Senju Fujima suddenly noticed that Tie Kui was nearby as well. He paused in slight surprise, then grew puzzled when he sensed that Hiruzen Sarutobi was not by her side.
"Go ask what happened."
Looking at the still-sleeping Shizuka Uchiha, Senju Fujima smiled gently. He carefully laid her on a reclining chair, then got up and walked toward Tie Kui.
"Fujima is coming over?"
Seeing Senju Fujima approach, Tie Kui could not hide the excitement in her eyes. She fidgeted helplessly, not knowing what to do.
"Tie Kui, why are you here alone?"
"Why isn't Little Monkey with you?"
Senju Fujima looked at Tie Kui before him in confusion, unable to understand why she was not with Hiruzen Sarutobi.
"I-I...!"
Tie Kui looked as though she wanted to speak but could not, staring at Senju Fujima without knowing what to say.
"Oh?"
"Did he bully you?"
"If he did, remember to tell me. I'll help you teach Little Monkey a lesson."
"Hehe! I'm not his big brother for nothing."
"I still have that much authority."
Seeing Tie Kui hesitate, Senju Fujima's lips curled up slightly as he smiled at her.
Bang...!
At that moment, Tie Kui rushed straight into Senju Fujima's arms and hugged him tightly. Her eyes reddened as she could no longer suppress the love in her heart.
"Uh?"
"T-Tie Kui? What's wrong?"
Senju Fujima's body jolted from her embrace, disbelief flashing through his eyes.
"Ah?"
"H-Hiruzen, Tie Kui? Tie Kui is up ahead, h-hugging Fujima?"
Just then, Hiruzen Sarutobi's group of three happened to pass by. When Utatane Koharu saw this, she was completely stunned. One hand covered her mouth as she stared wide-eyed at the scene before her in utter disbelief.
"Hmm?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi turned to look. Sure enough, dozens of meters away, Tie Kui was