Chapter 132: Yuzhi at Eighteen (Ten‑Thousand‑Word Chapter)

"Fire Release: Great Fire Extinction!"

Within the Land of Fire, in a desolate mountain range.

Yuzhi formed hand seals, and in an instant a massive ring of fire, like divine retribution descending, wildly engulfed the entire valley!

In just a moment, the whole valley seemed as if it were melting.

Yet these flames were not the pitch‑black fire of Amaterasu, but a peculiar interweaving of black and white.

Seeing such flames, even Yuzhi, the creator, was momentarily stunned at the first sight.

Because he recalled that he seemed to have seen something similar before his transmigration.

"It seems... it was from some game, right?"

After pondering, Yuzhi suddenly shivered.

He finally remembered the scene where a woman in armor, wielding a sword to perform "Waterbird Frenzy", had beaten him into existential doubt.

And this flame truly resembled the "Queen's Black Flame" from that game!

"The fusion level is extremely high, the concentration equally high; though it doesn't erupt, it uses Amaterasu as a base, and its power is not weak."

But in reality only they know that their improvement may not greatly aid immediate combat strength, yet its future impact is incalculable!

Especially over these three years, the two of them have basically devoted their energy to the fusion of Bloodline Elimination.

"I guess so, after all it took me that long,"

But coincidentally, after Yuzhi obtained Uchiha Fugaku's abilities via the Eye Technique Transplant Technique, he could conduct proportion‑adjustment experiments virtually unscathed.

"Speaking of that, how's your fusion now? Have you reached this stage?"

In fact, even for those with Bloodline Limit Fusion experience and sufficient strength, a slight misstep would likely end terribly.

"If we exploit the traits of Lightning Release to fully trigger it, the effect would probably be better.

And even though his tailed‑beast chakra, despite his 'hunting' up to now, only includes portions of the Three‑Tails, Four‑Tails, and Nine‑Tails, it is still more than enough for him and Hikari to lavish."

Hikari let out a light hum, seeming reluctant to reveal her current specifics; she glanced at Yuzhi before smiling and speaking.

Only, his talent was also essentially hacked in.

"Fire Release" is Yuzhi's achievement; this ultimate product, built on Amaterasu and combined with Lightning Release and Shadow Release, is slowly about to blossom!

However, Yuzhi doesn't think there's anything wrong with it; from his memory, the "Ghoul Sprout Technique" functions to absorb bloodlines.

Time slipped silently through his fingers.

The difficulty within has increased by more than tenfold!

If someone else attempted it, the outcome would likely be death.

Although the Eye Technique Transplant Technique is limited by the scarcity of Mangekyou Sharingan, and a single use destroys an eye, he has only thus far seized Uchiha Fugaku's abilities.

Frankly, only a tailed beast can supply such chakra consumption!

"Simply put, these two are enough to wipe out 99% of the entire ninja world."

Whether pure chakra can meet expectations is hard to say, especially since Yuzhi, even habitually relying on hacks, still has decent talent!

For ordinary people it's the same, because they repeat the same tasks daily and voice similar complaints.

Moreover, his curiosity grew about one thing: just how mad was Senju Hashirama, who originally hammered this pervert into near‑spinelessness?

Nevertheless, this ability's help to him is truly massive and crucial!

Besides fusing "Bloodline Elimination·Fire Release", over the years Yuzhi also neglected training his Eternal Eyes, and now he is increasingly adapting to the power of those eyes.

The difficulty of fusing Bloodline Elimination is unimaginable; it is entirely different from simultaneously fusing two elemental Bloodline Limits.

Moreover, he achieved something—without Sharingan, he directly used Shadow Release to activate Susanoo!

He doesn't force himself to accomplish everything, but he won't overlook things that are truly necessary.

Using his own talent to fuse chakra is itself a trial, and Yuzhi naturally doesn't complain about it.

Such improvement may seem a small leap, and to some it might appear that they've merely stood still for three years.

"Just a bit short, but I won't be much slower than you,"

"It's just that Uchiha Madara, that pervert— the more we chase him, the more we realize how terrifying he truly is!"

"Looks like you've basically succeeded,"

But for Yuzhi and Hikari, who have clear future goals, time seems to pass extremely quickly.

