Chapter 123: Engagement

"Lord Orochimaru, these are the materials you requested."

"Thank you for your effort, Itachi."

Orochimaru looked at Itachi Uchiha before him, and a smile appeared on his face.

He seemed extremely affable, and even Danzo could not compare to that affability!

However, Itachi kept his head down, maintaining the posture of handing the scroll in his hand to Orochimaru, as if he barely glanced at Orochimaru at all.

That demeanor made Orochimaru shake his head in his mind, yet he remained very interested in the boy.

Now Itachi's posture is lowered too much, and with Orochimaru currently engrossed in his research, this causes him to lose a lot of information about the Uchiha Clan.

Fortunately, he does not particularly mind, because he has long set his gaze on Itachi Uchiha.

Moreover, there is that mysterious Uchiha as well!

"Here, you need not be so restrained."

Orochimaru casually took the scroll, licked his tongue, and then asked with a smile.

"How is your body now, how do you feel?"

"Is it Danzo? It seems he gave this kid many hints, or perhaps said something directly."

Itachi Uchiha heard this and nodded; in fact, he also longs to return soon, because starting tomorrow is his vacation.

"Lord Orochimaru, you seem quite concerned about me?"

Orochimaru licked his lips, but soon thought of something and shook his head again.

"Don't make Danzo worry, or perhaps your family worry."

Now everyone only applauds Uchiha Fugaku, and even a remark like 'You died well' is no longer surprising.

Orochimaru did not ask further, but gave an appropriate amount of concern.

"Although you appear calm, do you already have thoughts in your heart, kid?"

Being able to return during his vacation to see his younger brother naturally fills his heart with longing.

"Take good care of your own body, after all it is the only thing that belongs to you."

Itachi Uchiha still only lightly nodded, but this time he also lifted his head.

But, so what?

Yet in his heart there is not the slightest trace of this clan, as if everything is simply his due.

Itachi Uchiha fell silent; he knew that what Orochimaru mentioned was clearly referring to what he had once said, that they were merely pieces on a chessboard.

Moreover, from his behavior logic and linguistic perception, it seemed he never truly placed the so‑called Uchiha Clan in his heart.

"Thank you, Lord Orochimaru, for your concern; everything is fine."

And Orochimaru, watching Itachi Uchiha's departing silhouette, found his smile growing even brighter.

"And if we really calculate it, if your body collapses, it is also tied to me.

After hesitating a moment, he asked curiously.

"Then I shall take my leave, Lord Orochimaru."

These words Itachi Uchiha still could not comprehend, so now he could only remain silent.

Itachi Uchiha gave a slight bow, then turned and hurried away from the underground lab.

In fact, now the major families of Leaf Village are hardly detailed, especially after the Night of the Nine‑Tails when they witnessed Yuzhi and Hikari's power.

"Alright, you go back first."

Besides that, some places really resemble each other, so I will naturally give you more attention."

Itachi Uchiha's little scheming, in Orochimaru's eyes, is almost defenseless.

"I understand."

But Orochimaru did not mind, because this matter would soon have verification!

If you lack a sound body, then no matter how many ideas you have, you cannot see them, let alone achieve them."

They seem to be recalling, perhaps the original 'Uchiha Incident' was in fact a carefully orchestrated action.

Itachi Uchiha still maintains a businesslike demeanor; although his heart indeed holds many thoughts and reflections, he has long become accustomed to bearing these words alone rather than speaking them.

For him now, the vacation is extremely precious; he has heavy training regimens and mission plans.

Although Orochimaru was somewhat stunned by Itachi Uchiha's question, his thick skin and quick reaction made him speak naturally in an instant.

Clearly he came from that clan, and before the great upheaval in the Uchiha, he was deeply blessed by the clan.

"Of course, because you are a rare person, at such an age already understanding the pursuit of life's meaning."

In fact, Orochimaru does not quite understand why Itachi Uchiha, clearly only six or seven years old, always shows a deep demeanor.

"Moreover, I heard that the kid Yuzhi actually takes good care of them together, without any prejudice."

Regarding the so‑called 'Uchiha Incident', Orochimaru never believed it at all.

"Everything is illusory, even if it is for your will, belief, or the pursuit of life's meaning."

After completing this mission, he can rest properly for a day or two.

Orochimaru looked at Itachi Uchiha and gently shook his head.

