Chapter 122: Mikoto: If Sasuke Is Your Son, Then What Am I?

"Congratulations, Lin!"

On the Leaf Village's main street, Hong looked at Lin with an envious expression, yet gave his congratulations from the heart.

Behind her, Moyue Xiyan was the same; although Xiyan wasn't the same age as them, strictly speaking she was still their cohort.

Just like Moonlight Gale and Iruka, they could also play together.

"It's really nothing, right, Jingyin?"

But her congratulations made Hong Dou, who was eating dumplings nearby, purse their lips, then look at Jingyin.

"Besides, I heard Teacher Orochimaru say that Lady Tsukade has some not‑so‑good habits, right."

"Um, this…"

Jingyin gave an awkward smile; she really couldn't evaluate her own teacher.

I'm afraid Prime Minister Wang, upon hearing that, would rewrite his poem to 'Great mushroom smoke straight, long core sunset plain'.

Hong, seeing his friend and old classmate Jingyin like that, felt a bit flustered for a moment.

So he would occasionally get flustered; if they weren't fast, they'd have already been buried in Whirlpool Country.

Although she and Hikari were friends, they weren't classmates; in everyone's view, Hikari was cultivated by the Uchiha Clan themselves.

"Yuzhi is a rare and formidable guy; he was popular at school, and now he's even more impressive—truly enviable."

"Of course it's Yuzhi."

Hikari, listening nearby, was also taken aback; she had had Yuzhi recount all his experiences, which included his encounters in Whirlpool Country.

"Indeed, that Asuma fellow pales in comparison to Yuzhi."

She had left the Leaf Village with Tsukade earlier, so she hadn't experienced many things, and she was quite curious.

"That guy back then wasn't as strong in Whirlpool Country as he is now, but he was good at inspiring people."

Hikari was still conflicted inside, while Jingyin couldn't help but look curiously at Hong Dou.

Hong Dou now took over the topic; Hong Dou is naturally a person who gets along with anyone right away.

"Hmm?"

But she could still shoulder‑tap Hikari without any hindrance, feeling no stranger at all.

One of them was an Orochimaru disciple, the other a Tsukade disciple; Lin was originally a Fourth Generation disciple.

"But if we're being honest, the strongest is Ying; compared with Ying I'm still far behind."

Based on her account, their performance when forming a team could be described as 'great achievements.'

And Hikari likewise; she never expected that after avoiding Yuzhi, she could still hear someone praising him.

That guy isn't as great as you think; he's actually a bit excessive and somewhat perverse!

Hikari's perception of Hong Dou was also decent, and she knew the girl's personality.

Seeing Hong's expression, Lin couldn't help but smile and shake her head, then she looked at Hikari beside her.

Hong Dou's mischievous grin grew wider; leaning on Hikari, she said with a smile.

According to Yuzhi's own words, he wasn't strong enough back then.

Hong Dou nodded again beside them, which instantly made Hong glare at them.

Although not as gentle as Lin, that spontaneous enthusiasm wasn't something Hikari rejected, so she asked with a smile.

This setup left Hong at a loss for words.

Hikari, who had been silently listening to their chatter, suddenly realized the topic had turned to her, and she was momentarily at a loss.

Although neither of them said anything, it seemed they had basically reached this point.

"By the way, Hong Dou, I heard you teamed up with Yuzhi in Whirlpool Country; how did he perform back then?"

"Alright, Hong, don't listen to them like that; being a disciple of Lady Tsukade and Hokage, I really feel lucky."

"She's not only powerful, but she's also a step ahead of all of us!"

But although she says Yuzhi wasn't that strong back then, the reality is completely different.

"Ahead of what?"

Hikari couldn't help but make a snide comment in her mind, but when she thought of the engagement issue, she became somewhat silent.

Hong Dou felt nothing saying that, but Hong, Jingyin, Lin, and even Moyue Xiyan, who trailed behind like a little invisible, all blushed.

"Exactly, we're indeed far behind Ying."

But Hong quickly recovered and joined in with a teasing remark.

"Although it didn't feel much back in Whirlpool Country, now that guy is truly formidable, and he wasn't just popular at school!"

"And now you've taken him, I heard you're all living together; isn't that being ahead?"

Hong Dou, hearing Jingyin's words, immediately started laughing and speaking.

