Nightmare

The mother and her two sons returned home at a leisurely pace, crossed the courtyard, and entered the house.

Koki spotted Fugaku's shoes at the entrance at once.

Dad's finally finished his work and come home! he thought happily. He had missed Fugaku terribly after not seeing him for so long.

After changing his shoes at the entrance, Koki called out impatiently before he had even entered the living room. "Dad, you're finally home... Oh? Uncle Sakumo!"

Why was Uncle Sakumo in his house?

Uchiha Fugaku and Hatake Sakumo sat comfortably across from each other in the spacious living room, chatting with a coffee table between them.

A bottle of aged sake and two exquisite cups sat on the table. The sake rippled gently in the cups, giving off a delicate aroma. Both men wore pleased smiles as they drank and chatted merrily.

Fugaku wore a loose yukata, his black hair falling casually over his shoulders, giving him a relaxed air. A faint smile graced his face, as though they were discussing an engrossing topic.

Sakumo, unusually, had traded his ninja outfit for casual clothes. His silver hair was neatly combed and smooth, setting off his refreshed appearance.

Kakashi sat quietly to one side, flipping through a scroll.

Hearing Koki's voice, all three looked over at once.

"Koki, you're home!" Fugaku's excitement at seeing his son return showed plainly on his face. But only a moment later, his gaze was drawn to Mikoto as she walked toward the living room.

Fugaku's eyes quickly settled on his wife, and a rare look of affection appeared on his face. "Honey."

Mikoto returned his gaze with equal tenderness. "Dear..."

After several days apart, the two exchanged loving looks, as though they had countless words left unsaid.

Koki was fed a mouthful of dog food. He wanted to cover his eyes, but with his little brother still on his back, he could only stand there and watch.

They've been married for so long, and they're still this lovey-dovey. That's great. Looks like Sasuke's arrival isn't far off.

"Ahem, ahem." Koki finally couldn't resist coughing to remind the two that they still had guests.

Koki's cough drew Mikoto's attention.

Mikoto smiled apologetically and turned to Sakumo and Kakashi. "Lord Sakumo, Kakashi, hello," she said softly.

"Hello, madam. There's no need to be so formal. Just call me Brother Sakumo." Sakumo stood, drawing his gaze away from Koki, and replied with a smile.

Kakashi also put down his scroll, stood, and bowed to Mikoto.

This child has such good manners. Mikoto liked Kakashi even more. "There's no need to be so formal."

"It's only proper," Kakashi said, straightening up, his silver hair gleaming coldly.

"All right, everyone, sit down!" Fugaku said. Noticing Itachi asleep on Koki's back, he added, "Koki, put Itachi in bed and let him sleep."

Koki nodded in agreement, and everyone sat down.

"What's wrong?" Seeing that Hatake Sakumo and his son had followed Koki with their eyes until he entered the room, Fugaku couldn't help wondering.

"It's nothing." Hatake Sakumo came back to himself and raised his cup to Fugaku.

"Haha, Brother Sakumo, let's drink to our hearts' content tonight," Fugaku said happily.

"We won't part until we're drunk."

Koki pushed the door open and gently laid the sleeping Itachi in the spacious bed. As the lamplight flickered, he sat on the edge of the bed and gazed quietly at his little brother.

Warm lamplight filled the room. Itachi curled up in his sleep, and Koki's gaze rested on his brother's sweet sleeping face. His young features held a childlike innocence that made one want to protect and care for him.

Itachi's breathing was steady and deep, as though he were wandering through a pleasant dream.

Koki gently stroked Itachi's face, his fingertips gliding over his cheek as he felt the softness and warmth of his brother's skin.

Even in his sleep, Itachi seemed to feel reassured. The corners of his mouth lifted in a faint smile, as though he had encountered something that made him very happy in his dream.

Ahhh, my little brother is too cute.

The sight touched a soft spot in Koki's heart. He gently caressed Itachi's little face. "Itachi, what are you dreaming about? You're smiling so happily," Koki said softly.

Only after saying it did Koki realize that his brother couldn't answer him, and he chuckled softly.

"Big brother!" Suddenly, Itachi's brows knitted tightly, as though something were troubling him in his dream. His lips moved slightly as he called out loudly to Koki.

Koki's heart tightened. He gently shook his brother and asked, "Baby, what's wrong? Are you having a nightmare?"

But Itachi didn't respond, only continuing to struggle in his dream.

Koki was filled with worry and unease. He didn't know what Itachi was experiencing in his dream, or whether he could wake from the nightmare.

Koki gently held Itachi's hand, passing on his warmth and strength in the hope of helping him wake from the nightmare.

For some reason, his little brother had often had nightmares when he was younger. Sometimes he couldn't rest easy for an entire night, and Koki had to soothe him to sleep every time. But Itachi hadn't had a nightmare in a long time, so why was it starting again now? Had he been out too long today and gotten tired?

Koki frowned. He held Itachi in his arms, rocking him gently as he softly sang a lullaby.

Itachi found a familiar sense of security in his brother's embrace and shifted into a comfortable position in his sleep.

At last, Itachi's breathing gradually steadied, and his brow smoothed.

Koki breathed a sigh of relief. He knew Itachi had woken from his nightmare.

He gently patted Itachi's back and whispered, "Baby, baby, it's all right. Big brother is here with you."

Itachi slowly opened his eyes and saw Koki's concerned gaze.

"Big brother." He paused, looking somewhat lost between reality and his dream, yet still called out to Koki instinctively, a weak smile appearing on his lips.

Koki gently stroked his head and said tenderly, "All right, baby, go to sleep. Big brother will stay here and watch over you."

"Mm." Reassured in Koki's arms, Itachi closed his eyes and fell into a deep sleep to the lilting sound of Koki's singing.

Looking at his brother's peaceful sleeping face, Koki smiled softly, gently laid Itachi on the bed, and tucked his little quilt around him.

"Who's there!" As soon as Koki opened the bedroom door, he saw a figure standing in the shadows of the hallway, barely visible. His heart raced, and a feeling of fear welled up from the bottom of his heart.