Uchiha Mikoto remembered the last time she had seen that expression on Uchiha Yin's face. Quite a few people had suffered for it.
What had set him off this time? She couldn't help wondering.
Mikoto was just about to ask him when someone suddenly rushed up from behind and hugged her.
She turned her head slightly. It was Kurotsuchi, her eyes full of fear and hurt.
In that instant, Mikoto knew the girl behind her had probably caused this mess.
After a moment's thought, Mikoto tucked Kurotsuchi behind her.
Yin stopped in front of Mikoto. Keeping his voice as steady as he could, he said softly, "Mikoto, come talk with me."
Mikoto felt a little relieved. If Yin had gone straight to Kurotsuchi, this would have been much harder to resolve.
She gave Kurotsuchi a reassuring pat on the head, then followed Yin until they were well out of earshot.
As Yin looked at Mikoto, the menace slowly drained from his face, leaving only helplessness.
Mikoto stared at the change in surprise. She hadn't known anything could trouble him this much.
Yin seemed to have trouble finding the words. After a long pause, he finally said, "Mikoto, what's been going on with Kurotsuchi lately? She lost her temper with me this morning!"
Mikoto almost laughed, but she managed to hold it in.
She knew that if she laughed aloud, the man in front of her would probably leave her there and walk away.
So she took her time before saying, "That doesn't sound right. Kurotsuchi has always been so well-behaved. She trains hard, she's made remarkable progress, and she's grateful to you. Why would she lose her temper with you?"
Even Mikoto was beginning to have doubts. She gave him an accusing look. "What did you do this morning?"
Yin