The next day.
Natsuki slept far longer than expected.
Natsuki, who normally slept only a few hours a year, still had not woken up by nine in the morning because his soul and body were incompatible.
By then, Haku had long since awakened.
But he was extremely nervous, because Lord Natsuki would see him once he woke up.
He lay stiffly for quite a while before realizing that Lord Natsuki was sleeping soundly.
After struggling inwardly for a moment, he still felt that this was inappropriate.
Quietly moving Natsuki's hand away, he jumped out of bed and ran off before Natsuki could wake up.
He was very familiar with Orochimaru's laboratory.
After passing through two rooms, he finally found the lounge.
Kimimaro was somewhat surprised to see Haku. "Has Lord Natsuki awakened?"
Haku took two breaths, his face feeling hot.
He stammered, "N-No..."
He stretched out a hand and formed an ice crystal, holding it beside his face.
It was Kimimaro's first time seeing Haku this nervous.
"You don't want to follow Lady Tsunade's method anymore?"
Feeling his face cool down somewhat, Haku dispersed the ice crystal in his hand.
"I should just speak to Lord Natsuki directly."
"Everything Lady Tsunade suggested is too deliberate."
"Before Lord Natsuki agrees, I can't do that."
Haku looked somewhat lost. Lord Natsuki had likely already realized his feelings.
But Lord Natsuki had said nothing. Was that tacit approval, or rejection?
It left Haku's heart in turmoil.
For so many years, Tsunade had seen Natsuki as someone detached from worldly affairs.
First, she had been very curious. Natsuki had never started a family—was it because he had never found someone he liked?
Or had everyone he liked become someone he no longer liked?
Moreover, for the Uchiha Clan, who valued bloodlines above all else,