The sadness in Yun Nai's heart surged like a tide. She silently chewed her food, each bite a dull reflection of the bitterness weighing on her chest.
But she didn't allow that sadness to linger long. With a deep breath, she swallowed her mouthful, wiped away the tears at the corners of her eyes with the sleeve of her robe, and lifted her head high as if nothing had ever happened.
Suddenly, Yun Nai transformed.
She stood up, hands on her hips, flashing a bright, defiant smile—one that held both warmth and an unbending spirit.
"You're right," she declared firmly. "Even though Sister Kushina's life feels like a cage, there are still things she has that others don't! At least she's safe and well-fed. I'm just sitting here pitying her like a fool, when maybe… she's stronger than I realize."
Her voice rang clear, brushing away the gloom like wind scattering clouds.
Whirlpool True, who had been sitting beside her, watched her transformation with surprise and admiration.
It was rare to see someone rebound from sorrow so quickly.
He smiled and said gently, "It's good that you're thinking this way. I think it's time I speak with Young Master Jaxon. The other Uzumaki clan members need to start stepping out into the world too. Shelter breeds weakness—experience builds strength."
Whirlpool True had high praise for Yun Nai. Among all the juniors of the Uzumaki Clan, she stood out not just for her talent and potential, but for her resilience.
In his heart, he believed Yun Nai might one day surpass the clan heads of the past.
---
Shadows Within Konoha
Just a few meters away, Konoha's Anbu, stationed in the shadows to observe them, heard every word.
Though their faces were hidden behind their emotionless masks, the subtle change in their body language betrayed their shock.
"Did you hear that?" one murmured. "Other Uzumaki clan members? There are more?"
"I'm reporting to the Hokage," said the squad leader, vanishing in a blur of speed.
The rest remained behind, concealed expertly in their positions—completely unaware that their presence had long been detected.
In truth, ever since Yun Nai and the others had entered the village, not much had escaped their notice.
"I'm full!" Yun Nai chirped suddenly, breaking the moment. She patted her stomach and reached for her handbag. With a small smirk, she stuffed the leftover dango inside.
"I wonder what that guy Jaxon is up to. He didn't even join us to eat! With food this delicious, he rushed back like it was urgent. Hmph."
Whirlpool True gave her a long-suffering sigh and scolded lightly, "Can't you be a little more polite? Show some grace at least."
"Got it, got it!" Yun Nai replied, waving her hand dismissively, clearly not taking his words to heart.
Whirlpool True shook his head. This girl probably won't ever change…
He muttered under his breath, "I just hope Jaxon doesn't mind."
---
Unwelcome Visitors
Just as the two prepared to leave, several figures emerged from the shadows like phantoms—completely silent and sudden.
The leading man stepped forward, tall and imposing, and raised a hand to block their path.
"You two," he said coldly, "Don't be in such a hurry. Our superior wishes to speak with you."
Whirlpool True's heart sank slightly, but his face remained calm and unreadable.
"Oh?" he said smoothly. "Your superior wants to speak with us? But we're not part of Konoha Village. Whatever the issue is, it should go through our young master."
His words were deliberately relaxed, but his sharp gaze pinned the man in place, giving him no opening.
"This is an order from above," the man said, firm but cautious. "Please cooperate."
"Order?" Whirlpool True's voice sharpened. "Are you giving orders to foreign guests now?"
"We're following your rules. We haven't caused any trouble. You can't just detain people as you please!"
With that, he turned to leave, calmly taking another route.
But he was no fool. He could already sense it—the Root agents were beginning to grow tense. They were readying themselves for a possible attack.
This was still a public street. A confrontation would only draw attention. They knew that. And he knew they knew that.
The Root leader clicked his tongue.
"Retreat," he ordered in a whisper.
In a flash, they vanished from view.
They didn't leave out of respect—but because too many civilians had already begun watching. Even Root wouldn't risk spilling blood in the open like that.
---
The Gathering Storm
"Uncle True… those people just now…"
"Don't say anything," Whirlpool True interrupted, placing a hand on Yun Nai's shoulder. "Let's return to Jaxon. This village… it's starting to turn on us."
He didn't need more words. He understood the shift perfectly.
The signs were clear—and unmistakably hostile.
---
Jaxon's Composure
Elsewhere, in a quiet courtyard, Jaxon listened to their report calmly, sipping tea under the warm sun.
"Mm. I understand," he said casually. "Just stay here. The Hyuga Clan's people are nearby. No one will act recklessly with them watching."
Yun Nai and Whirlpool True looked at each other, both somewhat stunned by his relaxed attitude.
"Jaxon," Yun Nai began, brows furrowed, "Konoha's clearly targeting us now. Are you sure we're still safe here?"
She wasn't the naïve girl from days ago. She had started noticing the cracks—reading between the lines.
Jaxon looked at her, gave a soft sigh, and stood up.
He walked over and placed a hand on her shoulder, offering a tired smile.
"Don't worry. I'll go talk to their higher-ups. Maybe this can still be resolved peacefully."
"No, young master!" Whirlpool True cut in sharply, stepping forward. "That's far too risky!"
He looked Jaxon straight in the eye, his tone hard as steel.
"You've already drawn too much attention from this village. We don't know who's truly friendly and who just wants to use us—or worse, silence us."
"I appreciate your concern," Jaxon replied quietly, "but I'm not going to hide behind walls either."
"I've already shaken the system just by being here. If they want to make a move, they will. I might as well face it head-on."
Yun Nai clenched her fists tightly. "But what if something happens to you?"
"If something happens," Jaxon said with a smirk, "then I'll make sure to drag a few of them down with me."
He turned, walking off into the shadows of the hall.
Neither Yun Nai nor Whirlpool True spoke.
But deep down, both knew something had changed. The air in Konoha was no longer just tense.
It was poisonous.
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