Time flew by, and the years slipped away quietly. Three full years passed like an unending river, flowing calmly through the long stream of life without ever stopping.
For Mitsuki, these three years felt like a dream that was both fleeting and endless at the same time.
From the panic and confusion he felt when he first realized he had transmigrated, to the calm and steady mindset he now possessed, he had fully integrated himself into this world of Naruto after his rebirth.
Mitsuki walked leisurely through the streets of the Uchiha Territory, an area known for its distinctive architectural style that perfectly blended tradition with modern design.
The houses were neatly arranged, the streets were clean and orderly, and lush green trees lined both sides of the road. Colorful flower beds were scattered throughout the area, creating an atmosphere that felt elegant, peaceful, and pleasant.
"Little Mitsuki, out shopping again?"
"Mikoto's due date should be very close now, right?"
"Oh my, look at that face. It is so delicate and refined. If only my child could grow up to be this good looking."
"Exactly. And he is so polite too. Even though he is the Clan Head's son, he never puts on airs and often helps the elderly."
"He truly is a rare Uchiha."
As soon as they noticed him, the Uchiha clansmen greeted the young boy who was walking alone through the streets.
On that tender and youthful face rested a pair of large, crystal clear eyes. His dark pupils sparkled brightly, like two brilliant stars hidden within the night sky.
Mitsuki smiled in response to each greeting and politely nodded his head. Under normal circumstances, he would have stopped to chat for a while, but today was different. He quickened his pace and headed straight toward the Ninja Hospital.
When he arrived, the morning sunlight illuminated the entrance of the hospital, making it look solemn and sacred, almost like a holy ground that guarded the arrival of new life.
Mitsuki pushed open the doors, and warm sunlight poured inside, spilling across the cold stone floor and creating scattered patterns of light and shadow. The corridor inside was already crowded with people.
"Father, has Mother already gone in?" After respectfully greeting the elders present, Mitsuki walked straight to Uchiha Fugaku's side.
"Yes, she has been inside for some time now." Uchiha Fugaku paced back and forth anxiously in the corridor, his brows tightly furrowed as he tried to suppress the worry in his heart. Even though they already had one child, he could not stop himself from worrying about Mikoto's safety.
Seeing this, Mitsuki subconsciously clenched his fists, his heart filled with both tension and anticipation.
For him, today carried extraordinary meaning. His mother was enduring the pain of childbirth inside the delivery room, bringing a new life into their family.
His thoughts drifted back to their home, recalling everything Mikoto had gone through during her pregnancy. The constant nausea in the early months, her careful attention to her health for the sake of her unborn child, and the countless sleepless nights spent worrying about him.
One scene after another flashed through Mitsuki's mind like fragments of a movie.
In his previous life, his parents had divorced when he was still young, each forming their own new families. He had never truly experienced parental affection.
But after three years of living together, day and night, under Mikoto's gentle care, he had long since come to see this beautiful and kind woman as his true mother.
Time seemed to stretch endlessly. Every passing minute felt unbearably long.
Mitsuki occasionally looked up at the ceiling, admiring the delicate patterns carved into the architecture, trying to distract himself and find some sense of comfort.
He imagined what Mikoto was enduring at that very moment, and his thoughts shifted to the small life that was about to be born. Uchiha Itachi. His heart filled with complicated emotions that were impossible to describe.
After what felt like an eternity, the door to the operating room finally opened slowly, and a medical ninja stepped out.
The surrounding crowd rushed forward instinctively. The female medical ninja smiled brightly as she spoke.
"Congratulations, Clan Head. It is a healthy baby boy."
Hearing these words, the tension on Uchiha Fugaku's face instantly disappeared, replaced by visible relief.
Mitsuki could no longer restrain himself. He moved quickly and entered the room.
Inside, he saw his mother lying weakly on the bed, her face pale yet filled with happiness. Beside her rested a tiny life, sleeping peacefully.
Mitsuki walked gently to the bedside. One hand softly brushed against his mother's cheek, while the other carefully held his brother's tiny hand.
"Mitsuki, you can hold your brother," Mikoto said with a gentle smile, noticing his cautious expression.
"Can I?" Mitsuki asked softly, though his actions betrayed no hesitation. He carefully lifted the swaddled infant into his arms, adjusting his posture again and again, afraid that even the slightest mistake might hurt him.
Itachi was incredibly small and soft, like a fragile bundle.
The newborn slept soundly with his eyes tightly shut. His face was flushed, still carrying the faint scent of amniotic fluid, resting quietly in Mitsuki's arms like an angel.
Suddenly, the infant stretched out his tiny hand and tightly grasped Mitsuki's finger.
Mitsuki lowered his head and placed a gentle kiss on his brother's forehead. The warm and slightly damp sensation caused his heart to melt instantly.
At that moment, an emotion Mitsuki had never felt before surged through his body. It was a mixture of joy, responsibility, and the deep bond of shared blood.
Uchiha Mikoto, resting on the bed, and Uchiha Fugaku, who had just finished seeing off the clansmen and stood near the doorway, both witnessed this touching scene.
"Son," Fugaku spoke in a voice that was calm yet firm. "Give your brother a name. This will be your first contribution to the Uchiha Clan."
Contribute to the clan? What kind of chuunibyou nonsense is that? Mitsuki complained inwardly. Almost every sentence from this man revolved around the clan.
"Itachi. Let's call him Uchiha Itachi." While gently holding the infant's warm hand, Mitsuki spoke the name without the slightest hesitation. It was a name he had heard countless times in his previous life.
"A good name." Fugaku paused for a moment before nodding in approval. "Then he shall be called Uchiha Itachi."
However, a trace of confusion flickered in Fugaku's eyes. The name was exactly the same as the one he had been considering. Could this be some kind of unspoken understanding between father and son?
He reached out and took his younger son from Mitsuki's arms. The baby seemed to sense the change. His mouth puckered, and he began to cry loudly.
Fugaku looked a little awkward.
Mitsuki did not care what his cheap old man was thinking. His brother was crying.
"Shh, shh. Do not be afraid. Big Brother is here." Mitsuki gently took Itachi back into his arms and softly rocked him, as if trying to pass all his warmth and affection to this tiny life.
Itachi seemed to feel his brother's presence. His crying slowly faded, his breathing became steady, and his small hands relaxed against Mitsuki's chest.
"No matter what happens in the future, Big Brother will protect you," Mitsuki vowed silently as he gazed at the infant in his arms. "I will never let you face those painful choices again."
The one who loved sweets the most had been forced to endure a lifetime of bitterness.
But that no longer mattered.
With him here, his younger brother would only taste sweetness in this life.