Mikoto Uchiha, who had finally gained her freedom, heaved a quiet sigh of relief. Daring not show any abnormality, she forced herself to remain calm and replied, "I'll be fine after a little rest."
She desperately wanted to head right back, but her legs were presently weak and sore, and that particular spot on her kimono was thoroughly soaked; she simply didn't dare stand up.
"I'll go boil some sugar water for you!"
Tamura Hiroshi said this considerately before standing up and heading toward the kitchen.
"If you're not feeling well, head back to your room to rest early. There's no need to stay and keep us company."
Uchiha Retsuyō spoke with affection; he doted on this daughter a great deal.
She was his only remaining bloodline now!
Mikoto Uchiha nodded dully, completely lacking the courage to speak again right now, her body suffering from an intense bout of exhaustion.
"Get some rest early. I need to be out for a few days, so you stay here and keep watch.
Fugaku, come with me to the shrine."
Uchiha Retsuyō didn't think much of it, and after giving those instructions, he motioned for Fugaku Uchiha to follow.
He went first to the room where ninja tools were stored, took a set of gear, and stepped out the door.
"Get some rest early!"
Uchiha Fugaku offered a concerned warning before standing up to follow him out.
Tamura Hiroshi on the other end quickly returned carrying a large mug of sugar water, set it down before Mikoto Uchiha, and said gently, "I used ice cubes to cool it down quickly, so the temperature is just right."
Mikoto Uchiha didn't stand on ceremony either, taking it and gulping it all down in one go, which finally made her feel a bit better.
Then she