Chapter 8: Crimson Eyes in the Shadows

  It was a routine patrol—one of many during the growing tensions between nations. Uchiha Ren and Mikoto were tasked with overseeing a minor checkpoint on Konoha’s outer perimeter, far from the core districts. The mood between them was light, a quiet comfort formed from a year of silent trust and deepening feelings neither dared voice.

  But war never knocks. It slips in with the wind.

  The moment was shattered by a sudden assault—three rogue shinobi emerged from the trees, cloaked in foreign headbands and killing intent. Ren’s instincts flared. A spy unit.

  They moved fast. Too fast.

  Mikoto met them head-on, her Sharingan blazing as she intercepted the first blade. But in the confusion, one enemy broke through—aimed straight for her back.

  Something inside Ren snapped.

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  Time seemed to slow as his heart pounded louder than the clash of steel. For a moment, all he could see was her—falling, vulnerable.

  And then it happened.

  A flood of searing emotion erupted: fear, anger, helplessness… love.

  His eyes burned. His vision sharpened.

  When he opened them again, the world was dyed red—two tomoe spinning in each eye. The Sharingan had awakened.

  In a flash, he intercepted the enemy, landing a precise strike through the man’s heart. The others hesitated, sensing the shift in power—and it was their last mistake. Ren ended them without mercy.

  Afterward, he stood over Mikoto, hands trembling.

  “You... your eyes,” she whispered, stunned.

  “Please,” he said softly, avoiding her gaze. “Don’t tell anyone. Not yet.”

  She nodded slowly. No words. Just trust.

  Ren wrapped her wound with shaking hands, his touch gentle yet hurried. He stayed by her side until reinforcements arrived. When questioned, they both claimed it was a standard skirmish, omitting details.

  That night, Ren sat alone beneath the stars, his newly awakened Sharingan reflecting the starlight. Emotions stirred like tides within him—too much to confess, yet impossible to forget.

  The Gate still remained silent, but the blood of the Uchiha... was no longer asleep.