Obito and Black Zetsu blocked their path just outside town, and Orochimaru made a fool of himself

After a few minor twists and turns over the past several days, Qingwu finally managed to rescue Uchiha Hikari.

Afterward, he stayed in the little town for a few days to make sure Uchiha Hikari could gradually accept and adjust to this entirely new world and way of life.

Perhaps this was the light she had always yearned for deep in her heart, just like the meaning behind her real name.

Now, she...

Was no longer the "Nameless" girl whom the Uchiha Clan had used as a weapon of war, whose very name had been unknown.

Now, she...

Was an adorable little girl named "Hikari."

"Hikari, let's get going." Qingwu gazed gently at Uchiha Hikari as he spoke softly. He had decided to take her to more places so she could get to know this world better.

Uchiha Hikari nodded obediently and answered, "Okay~" Her voice held a trace of barely concealed excitement and trust in Qingwu.

Then...

She followed close behind Qingwu like a docile little lamb.

The feeling of being cared for, of being cherished, was so unfamiliar yet precious to Uchiha Hikari.

Deep in her distant, hazy memories, that sort of warmth seemed to have been all but forgotten.

Yet at this very moment, she instinctively wanted to draw closer to that warmth, closer to Qingwu.

She instinctively needed that care, almost greedily savoring the love that made her feel her existence had worth.

"Heh~ Have the rats come out of their hole?"

Not long after the two left town, Qingwu raised an eyebrow, a disdainful smile curling his lips—a familiar chakra carrying an air of decay drifted through the air.

"Hikari, stand beside me." As Qingwu spoke to Uchiha Hikari, he stepped forward and stretched out an arm to shield her.

Guang's eyes burst with brilliant