Sen rolled his eyes. "Third Elder, I still prefer the unruly way you looked when we first met."
Third Elder smiled awkwardly. "Lord Sen, please stop teasing these old bones of mine—"
Seeing that Kushina was breathing evenly, Sen nodded. "Mikoto, I'll leave Kushina in your care. If anything happens, I'll be here immediately."
Then he said to Third Elder, "Prepare a room for me. Things haven't been peaceful these past few days. I'll stay closer to prevent any accidents."
Third Elder hurriedly nodded and gave the orders, then tactfully said, "You two talk. I'll go handle the clan affairs first."
Sen nodded, then cared for Kushina together with Mikoto.
Soon, after dinner, night fell.
In the room, Mikoto looked at Kushina on the bed, then at Uchiha Hikari beside her, before shooting Sen a resentful glare. "Be honest with me—how many more girls are you planning to stuff into my room? So I can prepare in advance and expand it!"
Sen waved a hand. "It's fine. If it won't fit, I'll build you a new one."
He turned toward the window and looked at the thick clouds blanketing the sky, his gaze darkening slightly. "This weather... truly is perfect for a moonless, windy night."
Mikoto was about to grab a pillow and throw it at him, but hearing the implication in his words, she paused and asked doubtfully, "Did something happen? You've seemed distracted ever since you came back."
"There is indeed something important I need to tell you." Sen suddenly walked toward Mikoto with a mischievous grin. "I've been afraid of the dark lately. How about we sleep together tonight?"
"In your dreams!" Mikoto's face reddened as she pointed at Sen. "Say another word of nonsense and I'll scream!"
Sen chuckled and stopped teasing her. He turned and