The Police Department underwent a massive change in Yuzhi's hands; everyone, whether clan ninja or civilian ninja, received a piece of cake.

Moreover, Yuzhi is a Leaf Village hero, ending the war, blocking the Nine‑Tails, possessing strength and intellect; who would say no?

"He might even become Hokage, but the resistance would still be sufficiently small."

Orochimaru shook his head and let out a slight sigh.

"So you, self‑indulgent, forever trapped in your own world, unable to discern good from bad, how can you fight? Or obediently become a tool, a pawn, whether mine or Danzo's, it's the same."

Lowering his head, Orochimaru looked at the scroll in his hand, then placed it into his mouth.

Lowering his head, Orochimaru looked at the scroll in his hand, then placed it into his mouth.

Only when the scroll was completely hidden inside his body did he glance around his own laboratory.

"Tsunade's side has finished the analysis, so they should have notified the teacher; it looks like there are only a few days left before I leave."

Orochimaru has never been someone who only looks at the head and ignores the tail; otherwise he couldn't have stayed hidden in Leaf Village for so long without any slip.

The reason Ziraiye could find those test tubes is that he had left them there; the moment Ziraiye took them into the laboratory, he knew.

Of course, he actually couldn't be sure which laboratory that idiot Ziraiye would enter.

So he left traces in every laboratory, just to ensure Ziraiye could find them!

"Everything is progressing smoothly now, and Danzo's money has arrived, so.

It's also time for me to get ready, and then finally leave Leaf Village!"

—

Inside the Hokage's office, the lights were still bright at this time.

The Third Hokage and Minato, who had originally gone home to rest, were now back sitting in the office, each with furrowed brows.

In this atmosphere, even Tsunade and Ziraiye, who usually act rather carefree, were being completely serious.

Especially Ziraiye, who now looked as if he had lost his mother.

He had already heard that Orochimaru was involved in some forbidden experiments, but he had never spoken up about it.

On one hand, Ziraiye knew that this might touch upon the power struggle for the Hokage position.

The Hokage seat cannot be coveted only by the few mentioned in propaganda; a large crowd also yearns for it.

In fact, Ziraiye also knew that the Hokage succession in Leaf Village follows a 'queue for promotion' path, but there is a rule within it.

That is, those in line must at least have sufficient ability, otherwise the position might fall into someone else's hands.

But since everyone in line has ability and strength, they truly don't see each other as 'one of their own'.

For example, Shizume Danzo.

On the other hand, Ziraiye also knows that some experiments are led by Leaf Village.

But this time, Orochimaru's situation really seems different!

"Old man, can you explain now?"

After an unknown amount of time, Tsunade suddenly lifted her head and looked seriously at the Third Hokage, her voice steady as she asked.

"Why have my grandfather's cells resurfaced? I recall my second grandfather seemed to have stopped this experiment long ago?"

"It was I who agreed back then to restart it."

The Third Hokage looked at Tsunade, took a deep breath, and forced himself to control his inner emotions.

He was indeed a bit angry now, but he knew this was not the moment to erupt.

He wasn't hiding anything now, after all there was no need to conceal anything.

Given how serious the situation is, clarifying some matters would be better, especially since Orochimaru's affairs make him unwilling to hide anything.

"As everyone knows, when the Second Hokage initiated the experiment, one purpose was to deal with the Uchiha Clan, and another was to suppress the Nine-Tails.

But after him, no one inherited the power of Wood Release; setting aside the Uchiha, mastering Wood Release is essential to subdue a tailed beast.

You also know that the village once poured all its strength into researching the restoration of the First Hokage's Wood Release power."

"I know, that was my second grandfather's creation."

Tsunade frowned; she was very clear about this matter in her mind.

"So, you have restarted this project?"

"Yes, but unfortunately, just like before, it still failed."

The Third Hokage nodded, sighed, and continued.

"My decision remains the same as before: I conducted the First Hokage's cell transplantation experiment on adults who voluntarily became test subjects.

Leaf Village needs such power; even if not to counter a tailed beast, we still require it.

However, the final result still added many unnecessary victims, so I ultimately sealed the data of this experiment as a Forbidden Technique.

But now it seems some people haven't truly stopped, and the matter has become even more excessive!"

At this point, the Third Hokage could no longer hold back.

He had clearly stopped this matter, so why are others still continuing it?

And why does someone like Orochimaru take part in it?