Yuzhi smiled, then naturally reached out and took Hikari's hand.

Hikari, watching from the side, lightly nodded.

That bastard really isn't human!

What would those two lunatics be like if they returned a thousand years ago to face the real Indra and Asura?

Without obtaining precise information from Orochimaru, and thus the Birohu intel, Yuzhi and his group must rely on themselves for fusion.

Yuzhi squeezed Hikari's hand; his smile seemed to shine even brighter, causing Hikari's cheeks to flush slightly.

"Isn't it my birthday?"

Fusing chakra requires adjusting chakra ratios, and three‑element combinations differ entirely from two‑element ones.

If the ratio errs and fusion fails, the lightest price is severe injury; a heavier one is outright death!

Beyond that, once a three‑element chakra ratio succeeds, an overwhelming amount of chakra—enough to choke a person—is required for fusion.

Only under such conditions could he, within just three years, essentially complete the construction and fusion of Bloodline Elimination!

"Thank you, Uchiha Fugaku"

Even though he had long been mentally prepared, in the relentless chase Yuzhi truly felt a bit weary.

"Good thing I have a hook"

In three years, both of their strengths have risen to some extent.

It's not the first time Yuzhi has felt this way inside; sometimes he also wonders—

"Alright, get ready to go back. Don't forget today is your birthday."

Perhaps it really wouldn't make much difference.

"I just don't remember my birthday; maybe mine is earlier or later than yours."

Hikari couldn't tell that Yuzhi's mind was full of those two perverts; she shook her head and laughed softly.

"Alright, let's go. As the Police Department Director and Clan Leader of the Uchiha Clan, could you possibly be late?"

"Naturally I won't be late; rest assured, it's just a blink of an eye."

Yuzhi smiled confidently; possessing the Flying Thunder God and Kamui, his journey was far from ordinary ease!

In three years, Yuzhi's status in Leaf Village also changed a bit.

Having already recognized Sasuke as his "godson", he naturally put the Clan Leader matter on his schedule; likewise, as Clan Leader, he no longer needed to hide his role as Police Department Director.

After Yuzhi and Hikari quietly completed their engagement within the clan, it wasn't long before the Uchiha formally announced the new Clan Leader.

Within Leaf Village, attitudes toward this were fairly divided, but for ordinary ninja it was naturally a cause for joy.

Yuzhi's reputation in Leaf Village was huge; whether the Third Shinobi War or the Nine-Tails, his presence was everywhere.

Even the now more low‑key, gentle Uchiha, and the Police Department that everyone in Leaf Village relies on, were personally reformed and built by Yuzhi!

Everyone naturally thought Yuzhi becoming Clan Leader was what the people wanted.

But for those from the great families, it seemed rather bland; after all, they aren't fools, each of them knew this would happen.

What surprised them was that the matter was only now finally settled.

Nevertheless, they all gave Yuzhi full respect; the heads of each great clan came in person to witness, Ziraiye, Tsunade, and several from the Third Hokage's generation attended, and Minato even brought his whole family.

To put it bluntly, that day the Uchiha were exceptionally lively, and Yuzhi became the sole focus of the whole venue.

"But it's also too boring,"

Honestly, Yuzhi doesn't really enjoy chatting with those great‑family clan heads; talking with them requires careful etiquette, and many topics are hard to bring up.

That makes Yuzhi not particularly fond, but fortunately his group of friends all showed up, so it didn't feel overly boring.

"Actually, this is still less high‑profile than my engagement."

Yuzhi couldn't help but make a snide comment in his mind, but since Hikari didn't want to do it, Yuzhi wouldn't force her.

As for after the engagement, their lives didn't change much; their relationship remained steadily forward, with no turbulence.

This plainness, both of them were very accustomed to and liked.

Or rather, since they met, it has always been this calm and warm, and a simple engagement wouldn't cause any change.

Perhaps the only difference is Yuzhi's days have become much more comfortable; at least sometimes he can "act and move", and Hikari no longer opposes or resists as much.

But that's all there is.

"Even if it's fast, don't forget there are still many things to do; someone needs to arrange the house."

Hikari shook her head and said softly.

"You can't always let Rin and the others help; Senior Mikoto still has to host Senior Kushina, it's overwhelming."

