Chapter 4 I won’t let our name fade into history

Mikoto slowly nodded, though her eyes remained clouded with doubt and fear. "If Sasuke is safe, then... then I'll stay. But I need to know more. I need to understand what's really going on."

Hiro sighed, relieved that she was willing to listen. "I'll explain everything, but first, you need to focus on recovering your strength.

The resurrection process has left you weak, and it will take time before you can access your full abilities again."

Mikoto looked down at her hands, frustration evident in her gaze. "I hate feeling this powerless. But I suppose I have no choice."

"You'll regain your strength," Hiro reassured her. "Until then, I'll help you practice basic techniques—starting with chakra control. Once your chakra system stabilizes, we can work on Uchiha techniques."

Mikoto's eyes narrowed slightly as she studied Hiro. "And what about you? Who exactly are you, Hiro? Why did you bring me back, and how did you even have the ability to bring someone back from the dead?"

Hiro hesitated for a moment. He had anticipated this question, but the answer was complicated.

"I'm someone who believes that the Uchiha clan didn't deserve what happened to them. I brought you back because I believe you can help change the course of events that are still unfolding."

Mikoto's gaze softened slightly, though her suspicion remained. "You're asking a lot of me. Trust isn't something I can give easily, especially after everything that's happened."

"I understand," Hiro said quietly. "But actions speak louder than words.

I'll prove myself to you. For now, let's focus on the immediate task: rebuilding your strength and planning our next move."

Mikoto nodded, though the sadness in her eyes hadn't entirely faded. "Very well. But know this, Hiro—I will do whatever it takes to protect my sons.

If you're truly here to help, then I'll work with you. But if I ever sense betrayal…"

"There won't be," Hiro interrupted, his tone firm. "I promise you, Mikoto, my intentions are very clear. We'll face whatever comes next together."

Mikoto remained silent, but she didn't argue. Instead, she took a deep breath and steeled herself for the difficult journey ahead.

Hiro's words had given her hope, but it was a fragile hope—one that could easily shatter if he wasn't careful.

She would have to tread cautiously, but for now, she would place her trust in him, if only for the sake of her sons.

As the days passed, Hiro and Mikoto spent their time practicing chakra control and basic techniques.

Mikoto's progress was slow but steady; her body gradually adjusted to the strain of being resurrected. Hiro remained patient, offering guidance and support whenever she faltered.

He had already accepted the reality he was in and realized there was no going back.

During these days, he also mastered the use of his techniques and his 1-tomoe Sharingan, making good use of kunai for training, practicing Fire Ball Jutsu, and learning how to walk on water.

However, Mikoto's recovery was slower. Although she was gradually regaining her strength, she struggled with basic chakra control.

Walking on water, a fundamental technique, continued to elude her. Each attempt resulted in her body sinking into the water before she could stabilize herself.

One evening, after yet another failed attempt, Mikoto sat by the edge of the small lake where they had been training, soaked through from the water.

"I don't understand," she murmured, her voice filled with frustration. "I used to be able to do this without even thinking. Now... it feels like my own body is betraying me."

Hiro walked over and sat beside her, the cool evening breeze rustling the leaves around them. "Your body is still adjusting. It's only natural that things are more difficult now."

Mikoto shook her head, staring down at the water's surface. "But it's been weeks. I should be stronger by now."

"This is normal. The resurrection process took a toll on you, and recovery takes time."

As the cool evening breeze swept across the lake, Mikoto shivered slightly, her clothes soaked from her repeated attempts.

Hiro noticed her discomfort. Without a second thought, he stood up, removing his outer jacket.

"Here," he said softly, draping the jacket over her shoulders. "You're going to catch a cold if you stay like this."

Mikoto looked up at him, surprise and gratitude in her eyes. "Thank you, Hiro."

Hiro smiled gently. "It's the least I can do. We'll get through this together. Just keep pushing forward, and you'll regain your strength."

Mikoto nodded, feeling a bit more at ease with his support.

The path ahead was still daunting, but with Hiro's help, she felt a glimmer of hope that she could overcome her current limitations and protect her sons.

Mikoto looked up at Hiro, surprised by the gesture. The warmth of the jacket was a stark contrast to the chill that had settled into her bones.

She hadn't expected such kindness, especially when she felt so frustrated and vulnerable. The lingering warmth from Hiro's body in the fabric provided a comforting solace.

"Hiro…" she began, her voice faltering as she tried to find the right words. "Thank you."

"I don't know how you resurrected me or anything," she continued, her voice filled with resolve, "but I will surely repay you and honor the Uchiha clan."

"You don't have to repay me, Mikoto," Hiro said gently. "I didn't do this expecting anything in return. I brought you back because…

because I wanted to give you a chance to live again. To find peace and to protect the people you care about. But I don't want you to feel like you owe me or the clan anything."

Mikoto shook her head, her expression firm. "But I do owe you, Hiro. You gave me a second chance, and I can't just ignore that. The Uchiha clan… it's my family, my legacy. And if there's a way to help restore it, to protect what's left, then I have to do it. I won't let our name fade into history."