Just as the elders began discussing a plan, an elder with a few strands of white hair approached Uchiha Gen and sat beside him, speaking as though to himself. "Although you're acting a little strange today, I can tell that you really are Lingchuan."
"What a coincidence. I think I'm myself, too."
The elder was momentarily speechless. After a brief silence, he said, "...Take it as a compliment. Although your attitude makes people want to punch you, one good thing about you is that you never lie about anything important."
That was also why, after a brief moment of doubt, they had chosen to believe Uchiha Gen.
Before Uchiha Gen could make a snarky remark, the elder continued without giving him a chance to speak. "Anyway, I have a request. You could call it a selfish wish of mine. Once the fighting begins, I'd like you to protect a little one, provided it doesn't endanger your own safety."
"...Who?"
"Kushina Uzumaki."
Uchiha Gen silently watched the "little hothead" who had been summoned inside. Remembering how little Kushina had happened to walk past earlier and seen his clone fold "Ito" into a neat square, scaring her into running away, his expression grew somewhat peculiar.
Little Kushina had beautiful long red hair, with a gold hair clip fastened on the left side. Her face was still rather round with childhood, making her look especially adorable.
Yet the instant the little princess caught sight of Uchiha Gen, she froze. When she recovered, her little face scrunched up and her lips puckered. Shimmering tears welled in her eyes, and she looked ready to burst into tears.
Then Uchiha Gen made a face at her, moving his lips slightly as though to say, Hey, little crybaby~
Suddenly, with a burst of temper that came