Great Love

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Akira was genuinely surprised to learn that the Uchiha clan's population would increase so soon. This expansion meant their strength and legacy would grow—a vital goal for any clan focused on preserving its heritage.

"It must be because the clan leader set such a good example in a short time. And, Aunt Mikoto, you and Fugaku are truly the heroes of our clan," Akira said with a teasing smile.

Mikoto's face flushed, and she found herself at a loss for words.

Fugaku, however, remained calm. "Simple enough," he replied. "But you've been with the world's most beautiful woman, and yet you look unfazed, as if nothing happened." He raised an eyebrow, a slight smirk appearing. "Do you need any advice, kid?"

Akira was speechless. What he'd intended as a little tease had quickly been turned back on him. He glanced at Mikoto and decided to take charge of the banter. "So, you agree that Hancock is the most beautiful woman in the world? Impressive you'd say that in front of Aunt Mikoto."

Fugaku's eyes widened slightly as he looked over at Mikoto. "Mikoto, I didn't mean—"

"Hmph." Mikoto gave him a pointed look and turned to check on Itachi, clearly unimpressed.

Just then, Shisui stepped in to ease the situation. "Hey, everyone, we brought back some amazing things from the trip!" He gave Akira a knowing look.

Akira unpacked the supplies they had gathered, revealing a variety of items. But the most essential tools were the Den Den Mushi—Baby Den Den Mushi, Black Den Den Mushi, White Den Den Mushi, Visual Den Den Mushi, Projector Den Den Mushi, and Surveillance Den Den Mushi—all invaluable for intelligence gathering and communication. In the ninja world, transmitting information often meant risking lives. Here, these snails made everything so much more convenient.

After Akira explained the differences between the various types of snails—communication, surveillance, projection, and others—he spent some time catching up with the clan. They talked of their progress, shared news, and discussed the new connections they were building with Amazon Lily. Finally, when the evening had quieted and the excitement of the day faded, Akira excused himself and retired for the night.

---

As Akira lay in his dimly lit room, lost in thought, the sudden trill of his phone bug cut through the silence with a familiar "purupuru!" sound.

Who could be calling this late?

He picked up, and his heart jolted at the voice on the other end. It was unmistakable. Hancock.

"Akira… I miss you." Her voice was soft, laced with an unfamiliar vulnerability that seemed to tug at something deep inside him.

The words sent a thrill through him, a warmth spreading where he'd never felt it before. In his past life, he'd rarely known moments like this, and now, her voice made him feel alive in a way he couldn't quite understand.

In a heartbeat, he teleported to her room, catching her by surprise for only a second before she remembered he could do that. She let out a small laugh, her cheeks tinged pink as she ran into his arms, clinging to him like she'd been waiting a lifetime.

"When did you set a teleportation coordinate here?" she asked, a faint smile playing at her lips.

"The first time I visited you," he replied with a grin.

Hancock's eyes widened, a flush spreading across her face. "So… you planned this all along?"

Akira tilted her chin up, his gaze tender. "I won't deny it. From the moment I saw you, I knew I wanted you in my life."

Her cheeks turned a deeper red, her usually confident demeanor softening. "You… you're terrible," she whispered, almost shy. "Maybe there's truth to what they say about men."

Akira laughed softly, brushing a stray hair from her face. "I've never claimed to be a saint. And honestly, if you think about it… it's not entirely my fault."

She looked up at him, eyes questioning. "Oh? And whose fault is it then?"

He leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. "You're so breathtakingly beautiful, you make me dream of you."

His words made her skin flush with warmth, but just as she leaned into him, she suddenly pulled back, hesitating. "Akira… I have something important to share."

Seeing the seriousness in her eyes, he nodded, silently urging her to go on.

With a deep breath, Hancock turned, lifting her long, black hair to reveal a scarred mark shaped like a hoof on her back. Akira recognized it instantly, but he forced himself to stay calm, feigning ignorance. "What… is this?" he asked gently.

Her voice trembled. "This... is the Claw of the Celestial Dragons. The so-called World Nobles, they use to mark… their slaves. As to them, anyone who bears this isn't human. Just… property."

Her voice faltered, and she took another breath to steady herself. "When I was twelve, my sisters and I were taken by them, trapped in a life of despair and darkness. We thought we'd never be free… until one night, Fisher Tiger stormed Mariejois and freed us. We returned here, hiding our past, fearing it would catch up with us someday."

As she finished, her body trembled, and tears shimmered in her eyes. Akira wrapped his arms around her, his heart aching for everything she'd been through. Though their time together had been brief, he knew he'd fallen deeply for her.

"Will you think less of me… because of what I was?" she whispered, barely able to meet his gaze.

"Never," he replied, his voice steady and filled with conviction. "If anything, you're even more incredible for trusting me with this. You're mine now, Hancock, and I swear—no one will ever come close to hurting you again."

As he spoke, he placed his hand gently on her back, channeling a soft, healing warmth. Hancock looked up, confused. "What… what are you doing?"

He smiled, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Hold still. I have a gift for you."

A moment later, he stepped back, nodding toward the mirror. "Look," he said softly.

With her heart pounding, Hancock walked to the mirror, her fingers trembling as she lifted her hair and glanced over her shoulder. Her breath caught, her eyes widening. The mark—the symbol of her darkest past—was gone, her skin smooth and flawless.

"This… the mark of the Celestial Dragon… it's really gone!" she whispered, disbelief mingling with joy.

Akira smiled, his voice gentle. "It's a healing jutsu. Just a skill of mine you might have underestimated___"

But before he could finish, her lips were on his, a kiss filled with everything she'd kept hidden for so long. All the pain, hope, and passion burst forth, silencing his words.

For the rest of the night, they stayed together, two souls no longer haunted by the past but united by a promise and a love that neither of them would ever let go.

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