"Alright, alright, let's go."

Yuzhi thought for a moment, then simply nodded, and naturally wrapped his arms around Hikari.

His chakra flickered slightly, and in an instant the black‑and‑white, ocean‑like blaze vanished without a trace!

Although its nature had changed, being made compatible and fused by Yuzhi through Shadow Release and Lightning Release, his control over Amaterasu remained as ever.

After completing all that, Yuzhi then instantly brought Hikari back home.

Yuzhi's house hadn't been moved because he became Clan Leader, nor had it changed; it still sat among those who once belonged to the "family base".

Whether Yuzhi or Hikari, they never thought of moving away.

For Hikari, she liked the environment here and the group of children around.

Likewise in her heart, she hoped Yuzhi would stay true to his roots and not change because of his status.

Yuzhi had long understood the girl's thoughts, so he naturally wouldn't refute anything.

"Wait here; Rin should be coming soon; I'll go meet her."

Hikari glanced at the house's arrangement, then said to Yuzhi.

"Also you, if you have time, you can help arrange the roof area.

Anything we can do ourselves, don't bother others for a day; I'm not like I can't use Shadow Clone Jutsu.

By the way, tuck away the Little Nine-Tails; you don't want others to see, right?"

"Alright, I got it, Housekeeper."

Yuzhi helplessly spread his hands; Hikari truly was "running the household" now, even if only at home.

But he quite enjoyed it; with Hikari around many things were much easier, so he wouldn't complain.

"Speaking of it, Hikari's bloodline activation level shouldn't be bad,"

Watching Hikari's departing silhouette, Yuzhi returned to the living room, lifted the sleeping Little Nine-Tails with one hand, and muttered quietly.

Hikari's progress couldn't match his; after all, she lacks "Divine Heaven", and her fusion relies entirely on Yuzhi's detailed explanations.

Nevertheless, her talent is there; even if progress lags, it certainly won't fall short.

The bloodline enhancement and activation brought by Bloodline Elimination truly aren't comparable to ordinary bloodline limits.

Such an increase is truly exaggerated; even someone like Yuzhi, who carries the Zhuo Er Extraordinary aura, can feel it slightly, let alone Hikari's case.

Moreover, he thought of a problem: perhaps because Bloodline Elimination is so intense, it caused genetic issues.

Ohnoki's son Huang Tu, and his granddaughter Tui Ying, seem to have inherited nothing in the original work.

Actually that's normal; looking at Senju ZhuZhang and Tsunade makes it clear that Bloodline Elimination's power is no joke!

"Such an ability is actually very beneficial to the person, so I should also consider Hikari's eye issue,"

Hikari's eyes have always been a focal point Yuzhi needed to contemplate; previously conditions were insufficient, and there were also some reservations in his heart.

Thus he dares not act recklessly in many things, but now that their strength is increasing, Hikari's bloodline and abilities are also continuously improving.

Wood Release, mystic arts, and tailed‑beast chakra seals, plus the fusion of two bloodline limit inheritances, and the continual progress of bloodline elimination.

Perhaps he really can try to do something now?

"But speaking of it, are those Otsutsuki completely dead?"

Thinking to himself, Yuzhi subconsciously lifted his head and looked out the window at the sky, but soon he laughed and shook his head.

"Whether they're dead or not is the key, but even now we couldn't manage it, since we don't know the passage upward."

"But now we can also try to look for it; I seem to recall that their passage is within the Land of Fire."

As for the way up, the original work never specified it, and even Yuzhi, no matter how powerful, cannot create something from nothing.

Moreover, finding the passage takes time, but fortunately Yuzhi cannot afford to wait; after all, their bloodline elimination hasn't been fully completed.

Just proceed slowly in the most stable way; the future will be on their side!

Knock, knock, knock—

Just as Yuzhi was pondering, he suddenly heard a knock at the door, which made him pause.

"So early, who is it?"

—

"Thanks for your trouble, Lin, and for helping as well."

"It's nothing, we're friends, aren't we?"

On the street heading to Yuzhi's house, Hikari and Lin were walking together, each carrying a fair amount of items.

Seeing Hikari's slightly embarrassed expression, Lin smiled broadly and offered comfort.

Lin is now nearly eighteen, but her birthday is in November, a few months later than Yuzhi's.