Seeing Hikari still a bit bewildered, she suddenly gave a wicked grin.

"No. This seems not to match the version I heard, right?"

After all, the youngest among them is already thirteen; at that age, you're supposed to understand many things.

"Indeed, Ying really is ahead by a lot."

But hearing Hong Dou's account gave Hikari the illusion—was this really Yuzhi?

She only pursed her lips, speechless, as Hong, Jingyin, and even the junior she didn't know listened eagerly.

Fine then, Yuzhi really can achieve that level now, even stronger.

"Ying."

Just as Hikari was internally snickering, Lin suddenly slipped an arm around her and whispered in her ear.

"When are you and Yuzhi getting engaged?"

"Hm?"

Hikari heard Lin's words and for a moment almost rolled her Byakugan—what is it this time?

"It should be… almost ready."

Yet thinking it over, she subconsciously replied, and even she was stunned by what she had just said.

"No, why would I say that?"

Although Hikari had already admitted the feeling in her heart, there were some things she would never deceive herself about.

But that guy Yuzhi was way too over the line and perverse, and most importantly he hadn't even spoken—why should she have to say it herself?

"Is that so?"

Lin blinked, and for a moment she didn't know what she was thinking; after a while she continued laughing.

"Looks like I have to prepare gifts for you in advance, then."

"You'd better not be so impatient."

Hikari let out a light hum, then whispered.

"Who knows when that will happen, and that guy is so over the line—I might not even agree to him!"

"Eh?"

Lin looked at Hikari with puzzlement, then, as if she had uncovered a secret, lowered her voice and asked curiously.

"Too over the line? Yuzhi‑kun never seemed like an over‑the‑line person in my memory."

That's because you never lived with that bastard!

Hikari glanced at the Lin beside her and couldn't help to make a snarky remark.

Before, that guy only gave a glance, now he's daring to get hands on it; if this keeps going, who knows what it'll become.

"Between people, indeed only the moment just after meeting is the most beautiful."

Hikari held it in for a while, then finally couldn't help but blurt out this sentence.

"Yuzhi‑kun, what on earth did she do?"

Lin grew even more curious; she saw that Hikari showed no sign of hating Yuzhi, yet that remark seemed to have been held in for a long time.

As a friend, Lin naturally wanted to share with her, and also satisfy a little curiosity inside herself.

She really wanted to learn more about Yuzhi as a person.

"It's not that he did something, but some of his habits are terrible."

Hikari hesitated for a while, and in the end didn't know whether she wanted to expose Yuzhi's 'evil' or vent her own emotions.

Or perhaps to let others know Yuzhi's flaw without overthinking, she quietly mentioned one of Yuzhi's issues.

"That guy seems especially interested in girls' legs—what an evil fellow."

"That kind of habit, huh?"

Lin was stunned by that remark, then suddenly lowered her head, not knowing what she was looking at.

After a while, her complexion turned slightly pink.

"There's also that kind of habit."

——

"Tsunade, do you have an answer yet?"

Inside a Medical Division laboratory, Ziraiye suddenly burst through the door with a clamor.

His action startled Tsunade, who was carefully studying the data in the lab.

"Bastard, can you pay attention?"

A shape resembling the Chinese character for 'well' appeared on Tsunade's forehead, and she glared at Ziraiye without any courtesy.

She could tolerate others a bit, after all she is one of the Legendary Sannin.

But facing this bastard Ziraiye, she refrained from a heavy strike out of past ties.

"It's not that fast; these things need to be compared and examined before results can be obtained.

And you, you bastard, have so many problems—why not directly capture Orochimaru and ask him, instead of bothering me?"

"Don't you know I have a lot on my plate right now?"

"Um, sorry."

Ziraiye, seeing Tsunade so angry, felt embarrassed and couldn't help but scratch his head.

Actually he knew Tsunade was busy, since the Uchiha side's issues required her research.

Ziraiye had heard Minato say that Leaf Village's purpose in retrieving Tsunade was exactly this, and now the situation had become increasingly urgent.

After all, he had personally faced those two mysterious people, apparently Madara Uchiha and Uchiha Quannai.

He also witnessed that terrifying Wood Release that still haunts him, a canopy‑blocking technique that seemed capable of destroying everything.

Yet compared to those matters, his biggest inner confusion still centered on Orochimaru.