Most importantly, Orochimaru's research isn't limited to the First Hokage's cells; according to Tsunade's method, this guy is involved with the bloodlines of most Leaf Village families!

Such a method could cause terrible repercussions; the Third Hokage could hardly imagine it.

"Orochimaru, could there be any hidden circumstances?"

The perpetually despondent Ziraiye sighed at this moment, then whispered a question.

"I think I heard he seems close to Danzo; could this involve..."

"Regardless of how many matters or people are involved, Orochimaru has already walked down an irreversible path."

The Third Hokage understood Ziraiye's meaning, and he also knew that Orochimaru couldn't have done all this alone.

But regardless of the specifics, once something is involved, there's truly no turning back.

"Lord Third Hokage, how do you think this matter should be handled?"

Minato, who had not spoken, looked at his teacher's despondent demeanor and felt a bit of reluctance.

But in the end he shook his head and asked.

"Fourth Hokage, if you trust me, then let me handle this matter."

The Third Hokage pondered for a moment, then finally spoke softly.

"Some matters need verification; I will go personally to see, perhaps that would be better.

If not, then I will apologize to him; these matters will not involve you."

If so, then I will deal with him directly and will never leave any trouble for the Leaf Village!

His tone carried a hint of resolve, but also a hint of fatigue.

This matter clearly pained him, even though he knew he and his most beloved disciple were drifting apart, the reality before his eyes was truly hard to accept.

"I understand, then I'll leave it to the Third Hokage."

Minato, who had remained silent the whole time, spoke now; he really had little room to comment on this matter.

And now that the Third Hokage has made a decision, all he must do is cooperate fully.

"I will hand over the ANBU deployment entirely to the Third Hokage, to cooperate with the operation."

"Thank you, Minato."

The Third Hokage nodded, a forced smile appearing on his face.

"I will give you an answer, an answer for everyone!"

After saying that, the Third Hokage lifted his cigarette holder and turned away; his mood was very bad.

Because he knew clearly that this time he would face not only Orochimaru.

Because not only Ziraiye knows, he also understands one thing!

That is, this incident likely involves not only Orochimaru, but possibly even Danzo's shadow.

Regarding Danzo, the Third Hokage was truly utterly disappointed.

First, Orochimaru's becoming Hokage was thwarted by him, and then the Nine-Tails incident also seemed inseparable from him.

Even though he was also a victim, in the end those people came looking for him, and he indirectly caused the death of the culprit at Lake Biwa!

And the subsequent series of events further gave him the desire to investigate Danzo.

Yet even so, he still hoped Danzo could settle peacefully, but this time the matter seemed truly excessive!

"Danzo, what role are you playing here again?"

The Third Hokage couldn't help but think to himself, but he also made a decision.

If Danzo is deeply involved this time, he will certainly not let this guy go easily!

"Orochimaru, you really have suffered because of Danzo,"

The Third Hokage sighed to the heavens, then turned and left.

Only he didn't notice that, on a high platform not far away, a pair of crimson eyes were watching him from within a dimensional space! —

"A pawn?"

Itachi Uchiha handed over the mission, changed into a new outfit and emerged from the new Root Base, yet he couldn't help pondering the words Orochimaru had said.

Orochimaru gave him a strange feeling, distinct from Danzo's, seeming to understand and care for him more, leaving an unforgettable impression.

Moreover, strictly speaking, it was Orochimaru who sparked his inner quest and yearning for the "meaning of life".

Thus in his heart, he actually trusted Orochimaru more, especially since his entry into Root, as Danzo claimed, was also a report by Orochimaru.

"Could I be abandoned at any time?"

After a while, Itachi Uchiha sighed helplessly; the question was too complex, and he himself could not fully grasp it.

After all, these things were beyond his current comprehension; perhaps only after he truly understands and sees everything will he be able to make a new judgment.

As for Orochimaru's remarks about his condition, he merely shook his head in the end.

He didn't think his body had any problem; moreover, what he needed most was power, and he could temporarily ignore other things.

Besides, he never liked overthinking what others said; he preferred to trust his own judgment!

"Sasuke, I'm back!"

As he drew ever closer to the Uchiha clan, Itachi Uchiha cast all his thoughts aside.

Whatever it is can be discussed later; right now his mind is entirely his brother Sasuke!

Since the time Uchiha Haori moved, when he saw Izumi and his mother attending that guy's banquet together, his heart felt as if it had fallen into an ice cavern.

