NOVEL NEXT Chapter 2: Uchiha Naori
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"Mm! Thank you, Mom!"
Uchiha Kaito replied with a warm smile and sat down opposite Uchiha Naori. His expression turned serious as he looked at his mother earnestly and asked, "Mom, do you trust me?"
"Huh?"
Uchiha Naori was taken aback at first, but then she smiled gently, reaching out to pat Kaito's head. "What kind of silly question is that? Of course, Mom will always trust you."
"So, is there something you want to tell me? Just say it."
She could sense her son's sincerity. Although she felt a little puzzled, her trust in Kaito was unconditional.
"Thank you, Mom!"
Kaito's face lit up with a smile. Then, under Naori's astonished gaze, he concentrated his thoughts. A mysterious rune emerged from his forehead and floated before her. He spoke seriously, "Mom, please touch this mark and choose to agree in your heart."
"If you have questions, I'll explain after. Is that okay?"
Rather than explaining everything upfront, he decided to bind his mother to his Space-Time Gate talent first. This would make everything clearer afterward.
As he had predicted, from the moment he saw his mother, his innate talent had confirmed her maximum affinity toward him—a perfect score of 100, she was indeed his mother. She met all the requirements for binding.
No need for unnecessary complications—direct action was best.
"Oh?"
Naori examined the mysterious mark, then glanced at her son's solemn face. After a moment's thought, she nodded. "Alright!"
The next second, she reached out and touched the mark. Instantly, information surged into her mind. She realized that the mark represented a contract. By binding with Kaito, she would gain immense benefits but also be somewhat tied to him.
Although surprised that her son had gained such a peculiar ability, her trust in him outweighed any doubts. Without hesitation, Uchiha Naori mentally agreed.
The rune transformed into a streak of light, entering her body and settling in her mind. Within moments, it formed into a gate-shaped symbol in the center of her consciousness. Information about the mark's functions and restrictions flooded her thoughts.
"This… a gate to other worlds?"
Processing the information, Naori's face shifted to astonishment. She looked at Kaito and asked, "Kaito, what is going on here?"
Kaito smiled slightly and explained, "It's nothing much. When I first successfully extracted chakra, I suddenly awakened this talent. Along with it, I received a mysterious inheritance containing knowledge about our world, this Space-Time Gate ability, and information about other worlds."
"Inheritance? Talent?" Naori frowned slightly. "Such things are unheard of—it's incredibly mysterious! Kaito, could this be the legendary Sage's inheritance?"
As the elder of the Uchiha clan, Naori had read numerous historical records, including some detailing the possible existence of the Sage of Six Paths beyond myth.
"A Sage's inheritance? Perhaps." Kaito shrugged noncommittally. His tone turned serious. "Mom, that doesn't matter now. What's important is that this is a huge opportunity for us!"
"The key is to use this inheritance and the resources from other worlds to restore our health, extend our lives, and then consider other matters. Don't you think so?"
"I've received medical knowledge from the inheritance. I can see that your health isn't in great condition either. If we don't address this, nothing else will matter."
"Hmm?"
Hearing this, Naori's eyes brightened. She asked hopefully, "Does that mean the inheritance has a way to cure your congenital weakness?"
"Yes!" Kaito nodded firmly. "It includes a Life Force technique that can regulate the body and improve health."
"I've already tried it, and it works. Although the effects aren't immediate, with long-term practice, it will definitely prolong life."
"This is what my talent tells me."
"Oh?"
Naori smiled knowingly, thinking, 'It seems my little Kaito has some secrets, but that's fine. As long as it doesn't harm him, I don't need to dig deeper.'
A mother doesn't need to know every detail—ensuring her child's safety is enough.
"Mom, I'll teach you the Life Force technique now. Try practicing it and see if it helps you!"
Without waiting for her response, Kaito stood up and began demonstrating while meticulously explaining each step.
Naori didn't reject her son's goodwill. She listened attentively, activating her Sharingan to record his movements precisely.
[You practiced the Life Force Technique once: proficiency +1, lifespan +1 day.]
"How was it, Mom? Did you get it all?" Kaito asked eagerly after finishing his demonstration. Sweat glistened on his brow.
"Got it!" Naori nodded confidently, standing up. "I'll try it once. Watch to see if I'm doing it correctly."
Although she didn't hold high hopes for the technique's effectiveness, she cherished her son's thoughtfulness. If possible, she wanted to live longer—to protect him and ensure his happiness.
Ever since the death of the Second Hokage, Senju Tobirama, the Sarutobi-led faction has increased its hostility toward the Uchiha. Even Uchiha Kagami has fallen victim to their schemes.
Though Naori lacked concrete evidence, the circumstances surrounding Kagami's death convinced her it was the work of Danzo and his group.
Now, her presence deterred them from outright moves against the clan. But her poor health gave them room for small, covert actions. If she were to die prematurely, the consequences for the Uchiha—and for Kaito—would be dire.
She couldn't allow that to happen.
With such thoughts, Naori began practicing the technique. For her, it wasn't difficult. Even without the Sharingan, her genius-level intellect made it easy to master.
Under Kaito's watchful eyes, she flawlessly completed the first practice round.
"Mom, you're amazing! You mastered it in one go! How do you feel? Does it work?" Kaito clapped and cheered.
"Ahh!" Naori exhaled a deep breath, carefully sensing her body's changes. A gentle smile appeared on her face as she turned to Kaito. "It works! The effects aren't dramatic, but I can feel a slight relief from my chronic ailments and a lightness in my body."
"With consistent practice, I believe I can recover some lost vitality and extend my life!"
"My dear Kaito, you truly are my good fortune!"
She wasn't exaggerating. Her precise understanding of her body confirmed the technique's benefits. Combined with proper nutrition and medicinal support, it could heal old wounds, restore vitality, and even reverse some damage.
Realizing this, Naori felt a rare sense of joy and hope.
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