Tsunade and Orochimaru were, besides his pursuit and fulfillment of the Myōmyō Wood Mountain prophecy, the most important and cherished existences in his heart.

"Alright, stop making such a racket."

Tsunade rubbed her temples; she was far from just a little annoyed.

But soon she straightened her expression and looked at Ziraiye with an unprecedented seriousness.

"Also, even though we're now in a waiting period for results, I need to ask you a question.

You must treat it seriously and earnestly, understand?"

"What's up, making it so serious?"

Ziraiye was stunned; he didn't know what was going on with Tsunade.

"Stop the nonsense; I'm just asking if you understand."

"Alright, alright, I got it."

Seeing Gongshou like that, Ziraiye realized that if he didn't take things more seriously, he probably wouldn't pass the test so easily.

So he simply nodded, though at that moment he felt a bit uneasy.

Could it be that those test tubes contain something not so good?

"Are you sure those test tubes were taken from Orochimaru's laboratory?"

As if responding to Ziraiye's thought, Gongshou also asked her own question.

"This…"

Ziraiye paused, and the unease in his heart suddenly intensified.

After a brief hesitation, he finally spoke.

"If there's no mistake, that laboratory should still belong to Orochimaru.

Of course, I can't rule out that he gave the laboratory to someone else, after all I left the Leaf Village…."

"You've only been away for half a year."

Gongshou didn't wait for Ziraiye to finish speaking and cut him off.

"Before you left, was that laboratory Orochimaru's?"

"And, did you go see Shui Men last night to confirm this?"

"Before I left, yes."

Ziraiye also sensed something off about this, and his expression instantly grew serious.

"I also confirmed with Shui Men; barring any surprise, that laboratory still belongs to Orochimaru.

Of course, we don't know about any private changes, after all Orochimaru is close to Tuan Zang."

"Gongshou, I need an answer now—what on earth is going on?"

"Maybe wait a bit; perhaps I made a mistake."

Facing Ziraiye's request, Gongshou ultimately shook her head, because the matter was too vile and too serious!

Although the test tubes Ziraiye brought back last night were all empty, the residual traces inside them hadn't been thoroughly dealt with.

And in one of the test tubes, Gongshou actually detected an aura that was incredibly familiar to her!

It was the aura of her grandfather, Senju ZhuZhang!

In that instant, Gongshou felt an uneasy thought: could Orochimaru be attempting an experiment on her grandfather?

Gongshou actually knew that experiments on her great‑grandfather had begun long ago, and the first to conduct them was her second great‑grandfather.

But because the results were poor, even the Senju One Clan had no successful cases.

Therefore, whether to avoid disturbing Senju ZhuZhang's slumber or to prevent greater destruction spreading, Senju Fēi Jiān decisively halted the experiments.

She truly hadn't expected that she would find her great‑grandfather's aura inside a tiny test‑tube case!

"Damned Orochimaru, what on earth are you doing?"

Even though she was certain inside, Gongshou decided to conduct a thorough examination first.

No matter what, Orochimaru is her close friend, and that will never change in her lifetime!

And because of her grandfather's trace, Gongshou must also carefully inspect the other test tubes.

However, she harbored some uneasy thoughts, guessing that what was already stored in those test tubes might be

Just as Gongshou was worrying, the equipment on her workbench suddenly stopped, and she immediately stood up and walked over.

"Finished?"

Ziraiye saw the scene and rushed over, but seeing Gongshou conducting some checks, he couldn't interject at all.

He had no idea about these things at all, so he could only stare blankly.

But when he saw Gongshou's expression grow increasingly grim, a terrible thought instantly sprang to his mind.

Could it be that Orochimaru really caused a disaster?

"Hmm, it's over"

At that moment, Gongshou clenched her fists, turned to Ziraiye, and her gaze was filled with anger.

"What on earth happened?"

Ziraiye saw Gongshou's reaction and immediately realized something big was happening.

Although Gongshou usually seems unreliable, when truly important matters arise, she is absolutely the most trustworthy and reliable person.

Seeing her like this, even Ziraiye understood that the problem was far more serious than imagined!

"Notify the old man and Shui Men; we need to meet them face to face."

"What on earth, what's wrong?"

Ziraiye, seeing Gongshou like that, truly felt he could hardly bear it.

"You'll know in a moment."

