The room was bathed in the soft light of early morning, filtered by thin curtains. In the air, the light scent of chamomile and quiet.
Everything was calm.
Sakura was sitting next to the bed, with a tired but joyful smile, and next to her, Sarada, still a little pale but serene, was holding her newborn baby in her arms. The little one was sleeping, peaceful, with his fists closed and his breathing slow.
Boruto was there, next to her, his eyes full of love and gratitude. But off to the side, silent as always, Sasuke was watching in silence.
He hadn't said much until that moment. He had looked at his daughter with eyes full of pride, but now... his gaze was fixed on the newborn.
His grandson.
Little Itachi.
Sarada noticed him and, with a light smile, said: "Dad... do you want to keep him?"
Sasuke remained still for a moment. Then he took a step forward. Sakura stood up slowly, and Boruto moved away, letting the meeting happen in silence.
Sarada gently lifted the child and handed him to her. Sasuke held out his arm with a care that had never been seen in him, as if he were about to touch something sacred.
Little Itachi opened his eyes slightly. Two dark, deep irises. A small yawn, then sleep again.
Sasuke looked at him. Long. Still. In silence.
Then, with a voice just above a whisper, he spoke:
“Welcome, Itachi.”
A pause.
“You carry in your name a bond of love, that time doesn't break.”, and after saying that he kissed his little forehead.
When he raised his head, he looked into the eyes of the child he was holding and his gaze, for a moment, became lucid.
It was not just a name.
It was forgiveness. It was peace. It was hope.
Sarada watched him, in silence, her heart beating fast, she was a daughter who saw her father close a circle, and open another.
Sasuke Uchiha, the warrior who had known pain, now held a new life in his arms. A rebirth.
And in that moment, in the deepest silence, something healed.