Izumi's Sadness

After Izumi finished speaking, she pointed toward a tea shop that had appeared ahead.

Itachi had walked out of the Uchiha Clan's settlement a few minutes ago and was currently in the central district of the village.

Itachi was not worried about being seen walking with her.

He was simply taking a walk with a friend.

There were no other intentions.

A straight tree does not fear a crooked shadow; Itachi had never been a person who feared gossip.

"Excuse me, there are two of us."

Uchiha Izumi said this as she sat on a bench covered in red cloth outside the shop.

Itachi sat down next to her.

"Coming."

A familiar voice drifted out from the shop.

"Oh! Isn't this Izumi!"

This voice, thick with a local dialect, belonged to a former classmate from Uchiha Izumi's class.

"Ran."

"Long time no see!"

Itachi was not very familiar with this person.

He simply watched the two of them as they chatted.

"Hmm? Is he your boyfriend?"

Ran placed two cups of tea on the bench, her eyes sparkling as she asked.

"Itachi is just my friend."

A sudden flush of red rose to Uchiha Izumi's cheeks.

She felt a little shy at her friend's teasing.

Even so, Uchiha Izumi looked at Itachi with a sense of anticipation.

"Boring."

Itachi's expression remained blank, and his tone lacked any emotional fluctuation.

His mother, the village, the Uchiha Clan.

The various matters involving these three parties weighed heavily on his mind.

In the past, he might have been able to maintain a facade of indifference, but after seeing Shimizu meeting with his mother in secret yesterday, he could no longer keep up that composure.

"Izumi, your friend is really cold."

Ran cast a look at Uchiha Izumi that suggested she should give up.