That guy, extremely skilled at disguise, deceived everyone—Shisui likewise, his mother likewise, his former friend likewise.

Moreover, strictly speaking, his father was also deceived by that guy, which led to such a tragic fate!

For the current Itachi Uchiha, he felt he now only had one brother left.

"Perhaps I need to find a way to awaken my mother; only by seeing that guy's true face can I succeed"

Thinking that, Itachi Uchiha hurried back to his own home.

He ignored those he considered servants sent to watch his family, and briskly walked toward his house.

He now only wanted to see his brother quickly; that was his sole comfort.

"Hm?"

But at that moment, he suddenly noticed that a pair of shoes seemed to have appeared in the house?

"Someone's here? Who is it?"

He frowned; in his memory, few people had visited his home since his father's death.

Now a person suddenly appears, and it's at night, which made him feel inexplicably uneasy.

He couldn't figure it out, and finally grew too lazy to keep pondering, so he headed straight for Mikoto's room.

He knew Sasuke was there; now the most important thing was to see Sasuke!

"Hm?"

Suddenly, Itachi Uchiha heard some voices coming from his mother's room, as if they were chatting?

"Chatting in the room, isn't that disturbing Sasuke?"

He furrowed his brows, his steps quickened slightly, but as he walked, his complexion suddenly changed.

Because he could now clearly hear the voices inside, and the voice chatting with his mother turned out to be Uchiha Haori's!

What made it even harder to accept was that his mother seemed to sound very happy?

In front of Sasuke, are they chatting so happily?

Thinking of this, Itachi Uchiha's fists clenched, but what made his expression change drastically was.

He heard the words his mother suddenly spoke——

"Lord Yuzhi, it's so late; why don't you stay tonight?"

——

Sitting in Meiqin's room, Yuzhi looked at Sasuke this little guy while chatting casually with Meiqin.

To be honest, this feeling is still pretty good.

Sasuke was still asleep; although he opened his eyes midway due to Yuzhi's arrival, he ultimately didn't cry or fuss.

Instead, he reached out his hand for Yuzhi to hold him, and then fell asleep again in Yuzhi's arms.

This scene somewhat made Yuzhi laugh and cry; he wanted to acknowledge the boy as his adopted son, but the boy seemed to treat him more as a foster father, right?

However, the environment was fine, the atmosphere was appropriate, but when Yuzhi noticed that Meiqin had placed a photo of Uchiha Fugaku.

He suddenly felt an indescribable emotion; does this count as coming to his wife's room in front of Uchiha Fugaku's face?

"To be honest, I didn't expect the family situation to be like this, nor did I expect him to have made so many mistakes."

Meiqin seemed unaware; once she started talking, she couldn't stop.

"Now the family is indeed different from before; everyone is happy, especially those who were never noticed before, now they have undergone a different change."

Perhaps this is what a true family means; the entire Uchiha clan is truly a family.

"I don't intend to blame too much; I just know I need to do what I should do."

Seeing Meiqin seem to have let go of her thoughts, Yuzhi, although he felt it was strange, was also willing to have a good chat.

Moreover, as his strength increased, his perception had already greatly improved; he sensed that someone seemed to have arrived here.

If nothing unexpected happens, it should be that guy Itachi Uchiha, right?

However, Yuzhi didn't mind; he casually smiled and said,

"After all, I said before, we all inherit the same bloodline; the essential difference is merely due to talent."

I also firmly believe that talent is innate, but postnatal effort is more important.

Valuing every clan member is what the clan leadership should do; that's all.

"Perhaps this is the difference between you and him."

Meiqin sighed; although the words were simple, Uchiha Fugaku back then simply did not do that.

This is probably also why, after his death and after the elders died, most ordinary Uchiha clan members paid no attention and nobody inquired.

Even throughout the Leaf Village, she also knew how poor their opinion of Uchiha Fugaku and them was.

But now all of this has changed; everyone looks at the Uchiha with new eyes, and the clan members have undergone a tremendous change in spirit and vigor.

Such a great difference also made Meiqin truly not want to dwell on past matters anymore.

Whether it's right or wrong is hard to say; moreover, she already has the answer in her heart.

Looking at the silent Meiqin before him, Yuzhi wondered whether he should take his leave.

