Chapter 80: A Gift... or a Curse?
Holy crap—Fugaku!
Uchiha Kazuki nearly lost his carefully maintained composure entirely, but managed to force himself to calm down just in time.
It's alright. It's not a big deal at all. I'm not actually doing anything inappropriate with Mikoto. There's absolutely no reason to be afraid of her husband knocking on my door.
As the old saying goes: A clear conscience fears no accusation!
I haven't done anything wrong whatsoever, so why should I be afraid of metaphorical ghosts knocking at my door?
Thinking along these rational lines, Uchiha Kazuki managed to calm his racing heartbeat. He adjusted his glasses with one finger and turned to look at Mikoto, fully intending to ask her to come out and help explain the innocent situation:
"Mikoto—"
But when he turned around to address her, he witnessed a scene that completely shattered his fragile composure.
Mikoto was hugging her prominently rounded pregnant belly while walking on her tiptoes—still wearing only her clean white socks. She moved exactly like a wife who'd been caught in an affair, sneaking furtively into his bedroom and hiding behind the door.
"Shh Don't let Fugaku know I'm here"
She pressed one finger against her lips, desperately trying to mouth each individual word silently and clearly.
Shh my ass!
Mikoto's completely unexpected action left Uchiha Kazuki utterly speechless with dismay.
He was now in an absolutely impossible bind. Even if he possessed a thousand eloquent mouths, he couldn't possibly explain this situation properly!
Should he really tell Fugaku something like: "I have something important to tell you, but please don't get angry. Although your pregnant wife came to see me late at night and is currently hiding in my bedroom, I swear we're completely innocent!"
Ha... Fugaku would probably tear him limb from limb on the spot.
Uchiha Kazuki engaged in fierce internal struggle while keeping his external expression neutral.
Fugaku, however, simply pushed open the door and walked in casually. He glanced around the modest room before chuckling with apparent good humor:
"Sorry for the intrusion, Kazuki. I knocked repeatedly for quite some time, but you didn't respond at all. So I decided to come in and check on you. I hope I'm not disturbing anything important?"
"No, no—not at all, Lord Fugaku."
Uchiha Kazuki's lips twitched almost imperceptibly as he pushed his Sequence 6 Hypnotist powers to their absolute limit.
He was genuinely willing to risk his entire hard-earned reputation throughout Konoha just to ensure that Fugaku absolutely did not discover that his pregnant wife was currently hiding in the bedroom just behind that thin wall!
This is absolutely no joke. If he discovers this, someone will definitely die tonight.
Well... of course, it would be Fugaku who dies. I'm not letting myself get killed over this absurd misunderstanding.
After composing himself with supreme effort, Uchiha Kazuki regained his outward composure. He sat down calmly on the floor and spoke with perfect casualness:
"It's quite late, Lord Fugaku. Is there something specific you needed to discuss?"
Fugaku—though vaguely sensing something slightly off about the atmosphere—chose not to dwell on his suspicions. He sat down cross-legged opposite Kazuki:
"Hehe, yes, actually there is something important. Regarding your future position and role within the Uchiha clan... I've discussed the matter extensively with the council of elders, and we've collectively decided to officially appoint you as a clan 'Elder.'"
"Me? An Elder?"
Uchiha Kazuki appeared genuinely taken aback by this announcement, then hesitated diplomatically:
"But, Lord Fugaku... if I become an Elder at my age, what about the other senior members who might—"
"Ah~ Don't concern yourself with politics. I'll handle any objections from the others personally."
Fugaku waved one hand dismissively:
"This appointment is the result of extensive discussions with the entire elder council. Besides, you've performed tremendous service for Konoha recently—successfully improving the Uchiha clan's public reputation throughout the village. That's an absolutely significant achievement that deserves recognition!"
The two men continued chatting about clan politics for quite some time. Throughout the conversation, Uchiha Kazuki desperately tried to maintain a relaxed, natural atmosphere—ensuring that Fugaku wouldn't somehow realize his pregnant wife was hiding mere meters away in the next room.
Hidden in the bedroom and separated by only a single thin wall, Mikoto's heart pounded wildly in her chest like a war drum.
She genuinely couldn't understand how she had suddenly ended up hiding in this bedroom.
Just one wall away sat her own husband, completely unaware of her presence.
And here she was—currently concealed in a strange man's private bedroom. The room was filled with an inexplicably pleasant, masculine scent that made her instinctively twitch her nose to inhale more deeply.
But she quickly caught herself and realized just how utterly shameful her actions and thoughts were—especially with Fugaku sitting right there on the other side of the wall!
Her cheeks flushed bright crimson with embarrassment, and her entire body felt strange and numb with nervous energy.
A peculiar sense of dangerous lightness and tension—unlike anything she had ever experienced before—completely enveloped her consciousness.
'Calm down, Mikoto! You need to calm down!'
She gently pinched her burning cheek and shook her head violently, desperately trying to shake off the increasingly inappropriate thoughts invading her mind.
After what felt like an absolute eternity, just as Mikoto was beginning to feel genuinely dizzy from anxiety and oxygen deprivation, the bedroom door was suddenly pushed open.
"Ah!"
Mikoto nearly jumped out of her skin with fright—but then breathed an enormous sigh of relief upon seeing it was Kazuki.
"What are you so dramatically surprised about?"
Kazuki's eye twitched with barely suppressed exasperation as he forcibly suppressed a rude retort. He spoke with deliberately gentle patience:
"Lady Mikoto, Lord Fugaku has finally left. Let's begin the psychological treatment as quickly as possible. Otherwise it won't be good if you return home too late and raise suspicion."
"Oh... okay."