She is now a powerful ninja; having studied under Tsunade, she not only mastered excellent medical ninjutsu but also learned many of Tsunade's combat techniques.

However, she hasn't entered the front‑line combat roster, choosing instead to stay peacefully in the medical division.

Her approachable, gentle temperament easily conveys goodwill, and she is especially patient when treating injured or sick ninjas.

As time passed, her reputation in the medical division spread, and it is said many wish to court her.

But this hasn't troubled her; after stating she has "no current interest in that," no one dares to brazenly disturb her.

In any case, Lin's background is solid.

Her team leader is Minato, her instructor is Tsunade, her close friends are Yuzhi and Ying, not to mention Kakashi and the others.

Anyone not mentally impaired knows this girl is not to be trifled with.

"Ah, that's Teacher Kushina!"

As they walked, Lin suddenly stared ahead in surprise, then exclaimed excitedly.

Hikari also paused; he didn't expect the Hokage couple to arrive so early.

Not only her, but Uchiha Mikoto had also come along, though clearly she was dragged.

"Morning, you two."

Kushina smiled at the two and greeted them, then didn't forget to look toward Hikari.

"Also, happy birthday, Ying."

"Thanks."

Hikari smiled and nodded; under Yuzhi's guidance, as she continuously integrated into this world, her changes became visible to the naked eye.

Aside from everything else, her smile has increased considerably.

But soon Hikari frowned, then, embarrassed, spoke.

"Sorry for keeping you outside all this time; Yuzhi was too rude."

"Tsk tsk, you're really becoming more like a married woman, aren't you?"

Kushina was still carefree, and with a slight mischievous grin she teased Hikari.

Seeing that Hikari didn't seem embarrassed, she glanced at Lin and shrugged, saying.

"Actually, I should be the one apologizing; Minato is inside.

You know, Minato always wants to discuss work when he sees Yuzhi.

Even after telling him so many times, he doesn't change a bit, honestly."

Since Yuzhi officially became Clan Leader of the Uchiha, the Hokage Tower that night issued the appointment letter for the Police Department Director.

Heaven knows how delighted Minato and the Third were that night; they themselves didn't know how many years they had waited.

And after Yuzhi "formally joined," the number of meetings he had to attend increased.

Moreover, many times Minato would keep him, Rekku and others for meetings; although it gave him a headache, it was unavoidable.

Especially, in the past three years, some voices within Leaf Village have been quite troublesome.

"Ying sister, Lin sister!"

"Idiot, call me aunt!"

Just as Hikari was pondering, two child voices rang out simultaneously.

Instinctively looking toward the sound, her complexion instantly turned odd.

Two little brats ran over, and she of course recognized them: Minato's son Naruto and her own reluctantly added foster son Sasuke.

These two kids are now almost five years old; by accident they will also be entering the ninja academy this year.

What struck Hikari as interesting was that the relationship between these two kids was rather odd.

If you say they're close, they often quarrel over trivial matters, even getting into big fights.

But if you say they're not, they play together all day.

No matter who initiates, they both basically say the other is annoying, yet as soon as the other appears they immediately scurry to follow.

In this relationship, Ying really doesn't understand.

Mother, happy birthday.

Sasuke, after giving Naruto a glare, then respectfully approached Hikari and gave a slight bow.

No need to be so formal.

No matter how many times, Hikari still feels a little unable to hold back when she hears Sasuke's words.

She has no idea how old she is now, but even if, like Yuzhi, she turns eighteen today.

But inexplicably, there's now an almost five‑year‑old son, this

Seeing Lin and Kushina snickering beside her, and Mikoto Uchiha's face full of a dry laugh, Hikari didn't bother to care any more.

She actually quite likes Sasuke, he's smart, obedient, sunny; on him she can't see the gloominess of his older brother, nor the annoying temperament of his father.

Yes.

Sasuke raised his head properly, but Naruto couldn't help but press his lips together and mutter quietly.

Honestly, even though Ying sister and big brother Yuzhi are so young, why do they call them so old.

Do you have an objection?

Kushina pressed one hand on Naruto's head, and in an annoyed voice she asked.

Or do you think my mother is also old?

No! No! No!

