Lingyue's Kiss

Regarding this, Uchiha Tenshu was utterly speechless.

He had tried to explain himself.

He had explained that it was he who helped Uchiha Yukino emerge from her isolation and loneliness, and he who helped her build a sense of hope.

Unfortunately, for someone like Uchiha Lingyue, who was an extreme sister-complex, reasoning was simply not an option.

In Uchiha Tenshu's eyes, even though Uchiha Lingyue was a beautiful girl—her pretty, cold, and aloof face like an iceberg—it struck a chord with his personal preferences.

Yet, every time Uchiha Tenshu opened his mouth to speak, he was coldly interrupted by Uchiha Lingyue before he could get a word out: "No need to explain. I don't want to hear it."

She crossed her arms over her chest, her slender frame appearing quite tall, her long, straight black hair draped behind her. Her gaze was filled with unquestionable arrogance, looking down at him as if he were a bug.

Faced with such an arrogant attitude, it was genuinely infuriating.

Fortunately, at such times, Uchiha Yukino would always step in to speak up for Uchiha Tenshu. With Yukino's intervention, Tenshu could temporarily escape Lingyue's "harassment." However, while Lingyue's words were no longer aggressive, her eyes remained full of suspicion and vigilance.

No matter the time or place, she kept a wary eye on every move Uchiha Tenshu made, terrified that he might do something out of line.

Uchiha Yukino, however, would gently soothe Uchiha Lingyue, saying that Brother Tenshu was a trustworthy person and asking her not to be so hostile toward him. Uchiha Lingyue would pout, looking at her sister Yukino's attitude in disbelief, unable to fathom why her sister would protect an outsider so fiercely.

Yet, as an extreme sister-complex, Uchiha Lingyue still listened to her sister Yukino. Although she remained visibly reluctant, she was no longer as harsh as before.

Uchiha Yukino would often look at Tenshu with an apologetic smile, hoping he wouldn't mind Lingyue's temper.

In response, Uchiha Tenshu would look at Yukino's gentle expression, his inner frustration instantly dissipating, and he would smile to show he didn't take it to heart. After all, having lived two lives, he wasn't about to bicker with a little girl, not to mention that Uchiha Lingyue's actions were merely a form of protection for Yukino.

Though it was a bit excessive, having someone like that as Yukino's sister was something Uchiha Tenshu was more than happy to see.

Fortunately, after this little episode, while Uchiha Lingyue's attitude toward Uchiha Tenshu hadn't completely changed, it had softened significantly. Furthermore, after spending so much time together, and as Uchiha Tenshu told stories to Uchiha Yukino day after day, Lingyue's sharp tongue remained, but her tone had become much lighter.

The relationship between Tenshu and Yukino also seemed to undergo subtle changes through these repeated interactions.

Of course, it was mostly the daily bickering and arguments with Lingyue that gave Uchiha Tenshu a real headache; he found dealing with her quite exhausting.

"Brother Tenshu, why are you here so early today? Don't you usually come in the afternoon?"

Over here, Uchiha Tenshu had entered the room, but even with his gentle movements, he was quickly discovered by Uchiha Yukino.

The moment she saw Uchiha Tenshu, her soft, chubby, fair little face immediately broke into a most sincere smile.

She was also puzzled by the timing of his arrival.

In the past, Brother Tenshu would practice taijutsu in the morning and ninjutsu or Genjutsu at noon, only coming to her in the afternoon to study medical ninjutsu and the like together.

"I..." Uchiha Tenshu was just about to speak when he was suddenly interrupted by Uchiha Lingyue.

"Hmph, so you actually showed up!" Uchiha Lingyue's voice carried a hint of dissatisfaction and feigned indifference, her already cold little face now filled with an icy demeanor.

Although Uchiha Lingyue's behavior was the same as usual—giving Uchiha Tenshu the cold shoulder and even appearing somewhat annoyed—Uchiha Tenshu keenly sensed something different. He noticed a subtle change in her eyes; those clear pupils were slightly red, as if she had been crying.

Uchiha Lingyue seemed to realize her lack of composure. Her face flushed with panic, as if her inner thoughts had been seen through. But she quickly regained her composure, stomped her foot, and snapped, "What are you looking at, you guy? Haven't you ever seen dust get in someone's eyes? Hmph, and don't you dare say anything unnecessary, you hear me? Otherwise..."

Uchiha Lingyue shot him a warning glare.

Uchiha Tenshu knew very well that Uchiha Lingyue was specifically reminding him.

She hadn't told Uchiha Yukino about the incident involving Elder Uchiha Raimon yet.

Moreover, Uchiha Yukino's health was already poor; if she found out that something had happened to Uchiha Raimon, it would only trigger greater problems. Therefore, until now, neither of them had let Uchiha Yukino get involved in these matters.

Faced with Uchiha Tenshu's arrival, Uchiha Lingyue was so nervous precisely because she feared he might accidentally let something slip.

Uchiha Tenshu naturally understood this.

He would never dream of bringing these matters up.

