Sakuya's expression was complicated when she saw Fugaku. A gentle smile appeared at the corners of her lips as she slowly said, "Fugaku, it's been a long time."
Fugaku's expression was slightly respectful, his voice carrying a hint of hoarseness.
"Big Sister Sakuya, I never expected that you had been here all this time!"
"I thought... you had long since..."
Hearing Fugaku's words, a trace of apology and guilt flashed through Sakuya's eyes. She said softly, "I'm sorry, Fugaku. All these years, I made you bear the responsibility of the clan alone... I truly failed as your older sister..."
After news of Aizen's death spread, Sakuya had chosen to leave Konoha.
She had left Fugaku, the clan head, alone to manage the vast Uchiha Clan.
Now that she saw Fugaku again, although he was younger than both her and Tokino, he looked weathered by life, far older than either of them.
The wrinkles on Fugaku's face seemed carved there by time itself. His deep nasolabial folds and slightly sunken eyes perfectly embodied the image of a middle-aged man.
Hearing Sakuya's words, Fugaku lowered his head slightly, his face equally full of guilt. His lips moved faintly as he said, "No... I'm the one who failed in my duty... The Uchiha Clan declined in my hands..."
Seeing Fugaku's expression, pain filled Sakuya's eyes. After all, he was her younger brother. Even after so many years apart, that familial bond could not be erased.
However, Tokino, standing nearby, merely glanced at the two of them. He first looked at Sakuya and said calmly, "The position of clan head was meant for Fugaku from the start. Since he is the head of the Uchiha Clan, he should naturally bear the clan's responsibilities. What does that have to do with you!?"
"Sakuya, don't take