Kurotsuchi stood off to the side, looking worried the entire time. When she saw Uchiha Yin approach without Uchiha Mikoto beside him, her heart sank.
For a moment, she thought she was done for.
But as Uchiha Yin drew closer, a glimmer of hope returned.
He was smiling, and his expression was as warm as it had been when she first saw Master Yin earlier.
Much of her sulky mood faded, leaving her feeling more hurt than angry.
Uchiha Yin stopped in front of Kurotsuchi. He could not decide whether to keep smiling or let the smile fade, and his face stiffened awkwardly.
After a few attempts to adjust his expression, he settled into a calm look and sighed. "You'd better not do that again."
"Your position is still rather delicate. If people notice the attitude you've been hiding, they're bound to make a fuss. I can protect you from harm, but I can't stop the rumors."
His expression grew especially serious. "And even if I speak up for you, it'll only make them think worse of you. Life in Konoha would become very difficult."
He spoke with such solemn sincerity that Kurotsuchi lost herself for a moment.
She just stared at Uchiha Yin in a daze.
Uchiha Yin sighed helplessly at the sight of her. "Come back to me, Kurotsuchi."
Only then did Kurotsuchi snap out of it, her face instantly turning red.
As she thought back over what Uchiha Yin had said, she blushed even harder.
She had assumed Master Yin had lost his temper with her because he liked Kurenai Yuhi more.
Chapter 592: A Lonely Past
She had never imagined he was so worried because he cared about the situation she was in. Guilt flooded Kurotsuchi's heart.
Kurotsuchi had no idea how to explain herself. She