REVIEWS AND POWERSTONES PLSSS!!!!!Chapter 77: Direct and Burning
Five years passed in the blink of an eye, and the shinobi world welcomed a long-absent tranquility.
Ever since the day Yu carved out that heaven-splitting strike in the desert, the turbulent undercurrents had completely fallen silent.
That single blow didn't just cleave the earth—it shattered the ambitions of other hidden villages and powerful organizations.
The Four Great Shinobi Villages successively submitted peace agreements to Konoha, the process so simple it was almost bland.
No lengthy negotiations, no convoluted confrontations—as if everything should naturally be this way.
The balance that the First Hokage had barely maintained by distributing the Tailed Beasts was now forcibly established by Yu's absolute power.
People whispered a shared understanding: deep within Konoha's foundation slumbered a blade sharp enough to overturn the entire shinobi world.
Now, Sasuko had blossomed into a stunning beauty.
Her waterfall of straight black hair cascaded to her waist, snow-white skin appearing even more translucent against the dark strands. Those uniquely Uchiha obsidian eyes carried a cool luster when they moved, yet only in Yu's presence would this coldness instantly melt, taking on a unique intimacy and dependence.
Like right now, as she tugged lightly at Yu's sleeve, her tone carrying obvious expectation.
"Yu! You should let me graduate this year, right?" She leaned closer, tilting her face up to look at him. "The academy teachers haven't had anything left to teach me for ages."
This was the countless-th time she'd made the same request. In truth, Sasuko's abilities had been sufficient for graduation as an honor student years ago.
But Yu always believed children should properly enjoy their school life—after all, with him overseeing Konoha, there was no need for minors to shoulder shinobi missions, especially not Sasuko.
"You haven't finished the theoretical curriculum yet." Yu deliberately put on a stern face, though his fingertips gently brushed her hair. "At least wait until next spring?"
Sasuko anxiously grabbed his arm, her tone growing more urgent. "But everyone from my year has already graduated! There are only a few people left in class now..." She pouted pitifully. "And... I don't like some of the atmosphere at school."
That last half-sentence was the real point.
Ever since Sasuko shed her childish appearance, clueless boys kept trying to approach her. Though she easily brushed off several of them, their gazes still irritated her.
"Yu!" She softened her voice, full of dependence. "Just say yes."
If the male students who elevated her to an untouchable goddess at school saw this scene, they'd be shocked speechless—the cold and noble Uchiha princess in their eyes was currently clinging to her brother like an affectionate cat.
Looking at the young woman pressed close to him, Yu suddenly clearly realized that the little girl from years ago had truly grown up.
He sighed softly and patted her head. "Tomorrow I'll talk to the Hokage about a special graduation exam."
Sasuko's eyes instantly lit up, but she heard Yu add, "However, if you fail the written test—" He deliberately drew out his words. "You'll obediently continue your studies for a while longer."
"I'll definitely pass on the first try!" Sasuko smiled happily, unconsciously taking another step closer.
Yu gently but firmly withdrew his hand, naturally maintaining appropriate distance. "Prepare well."
A trace of barely perceptible disappointment flashed through Sasuko's eyes.
Yu, honestly...
In this era, women married quite early, with many girls becoming wives at young ages.
And after reaching adulthood, Yu became increasingly handsome and extraordinary. His ink-black tousled hair set off jade-white skin, deep black eyes always containing distant gentleness, his tall figure appearing even more refined wrapped in a black coat. Countless daughters of prominent families secretly harbored feelings for him, yet no one dared approach this seemingly gentle yet unreachably beautiful existence.
As Yu grew more outstandingly handsome, Sasuko's sense of crisis grew heavier by the day.
Over these years, Sasuko had tried countless times to spend more time with Yu.
She'd deliberately run to Yu's room after bathing with excuses to ask questions, hoped for more private time on her birthday, even used training as a pretext to spar with him—but Yu always maintained just the right distance, gentle yet firm, leaving her helpless.
Yet everyone else's gazes at me are so obvious...
Sasuko indeed had the capital to be proud. Her beauty and talent were renowned throughout Konoha.
Those clueless young men surged toward her like waves. Initially she'd just publicly burned love letters with Fire Style, but later she went to the pursuers' classrooms and clearly rejected several persistent boys before such harassment gradually ceased.
She wasn't the type to speak ambiguously.
Aside from Yu, any male who dared measure her with inappropriate eyes received her merciless response.
"Please maintain your distance." She'd always say this coldly to pursuers, her aura powerful and aloof.
Only when turning toward Yu would those eyes melt into spring water, even though what she received was always a gently distant response.
Just how long do I have to wait...
Sasuko had been waiting for a very long time.
Even as she grew more strikingly beautiful, Yu's gaze remained unchanged—those were the gentle eyes of an older brother watching his little sister, carrying indulgence and protection, so clear it left her somewhat discouraged.
But in front of Yu, she still worked hard to play the role of an obedient little sister.
All her urgent thoughts and passionate emotions were carefully hidden beneath clear eyes, like quietly flowing deep springs.
She didn't want to do anything that would trouble Yu, only patiently waiting, weaving bonds through companionship.
This time was the same.
Sasuko stepped closer, using her childhood tone to plead softly, "Since the exam is coming up, will Yu help me review? Just like before!"
The air filled with a faint, reassuring scent.
Yu looked down at her. Over these years, he'd long understood Sasuko's little schemes.
The night was already deep, and reviewing coursework was obviously just an excuse.
"Cramming isn't good." He gently patted her head, the motion as tender as always. "If you don't pass, it means you didn't put in enough effort normally."
Sasuko immediately showed a wronged expression. "But there are some problems that only Yu can explain clearly..." Her fingers unconsciously twisted the hem of her clothes. "Last time with that jutsu principle—I couldn't understand the teacher's explanation at all!"
In Sasuko's heart, Yu was the gentlest and most powerful person in the world.
As long as she showed that she needed him, Yu would always provide care and guidance. As long as her voice carried a trace of disappointment, even the most willful requests could usually be granted.
Her adoration was so obvious and burning that Yu couldn't possibly be unaware.
Those deliberately created moments alone, that companionship sought in the night—each was her clumsy yet sincere approach.
It was just that Yu seemed to always see her as a little sister who needed protection.
But that was fine. She was willing to wait—though occasionally she'd greedily want a bit more of his time and attention.
Just like tonight.