Looking at Hyūga Kagami, the terrifying aura surrounding Uchiha Yuan receded like a withdrawing tide, vanishing in an instant.
"Kagami, how are you feeling?" Yuan asked, concern in his voice.
"I'm fine… don't worry," Kagami replied weakly, still pale.
Then he turned toward Hyūga Kuanren.
"Kuanren-sama, I cannot accept your accusation. I did not leak the Gentle Fist. Yuan's point-sealing technique is his own creation. It has nothing to do with our clan."
Kuanren's gaze moved between them coldly.
"I'll assume you wouldn't dare."
Kagami bowed.
"Kuanren-sama, please permit me to leave briefly with Yuan."
Kuanren sneered.
"I do not permit it."
Boom—
A razor-sharp killing intent erupted, enveloping him like an icy gale.
For a split second, Kuanren felt as though a ferocious beast had opened its jaws before him.
"You dare insult me so brazenly!"
Yuan's shout cracked like thunder.
The stone tiles beneath his feet began to fracture. Invisible force rippled outward, cracks racing toward Kuanren.
Swish!
Just as the fissures reached Kuanren's feet, a figure flashed before him, halting the spread instantly.
At the same time, another figure appeared beside Yuan.
"Yuan."
The man shielding Kuanren turned—
It was Senju Gen.
And standing beside Yuan was Hatake Harukaze.
"Gen? Harukaze? What are you doing here?" Yuan asked in surprise.
Gen winked playfully before turning to Kagami.
"Kagami! Long time no see."
"Gen… Harukaze… it's been a while."
Gen stepped forward and slung an arm around Kagami's shoulders.
"We haven't gathered in ages. I came to invite you."
Kagami hesitated, glancing toward Yuan.
Yuan's expression shifted slightly. His killing intent vanished entirely.
Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed Kakashi watching from a distant tree.
"Kagami, don't tell me you don't want to come?" Gen teased.
"No—of course I do," Kagami replied quickly. "It's just…"
Gen followed his gaze to Kuanren and instantly recognized the smooth forehead—Main House.
He smiled politely.
"Surely the Hyūga Main House won't forbid a Branch member from attending a gathering with friends?"
Kuanren had just barely recovered from Yuan's oppressive aura.
He wanted to refuse—
But Yuan's cold gaze met his.
Fear flickered through him.
Gen continued cheerfully, "I'm Senju Gen. You'll give me that much face, won't you?"
The Senju name still carried weight.
Kuanren forced composure.
"If it is you inviting him, I have no objection."
"Great! Kagami, let's go."
Gen and Kagami vanished with Body Flicker.
Yuan gave Kuanren one final icy look before departing alongside Harukaze.
Kuanren stood silently, his face shifting between anger, resentment—and jealousy.
Yes.
Jealousy.
He could not comprehend how a mere Branch member like Kagami could earn the friendship of such figures.
Gen—called the Dragon of Senju.
Harukaze—already nearing Special Jōnin level with his blade.
And Uchiha Yuan—
The "Ferocious Tiger of Konoha," who had repelled the Fourth Raikage.
Senju Compound
The four appeared before the ancient gates.
"Yuan, you don't mind that I interfered, right?" Gen asked.
"Of course not," Yuan smiled. "You saved me from escalating matters."
He turned to Harukaze.
"Kakashi-senpai informed you?"
Harukaze nodded.
"Yes. If mishandled, it could have sparked conflict between Hyūga and Uchiha."
Yuan snorted.
"If not for Kagami, Kuanren would mean nothing to me."
Gen sighed.
"The Hyūga Main–Branch system is hard to accept."
Kagami gave a bitter smile.
"Yuan… thank you for holding back."
Yuan smiled faintly.
"There's no need for thanks between us."
Later — Inside the Senju Residence
In the corridor by the courtyard, Senju Yuki and Uchiha Izumi carried trays of food and sake into the hall.
Inside, Yuan and the others sat cross-legged, chatting lively.
"I heard Kumogakure clashed again with the village near the northern border of the Land of Hot Water."
"Kumo are all warhawks. They won't retreat easily."
"Thankfully, the southern front you're heading to is calming down. I heard Sunagakure and Kirigakure have halted hostilities and are preparing negotiations."
"I have a feeling… this Third Great Ninja War may end within a few years."
Silence followed.
The atmosphere shifted.
Departure loomed.
Yuan lifted his cup.
"No matter where we are… we'll meet again."
The cups clinked softly.
Outside, the night wind stirred.
Tomorrow—
He would leave the village.
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