Having sat here chatting with her for so long, basically everything that needed to be said has been said, and he has also confirmed the mental state of this former clan leader's wife.

Now all that's left is to choose a good time to hold a small ceremony to acknowledge this Sasuke kid.

"That way she probably won't have too many extreme thoughts, and I can stay safe and sound without worrying about the reward being taken away."

Moreover, Yuzhi also felt that Itachi Uchiha's kid had already arrived outside the door, although he didn't mind letting the kid wait outside.

But they didn't do anything; wanting him to hear nothing at all makes it quite boring.

"Lord Yuzhi, it's so late; why don't you stay tonight?"

Just as Yuzhi was pondering, Meiqin suddenly raised her head and asked a question, and this sentence directly made Yuzhi's eyes widen!

No, what's wrong with this woman?

Yuzhi must admit that he has absolutely no resistance to widows.

But you're being so proactive, with your two sons—one standing outside, one lying here—and your late husband's photo on the table; are you serious saying that?

"Could it be that I'm going to transform tonight?"

Yuzhi stared blankly at Meiqin, thought for a moment, and forced himself to resist the temptation.

After all, there are still some things he hasn't figured out.

"Um, is that not a good idea?"

"What's not good about it?"

Meiqin wasn't quite sure what Yuzhi wanted, after all, in her view Yuzhi is still a year or two away from adulthood.

"Sasuke seems to really like you, and you aren't you sure you want to be his foster father?"

Also, I have many guest rooms here, you.

Suddenly, Meiqin seemed to realize something; especially seeing Yuzhi's gaze, she sprang up and showed a look of astonishment.

After a while, she bit her lip and spoke softly.

"Lord Yuzhi, please conduct yourself properly!"

Seeing her like that, Yuzhi instantly felt both amused and exasperated.

No, it was you who asked me to stay, and now it's you telling me to restrain myself—what's going on?

Standing up, Yuzhi walked over to Meiqin, and instantly he discovered that this former clan leader's wife was tense all over, unable to help but want to step back.

This almost made Yuzhi roll his eyes; I haven't even done anything yet, and you're already like this?

"Lady Meiqin, forget about staying over; I'm also heading back."

Furthermore, Yuzhi didn't continue to scare this now-alert woman who was like a cat; he smiled at Meiqin and said.

"As for Sasuke's matter, we just need to pick a suitable time to hold it; I also really like this child."

As for staying over, we'll sort it out next time.

Mei Qin heard the first half of Yuzhi's words and let out a sigh of relief.

Even she herself was startled—she truly hadn't expected this young man to be so outrageous!

But the latter sentence made her face, which had just relaxed, tense up again.

No, you're still saying we'll be fine next time?!

You must absolutely not come!

"Alright, it's decided. I'm leaving now; take good care of my eldest son."

However, Yuzhi didn't give her a chance to speak; smiling, he stood up and walked straight out the door, leaving Mei Qin standing there with a dazed expression.

Watching Yuzhi's retreating back, Mei Qin finally couldn't hold back.

Who decided this with you?!

And as Yuzhi pushed open the gate, he saw Itachi Uchiha standing outside.

Seeing this kid lower his head and clench his fists, he merely blinked, then turned and left without looking back.

"Mother let him stay over? Is Sasuke going to become his child?"

These words kept flashing in Itachi Uchiha's mind, and he clenched his teeth even tighter.

He didn't understand what staying in this house meant, but the more straightforward meaning he did understand.

This guy wants to control Sasuke; this guy wants to take Sasuke away!

Thinking of this, his fist unconsciously clenched even tighter.

His eyes even flashed with a tinge of blood, the two tomoe spinning rapidly, then beginning to split apart……

——

"What the hell, it's been so long and he still hasn't come back?"

Hikari sat at home, constantly lifting her head to look at the clock on the wall.

She originally wanted to carefully read her notes, but for some reason, after Yuzhi went out, she always felt somewhat uncomfortable.

Especially as time passed, this discomfort became increasingly obvious.

By now, she herself doesn't even remember how many times she's checked the time.

Although she knew Yuzhi was going to do proper business, after following him for so long she had picked up some things, knowing that taking Sasuke in as an adopted son had many benefits.

But you've become the child's father, and you're still together with the child's mother……

Just thinking about that, Hikari suddenly couldn't hold back.

Especially thinking about Yuzhi's "inexhaustible" personality and his excessively outrageous behavior, she immediately put down her notes.

