Unlike the Hyuga Compound, where an outwardly harmonious and friendly atmosphere masked an undercurrent of mutual wariness, the Uchiha Clan's territory appeared quite different. Though each household lived separately in private estates and the ninja walking the streets wore solemn expressions that seemed anything but approachable, even Soushu Hyuga, as an outsider wandering through the Uchiha district, felt a unique sense of ease.
The Uchiha people didn't seem so difficult to get along with after all.
Led by the energetic Mahiru Uchiha, Soushu Hyuga walked through the Uchiha district, openly displaying his Byakugan eyes and Caged Bird (Tenketsu) Curse Seal. Although many Uchiha passersby looked curious, they remained extremely restrained. When Soushu met their gazes directly, they actually made an effort to avoid eye contact.
Occasionally someone who appeared more open would simply offer a slight nod before quickly moving on, as if afraid of leaving a bad impression.
This feeling was really quite fascinating.
Soushu found his first visit to the Uchiha Compound surprisingly pleasant overall.
"Mahiru-chan."
After walking side by side at a relaxed pace for about ten minutes, they finally met an Uchiha brave enough to come over and greet them.
It was a middle-aged Uchiha woman who greeted them. She didn't appear to be a ninja herself—aside from the Uchiha Clan Emblem on her clothing, she looked just like any ordinary Konoha villager without that characteristic gloom typically associated with the Uchiha.
"Afternoon Auntie Aey!"
Mahiru greeted politely while pulling Soushu's arm to introduce him. "This is my teammate from our time in the Land of Rain. We're planning to go taste Uncle Hand-fired's pancakes."
"Oh really? That sounds nice then."
Auntie Aey grinned ear to ear, immediately adding, "Well I won't keep you two then."
Then she hurried away quickly, as if trying to avoid suspicion or eager to share something with someone else.
"Um, Auntie Aey lives next door to my family. When I was little, my parents were often busy with Policing Department duties, so I used to eat at her house frequently."
Mahiru explained somewhat shyly.
Yet her expression carried a hint of secret delight.
Like a small scheme had succeeded perfectly.
"I see. That does sound nice."
Soushu didn't plan to probe further.
Still, this was actually the first time he'd heard anything about Mahiru's family.
Working in the Policing Department and being always busy implied at least being a captain-level officer or higher rank, possibly serving in some special department within the Policing Division, whose strength must certainly surpass ordinary Jonin.
But with that kind of background, why would Mahiru end up getting sent off to fight in the Land of Rain?
Considering most Uchiha ninja specialized in Fire Release techniques, and knowing how elemental advantages worked, with all those fire techniques, the Uchiha were at a real disadvantage in the constant rain there.
However, Soushu didn't intend to ask immediately. These matters would naturally unfold in time—what needed to be known would eventually become clear.
Mahiru Uchiha subtly glanced at Hyuga Soushu from the corner of her eye, finding nothing unusual about him. She casually shifted her gaze away, her rapidly beating heart finally slowing slightly, though her flushed ears still betrayed her feelings.
Though she tried to remain calm, her curiosity and nervousness remained evident. Was it possible that Soushu had noticed her subtle hints but simply pretended not to? Or had he truly seen through nothing?
Her thoughts swirled in her mind as she tried to steady her breathing, attempting to appear more natural. Yet this inner tension and curiosity refused to be fully suppressed.
"Oh right," she lightly brushed her hair aside, discreetly covering her burning ears, "I really did tell Uncle Handfired to prepare donkey meat. Hyuga Soushu-kun will definitely like it."
"Of course," Hyuga Soushu replied with a cheerful smile.
"But there's no cilantro."
Not sure if Soushu had noticed anything odd, Mahiru quickly switched topics instead: "And besides, I don't eat cilantro anyway!"
"Okay then, neither will I."
Hyuga Soushu continued smiling cheerfully, seemingly unaware of anything. Then suddenly, as if making a new discovery, he added, "Wow, Mahiru-chan's hands are so fair!"
"Really?"
The hand Mahiru had been using to massage her hair froze mid-motion, heat beginning to rise from the top of her head. "N-no, aren't they just the same as always?"
"No, they're different. Look," Soushu extended his right hand toward Mahiru.
"Hmm."
As if pulled by some indescribable force, Mahiru unconsciously placed her left hand into Soushu's palm, apparently unable to control herself.
Could this possibly be an advanced illusion technique [genjutsu]?
Mahiru was so dazed she could barely think straight.
"Wah, your hands are so cold."
Then, Soushu gently took Mahiru's hand and led her forward, their steps easily falling into sync: "Wow, you smell really nice. What perfume are you wearing?"
"N-no, I didn't use any. I just took a bath this morning!"
Mahiru stammered out her response.
At the same time, she slightly flared her nostrils, sniffing at her own scent. However, all she could smell was the wood smoke odor from grilled fish and roasted rabbit—there was no fragrance like what Soushu described. Nevertheless, Mahiru's previous nervousness melted away completely, replaced entirely with warmth.
Thus, the pair walked openly hand-in-hand down the streets of the Uchiha Compound.
Even when passing other Uchiha clan members, people merely cast curious glances before nodding and continuing their business.
"This is the Uchiha Clan," Soushu couldn't help but remark.
"Huh? What do you mean?" Mahiru's ears perked up slightly, surprised.
"I just feel that my impression of the Uchiha differs from how the village usually portrays them," Soushu tightened his grip on the girl's hand and slowly said, "You know, overall the village's public opinion environment toward the Uchiha isn't actually very friendly."
"I know."
Mahiru showed no intention of defending her clan at all.
Though she came from the moderate wing of the Uchiha Clan and once felt connected to the village because of her family, her two and a half years on the battlefield in the Land of Rain exposed her to too much death and cruelty. All of this completely changed her mindset.
Furthermore, after her promotion was directly denied—without even being given a chance to take the assessment—she started doubting the village's values and how its leaders made decisions. Mahiru Uchiha's sense of belonging to the village and the Hokage system has now been practically erased by reality; she might have even begun questioning her original choices.
Otherwise, there was no way she would have said something as shocking and earth-shattering as "destroying Konoha" when they were alone together.
"By the way, how much farther is it to Uncle Hand-fired's okonomiyaki shop?"
They wandered slowly for nearly another ten minutes. As they were about to reach the edge of the Uchiha Compound's territory where the high walls stood, Hyuga Soushu knew he had to say something.
"Huh!"
Mahiru finally realized what was happening.
She looked around as if just waking up from a dream, her face blushing red, whispering shyly, "We've walked past it."