Uchiha Hikari's Tea Ceremony

"I..."

Mito Uzumaki struggled internally, her fingers tightly clenched together.

To give the Yin Seal to this Uchiha would be a betrayal of the Uzumaki Clan!

Seeing that Mito Uzumaki couldn't get the next words out, Shimizu slapped her.

Smack!

The crisp, lingering sound of the strike echoed by the river, weaving into the ceaseless rush of the water.

"What was that sound?"

Both Hashirama and Madara were ninjas, and since both were worried about members of their respective clans tracking them down, they were incredibly sensitive to noise.

"I'll go check."

Hashirama stepped out before Madara, heading toward the source.

"Quick... leave quickly!"

Mito Uzumaki lowered her voice, which was filled with panic, as she shook Shimizu's arm.

She was still soaking wet, and the two of them were standing in a very conspicuous spot.

If Hashirama arrived, she wouldn't be able to clear her name even if she jumped into the river.

"The Yin Seal."

Shimizu said indifferently.

"We'll talk about it when we get back, not here."

Mito Uzumaki pleaded.

Unfortunately, Shimizu remained unmoved.

Rustle...

Hashirama stepped on the gravel, his face full of vigilance, which made Madara, following behind, feel tense as well.

He had only just snuck out of his clan's territory.

Surely no one from his clan had discovered him sneaking off to this place.

"Go~"

Mito Uzumaki's heart was in her throat, and she squeezed her eyes shut.

Hashirama was only a few steps away from her.

Once he pulled back the concealing bushes, everything would be exposed!

"Hashirama, how about I go?"

Just then, Madara spoke up.

"No need, I've got it."

Hashirama stopped in his tracks, turned back to give Madara a reassuring smile, and continued toward the bushes where the sound had originated.

"I can give it to you, I