Naruto: Blind Uchiha

Madara and Izuna worked together to refine the branch into a polished cane. Although Izuna helped, most of the work fell to Madara, who carefully crafted it until it could serve as a proper blind cane. Once finished, he held it in one hand and led his excited little brother toward Kiyoshi's room.

As they approached the door, the sound of hurried footsteps came from inside, followed by a loud crash. Madara froze, concern flashing across his face. He knocked lightly.

"Brother?"

The noise stopped abruptly, replaced by the clatter of objects scattering. Madara didn't wait any longer. He opened the door to find Kiyoshi sprawled in the middle of a mess, holding the back of his head. A fallen storage cabinet lay beside him.

"Brother, what are you doing?"

Kiyoshi rubbed his head with a sheepish grin. "Ah, nothing! My injuries are fine now, so I thought I'd exercise a little. I was running on the roof, but when I heard the knock, I rushed down and misjudged the distance. Stepped right on the cabinet! Hahaha... Not seeing is a bigger issue than I thought!"

Madara sighed heavily, stepping into the room. "Brother, there's no need to rush yourself. You're still adjusting." He gently guided Kiyoshi away from the mess. "Let me handle this. Why don't you take Izuna for a walk in the yard? The fresh air will do you good."

Kiyoshi hesitated before nodding. "Alright... Sorry to trouble you again, Madara."

"It's no trouble. We're done with lessons and training for the day anyway. Go on, I'll clean this up."

Izuna eagerly ran into the room, holding the cane high. "Brother! Look what we made for you!"

Kiyoshi took the object Izuna handed him, running his fingers along its surface. He frowned thoughtfully. "A branch? No... it's been smoothed... Is this a cane?"

"Yes! A blind cane!" Izuna said proudly. "Madara and I made it together! I helped too!"

Kiyoshi paused, then smiled warmly, gripping the cane. He reached out to ruffle Izuna's hair. "You're so thoughtful, Izuna. This is exactly what I need. Thank you. Let's go try it out."

"Yes!" Izuna beamed, grabbing Kiyoshi's hand. "And while we're outside, I'll show you my chakra refinement! Brother, tell me if I'm doing it right!"

"Of course. My Izuna is already so skilled, I'm sure it'll be perfect."

Madara watched them leave, their voices fading down the hallway. But his fists tightened at his sides. Unlike Izuna, who was too young to notice, Madara had seen the fleeting hesitation in Kiyoshi's expression when he accepted the cane.

"Brother is still carrying the weight of what happened..." Madara thought bitterly, his anger simmering. "If it weren't for those Senju...!"

He shook his head, forcing the dark thoughts away. "No. Brother wouldn't want that. He never lets his hatred define him... I should focus on my own growth instead of these thoughts."

Madara clenched his fists, his determination hardening. "I have to get stronger. I have to earn my place as heir, just like Brother did. I can't let him down."

He set to work cleaning the room, his movements filled with purpose.

---

Outside, Kiyoshi stood in the yard, Izuna at his side. It was his first time outside since the injury. The sounds of the world felt sharper, more vivid. He heard the wind rustling the leaves, the soft hum of its passing, and the faint creak of the eaves overhead. The fresh scent of the earth mixed with the breeze, brushing lightly against his face.

Kiyoshi closed his eyes and smiled. "The world isn't as dark as I thought. Sometimes, it's even... peaceful."

Izuna tilted his head curiously. "Brother? Why are you smiling like that?"

Kiyoshi chuckled softly. "No reason. I'm just realizing how much I've missed out on."

Izuna didn't fully understand, but he liked the gentle warmth in his brother's smile. It felt genuine, unlike the strained smiles Kiyoshi had worn during his recovery.

Determined, Izuna thought, My brother really is like the blind swordsman from the stories. When I grow stronger, I'll make him an even better cane!

Unaware of his younger brother's thoughts, Kiyoshi crouched slightly. "Didn't you want to show me your chakra refinement? Go on, let me see."

"Okay!" Izuna sat beside him, closing his eyes. He focused, recalling everything their teacher had taught about molding chakra. Slowly, he began gathering it.

Kiyoshi placed a hand on Izuna's shoulder, sensing the flow of chakra. A moment later, he smiled and pulled his hand back. "You've done well, Izuna. You're a natural."

Izuna's face lit up with joy. "Really? You think so?"

Kiyoshi nodded. "Of course. Our family is full of talented shinobi, and you're no exception."

Izuna puffed up with pride, already eager to practice more. Kiyoshi laughed softly, the weight on his shoulders easing, even if just for a moment.