Mikoto bit her lower lip nervously, then sat down in a comfortable position. She shyly tugged at her robe to adjust it properly:
"Let's do the treatment here then. I'm ready whenever you are."
Kazuki's face remained completely expressionless. He had utterly given up trying to control this situation.
He sat down directly opposite her in a meditative position:
"Lady Mikoto, please close your eyes, relax your mind completely, and remember—do not resist my presence in any way."
"Mmm~"
Mikoto responded with an almost unconsciously sweet sound, obediently closing her eyes. She appeared completely trusting and vulnerable before him.
Gathering his thoughts and focusing his considerable mental attention, Kazuki's eyes began gleaming with faint golden light characteristic of his Hypnotist abilities.
However, he found himself slightly surprised to discover that Mikoto was completely and utterly unguarded toward him—easily allowing him to open the gates of her consciousness and directly enter the ocean of her inner thoughts.
Like experiencing a fleeting, pleasant dream, Mikoto became completely absorbed in the gentle therapy. A sweet, contented smile played naturally across her lips.
Soon enough, the psychological treatment session ended successfully.
Mikoto slowly opened her eyes, feeling inexplicably warm and deeply comfortable throughout her entire body. Stretching languidly like a satisfied cat, she murmured happily:
"Hmm~ Thank you so much, Kazuki."
"It's nothing at all, Lady Mikoto."
Uchiha Kazuki responded with perfect calm and professionalism:
"Psychological therapy is merely external assistance. Please try not to feel excessive pressure or stress about your pregnancy."
"Hmm~ I understand completely."
For reasons Mikoto couldn't quite articulate, she felt an inexplicably special connection and bond with Kazuki. Her tone unconsciously carried a hint of genuine intimacy and warmth.
Her large, bright eyes stared at him with almost childlike expectation:
"Can I... come see you again next time I'm feeling overwhelmed?"
"Of course, Lady Mikoto. You're always welcome."
Uchiha Kazuki didn't refuse her request at all. A calculated plan suddenly flashed through his mind with crystalline clarity:
"However, sometimes I might not be available in the compound. In case I'm absent, please take this protective amulet with you."
He reached into his dark robes and withdrew an exquisitely crafted amulet, offering it to her with both hands.
"What's this for?"
Mikoto accepted the beautiful amulet with gentle hands, a hint of innocent confusion showing on her lovely face.
"This is a specialized technique I've recently started experimenting with."
Uchiha Kazuki explained smoothly:
"The amulet contains and seals a portion of my Hypnotist abilities within it. Although the therapeutic effect isn't tremendously strong yet, wearing it regularly against your skin should help significantly stabilize your emotional state."
"Really?! That's absolutely wonderful!"
Mikoto accepted the amulet with visible happiness and gratitude, immediately placing it carefully close to her body:
"Thank you so very much, Kazuki. This means a great deal to me."
"It's truly nothing. It's genuinely my honor to help you, Lady Mikoto."
Uchiha Kazuki gazed directly into her trusting eyes, his voice as gentle and soothing as a warm breeze.
Mikoto's face flushed even more intensely crimson. Her heart pounded so hard she feared it might be audible. She hurriedly stood up with flustered movements:
"I... I really should be going now. Thank you again. I'll see you next time!"
Watching Mikoto's adorably flustered departure as she practically fled his residence, Uchiha Kazuki calmly adjusted his glasses. A calculated glint of satisfaction appeared in his eyes.
In a voice so quiet only he could possibly hear, he spoke with deeply meaningful intent:
"A blessing for the mother... or perhaps a terrible curse for the child. I sincerely hope you appreciate my generous gift, Uchiha Itachi."
The amulet he'd given to Uchiha Mikoto did indeed contain sealed portions of his Hypnotist abilities as described.
However, it also contained something else entirely.
For example... the complete recorded ramblings and philosophical musings of a certain "real" notorious figure.
Sealed within that innocent-looking amulet were extensive mental impressions—carefully extracted memories and ideological frameworks taken directly from someone whose thoughts would prove... influential.
Let's see how this shapes the future, shall we?
[End of Chapter 80]
Author's Notes:
KAZUKI JUST PLANTED A PSYCHOLOGICAL TIME BOMB IN ITACHI BEFORE HE'S EVEN BORN!
This chapter is equal parts hilarious comedy and absolutely terrifying manipulation!
What Just Happened:
The Comedy:
Fugaku shows up at worst possible moment
Mikoto hides in bedroom like guilty party
Kazuki nearly has heart attack
Somehow maintains composure through sheer Hypnotist power
Elder appointment happens during crisis
The Manipulation:
"Psychological therapy" = entering Mikoto's mind
She's completely unguarded toward him (charm artifacts!)
Given "protective amulet" for emotional stability
Amulet contains sealed abilities... AND SOMETHING ELSE
The Horrifying Implication: "The ramblings of a real rapper" likely means he sealed philosophical/ideological content that will influence Itachi IN THE WOMB!
Possible Contents:
Talk no Jutsu arguments?
Philosophical frameworks about sacrifice?
Thoughts about "the greater good"?
Foundations for Itachi's future mindset?
The Title's Meaning: "A blessing or a curse?"
Blessing for Mikoto (emotional stability)
Curse for Itachi (pre-birth ideological conditioning)
Critical Questions:
What exactly did he seal in that amulet?
Will this influence Itachi's entire personality?
Is he deliberately shaping Itachi's future worldview?
How deep does this manipulation go?
The Layers: Kazuki is now:
Teaching Obito
Will teach Itachi
Just mentally influenced Itachi before birth
Positioning himself perfectly to shape both
This is 4D chess on an absolutely terrifying scale!
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