Late at night, at the Special Guerrilla Legion headquarters in Hidden Leaf's South District.
Qian Ye leaned back in a spacious, cushioned chair and leisurely poured himself a cup of hot tea.
Two very soft knocks came from outside the door.
Uchiha Fugaku had changed into an inconspicuous set of black casual clothes. He pushed open the door and entered.
Following Fugaku were Uchiha Yan, the Seventh Legion's vanguard officer, and two trusted Jonin.
As Fugaku stepped inside, his gaze swept over the Seastone Broadsword resting at the corner of the desk, and his footsteps faltered for half a beat.
He raised both hands and took the initiative to offer Qian Ye a solemn bow.
"Captain Qian Ye, sorry to disturb you so late."
Qian Ye set down his teacup and casually pointed to the chair opposite him.
"No need to be so formal, Clan Leader Fugaku. Have a seat."
After sitting down, Fugaku could not help looking at Uchiha Yan, who stood beside Qian Ye.
Uchiha Yan stood straight, his aura steady and restrained, his skin glowing with health.
He looked nothing like the hotheaded youngsters back in the Uchiha Clan Compound who spent all day clamoring to awaken their eyes.
Fugaku's feelings were complicated. There was relief, but also an indescribable heaviness.
"I've already reviewed Yan's achievements at Blackwater Marsh."
Fugaku's voice was somewhat hoarse.
"Even Hidden Cloud's elite forces were routed. You've trained him well."
Qian Ye smiled and tapped the desk.
"Clan Leader Fugaku, you risked being discovered by the Hokage's ANBU to come see me. Surely you didn't come just to praise Yan?"
Fugaku's expression stiffened.
He fell silent for a moment before finally pouring out his pent-up frustration.
"I was there throughout the victory banquet at the Hokage Building today."
"I saw the expressions