Gongshou shook her head, then let out a wry smile.

"Indeed, between people, only the moment of first meeting is the most beautiful."

——

"You sewer rat!"

"What kind of lunatic are you?"

"You thief who stole Obito's eyes!"

Obito stood on a power line pole, his gaze fixed on the bustling hotel in the distance, while his mind kept replaying images of Yuzhi, Hikari, Zhi Shui, and even Kakashi's past taunts toward him.

And the arms that had been swapped countless times, now he was too lazy to count them.

For a moment, his anger flared!

"Did you really think I forgot you?"

Obito slightly clenched his fist; during this time he admitted that his focus was not on this matter, after all he had encountered too many chaotic things.

Especially that damned "Obito" who might be from the future, which made him feel an indescribable sense of crisis.

And also a sense of pride that he himself could not articulate.

I never knew I could be that strong.

Even if Obito didn't want to admit it at all, it gave him a feeling of satisfaction and excitement, and he couldn't help pondering something.

Since it's me, then why would he be so harsh toward his "past self"?

"Could it be because I'm not working hard enough, or because Yuzhi keeps suppressing me, that this situation arose?"

Obito thought carefully for a while, and found that this indeed seemed to be something he could do!

If it were him, and he accidentally returned to the past, he would certainly strike his past self hard, because he hadn't won for a long time.

"Damned Yuzhi, it's all your fault, all of you!"

Obito's fist hardened further, especially when he saw Yuzhi, who was as popular as stars surrounding the moon wherever he went, and his breathing became rapid.

He kept warning himself that this was a false world, one that had no meaning of existence at all.

But the problem was that this false world was filled everywhere with people he wished to contain in his heart, people he wanted to resurrect in his "real world".

These "false people" wore the faces of those Obito cared about, and constantly acted intimately with Yuzhi there.

Even though Obito's heart was strong, he was truly about to break down.

"Why, always him."

Obito saw Yuzhi suddenly stand up in the hotel, then take out a wrapped gift box and hand it to Lin.

Lin's face was beaming with a happy smile, whether it came from the heart or the lighting, even her face turned slightly flushed.

But Obito truly couldn't watch any longer; his breathing rapid, he turned away, no longer watching this damned scene.

"It's fake, all fake!"

He kept muttering lowly, and in his heart a slight ferocity rose; he truly felt he had to do something!

"I can't let these false people influence me any longer; only within 'my world' is everything real.

But these false people aren't without merit; they actually have a good relationship with Uchiha Haori."

Thinking of that "false" Lin's demeanor toward Yuzhi, Obito's heart truly ached at that moment.

Even if it's fake, you can't continue using Lin's appearance!

"This is a desecration of Lin."

Obito's aura gradually grew colder, and suddenly a murderous intent echoed in his heart.

"This is also a test for me!"

Although he had already left Leaf Village, about to completely part from this world, upon serious thought it seemed there was one thing he had never truly accomplished.

That is, to sever the ties he had in this false world!

In this world, no one truly died.

Kakashi did not personally kill Lin, and Minato Namikaze and his wife did not die on Nine-Tails' night; it can be said that everyone who once surrounded Obito was still there.

Obito no longer accepted this world, yet some people and events in it still inadvertently affected him.

These influences wouldn't change his thinking, but the existence of these people seemed to become a major weakness for him!

"I originally didn't want to deal with you, wanted them to quietly leave this false world at the end, but you have gotten too close to Uchiha Haori."

Obito murmured softly, his aura growing colder as the increasingly raucous laughter behind him rose.

After a long while, he finally made a decision!

"Since it's already decided, I must also sever this world; this is a true test for me."

His gaze at that moment was blood‑red, and he had fully resolved his mind!

"Perfect, Orochimaru is probably also leaving Leaf Village, so I'll make a proper plan."

Orochimaru's departure from Leaf Village would certainly not be simple; once he disappears, the whole Leaf Village would be unsettled.

And such a chaotic Leaf Village is just perfect for him to do something!

If he seizes the opportunity, he can surely cut some ties with this world, and for him that would be an even more thorough liberation.

"Hm?"

Suddenly, Obito was slightly startled, because he felt his eyes had become a bit stronger.

That abundant Shadow Release power blossomed in his eyes, then spread throughout his body.

This change invigorated his spirit, and he suddenly found his understanding and control of Kamui and Sharingan had improved!

