Uchiha Clan Compound – Clan Head's Courtyard
In the serene courtyard at the heart of the Uchiha compound, tension hung thick in the air. Uchiha Mikoto paced anxiously, her brows tightly furrowed.
"What happened!? My father is the clan leader—why has he been imprisoned!?" Mikoto demanded, turning to the nearest Uchiha guard.
The man hesitated, visibly nervous. "Lady Mikoto… it was Uchiha Byakuya. He seized both Captain Fugaku and the clan head, your father, Lord Uchiha Gen."
"What!?" Mikoto's voice trembled. "You're one of his bodyguards—an elite Uchiha shinobi! Why didn't you stop him!?"
"I'm sorry, Lady Mikoto," the ninja said, bowing his head. "Byakuya's strength is overwhelming. He's also won over a significant portion of the clan. Opposing him now… would be suicide."
Mikoto's fists clenched tightly. "But my father's health is fragile. He won't last long in captivity."
"There may be one way…" the guard said after a moment of hesitation. "If you can speak with Byakuya directly… maybe you can convince him."
Mikoto's eyes narrowed. "Uchiha Byakuya…"
"Yes. He's the only one who can override the detention. With your standing as the daughter of the patriarch, perhaps you can persuade him."
Without another word, Mikoto turned and strode toward Byakuya's private quarters.
Byakuya's Residence
Inside a quiet room lined with scrolls and weapons, Byakuya sat calmly, reviewing the spoils of his recent conquests—victories over Sarutobi Shinnosuke, Uchiha Fugaku, and now Uchiha Gen. His Mangekyō Sharingan pulsed faintly, reacting to the surge of negative energy and the new jutsu he had gained.
Just then, Uchiha En entered the room.
"Lord Byakuya, Lady Mikoto requests an audience."
Byakuya raised an eyebrow. "Mikoto? The patriarch's daughter?"
As someone who retained memories from his past life, Byakuya was well aware—Uchiha Mikoto would eventually become Fugaku's wife, the mother of prodigies Itachi and Sasuke. Her lineage and political standing made her an influential figure in the clan's future.
En grinned. "Miss Mikoto is known as the Uchiha clan's top beauty. If you win her over, it could further solidify your claim as the new patriarch."
Byakuya gave a sharp glance. "If I aim to become clan head, I won't rely on marrying into it."
"Of course, Lord Byakuya… but it wouldn't hurt to have her on your side."
After a brief pause, Byakuya nodded. "Very well. Bring her in."
Mikoto's Plea
Moments later, Uchiha Mikoto stepped inside. Dressed in a traditional Uchiha kimono, her calm demeanor and quiet strength gave her an air of dignity. Still, Byakuya noticed a trace of urgency in her steps.
"Captain Byakuya," Mikoto said, her voice soft yet firm.
"Lady Mikoto," Byakuya greeted. "To what do I owe this visit?"
"I've come to request the release of my father, Lord Gen," she said directly. "Please… he is unwell. He poses no threat to you."
Byakuya leaned back, studying her. "Your father attempted to shield Fugaku after he interfered in village matters. As acting leader of the clan's internal affairs, I deemed his actions a betrayal of clan unity."
Mikoto's voice rose slightly. "That's not betrayal! That's loyalty—to family, to peace within the clan. You seek strength, but not at the cost of tearing the Uchiha apart, surely?"
There was a pause.
"You're brave to come here alone," Byakuya remarked. "Most wouldn't risk confronting me directly."
"I do what I must—for my family and for the clan."
Byakuya narrowed his eyes slightly. Despite himself, he felt a sliver of respect for her composure.
"I will consider it. But understand, Lady Mikoto—your father's actions have consequences. This isn't just about health or sentiment. It's about the future of the Uchiha."
Obviously, Mikoto knew all too well what awaited a ninja labeled as a traitor.
"Well… it's not entirely impossible to save your father."
"But," Byakuya added, his gaze shifting toward her, "that depends on whether you, Miss Mikoto, are willing to give me something I want."
Mikoto frowned, her eyes sharp. "What is it? If it means saving my father… I'll do anything within reason."
A slow smile crept onto Byakuya's face. "I want you, Mikoto."
The room fell silent. Mikoto's expression froze.
She, Uchiha Mikoto, future wife of Uchiha Fugaku and mother of Sasuke Uchiha, was no ordinary clan heiress. Even now, her Sharingan shimmered with three perfectly-formed tomoe—proof of her exceptional talent and training.
"To think someone with the Three-Tomoe Sharingan would be so impulsive," Byakuya murmured, half-amused, half-impressed. "You're even more desirable now."
"Ridiculous!" Mikoto snapped, her Sharingan flaring. "You want me? That's impossible!"
Though her voice trembled with anger, Byakuya could tell she was torn. Her father, the current head of the Uchiha clan, had been arrested on suspicion of conspiring against Konoha. And with the political climate worsening between the Uchiha and the Hokage's office, this might be the last chance to save him.
Byakuya narrowed his eyes. "If you refuse… he may not leave that cell alive. Accusations of rebellion aren't taken lightly. You know that."
"You're despicable…"
Her voice shook, her fists clenched—but deep down, she understood the reality. Her father was old, frail, and politically isolated. There was no guarantee he'd survive long enough for a fair hearing.
"…Fine. I'll agree."
She turned her face away, ashamed, angry, and defeated. Tears welled in her eyes, but she didn't let them fall.
"I'll do what you ask. Just… don't let anything happen to my father."