Therefore, Uchiha Tenshu feigned an apologetic look and said to Yukino, "I'm really sorry, but due to some unexpected events, I have to leave the village for a mission in a little while. So, I won't be able to come by to tell you stories every day for a while!"

Uchiha Tenshu said this not as a random excuse, but as something grounded in fact, ensuring he wouldn't leave any major loopholes for himself.

"Is that so!" Uchiha Yukino nodded with a sense of helplessness. Her face didn't seem to show much, but a hint of disappointment flickered in her eyes. She still said softly, "It's alright, Brother Tenshu. You must have important things to do. Besides, I need to study medical knowledge properly, so I won't feel too lonely."

At this point, Uchiha Yukino paused. A flash of inspiration crossed her clever mind, and as if thinking of something, her brows furrowed slightly. With a look of anticipation, she continued, "But, Brother Tenshu, are you going out on this mission alone? Is it dangerous? Will there be any problems? Why don't you ask Father to send some people to help you with the mission, and you can stay behind instead?"

"Uh, th-that won't be necessary!"

Uchiha Tenshu waved his hands hurriedly. He was leaving for an important reason; if he missed this opportunity, it would be a huge hassle to find a better excuse to get out next time.

Not to mention.

This current window of time was the most advantageous moment for him to leave the village; once this opportunity was lost, things would likely only become more troublesome later on.

Furthermore, to treat Uchiha Yukino's illness, he had to visit certain specific locations to investigate.

Since those locations were also vital for his own future development, how could he possibly leave them to others?

Therefore, he had no choice but to go himself.

Regarding this, Uchiha Tenshu could only comfort Uchiha Yukino, saying, "Don't worry! My strength is quite formidable, and I specifically asked Uncle Raimon for a safe mission, so there won't be any danger! Besides, you know my personality—I wouldn't go anywhere too dangerous!"

"Mm, you must come back safe and sound!"

Seeing that she couldn't dissuade Uchiha Tenshu, Uchiha Yukino pouted, looking pitiful as she spoke.

Just as Uchiha Tenshu was about to comfort her, Uchiha Lingyue spoke up first, "Hmph, he'll be fine on his own. With his strength, could those simple missions really stump him?" Although she said this, a flicker of worry still flashed in her eyes.

Uchiha Tenshu smiled, "Yukino, don't worry, I'll take good care of myself. Although this mission has some difficulty, it won't stop me. Besides, it's more convenient for me to act alone; if I brought others, they might just hold me back."

Uchiha Yukino hesitated for a moment before finally nodding, "Alright then, Brother Tenshu, you must be careful."

Uchiha Lingyue turned her head away and muttered, "Tch, just don't go losing your life out there." Yet, her slightly clenched fists betrayed her inner anxiety.

In the time that followed.

The three of them chatted for a while longer. Uchiha Tenshu first told Yukino the story of the day, then patiently explained some medical knowledge to her, and even traded a few barbs with Lingyue.

When the time was about right.

Uchiha Tenshu stood up to take his leave, preparing to make the final arrangements for the upcoming mission.

At this, Uchiha Yukino's eyes were filled with reluctance.

"Don't worry! For the days ahead, Yukino won't be lonely. Before I leave, I'll write out a story for every day in advance. But Yukino, you can only read one story a day to keep the anticipation alive—don't finish them all at once!"

"Mm, don't worry, Brother Tenshu!"

Seeing Uchiha Yukino nod obediently, Uchiha Tenshu nodded in satisfaction and prepared to depart.

Beside him, Uchiha Lingyue followed along.

She quickly walked ahead of Uchiha Tenshu.

"I'm going to see this guy off!"

They reached the door.

As the door to Yukino's room closed behind them.

Uchiha Lingyue suddenly stopped and turned around.

"Hm? What is..."

Uchiha Tenshu, being stared at so intently, was momentarily stunned.

Before he could finish his sentence.

He saw it.

She took a deep breath, as if gathering all her courage, then quickly kissed Uchiha Tenshu on the cheek. She immediately turned bright red, stepped back a few paces, and looked away.

"Hmph, this... this is encouragement for you to return safely, don't read too much into it!" Uchiha Lingyue's voice was hurried and tinged with shyness.

Uchiha Tenshu was somewhat dumbfounded, not expecting such an action from Lingyue. Recalling how she had always picked on him, targeted him, and how they had constantly bickered, he touched his cheek where she had kissed him, a strange feeling welling up in his heart.

"Mm! Well... I'm off." Uchiha Tenshu regained his composure and said softly.

"Hurry back, and don't die out there." Uchiha Lingyue remained stubborn, but the worry in her tone could not be hidden.

Uchiha Tenshu smiled and turned to leave.

Uchiha Lingyue stood at the door, watching his back until he disappeared from sight, before slowly turning around.

The next moment, she snapped back to reality!

"It's over, it's over! How could I do something like that? How can I face Yukino now?"

Uchiha Lingyue thought, her face burning red, but the next instant, she thought of something else and nodded.

"Mm, according to what Father said, Yukino and I are inseparable; we are meant to be together forever!"

"Plus, with Father's arrangements, in that case, this doesn't really count as..."