"Uchiha truly needs to cut such boring ties to truly become stronger."

Obito clenched his fist, and instantly his figure vanished from the spot.

"The world has already changed, the story should turn the page."

——

"That's strange, why was Lin's gaze at me just now so odd?"

The moonlight was like a song, and leaning on the sofa at home, Yuzhi recalled Lin's look at him during the party, and he couldn't help sitting there and murmuring a line.

Tonight's dinner party had ended, and everyone had had a good time.

Yuzhi was naturally no exception; moreover, although this meal seemed to be at Lin's situation, in essence it was he who invited everyone to enjoy a feast.

Only Lin's subsequent gaze at him always felt strange, that look sometimes resembled how Hikari looked at him.

But the difference was that Hikari truly would see him as a pervert, whereas Lin's eyes didn't seem to have that feeling.

"You're mistaken, Lin is quite normal."

Yuzhi's words weren't hidden from anyone; Hikari, sitting beside him, heard them clearly, which made her silently stick out her tongue.

After thinking, she let out a light hum and said to Yuzhi.

Maybe you were looking around while eating, and Lin noticed?

I wasn't looking around either.

Yuzhi tilted his head, stretched, and said.

Besides, you were the one looking, so what's the problem?

Hmph.

Hikari shook her head, seeming to still agree with that.

However, she noticed Yuzhi's eyes looking over again, she immediately restrained her emotions, put on a very natural appearance, and then asked.

By the way, what gift did you give Lin?

A gift?

Upon hearing the question, Yuzhi couldn't help but laugh.

Actually, I didn't know what to give at first, but it wouldn't be good to give nothing, right?

Finally Kakashi suggested, since we all learned Flying Thunder God, we might as well give our own Flying Thunder God kunai to Lin.

Although I think it's useless, because even if she holds Minato's Flying Thunder God kunai, I can still sense it.

But the gift is light, the sentiment heavy, so I gave my Flying Thunder God kunai as a gift, hoping she wouldn't dislike it.

Speaking of this, Yuzhi himself felt a bit embarrassed.

His Flying Thunder God kunai were just made on the spot; he didn't go to have them custom-made like Minato and Kakashi did.

Even though Kakashi had just learned and mastered it, and even using it isn't that proficient, he also had his kunai custom-made like Minato.

Only Yuzhi simply picked up a kunai at random, stamped a seal on it, and could use it.

The highlight is just convenience and speed, but giving it like this to someone feels a bit shabby.

"Flying Thunder God?"

Just hearing that answer, Hikari couldn't help but fall into thought again; for some reason, her thoughts on Flying Thunder God suddenly became much stronger.

Originally Yuzhi had her learn this technique, she herself agreed, but recently she's been busy with other things, so it got delayed.

But now she can properly consider it; although she still has many things, such as the Lava Release Yuzhi newly had her develop, and the dragon vein chakra she is about to begin sealing.

However, one of the most important steps of Flying Thunder God—the Seal Technique—she now also has considerable understanding and confidence.

"Now items should also be able to properly study Flying Thunder God!"

"Huh? Flying Thunder God?"

Yuzhi was stunned by her words, then he strangely asked in a low voice.

"No, do you have the energy to study Flying Thunder God now? You have plenty on your plate."

"Lava Release isn't difficult, especially with the Four-Tails' chakra; my progress is fast."

Hikari tilted her head, looking at Yuzhi and lowering her voice to laugh.

"I've also completed Scorch Shield, and Scorch Shield brings effects and improvements to my bloodline, letting my strength advance further, and even requiring some refinement in my own chakra control."

"This helps my Seal Technique somewhat, and I have Kushina's notes, she also personally taught me a lot; now I should be able to seal dragon veins and tailed beasts."

"So, I think even if I spend some time on Flying Thunder God it's not a problem, and aren't you able to teach me?"

"You really are a superman."

Yuzhi stared agape at Hikari's words, and he increasingly felt that a talent monster is truly terrifying!

If it weren't for confirming that Indra and Asura's chakra reincarnation requires death to pass to the next generation, he would really have to engage in reasonable speculation.

"By the way, do you really want me to also seal the Nine-Tails' chakra?"

Hikari looked at Yuzhi without speaking, not knowing what he was thinking, then she whispered.

