"I hope your convictions won't waver anymore either, Shisui!"
"If we can't even protect the clan that gave birth to us and raised us, what meaning is there in living?"
Xia Le strode out of the tent.
Everyone inside fell silent, but that silence was deafening.
For every one of their hearts was in turmoil.
Their own clan had been attacked by the village, and former friends had now become enemies. Once their anger subsided a little, those tangled feelings became all the harder to bear.
Within a few strides, Xia Le had entered Fugaku's tent.
"Are you ready?"
He asked calmly.
Fugaku drew a deep breath, glanced at his weeping wife, then abruptly bent down, picked up the armor beside him, and put it on.
"All I care about is whether you've truly made up your mind."
His gaze swept over Xia Le, fixing on him coldly.
"Heh!"
Xia Le chuckled.
He turned and left.
Fugaku hurried after him, with Mikoto's loud sobs rising from the tent behind them.
"No, don't go!"
"They won't spare you, Fugaku, Xia Le!"
Fugaku's face twitched, and he clenched his fists.
"Leave some seeds behind for the Uchiha! Itachi is still young, and we still have clansmen left!"
Mikoto's voice rang out.
Fugaku drew a deep breath and looked at the figure ahead, whose back was turned to him.
To one side, the Nagato Squad strode out and fell into step beside him.
"Can you bring yourselves to do it?"
Fugaku asked through gritted teeth.
"Yes!"
Nagato nodded.
"Good!"
Fugaku laughed aloud.
The disciples Xia Le had taken in exceeded his expectations in both resolve and strength, giving him some comfort today.
"If we go back today and can't make it out again..."
"Then we'll be buried there forever!"
Fugaku Uchiha said gravely.