She felt she couldn't absorb these books.

"Damn, why do I keep thinking about this outrageous and evil bastard?"

Hikari wanted to stand up and go back to her room to rest, but after a moment she realized she basically didn't want to move at all.

After agonizing for a while, she finally sighed, then sat on the sofa with her arms around her knees, burying her head against her knees.

"Forget it, let's just wait and see."

Actually, she had considered going to see, but doing so really isn't her nature.

"And what would I be if I went? He's going to acknowledge a son—would I also go to acknowledge a son?"

Hikari muttered softly under her breath, but just then a voice suddenly came over.

"Why are you speaking so softly? Good thing I can hear you clearly, though it's not impossible."

"!!!"

Hikari suddenly lifted her head, and immediately saw Yuzhi standing silently at the living room doorway, looking at her.

Her heart was a mix of emotions for a moment; especially seeing Yuzhi walk toward her, she clung even tighter to her own body.

No, you guy, coming back at this time is totally inappropriate!

"After all, although Sasuke has a birth mother, he can also have a godmother, right?"

Yuzhi sat directly beside Hikari, looking at this girl with a smile.

Seeing her like that, Yuzhi could already imagine many things.

"You bastard, if you can't speak, don't speak!"

Hikari's face flushed red; she glared fiercely at Yuzhi, only to find he had again wrapped his arm around her waist.

This instantly left her without temper; this guy is really too brazen.

"Sorry, I'm late coming back."

Yuzhi lightly embraced her; seeing the girl no longer holding her knees, but instead resting her head on his shoulder, he felt somewhat strange.

I haven't even exerted myself yet.

However, he wouldn't refuse such a thing; instead he smiled and said.

"Indeed we've talked a lot; you can tell this former clan leader's wife's mindset has changed quite a bit."

"Oh."

Hikari replied in a low voice, but after thinking she let out a soft hum.

"She can't withstand your pressure, so she's starting to accept reality?"

"What do you mean she can't withstand my pressure? I haven't done anything."

Yuzhi felt a little guilty, but he still calmly shook his head and then smiled and replied.

"She sees the Uchiha clan getting better, both inside and outside, and also the changes in the Police Department."

"So she realized one thing: that I am the Uchiha clan's 'Chosen One,' and therefore she accepted reality."

Having said that, Yuzhi paused, and moreover didn't forget to wink at Hikari.

"You guy."

"Hikari was both amused and exasperated; Yuzhi's words were indeed correct, because all of this was truly done by him."

"But this guy's such arrogant demeanor really made Hikari hard to contain."

"She had already confirmed his thick skin, but hearing the words 'Chosen One' left her at a loss for what to say."

"The extent of your shamelessness is really exceeding my expectations more and more."

"After a while, Hikari helplessly shook her head and said."

"But aren't you planning to stay there for a night?"

"Hm?"

"Yuzhi's body tensed slightly the instant he heard that. No, could he have guessed that?"

"You really want to?"

"She did ask me, but don't get the wrong idea; that little brat Sasuke seems to know what's going on and quite likes me, and his family has plenty of guest rooms."

"Is that so?"

"What else?"

"Yuzhi gently bumped Hikari's small head with his own, then after thinking he continued speaking."

"Speaking of it, that little guy Sasuke is indeed quite interesting; next time I'll take you there, and you'll like him."

"What am I supposed to do?"

"Hikari pursed her lips, shook her head and said."

"Forget it, just handle it as you see fit."

"Tsk tsk, don't you want another son?"

"Yuzhi looked at Hikari with puzzlement, then asked oddly."

"Weren't you still tangled up over this before? How come now—"

"Shut up!"

"Hikari could barely hold back; Yuzhi really depressed her, and what she hadn't heard, he somehow heard."

"And whenever this guy doesn't return, it's precisely when he does that it's truly fatal!"

"Alright, I won't say more, but next time come with me."

"Yuzhi didn't make things too difficult for the girl; he tightened his hold on the girl and said slowly."

"Depends on the situation."

"Hikari closed her eyes, seemed to be enjoying the warmth of the moment; after an unknown amount of time she whispered."

"By the way, it seems you've never said what kind of life you want to lead in the future."

"In the future?"

"Yuzhi was a bit strange, he asked puzzled."

"Why ask like that?"

"Just curious."

"Hikari shook her head, and seemed a bit relaxed."

