Uchiha Gin, blinded in both eyes, could clearly sense the extreme emotions of the surviving clan members around him. Overwhelming malice swept toward him, weighing heavily on the usually optimistic and sunny boy.
Even if what had happened had not been guided by his own will, it was ultimately his power that had caused the clan members such painful harm.
Not only had his uncle, Uchiha Tajima, lost his family, but afterward, he would surely be criticized by clan members with nowhere to vent their emotions. Whether he could even keep his position as clan leader was uncertain.
"A Gin, what did you say?!"
The girl who cared deeply for Uchiha Gin hurriedly asked when she heard his words.
"A Gin, this isn't your fault. I fell for the enemy's diversionary tactic. If you hadn't stopped them, the Clan Grounds might have suffered total destruction."
After a long while, Uchiha Tajima, whose eyes had been dull and vacant, finally spoke.
"No. If I don't step forward and bear this crime, the clan members will never forgive you."
Uchiha Gin shook his head, staring at Uchiha Tajima with empty eyes.
"Are you truly going to do this?"
Sensing his resolve, Uchiha Tajima asked with a frown. He did not blame his nephew for the tragedy at the Clan Grounds. Uchiha Gin had already done everything he could.
"Anyway, I can't see now. I'll be nothing but a cripple from now on."
Having already guessed that he had gone blind from overusing his eyes, Uchiha Gin said with a self-mocking laugh.
"No! I won't allow it! You still have so many promises you haven't fulfilled. You're not allowed to leave me!"
Feeling Uchiha Gin drifting farther and farther away, tears filled the girl's eyes as she desperately clutched the boy's thin arm.