Senju Yuki took a slow sip of tea before setting the cup down.
"Yuan's connection to Orochimaru runs deeper than we imagined."
Senju Gen sat across from her, smiling faintly.
"He's always admired Orochimaru. These two vials are probably products of his research."
Yuki's brows knitted slightly.
"Orochimaru… no. The village has long been secretly researching the secrets of Wood Release."
Gen sighed.
"Both the clan and the village want to reclaim Great-Grandfather's power."
He picked up one vial, his eyes burning with resolve.
"Big sis… I'm going to inject it."
Yuki's expression turned serious.
"Gen. Remember the records left by Lord Tobirama. He experimented with Great-Grandfather's cells. Every subject died—horribly."
"Even he failed. The consequences may be unpredictable."
Gen fell silent.
Then he smiled gently.
"Yuan wouldn't harm me."
Yuki's gaze softened.
"I believe that too. But he said it himself—there's only a fifty percent chance of awakening Wood Release."
"Fifty percent is enough," Gen replied firmly. "And even if it fails, it will still strengthen the body."
They looked at each other.
After a long pause, Yuki nodded.
"Then… we gamble."
Underground Chamber — Senju Compound
Gen sat cross-legged, left arm exposed.
"Ready?" Yuki asked quietly.
"I'm ready."
The emerald liquid slid into his veins.
"Gen? How do you feel?"
"…Warm. Like soaking in a hot spring. Every cell feels… hungry."
Suddenly—
His expression twisted.
His skin flushed red. Steam rose from him.
"Gen!"
"I'm fine…" he forced a smile through clenched teeth.
Sweat poured down his face.
Hyūga Compound
Hyūga Kagami knelt before Hyūga Hizashi.
"You gathered at the Senju compound?" Hizashi asked calmly.
"Yes."
Hizashi poured tea.
"If not for Senju Gen's intervention today, conflict would've erupted. His identity carries weight—even the Main House must restrain themselves."
"Why are they dissatisfied with me?" Kagami asked.
Hizashi sighed softly.
"Some elders believe you should have severed ties with Uchiha Yuan outright."
Kagami frowned.
"My friendship with Yuan violates no clan law."
"For the Main House," Hizashi replied quietly, "their word is the law."
"Restrain your displeasure."
"Yes."
But in Kagami's mind—
He saw again the golden eye opening at Yuan's brow.
Yuan had told him the Caged Bird was formed by a highly refined Yang-Release chakra.
Without equal or superior chakra—
Even understanding the structure would not suffice to break it.
Yuan… I believe in you.
Morning — Uchiha Compound
Yuan sat in the living room, polishing kunai and shuriken before packing them away.
Across from him, his mother Uchiha Rei and his sister Izumi watched with reluctant eyes.
"Be careful. Dress warmly. Eat properly…" his mother said over and over.
"Brother… take care of yourself," Izumi whispered.
After packing up, Yuan stood.
"Mother, don't worry. Kirigakure has retreated. The southern border is stable."
He ruffled Izumi's hair.
"Take care of Mom. And don't slack in training."
Izumi nodded tearfully, then threw herself into his arms.
"I'll miss you."
The morning streets of the Uchiha district were quiet.
After saying goodbye, Yuan walked alone toward the clan gates.
But there—
A figure stood waiting.
"Yuan-kun."
Uchiha Tsukine smiled sweetly.
"Tsukine? Why are you here?"
"You're leaving for three years. As your fiancée, of course I came to see you off. Or… are you unhappy to see me?"
She pouted slightly.
Yuan hesitated.
"I caused trouble. The Great Elder allowed this?"
Tsukine shook her head.
"This was my decision. Grandfather cannot control my will."
She placed a hand over her heart, meeting his eyes steadily.
"Just as becoming your fiancée was my choice. If I had not agreed, no one could have forced me."
"Do you understand… my feelings?"
Morning light filtered through the gate.
For a moment—
The world seemed very quiet.
And the road ahead—
Very long.
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