Every creature has its match; Naruto's greatest fear is his mother, and Sasuke, without a word, stepped aside.

It's still Ying's mother and mother who are gentle.

Sasuke thought to himself, but his eyes turned toward the inside of Yuzhi's house.

Honestly, Naruto's dad is still talking business with Father, which makes it hard for me to get in.

Although Sasuke grew up in a single‑parent family, his personality and other aspects have no issues, because he believes he has a father.

Yuzhi is his father; in his memory, although they didn't live together long, Yuzhi always brought him joy.

Whether teaching him knowledge or taking him and his step‑mother out shopping, these fill his mind.

He still remembers the scene of sitting on Yuzhi's neck and playing together when he was a child.

What puzzled him was that once he asked his biological mother why she wouldn't let Yuzhi stay at home, and that terrified his mother.

Fortunately, everyone lives within the same clan; Sasuke likes to run over here when he has nothing to do, and when he's tired he stays over, and he gradually got used to it.

"But it seems Father never really liked that brother of mine?"

Yuzhi is very kind to Mikoto, and also very kind to him, but Sasuke still remembers that there seems to be another person in his family.

It's just that Itachi Uchiha is really busy; they meet only every few weeks or even months, so Sasuke's impression of his brother isn't very deep.

"Forget it, what are you thinking about him?"

Shaking his head, Sasuke immediately cut off that line of thought; since they're not close, it's fine.

Moreover, for him now, rather than thinking about that brother, he'd rather consider other more important matters.

For example.

"How to make Father and Mother live together, so I can see Father every day!"

——

"Sigh, nowadays Cloud Village and Rock Village are interacting more and more frequently."

"Alright, don't think so much; there are some things we can't stop."

At Yuzhi's house, Minato let out a sigh with a worried expression, showing his mood wasn't particularly pleasant.

Yuzhi could only nod at his words; he knew something about the Cloud and Rock Village situation, and he offered a timely comfort.

Minato came very early today; if it weren't for the little Nine‑Tails being able to be taken back directly.

And in these three years the little Nine‑Tails has grown enough; its aura has contracted very well, and Yuzhi might be exposed.

In these three years the little Nine‑Tails has basically absorbed all that chakra, and now it can steadily provide Yuzhi with ample combat power.

But the little guy, perhaps because he knows Yuzhi and Hikari's preferences, has always stayed at home the size of a kitten.

And, heaven knows what he's thinking, his temperament is becoming more cat‑like.

Every day it's either eating or sleeping; he never thinks about going out, and he lets Yuzhi and Hikari pet him at will.

Yuzhi even had a moment of doubt, because he remembered that foxes aren't canines.

After securing the little Nine‑Tails, Yuzhi warmly entertained Minato's family, but what made him a bit uneasy was that Minato's workaholic trait seemed to have arrived.

When Hinata was three years old, Cloud Village hadn't come to Leaf Village to sign any peace treaty.

Both sides still maintained a state of readiness, stalemated; no small‑scale clashes were heard, but everyone tacitly refrained from escalating the situation.

What was unexpected is that in these three years Cloud Village has been trying to repair its relationship with Rock Village.

As time passed, contacts between the two increased, making Minato and the Third Hokage feel uneasy.

A village's interests cannot be decided by personal likes or hatred; even though Cloud and Rock Villages are ancient enemies, if it serves their interests they can still cooperate!

"Indeed it's hard to stop; mainly because the rank of the personnel meeting now keeps getting higher."

Minato helplessly shook his head; at this rate he doesn't know what will happen.

He truly doesn't understand; isn't such peace good now?

"Alright, thinking about this is useless; we just prepare defenses, and the rest is up to what they do."

Yuzhi smiled, and could only speak comfortingly.

"Even if something happens, Leaf Village has you, me, senior Ziraiye, senior Tsunade, and also the Third Hokage.

I think rather than us worrying, other villages should be more concerned, so let's be at ease.

Also, hasn't Leaf Village developed quite well these past three years? Think more about these good things.

In three years, Leaf Village has changed too many things.

After three years of development, Leaf Village has gradually recovered a lot of its vitality from the war's losses.

Moreover, as Yuzhi and his cohort have grown, each of them has begun to take up various key positions.