"After all, someone like you probably won't have a stable future; I need to be mentally prepared."

"No matter what you become, I'll make sure you're safe."

"Yuzhi reached out and gently poked Hikari's forehead, then he sat on the sofa and thought for a moment."

"I once heard a saying: 'To suppress those who suppress, one can be ennobled; to indulge those who indulge, one can astonish the world.'"

"I can't say which is better, but if I could choose for myself, I'd prefer the latter."

"At this point Yuzhi paused slightly; after all, in his past life he was a liberal arts student, forced to memorize many things."

"And indeed, there are some useful verses in his mind, though he doesn't know if Hikari can understand them."

"But that doesn't stop Yuzhi from using them; thinking of this, he looked at Hikari and said softly."

"Of course, whether it's shocking the world or not, I don't mind."

"I would rather be with someone I love, traversing snow‑capped mountains at dusk, with crabapple blossoms still."

"Unafraid of the disturbances of time, joyful and carefree, watching tides rise and fall, sharing the mortal fireworks together."

"Hikari heard this, and seeing Yuzhi's gaze, she blushed for a moment."

"Although Yuzhi's language is flowery and his rhetoric seems from long ago, Hikari is also from a hundred years ago, so these things don't pressure her."

"She naturally understood the meaning, but just comprehending left her a bit dazed."

"Is this guy really that serious? Is this truly what's in his heart?"

"Hikari was dazed; she seemed to hear Yuzhi whisper something in her ear, but she couldn't process it right away."

"It wasn't until she realized Yuzhi had lifted her that she regained a bit of composure."

"And when she noticed that Yuzhi had carried her into his room, she instantly became fully alert!"

"Wait, what are you doing?"

"Didn't I tell you? It's getting late, let's rest."

"But isn't my room across the hall?"

"It's fine, don't worry; I'm not some excessive person, am I?"

"Don't worry? Not an excessive person?"

"Hikari could barely contain herself; she couldn't believe those words actually came from Yuzhi."

"If we're talking about the most excessive, who else but you could be?"

"Alright, don't worry, we aren't even engaged yet."

Sensing Hikari's nervousness, Yuzhi whispered a soothing word, which caused Hikari to involuntarily give Yuzhi a sharp look.

Yet Yuzhi's words made Hikari drift off again, since Yuzhi appeared to be hearing the question for the first time.

"Engagement?"

"Hmm, shouldn't we be preparing for it?"

Yuzhi wrapped his arms around Hikari, cradling her, and said softly with a smile.

Hikari said nothing, apparently never expecting Yuzhi to bring it up so quickly.

She had been thinking about this during today's dinner, and now it gets a reply?

"What, you don't want to?"

"I don't know."

"What does 'don't know' mean?"

"Not knowing is just not knowing!"

Hikari took a deep breath, seemingly to avoid Yuzhi's further questions, and simply buried her head in his arms.

At that moment Hikari truly didn't know how to answer; she was somewhat pleased by Yuzhi's words, yet extremely depressed about her own situation.

After a while, she let out a faint sigh.

"You outrageous fellow, you'd be better off not coming back. —"

Inside the Root's Underground Base, Tuan Zang was looking at the documents in his hand, lost in deep thought.

Although he knew he didn't have much money left, when he actually examined his budget ledger, he was stunned.

At that moment he realized he was on the verge of being completely broke!

"Oro! Chimaru!"

Tuan Zang clenched his teeth and muttered angrily, "If you don't look you wouldn't know, but once you see it you're startled."

His funds went to the Root's expenses and payments to the Akatsuki Organization; the rest was almost all spent on Orochimaru.

That meant he had been almost completely drained by Orochimaru!

Now he truly began to suspect Orochimaru of cheating him out of funds; so much money and resources invested, and this is the result so far?

Although Tuan Zang also knew that Leaf Village had previously poured the whole village's strength with no progress, the money Orochimaru spent was all the Root's money!

"We must find a way to get some back, otherwise..."

Tuan Zang clenched his fist, but at that moment he suddenly sensed a sharp fluctuation of chakra.

He turned his head and saw ripples forming in the space ahead of him, followed by the appearance of a silhouette.

"You came?"

Tuan Zang frowned.

"Hmm, I'm here."

Obito glanced at Tuan Zang and then nodded.

"You're late."

"Stop being crazy, you and Orochimaru have a problem!"

"?!!!!"