"Prejudice in people's hearts is like a mountain. No matter how hard an Uchiha tries, they can never move it. Captain Tsunade, do you know that?"
These words, spoken so lightly inside the cave, made Tsunade's pupils contract. In the silent cavern, even Orochimaru and the gravely wounded Jiraiya could hear them.
Beneath his sorrowful gaze, Uchiha Yoru looked at Tsunade with a yearning smile.
"How I wished you would be like you were just now!"
Uchiha Yoru seemed unable to describe it. He gestured with his hands, then finally pointed at Jiraiya. His eyes shone with hopeful envy before gradually dimming.
Rumble!
The cave suddenly shook. Orochimaru's expression hardened as he said in a low voice, "The Rock Shinobi are about to blast the entrance shut."
Orochimaru then hoisted Jiraiya onto his back, cast a calm glance behind him, and turned his gaze toward the cave entrance.
Those words revealed Uchiha Yoru's heart, while also forcing Tsunade into a tremendous choice.
Who was more important, Uchiha Yoru or Jiraiya?
In terms of combat strength for the village, Jiraiya won!
In terms of feelings, Jiraiya was a companion who had grown up with them since childhood, while Uchiha Yoru was merely a brat she had known for less than two years.
At most, Nawaki's matter had added a measure of guilt.
Uchiha Yoru had known his place from the start. That was why he had chosen to take this gamble!
"Captain Tsunade!"
Watching Orochimaru carry Jiraiya toward the entrance to stand guard, Uchiha Yoru revealed a calm smile in the dim cave.
"This is what it means to be a ninja!"
"Shut up!"
At that moment, bloodshot anger flooded Tsunade's light-brown eyes. She was not angry at him, but at herself. When Jiraiya was in danger, she could confront Orochimaru