21.Mother And Son Reunited

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It seemed to be a connection of hearts.

When Mikoto Uchiha awoke from her slumber, the first thing that caught her attention was the youth with tearful eyes gazing at her intently.

"Sasuke? Is that you, Sasuke?" She quickly approached and embraced the youth tightly with her trembling hands.

It was an embrace without warmth or weight, yet Sasuke seemed to feel a familiar and missed presence from it.

He opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but felt as if his throat was blocked, unable to make a sound.

Eventually, he simply closed his eyes, allowing his tears to flow uncontrollably, and gently hugged her back.

Kaito remained silent, merely standing by the side, smiling as he watched the mother and son reunite after such a long separation.

After a while, Mikoto released her embrace and, with her hands, lovingly cupped Sasuke's face, gazing into his eyes.

"You've grown up, Sasuke. Mom is so happy," Mikoto said softly, caressing Sasuke's face.

"Uh-huh." Sasuke, his cheeks flushed, shyly lowered his head but couldn't help occasionally looking up at the gentle smile on Mikoto's face.

Mikoto couldn't resist stroking Sasuke's head once more before turning to the other person present.

"How rude of me."

Upon seeing the man before her clearly, she was momentarily stunned, then joyfully exclaimed, "Kaito, is that you?"

"Yes, big sister. Long time no see," Kaito replied, maintaining an innocuous smile, "It's been a long time."

"Indeed, it has been a long time. You little scamp, running off and never coming back, leaving your sister worried about you," Mikoto playfully scolded her brother, then couldn't help but laugh, "You've changed a lot, Kaito. So, it was you who woke me?"

"It was me," Kaito nodded, "Sister should have realized a long time ago that I've always been able to see things others can't. Later on, by chance, I learned a few things."

"I remember, as a child, you often talked about seeing a long-haired sister, and everyone thought you were lying," Mikoto reminisced, "But I always believed you. I can tell when you're lying, Kaito."

"That was Uchiha Chiri, the ancestor. She has been lingering around our family for years," Kaito explained.

"The one who developed the Izanami illusion technique, Uchiha Chiri?" Mikoto covered her mouth in surprise.

"Yes, her," Kaito confirmed.

"Let's not talk about this for now. Sister and Sasuke probably have a lot to talk about," Kaito said to Sasuke, "I won't disturb you two any longer."

"Aren't you going to talk with your sister, Kaito?" Mikoto teased.

"Sister, the paper doll you're possessing allows you to exist in this world for three days, so there's no rush. You should talk with Sasuke first."

Kaito waved his hand and then turned to leave.

Returning to his room, Kaito took out a scroll and began to write quickly.

This was his first time summoning a soul from the pure land, a rare experience.

He needed to record it well.

Inspired by the Impure World Reincarnation, he now had a new research direction for this technique.

This might allow him to have more shikigami, just like the great Onmyōji of ancient times.

Currently, Kaito only had a few simple paper shikigami. Although he could let the youkai temporarily imbue a part of their power into the paper dolls, the upper limit wasn't very high.

As for making a youkai his shikigami?

Their initial friendly relationship made it impossible.

Youkai cherish their freedom by nature, and making a contract would remind them of the betrayed summoning beasts. Now, no one was willing.

Kaito wouldn't force them.

And as for spirits, they had almost disappeared from this world.

As for Uchiha Chiri, that was a one-in-a-million special case.

In this world where the underworld is withering, the world absorbs human souls into the pure land the moment they die to maintain the cycle of reincarnation.

Uchiha Chiri became a vengeful spirit due to the unique abilities of her Sharingan.

Now, this technique gave Kaito hope.

There are countless deceased ninjas, and surely some would be willing to contract with him to return to the world of the living.

They're already dead, so fighting with them is safe.

After all, means to directly harm the soul are rare in this world today.

However, Kaito knew he had a long way to go before he could improve this technique to a practical level for combat.

First, the process of casting the technique takes too much time.

Currently, he needs to bolster it with the Sharingan, combined with hand seals and mantras to execute it.

He should first find a way to simplify the summoning process.

And...

Kaito took out a paper doll inscribed with runes to examine closely.

Currently, he could only allow a soul to possess and manifest in a simple form, which is not enough for combat.

It might be an issue with the materials, given that ninjas use chakra for battle.

The runes also need to be changed, here...

Suddenly, Kaito had a flash of inspiration.

Sasuke's curse mark!

Perhaps he should first develop a safe curse mark.

Directly utilizing natural energy, which is ever-replenishing, would eliminate concerns about consumption in battle.

Kaito's eyes sparkled with determination, and his brush flowed like water, rapidly recording his new insights.

...

Time flew by unnoticed, and when Kaito realized it, dawn had already broken.

Putting down his brush and carefully storing the completed scrolls, Kaito opened the door and stretched in the morning sun.

Hmm? Why do I smell food?

Drawn by the aroma, Kaito headed towards the usually deserted kitchen.

"Sister?" Kaito looked in amazement at Mikoto, who was busily working in the kitchen, "Is this really my kitchen?"

How did such a lively kitchen appear!

"Good morning." Mikoto turned with a smile, "Did you sleep well last night, Kaito?"

"Ah, very well." Kaito casually replied, "These ingredients?"

"These? I just asked around, and some little ones brought them over." Mikoto replied while cooking, "Hearing that I was Kaito's sister, everyone was very enthusiastic. It seems Kaito is quite popular around here."

"Not really." Kaito waved off, looking around, "Is Sasuke still sleeping?"

"Yes. He held onto my hand and refused to sleep last night." Mikoto's expression darkened, her voice filled with guilt, "It's been hard on Sasuke. We, as parents, have let him down, burdening him with such painful memories at such a young age."

"But fortunately, Sasuke was lucky to have met me in the end." Kaito consoled, giving a thumbs-up, "I'll take good care of him on behalf of Sister, so don't worry."

"Sasuke told me everything." Mikoto looked relieved, "Thank goodness he met you then, or he would have ended up with Orochimaru."

"I knew it." Kaito posed triumphantly, "I'm super reliable now."

Having lightened her mood, Mikoto also said with a smile, "I'm not worried about you two in terms of safety with Kaito. But Kaito, you need someone to take care of you too, don't you? Both of you, don't just focus on training. Remember to eat well and rest properly."

"Kaito, you didn't actually sleep last night, did you! Don't lead Sasuke astray." Mikoto handed a plate of food to Kaito, "Kaito, I've always been able to tell when you're lying since you were little!"