Hiruzen Sarutobi saw Qingyun being stopped by Uchiha Tennai. After the two exchanged a few words, Uchiha Tennai tossed Qingyun a Scroll, and a trace of doubt rose in Hiruzen's heart.
The Uchiha Clan Head noticed Hiruzen Sarutobi's expression and secretly rejoiced. Outwardly, he kept urging him to drink, seemingly no different from before, though his smile had grown considerably brighter.
With the Uchiha Clan Head entertaining him so attentively, Hiruzen Sarutobi recalled how Qingyun had grown over the years. Understanding dawned on him, and he inwardly shook his head.
Qingyun had not returned to the Uchiha when he was weak. Now that he was powerful, Hiruzen Sarutobi did not believe he would join them over a few forbidden jutsu. Doing so would benefit Qingyun in no way.
Meanwhile, after accepting Uchiha Tennai's Scroll, Qingyun headed toward Konoha Market with Kushina.
He was also wondering what Hiruzen Sarutobi would think after seeing him interact with the Uchiha's grand elder. If Hiruzen Sarutobi stopped trusting him over this, Qingyun would be deeply disappointed.
After all, although he had never possessed a firm belief in the Will of Fire like Minato Namikaze, he felt he had treated Hiruzen Sarutobi and Konoha well enough. If Hiruzen Sarutobi distrusted him over such a trivial matter, Qingyun would have no qualms about taking Kushina with him and defecting.
Kushina noticed that Qingyun seemed different from usual. Though curious, she did not ask much. She trusted him and would support whatever he wanted to do.
"You haven't eaten. How about we get some Yakiniku?"
Qingyun looked at Kushina, who had stayed quietly beside him, and gave her soft hand a gentle squeeze as he spoke.
"Sure! I haven't had Yakiniku in ages."
At his words, a radiant smile appeared on Kushina's face.
"How about letting us