Because he suspected that Senju Gen had already injected the genetic completion serum, Uchiha Yuan failed to notice that when Tsukine spoke, her eyes flashed like an alert cat ready to pounce.
When Senju Yuki saw Yuan walking beside Tsukine, an inexplicable irritation rose within her heart.
Then—
She saw Tsukine deliberately loop her arm around Yuan's left arm and shoot her a subtle, provocative glance.
For a split second, Yuki felt as though her hidden thoughts had been exposed.
Before she could steady herself, the two had already reached her.
"Yuan-kun, I'd like to speak with you alone."
After glancing at Tsukine, Yuki spoke calmly.
Yuan nodded and followed her several meters away to the roadside.
"Has Gen injected the serum?"
"Yes," Yuki answered softly. "He's currently in the clan's underground chamber undergoing the transformation."
Then she bowed slightly.
"Yuan-kun… thank you. For Gen to have a friend like you is our fortune. The Senju clan's fortune."
Senju Underground Chamber
Gen sat cross-legged, unmoving.
His chakra surged like roaring flames around him.
Within the violently fluctuating aura—
A small vine sprouted from the stone floor beside him.
Then—
It collapsed into nothingness.
Again and again the phenomenon repeated.
Each time the vine appeared, pain twisted Gen's features.
"Has he awakened it?" Yuan asked.
Yuki's eyes brightened faintly.
"I believe so. I saw a small vine grow from his chakra."
Just as I suspected, Yuan thought.
The White Zetsu cell fusion with Hashirama cells… the genetic completion serum works for the Senju.
"Yuki."
"…You can just call me Yuki."
She smiled gently.
But inside, her heart was racing.
At the same time, she noticed Tsukine's watchful gaze—sharp and guarded.
Tsukine wasn't listening closely to the conversation.
She was studying Yuki.
Female intuition told her everything.
This Senju girl clearly held feelings for Yuan.
"Yuki, Gen's awakening must remain secret," Yuan said gravely. "Once Wood Release is exposed, many forces will react. There are those in the village—and beyond—who do not wish to see the Senju regain that power."
"Even from the clan?" Yuki asked.
"Yes."
Yuan's voice was firm.
"The Senju desire Wood Release deeply. If they learn Gen has awakened it, their excitement may cause leaks."
"Then Gen will become a target."
"If his Wood Release is powerful, he'll be marked for assassination by other Great Villages."
"If it's weak… someone inside Konoha might attempt research on him."
Yuki's expression hardened.
"I understand. We will keep it secret."
They returned.
Tsukine immediately stepped forward and clung to Yuan's arm again, smiling sweetly at Yuki.
Hmph.
Yuki suppressed the urge to scoff.
A trace of unwillingness flickered in her eyes.
Then—
An idea surfaced.
"Yuan-kun, I adore this golden hairpin you made. Thank you."
She removed an exquisite golden hairpin from her hair.
Yuan instantly recognized it.
It was the one he had made for Izumi.
So… Izumi must have given it to Yuki.
"I'm glad you like it," he said evenly.
Yuki glanced at Tsukine, then looked back at Yuan.
"Would you… place it back for me?"
He hesitated.
But under her steady gaze, his hand reached out.
Yuki stepped closer.
Close enough to feel each other's breath.
"There."
He gently secured the hairpin in her dark hair.
"Thank you, Yuan-kun. I look forward to your return."
She turned and left.
Tsukine watched her disappear.
Then she puffed her cheeks, looking wounded.
"Yuan-kun… you've never given me a gift."
Seeing the moisture gather in her eyes, Yuan softened.
"That was my oversight. I'm sorry."
"And what exactly is your relationship with Senju Yuki? Why did she ask you to fix her hair?"
"Yuki and I are just friends."
Tsukine narrowed her eyes suspiciously.
Then—
She stomped hard on his foot.
And ran off.
Konoha Main Gate
Uchiha Dōko stood atop the gate structure, beyond which lay the world outside.
Below him gathered a group of shinobi—
Former subordinates of Orochimaru.
Now regarded by the village as suspicious elements.
The wind stirred.
Departure was imminent.
And beyond the gates—
The Southern Border awaited.
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