Inside the tent.
Three men sat facing one another, silent for a moment.
"That's the situation, so..."
Shinji looked at Uchiha Fugaku's dark expression. "Uncle Fugaku, I'm afraid you'll have to bear with it. After all... killing a Mangekyo Sharingan-wielding Uchiha will make a stronger impression than killing a Hyuga clan head. Don't worry. Word won't reach Konoha."
"Besides, I don't want Aunt Mikoto to grieve all over again."
Hyuga Hiashi turned to look out the window.
His expression was a little strange.
Uchiha Fugaku nodded helplessly. "Since it's your plan, Shinji, I have to support you as your elder, no matter what..."
"Good."
Shinji smiled faintly. "Now, let's discuss the next step. Once the eastern front facing Kirigakure has been 'routed'..."
The night was moonless.
Uchiha Kika leaned against a treetop and stared into the distance. Her arms were crossed, her fingers tapping impatiently against them, her pretty face full of agitation.
She didn't look the least bit ladylike.
Shinji sat on a tree trunk and said helplessly, "Can't you calm down?"
Uchiha Kika rolled her eyes. "I'm an Uchiha, not a Hyuga. Why should I be calm? Isn't having a temper only natural?"
Shinji shook his head. "At least try to act like a woman. How are you going to get married someday? Learn how to be a lady from Shusui."
"Learn from her? Ha!"
Uchiha Kika looked ready to laugh, then said coldly, "If anyone dares marry me, I'll bash his head in!"
"..."
Seeing there was no getting through to her, Shinji could only give up.
He gazed into the distance.
His eyes narrowed. "Here they come... Let the show begin!"
At the far end of the dense forest, Mei Terumi led a squad toward them. She moved like a leopardess, her gaze sharp.
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