Take Kakashi, for example; he is now a squad leader in ANBU, and he seems to be preparing to vie for the platoon leader position.

Perhaps in the future he could even become the ANBU chief, if he so wishes.

Also, for instance, Sen Nai Yi Bi Xi entered the interrogation class, Iruka became a member of the Leaf Village teachers, and so on.

The whole of Leaf Village now teems with vibrant life and flourishing growth.

"Perhaps I'm worrying too much."

Minato, hearing Yuzhi's words, couldn't help but scratch his head, then awkwardly said.

"I'm sorry, saying such untimely words on your birthday was rude of me."

"You are the Hokage; you have more concerns, I understand that."

Yuzhi smiled; he of course knows how great Minato's pressure is.

Moreover, at this critical juncture for Leaf Village, some voices within the village seem to be growing louder.

These voices originated from the Nine‑Tails incident; that guy Danzo, for his own selfish desires, gave Minato a harsh scolding.

And it's not just the Nine‑Tails; the Orochimaru affair has also spawned some very unpleasant and vicious rumors.

Orochimaru, after all, is one of the Legendary Sannin of Leaf Village, and he has countless followers there; his defection, in any case, would have a huge impact on Minato.

After all, Minato is not the Third Hokage; he's merely a junior, and in some sense he took the Fourth Hokage that Orochimaru coveted.

Facing such voices, Minato truly cannot suppress them, nor does he dare to try.

Moreover, these voices are getting louder, as if organized and premeditated, which leaves Minato utterly helpless.

In fact, these mere rumors don't affect him much; it's just unlucky that he encounters such troubles during his term.

But combined with the issues of Cloud Village and Rock Village, it makes him unable to hold things together.

"But Senior Minato, there are some things I can help you with, at least to ease your pressure."

After thinking, Yuzhi simply smiled and said, but once he finished he felt his words were somewhat off…

"No, you don't have to do that!"

Fortunately, Minato didn't overthink; he immediately understood Yuzhi's meaning and shook his head quickly.

"For the villagers, follow the necessary procedures; don't make it look bad, especially on the Third Hokage's side."

"Alright, since you think so, I'd like the newly formed 'Internal Affairs' to get some activity."

Yuzhi heard this and didn't hesitate, though he showed a hint of regret.

The 'Internal Affairs' is a new department of the Police Department, its purpose is very clear: to act on internal issues of Leaf Village.

If we speak of the best and fastest‑developing part of Leaf Village, it's only one place: the Police Department.

Now the scale of the Police Department is truly beyond ordinary imagination; with the support of the village and major families, it has expanded wildly over these three years.

Moreover, Yuzhi is willing to share the cake, which has allowed almost everyone in the village to reap benefits.

Naturally they support the Police Department's development, for supporting it also means supporting themselves to some extent!

Internal Affairs has only been established for a few months, its staff are scarce, yet everyone can see its potential.

To put it bluntly, once Internal Affairs is fully staffed, it essentially means the Police Department's functions are complete.

Even though Internal Affairs' personnel are currently scarce, no one doubts its strength, because the Police Department's chief is Yuzhi, and the director of Internal Affairs is Shisui!

"Enough, let's not talk about these worries; let the consultants handle Danzo's side of things."

Minato wiped his non‑existent cold sweat, then shook his head and said.

"Danzo is indeed the Third Hokage's close friend; I promised him and cannot renege, plus I understand his feelings."

"Actually Yuzhi, you should be able to understand; if Kakashi turned out like this, what would you do?"

I would smash his dog head.

Yuzhi muttered a retort in his mind, but he didn't waste any more words.

The path is his own choice; Yuzhi could act but was refused, so let everything take its natural course.

Anyway, this isn't a bad thing for Yuzhi; after all, Danzo is actually helping him.

Sometimes, Yuzhi truly can't help but wonder, could Danzo really be one of us?

"Alright, let's stop talking about these worries; the envoy from Rain Country arrives next week, we need to prepare, and we'll be counting on you then."

Minato shook his head, a smile appearing on his face.

Improving relations between Rain Country and Leaf Village is his achievement, and Rain Country's strategic location makes such a relationship extremely beneficial for Leaf Village.

Especially since Leaf Village secured a share of Rain Country's missions; how could Minato not be pleased?