"In that case, will the little fox's rations be insufficient?"

"Don't worry, his rations won't be insufficient; I already asked him."

Although Yuzhi still had some doubts in his heart, when faced with Hikari's question he immediately nodded.

The little guy's rations are fine; Yuzhi actually verified this, after all he doesn't want the little guy to suffer poor development.

Even if he was already underdeveloped, after all strictly speaking he only has half.

However, unlike the original, the little Nine-Tails isn't purely yin or yang attribute; ultimately it's because Minato didn't have the chance to make a precise cut.

But this is a good thing for both Yuzhi and the little Nine-Tails, after all nobody wants this power to be deficient.

"Alright, let's not talk about these."

Yuzhi reached out and put his arm around Hikari, lowered his head and said with a smile.

"It's late, let's go back to rest."

"Not late?"

Hikari glanced at the hand wrapped around her waist, then lifted her head to check the time.

"It's clearly only nine o'clock, how is that not early?"

But when she turned back and noticed Yuzhi's gaze, she suddenly recalled how this guy would shamelessly hug her while sleeping on the sofa, and her face instantly flushed.

"What are you thinking, you bastard! I warn you, don't go too far!"

"I'm a very law-abiding person; when have I ever gone too far?"

Yuzhi shamelessly showed an innocent expression, which made Hikari instantly laugh in anger.

"You? Law-abiding? When have you ever gone too far?"

"Your over-the-top actions are already far too many!"

"If you count the Uchiha clan as well, it's basically beyond description."

"In Hikari's view, this guy's most outrageous act is killing people and even wanting to adopt someone else's son as his foster child."

Can a person really do this?

Knock knock knock

Just as Hikari was venting inside her mind, she suddenly heard the main door being knocked, which instantly gave her a chance to escape Yuzhi's embrace.

"Let go of me, someone's here, I'll go open the door."

Without a word, Hikari flushed and broke free from Yuzhi's protection, then hurried to the door.

But when she opened the door, her brows involuntarily lifted a bit, because she found the visitor was that kid Zhi Shui—

"You're really coming at the wrong time!"

"Sorry, senior."

Walking on the road of the former Clan Leader's residence, Yuzhi glared fiercely at Zhi Shui.

Zhi Shui merely awkwardly patted his head, with no intention of arguing.

In his view, Yuzhi and Hikari, those two seniors, were likely to do something scandalous at night, so his interruption was indeed somewhat inappropriate.

But Yuzhi and Hikari really are too daring in certain matters!

Since Yuzhi last said to Hikari, "Let's have a child," Zhi Shui has been covertly working on some matters.

And a month ago, the former Clan Leader's wife had already expressed her intention, meaning she would support Yuzhi to become the new Clan Leader!

Although Zhi Shui also understood that even without this Mei Qin wife's support, Yuzhi would easily obtain everything he wanted.

But with a better legal environment, who could refuse such a thing?

But the result is that the senior seemed to have completely forgotten the matter, even though I had mentioned it to him.

Yet he didn't seem to care much, instead immersing himself in cultivation, which left Zhi Shui a bit troubled.

Today he heard that Yuzhi was going to attend a gathering, which gave him an opportunity, so he waited for the two to return and then rushed to pull someone in!

Strictly speaking, it should have been Mei Qin visiting Yuzhi, but since she is the former Clan Leader's wife, Yuzhi coming over would be better.

Fortunately, Yuzhi wasn't overly concerned, and Hikari was eager for the guy to leave quickly, which led to the current scene.

"Senior, we're here."

"Hmm."

Soon, the two arrived at Mei Qin's residence.

Looking at the large house before him, Yuzhi felt a moment of daze.

It seemed he hadn't been here for a long time, and the last time he came, Uchiha Fugaku was still alive.

Unwittingly, has this guy been dead for over two years?

But this guy really dies easily!

"Then I won't disturb the senior, I'll take my leave now."

"Hmm"

While Yuzhi was still a bit dazed, Zhi Shui whispered something beside him, and by the time he reacted, Zhi Shui had already turned his head and left.

That instantly left Yuzhi both amused and exasperated, as if his meeting with Mei Qin were something unsavory.

Shaking his head, he simply walked straight in.

He wasn't familiar with this former Clan Leader's residence, after all, his previous visits were mostly tea with Uchiha Fugaku in a pavilion.

