Night had fallen, and the moonlight was clear as water.
After leaving the Uchiha Clan Compound, Uchiha Ao chose not to linger on those streets steeped in an oppressive atmosphere. Led by the Anbu assigned to guide him, the two figures flitted like ghosts across Konoha's rooftops before finally stopping at a tranquil spot on the very outskirts of the village.
It was an exquisitely designed Japanese courtyard, hidden behind a lush grove as though cut off from the world.
Pushing open the heavy wooden gate revealed a scene of secluded beauty. The courtyard covered an enormous area. Though located on the outskirts, it showed no trace of desolation; instead, every corner carried an understated air of luxury and elegance. A winding stream fed by mountain spring water circled the main house, while several verdant bamboo stalks swayed gently in the evening breeze, their soft rustling mingling with the occasional clack of a Shishi-odoshi in the distance, making the surroundings seem all the quieter.
The taciturn Anbu stopped, turned to face Uchiha Ao, and bowed respectfully. "Lord Ao, this courtyard was specially prepared for you by the Hokage. He instructed that from this day onward, it belongs to you. As for the Uchiha Clan Compound, you may naturally return there whenever you wish. But if you do not wish to be bound by all those tedious formalities, this will be your finest place to rest."
Uchiha Ao stood with his hands behind his back, his gaze sweeping over the carefully arranged courtyard as a playful curve formed at the corner of his mouth.
This Hokage really knew how to play his cards.
This was not merely a luxurious residence. It was also an exquisite birdcage, as well as a sweetened gesture of goodwill. Placing him on the outskirts of the