"Yes, the Police Department will handle it properly."

Yuzhi simply nodded, then laughed.

"Senior Minato, today is my birthday; talking only business all the time isn't good, and there seem to be more and more people; Senior Kushina might get angry."

"Sorry, that'll be all for today."

Minato immediately nodded, then spoke with utmost sincerity.

"Happy birthday, Yuzhi‑kun."

——

Yuzhi and Hikari's birthday banquet was a great success, and this time many guests attended.

This was only with Yuzhi and Hikari inviting friends and clan members; if it were open to all, the Uchiha Clan probably couldn't accommodate so many people!

"So tiring, I didn't expect a birthday party to be like this."

The moonlight was hazy; sitting on the bedside, Hikari stretched lazily, and Yuzhi took the chance to hug her from behind.

"After all, it's a coming‑of‑age ceremony; there's no other way."

Turning eighteen means adulthood, which indeed makes things unusual, but life only happens once, so it naturally deserves celebration.

"Sasuke and Mikoto are across from you; don't act up."

Listening to Yuzhi's words and feeling the warmth coming from him, Hikari's face flushed slightly, and she muttered softly.

Probably they played too late, and since Sasuke had already become familiar with Yuzhi's household, he naturally chose to stay and not leave.

Mikoto had no good solution either, and in the end she ended up moving into the room Hikari had previously occupied, taking Sasuke with her.

Fortunately, that room had long become a guest room; since three years ago Hikari reluctantly moved in with Yuzhi, she never returned.

Over time, she simply moved everything from there over.

Living together made them recall the bits and pieces of their early cramped life in that little house, and everything still felt so familiar.

Except that Yuzhi no longer sleeps on the floor.

"It's fine; I've set up a sound‑proof barrier."

Yuzhi gave a forced laugh, which made Hikari let out a slight hum; she was already somewhat immune to certain words.

After being together so long, Yuzhi had said every excessive thing, yet she remained calm.

Moreover, she knew Yuzhi actually respected her, and wouldn't make things difficult as long as she didn't want it.

Turning around, Hikari looked into Yuzhi's eyes, gazing at his face bathed in bright moonlight.

After a while, Hikari whispered, "Thank you, Yuzhi."

"Why thank me?" Yuzhi was startled for a moment, but his head leaned in considerably.

"Thank you for everything you've done, and for everything you've brought me."

Hikari didn't evade; she even leaned forward a bit herself.

"May I ask you a question?"

"Hmm."

"If I really disappear, you—"

"I've answered you once before; my answer remains the same: I will go back to find you, no matter when or where."

Yuzhi spoke earnestly, and his gaze appeared especially sincere.

The last time Hikari asked him this question, his answer was the same, and it hasn't changed now.

Even though he likes to talk nonsense, he is also a person who keeps his promises.

This is his promise to Hikari; if something like that truly occurs, he will definitely do it!

"Thank you."

Hikari's smile grew brighter, but soon she took a deep breath and then closed her eyes shakily.

"Also, happy birthday."

"Happy birthday."

Listening to those words and seeing Hikari's expression, Yuzhi, no matter how foolish, finally understood what was happening.

Without any hesitation, he kissed the girl before him directly.

Opportunities like this aren't many.

No, there were none before; perhaps there will be more in the future!

The silvery moonlight merged their shadows completely, looking so harmonious and fitting.

Everything seemed so natural, everything seemed to flow effortlessly; perhaps tonight will be a sleepless night.

However, Yuzhi, whose eyes had been tightly shut, suddenly opened them.

He stared at the girl before him as if it were utterly unbelievable.

Before he could act, Hikari pushed him onto the bed, then stood up and moved a short distance away.

"What are you doing?"

Yuzhi covered his mouth, feeling the metallic taste on his tongue; his speech came out a bit halting.

"Are you really a dog? Do you bite everything?"

"Hmph!"

Hikari brushed the crimson at the corner of her mouth, then let out a light hum.

"I'll give you a lesson, let your hand act recklessly, and your... Pah!"

"No, this is the normal step, right?"

"Normal step, you're proficient?"

"Um."

"Then shouldn't you explain a bit?"

"Explain what?"

"Explain why you're so proficient—have you read that book a lot, or have you deceived many girls?"

"."