Fortunately, the servants inside all recognized him, and they immediately led Yuzhi inside.

"Lord Yuzhi."

When he reached the living room, shortly after Mei Qin hurried over.

"No need to be so formal."

Yuzhi was surveying the surroundings of the living room, and when Mei Qin arrived, he casually said a line.

But he also noticed that Mei Qin came alone.

And judging by her slightly frantic demeanor, she apparently hadn't expected him to return.

"Sasuke, where is he? Why haven't we seen him?"

"He"

Mei Qin stared at Yuzhi, momentarily stunned.

Because she herself hadn't expected Yuzhi to come at this time!

Ever since meeting Kushina, she had already made a decision in her heart, after all she could see many things.

Moreover, she herself had once been an excellent ninja, so she naturally understood many right and wrong matters.

What puzzled her was that after she expressed too much to Uchiha Shin and Uchiha Hitsu, Yuzhi seemed to treat it as a joke, showing no intention of coming at all.

She waited for more than a month, and just when she thought there might be no further development, this guy actually came late at night?

Fortunately, her ability to regulate her emotions was still good; after taking a deep breath, she slowly spoke.

"Sasuke is in the room, already asleep, but I'll go fetch him out."

"Since he's asleep, never mind, let's go together and take a look."

Yuzhi considered the words, then simply shook his head and said,

"A sleeping child is not easy; don't wake him up."

Yuzhi remembered how terrifying it was for a child to be woken up; he truly didn't want to relive that feeling.

But Mei Qin flinched at his words, and her gaze toward Yuzhi changed.

"No, that's my room."

Though feeling down, Mei Qin still nodded and led the way, knowing that if Sasuke started crying, the situation wouldn't be good.

"By the way, are you alone?"

Following behind Mei Qin, Yuzhi surveyed the Clan Leader's residence, perhaps to avoid a too heavy atmosphere, and suddenly asked,

"Itachi Uchiha, is he not at home?"

"Hmm."

Meiqin nodded and said that she also sighed a bit about her big child.

"He now never comes home all day; when you ask what he's doing, he doesn't say. This child

but his strength is improving quickly, and I think he will become an excellent ninja."

"Perhaps."

Yuzhi heard that and couldn't help but shake his head lightly; he really hadn't been paying much attention to Itachi Uchiha's situation.

After all, following Tuanzang, they were raising a gu together; he had no intention of interfering. But now this guy doesn't even pay attention to his younger brother?

"How is your life now? Everything still fine, right?"

"We really have to thank you; everything is fine now."

Meiqin nodded; it was rare for her to show a smile in front of Yuzhi, and that smile was full of gratitude.

Deep down she truly felt that way; although she had gone through many unpleasant things, Yuzhi keeping his promise also left a deep impression on her.

Her life now passes quickly, and she knows that all of this is thanks to Yuzhi.

"That's good then."

Yuzhi also smiled, and soon they arrived inside a room.

The room was much simpler than imagined, containing only a wardrobe, a bed, and a bookshelf, which held many books.

There was also a small cradle on the scene, and the one‑year‑old Sasuke was sleeping in it.

"Speaking of that, why did you name him Sasuke?"

Looking at her child, Meiqin suddenly asked curiously.

"I've wanted to ask you before, but never had the chance; can you tell me now?"

Because he was already called Sasuke, I've been watching him for over ten years and I'm not used to changing it!

Yuzhi muttered a retort in his mind, but he still gave an off‑hand answer.

"Maybe I just like the name."

"You gave him this name; what will your child be called later?"

Meiqin was a bit surprised; could he have had that idea back then?

"He will be my son, won't he?"

Yuzhi shrugged, then casually said.

Besides, I wouldn't be the one naming him; someone will name him.

Yuzhi pursed his lips; having him name him is too difficult—such a hard task should be left to the child's mother.

"Um."

But Yuzhi only said that half, and Meiqin was instantly at a loss for words.

"If Sasuke is your son, then what am I?"

While the two were playing with Sasuke, a figure also rushed quickly toward the Clan Leader's residence.

At the same time, in Yuzhi's house, Hikari suddenly put down the book in his hand and looked at the clock on the wall.

Looking at the time on the clock, watching the second hand go around again, she began to frown slightly.

"It's been over ten minutes; why hasn't he returned yet? What's going on?"