"Your three can go. I'm letting you leave."
Uchiha Gen looked at the retainers beside him, each older than the last, his feelings complicated. Yuki Kiyoshi was no longer as alluring as he had been in his youth. With a head full of silver hair, he finally looked like a proper man.
Uzumaki Shibaki was deeply saddened by the departure of their companions. Her wrinkled face was pursed, no longer as lively as before, while Meigetsu remained as taciturn as ever.
The three were heartbroken over the deaths of companions who had been with them for so long. Upon hearing Uchiha Gen's words, they understood what he meant. They said nothing further, accepted the farewell gifts he had given them, and left.
The three headed in different directions. Uchiha Gen watched their figures gradually disappear into the distance and sighed at the brevity of life.
In the end, his Chakra Breathing Method had failed to change fate. People still died when they were meant to die; there was no stopping it.
"This technique still has major flaws. No matter how much one strengthens their cells, it won't increase their vitality. It can only slow aging..."
Uchiha Gen had never been able to figure out whether Yang Release Chakra was truly related to vitality. If it was, then why were the lifespans of the Senju Clan and Akimichi Clan not particularly long? If it was not, then why did the Uzumaki Clan live such long lives?
"Master, stop looking. Let's go back."
Itono supported Uchiha Gen, her face full of concern.
"Alright, let's go back."
Yanta and Miyue exchanged a glance beside them, silently packed up the ritual offerings, then each picked up an urn and followed after him.
After returning to the courtyard villa in the woods, Uchiha Gen began