"Tsukine… I've felt your sincerity."
Yuan's gaze softened as he spoke.
"Yuan-kun…"
Tsukine looked up at him shyly, her clear eyes shimmering with expectation.
Their eyes met.
Her breath brushed lightly against his face, carrying the faint fragrance of blooming flowers.
For a brief moment—
Yuan's gaze drifted to her crimson lips.
Should I… kiss her?
He leaned closer.
Closer—
But suddenly, his movement halted.
His head turned sharply.
Swish!
Two figures appeared.
"Shisui. And Itachi."
Yuan's gaze swept over them calmly.
Tsukine bit her lower lip, shooting the two an annoyed glare.
Shisui noticed the coldness in Yuan's eyes and sighed inwardly.
"Yuan. Itachi and I came to see you off. The next time we meet… will be in three years."
There was genuine warmth in Shisui's voice.
The chill in Yuan's expression faded slightly.
"Thank you."
Shisui studied him for a moment before continuing.
"You caused serious trouble this time. Attacking a village elder… Danzō will only grow more hostile toward the Uchiha. Fortunately, the Third-sama was magnanimous and only assigned you to border duty for three years. I hope you reflect on this and refrain from acting so recklessly in the future."
"You're mistaken, Shisui."
A cold voice cut in.
"It wasn't just trouble. It was a grave offense."
Itachi stepped forward, displeasure written clearly across his face.
Yuan's expression darkened.
"Itachi. Do you even know what Danzō tried to do to me that day?"
Itachi hesitated briefly before answering,
"Even if Danzō acted improperly, there were better ways to respond. Raising your hand against a superior only deepens the village's suspicion of the clan."
"That's enough, Itachi!"
Tsukine snapped, stepping forward.
"Danzō attempted to search Yuan-kun's memories! He was lucky to lose only an arm!"
Then she planted her hands on her hips.
"And Itachi—where are your manners? Aren't you going to greet me?"
"…Aunt."
Itachi's expression grew complicated as he addressed her.
The man he regarded as a destabilizing force within the clan—
The one he believed inflamed tensions—
Was now engaged to his own aunt.
Yuan looked at Shisui again.
"Let me give you a piece of advice. Endless compromise does not bring understanding. It only invites greater oppression. Only struggle creates peace."
Shisui fell silent.
After a moment, he shook his head.
"I can't agree. I believe mutual understanding leads to peace. Struggle only intensifies division."
He paused.
"I hope that when you return in three years… you'll see things differently."
With that, Shisui vanished in a Body Flicker.
Itachi prepared to follow—
"Wait."
Yuan's voice stopped him.
Their eyes locked.
"I want you to stay away from Izumi."
For the first time, Itachi's calm façade shifted.
The air thickened, oppressive and heavy.
A silent clash.
After a long moment—
"…Understood."
He disappeared.
Tsukine watched the direction he left, then sighed lightly.
"Itachi is becoming more and more like my brother-in-law. So serious. So dull. Sasuke is far more adorable."
She turned to Yuan.
"Why did you tell him to stay away from Izumi? I've heard my sister say Izumi likes him."
"I don't like Itachi," Yuan said plainly.
Then he continued,
"You could hear it, couldn't you? Shisui and I walk different paths."
Tsukine nodded.
"You disagree on something fundamental."
"They are not walking the same road as me. If Itachi and Izumi grow closer… one day she'll be caught between us. I'd rather sever that bond early."
Tsukine frowned faintly.
"My sister really likes Izumi. She's always hoped Izumi would marry Itachi. Are you really separating them over ideological differences?"
Yuan let out a faint, mocking laugh.
"Do you know what I think of Shisui and Itachi?"
Without waiting for her answer, he continued.
"Shisui is naïve—too trusting."
"And Itachi…"
"In my eyes, he's a fool. Overconfident. He speaks of broad vision, yet cannot truly embrace his own clan."
Tsukine blinked in surprise.
"He's not that bad…"
Yuan smiled faintly.
"Call it personal bias."
On the Road to the Village Gates
The morning light stretched long across the road.
As they approached a fork near the gates—
A lone figure stood waiting.
Senju Yuki.
Tsukine bit her lip lightly.
"Yuan-kun… that Senju girl seems to be waiting for you. Standing here alone."
She glanced at him sideways.
"Your relationship with her doesn't seem simple."
Yuan's brows furrowed slightly.
He murmured quietly to himself—
"Could it be… Gen has already injected the serum?"
His golden eyes narrowed faintly.
Something—
Was about to change.
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