expression was not optimistic, casting a shadow over everyone's hearts.

The doctor stood at the operating room door, facing a group of anxious people, his eyes revealing a professional calm and exhaustion.

He was well aware of these people's concern and worry for Koki, so he tried to soothe the tension and unease in the room.

"Please rest assured," the doctor said. "Although Koki's wounds were very serious—the knife almost pierced his abdomen—we have performed a successful surgery, and he is no longer in danger."

These words relieved everyone, as if a great weight had been lifted from their shoulders. Kakashi and Shisui, in particular, had tears of relief in their eyes.

"Koki's vital signs have stabilized, and he is temporarily out of danger. The next 24 hours will be crucial, and we need to closely monitor his condition."

As the doctor finished speaking, a chorus of sighs of relief rose from the crowd. People exchanged glances, seemingly sharing in the joy.

"However..." The doctor didn't finish his sentence; he continued, "During the injury process, the massive loss of Chakra placed an unprecedented burden on his body."

The doctor paused, seemingly choosing his words carefully, before continuing, "We cannot yet determine when he will wake up; it depends on his own recovery ability."

Upon hearing this, the group, who had relaxed slightly, tensed up again. They stared intently at the doctor, hoping to glean more information from him.

The doctor looked at them, slowly shook his head, indicating that he was powerless to help.

Upon hearing this news, the joy on everyone's faces vanished instantly, replaced by solemn expressions.