Healing a Boy(Fixed)

[Ajamu POV]

After finishing my meal downstairs, I reflected on how Gaku handled the Hokage earlier and considered my approach for today's meeting. With an hour left before the funeral, I needed to get ready—but first, a brilliant idea struck me. If I wanted the Uchiha clan to become independent and self-governed while remaining in Konoha, there was one clear strategy that stood out above the rest.

"Ajamu: 'Yamato,'" I called, and moments later, a shadow appeared before my dining table, kneeling respectfully.

Yamato: "Yes, my lord?"

Ajamu: "Did you send spies to monitor the Fire Daimyo as instructed?"

Yamato (proudly): "Yes, my lord. They reached their positions two hours ago."

Ajamu: "Good. Now tell me—does the Daimyo have any daughters or close female relatives around Itachi's or Sasuke's age?"

Yamato: "The Daimyo has one daughter, aged 11, and several nieces ranging from 15 to 5 years old."

Ajamu (smiling): "Excellent. Let's focus on the daughter. Is she betrothed to anyone?"

Yamato: "As of now, no, my lord. There have been numerous offers, but she rejected them all—even before they were formally presented. However, since she's nearing her twelfth birthday, tradition dictates that she must choose a suitor soon, whether she likes it or not."

Ajamu: "Perfect. Tell me, what do we know about her appearance? Is she attractive?"

Yamato: "I haven't seen her myself, but according to rumors, she is considered quite beautiful."

Ajamu: "That settles it then. Summon Itachi and his parents here immediately." Yamato nodded and vanished. Moments later, I sensed Gaku, Miko (the originals), and Itachi approaching.

Gaku (outside the door): "My lord, you summoned us?"

Ajamu: "Yes, enter." The door opened, and the three stepped inside, kneeling before me.

Gaku: "My lord, how may we serve you?"

Ajamu: "Stand up, all of you. I've called you here to discuss an important matter concerning both the future of your son and this clan."

Their expressions turned serious. Gaku spoke first: "Your Highness, we trust you completely. Whatever you deem necessary, we will obey without question. There's no need to waste time seeking our approval—you already have it."

Ajamu (with a warm smile): "Thank you for your trust, Gaku, but I am not a tyrant. I value your input, especially Itachi's. This decision affects him directly, after all."

Gaku: "But, my lord—"

Ajamu (cutting him off): "No 'buts,' Gaku. Now, as you know, my goal is to make this clan independent and self-governed. To achieve this peacefully, I propose the following plan: I wish to arrange a betrothal between Itachi and the Fire Daimyo's daughter. He will court her, and if mutual affection develops within a year, the engagement can proceed. What are your thoughts?"

The room fell silent, and their shocked expressions were almost comical. Then, suddenly, Gaku and Miko dropped to their knees, bowing deeply.

Gaku and Miko (in unison): "WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR GRACE, MY LORD! WE ARE UNWORTHY OF SUCH A GIFT!"

Ajamu (thinking): Coming from a feudal society, I understand their reaction. In this world, ninja villages are essentially peasants, and even powerful clans like the Uchiha barely qualify as minor nobility. Suggesting a union with the royal family is akin to elevating them beyond their wildest dreams.

Ajamu: "There's no need for such formalities, Gaku and Miko. Your son is a talented ninja and represents the future of this clan once I depart. Both he and Sasuke need strong backing to ensure their safety moving forward. That's why I'm proposing this alliance."

Still overwhelmed, they remained speechless, so I turned to Itachi for his input. "Itachi, this isn't a forced marriage. You'll court her, and she must also agree to the match. You'll have a full year to win her heart. If neither of you feels comfortable together by then, I'll find another solution. Ultimately, the choice is yours."

Both parents deferred to their son, stepping back to allow him to decide. "Itachi," Gaku said gently, "we only want what's best for you. This is a tremendous opportunity, but it's your life. Choose wisely."

Itachi took several minutes to process the proposal, during which I resumed eating my dinner patiently. Finally, he broke the silence.

Itachi: "Ajamu-sama, your offer is truly once-in-a-lifetime, and I am deeply grateful. But… I am a dying man. I don't wish to burden her with a short-lived husband."

Ajamu (smiling): "You're smart, Itachi—but also foolish at times. Do you realize that?"

His eyes widened in shock. I continued, letting my words sink in.

Ajamu: "We are all dying men and women, boy. Your illness isn't the only way to die in this world. As someone who has faced war, you should understand that death can come at any moment. Living means making the most of every day—and that's your first mistake."

I paused, watching him absorb my words. His parents exchanged meaningful glances, clearly affected as well.

Ajamu: "Your second mistake is shouldering your illness alone, thinking you're sparing your loved ones pain. But when the end comes, they'll only blame themselves for not noticing sooner or doing more to help. You're causing them greater suffering in the long run."

Tears welled up in Miko's eyes as she hugged her son tightly. Gaku clenched his fists, visibly moved. Itachi looked conflicted but listened intently.

Ajamu: "Thirdly, you're deciding for her before giving her a chance. How do you know she wouldn't want to be with you? That's her decision to make, not yours."

He seemed skeptical but intrigued by this point.

Ajamu: "And finally, your biggest mistake is underestimating my abilities, boy. Here—take this and drink it. It will heal your illness." I tossed him a specially crafted healing potion designed for his condition. It had cost a fortune, but it was worth every penny.

Itachi caught the vial with trembling hands, staring at it in disbelief. Miko stepped forward, embracing him tenderly, and helped him drink it.

By the time he finished, I had already left the room, with Gaku following closely behind. Once we were far enough away, I heard something hit the ground behind me. Turning, I saw Gaku prostrated on the floor, shouting emotionally.

Gaku: "THANK YOU, YOUR GRACE, FOR GIVING MY SON THE CHANCE TO LIVE! I SWEAR ON MY LIFE AND CLAN TO WORK HARD AND REPAY YOUR KINDNESS!"

I knelt down and pulled him to his feet firmly. "Enough, Gaku. He's your son, and I owe it to my people to look after them. Stand tall and be proud. Now, let's prepare for the funeral."