Minato's Anger

The room was dimly lit as Kai slowly regained consciousness. He blinked a few times, his vision adjusting to the soft illumination filtering through the curtains. As his senses sharpened, he noticed Minato's figure sitting nearby, his face etched with a mixture of relief and seething anger.

"Ah, you're awake," Minato's voice broke the silence, the controlled edge to his tone barely masking the simmering frustration beneath.

Kai winced, not just from the soreness in his body but from the intensity of Minato's glare. "What... what happened?"

Minato's stern expression seemed to intensify, his eyes locking onto Kai's with an unwavering intensity. "What happened was that you thoughtlessly charged into danger without even considering the consequences. I expected better judgment from you, Kai."

Kai's throat felt dry as he struggled to find words. He had never seen Minato this angry before, and the weight of his disappointment bore down on him heavily. "I... I thought I could handle it, Minato."

The room seemed to grow colder as Minato's frustration hung in the air. "You thought you could handle it?" Minato's voice was laced with incredulity. "You risked not only your own life but Itachi's as well. Do you understand the gravity of your actions?"

Kai's gaze dropped to the bedsheet, guilt gnawing at his insides. He had let down the Fourth Hokage, the leader he admired and respected. "I'm sorry, Minato."

Kushina's voice cut through the tension like a soothing balm. "Minato, scolding him won't change what's happened."

"You were lucky that our spies at Root informed me that they were chasing after you! Or else you'd have died!" Minato continued.

Kushina's eyes met Kai's, offering reassurance despite the situation. "At least you managed to retrieve Shisui's eye. That's an important piece in our battle against Danzo."

Kai nodded, grateful for Kushina's understanding. He directed his attention to the small figure of Naruto, who had toddled over to the bed, his laughter filling the room. Naruto's innocence and curiosity were a temporary reprieve from the tension that hung in the air.

Naruto clumsily climbed onto the bed, his chubby hands reaching out to touch Kai's fingers. Minato gently intervened, lifting Naruto back into his arms. "Not right now, Naruto. Kai needs to rest."

Naruto pouted but soon settled in Kushina's embrace. Minato refocused his attention on Kai. "When you're well enough, we'll need to strategize on how to rescue Itachi and defeat Danzo."

Minato immediately left the room afterwards, leaving only Kushina, Kai and Naruto.

Kushina's voice carried a soothing tone as she spoke to Kai, her eyes filled with understanding. "You have to realize, Minato is carrying the weight of this village on his shoulders. He's not just a leader, he's a husband, a father, and a friend to so many. He can't help but worry about the people he cares for."

Kai nodded slowly, his guilt still gnawing at him. "I know I messed up, Kushina. I should've thought things through."

Kushina's warm smile reassured him. "We all make mistakes, Kai. What's important is that we learn from them and strive to do better. Minato has high expectations for you because he sees your potential."

"But I put Itachi in danger," Kai's voice wavered as he spoke, his concern for his friend evident.

Kushina placed a comforting hand on Kai's shoulder. "And you helped retrieve Shisui's eye, a crucial step in countering Danzo's plans. Itachi is strong, and he has you looking out for him too. Just remember, teamwork and support are what make shinobi strong."

Kai took a deep breath, feeling a glimmer of hope in Kushina's words. "I'll do whatever it takes to make things right."

"That's the spirit," Kushina encouraged. "And Minato will see that determination in you. Just give him some time to cool off."

"Thank you, Kushina," Kai said sincerely.

Kushina patted his shoulder gently. "You're welcome, dear. Now, focus on your recovery. We have a long road ahead of us."

Kai nodded, determination resurfacing within him. The weight of his mistake and the importance of their mission were not lost on him. As the morning sunlight began to fill the room, Kai contemplated on his actions.

...

In a dimly lit underground chamber, the air was thick with tension. Danzo's frustration was palpable as he paced back and forth, his one remaining Sharingan eye fixated on the empty container that once held Shisui's eye. He clenched his fists, anger radiating from his demeanor.

"Those fools," Danzo muttered under his breath, his voice laced with resentment. "They dare to interfere with my plans."

His gaze shifted to the small vial containing the drained Shisui eye. It was a pitiful sight, a stark reminder of his failure to obtain the full power of the Mangekyo Sharingan. Yet, his thirst for power was unwavering, and he knew he couldn't afford to be deterred.

"Even without Shisui's eye, I will achieve my goals," Danzo vowed to himself, his jaw set in determination.

As he contemplated his next move, his thoughts turned to Itachi, the young Uchiha who had fallen under his control. Itachi's loyalty was now unquestionably bound to him, a result of the genjutsu he had placed upon the boy. Danzo found a twisted satisfaction in the thought of harnessing Itachi's potential for his own ambitions.

At that moment, Itachi entered the chamber, his posture submissive and his eyes lowered in deference. He kneeled before Danzo, his voice steady but laced with a tinge of resignation. "Lord Danzo, I pledge my loyalty to you. My strength is at your disposal."

Danzo's lone Sharingan eye gleamed with a sinister satisfaction. He had secured a formidable ally, one who possessed not only the Uchiha's natural talents but also the Mangekyo Sharingan's hypnotic prowess.

"Rise, Itachi," Danzo commanded, his tone cool and commanding. "Your loyalty will be an asset to our cause."