Hokage Building — Hokage's Office.
Sarutobi Hiruzen was quietly reviewing mission reports when a firm knock interrupted the silence.
"Come in."
He set the papers aside and looked up.
An ANBU in a fox-patterned mask stepped in, kneeling on one knee the moment the door shut behind him.
"Hokage-sama. We've received a report from the ANBU stationed near the Uchiha district. Yagami has just entered the clan grounds."
"…What did you say?"
Hiruzen's head snapped up.
Why is he going there?
Is he looking for trouble again?
A swirl of concerns flashed through Hiruzen's mind, and he asked quickly:
"Do we know his purpose?"
"We're not certain," the ANBU replied respectfully. "However… it was Uchiha's Grand Elder who personally came out to receive him."
"…The Grand Elder himself?"
Hiruzen's frown deepened.
If the elder greeted him personally, it likely wasn't a confrontation.
He exhaled, letting some tension slip from his shoulders, and waved the ANBU away.
Uchiha Clan — Residence of the Grand Elder
After the meal, the elder slipped outside with an excuse so transparent it barely counted as one.
(PS: Hehe boi)
He was simply giving the two youths time to talk alone.
At first, the atmosphere between Yagami and Mikoto was awkward, but the stiffness gradually loosened.
Although they hadn't been in the same class growing up, they had both attended the Academy during the same years.
It didn't take long before shared memories and familiar topics surfaced.
As the conversation continued, Yagami began to understand Mikoto more clearly.
Gentle, kind, soft-spoken… and easily flustered.
Every time he tossed out a harmless joke from his previous life, she laughed longer than he expected.
Time slipped by pleasantly.
"It's getting late… I should head home."
Seeing dusk settle over the clan grounds, Yagami rose reluctantly.
He wanted to stay longer, but he knew better than to overstay and ruin the rhythm.
Control the pace, and the impression deepens.
"Yes…" Mikoto stood as well, cheeks tinged pink.
She had spent nearly the entire afternoon laughing—something she hadn't expected when the day began.
Who would've thought someone who looked so composed could turn out to be so naturally funny?
Yagami felt his spirits rise when he realized she wanted to walk him out.
It meant today had gone better than he hoped.
Mikoto escorted him all the way to the clan gate.
Like earlier, some Uchiha whispered on the side, but Yagami ignored it as long as none of them approached.
"Right—Mikoto."
She froze lightly as he spoke her name.
"I've caused the Uchiha clan plenty of trouble recently… do you resent me for that?"
Had he asked her this at noon, it would've ruined the mood.
But now, after spending hours together, with their guard lowered and names exchanged, the question fit naturally.
"No…" she said softly, shaking her head. "They troubled you first. It wasn't your fault."
Her voice was quiet, but her sincerity was undeniable.
She had spent the entire afternoon with Yagami.
She knew he wasn't arrogant.
If anything, he was considerate.
The trouble Eikō caused had nothing to do with him.
"…I see."
Yagami let out a genuine breath of relief.
He had worried she would face pressure from her clan and be forced to distance herself.
But that fear vanished completely.
"Then, I'll head home."
He smiled and turned to leave but after a few steps, he stopped and looked back.
"Oh, right. Mikoto… can I come see you again tomorrow?"
Her heart jumped.
"I–It's… alright… I don't mind…"
It took every bit of courage she had to say it out loud.
"Then it's a promise."
Yagami waved with a bright grin before heading off, feeling his entire chest lighten.
Mikoto's reaction made things very clear.
He was no longer alone.
Not anymore.
Mikoto stood at the Uchiha gate until Yagami's figure disappeared around the corner.
Only then did her heartbeat finally settle.
She exhaled softly and returned home.
"Mikoto… how do you feel about that boy?"
The Grand Elder appeared the moment she stepped inside, as if he had been waiting the entire time. His eyes gleamed with barely contained excitement.
"Wh-What are you saying, grandfather…? I—I don't know what you mean…"
Her face turned scarlet.
She grabbed the bouquet of roses Yagami had given her, spun on her heel, and hurried to her room like a startled deer.
"Heh… hahaha…"
The elder chuckled with deep satisfaction, stroking his beard proudly.
Everything… had gone just as he hoped.
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