After Hinata left.
The guards' voices came from outside once more.
"Clan Head."
"Elder Fugaku and Lady Mikoto have come to visit with young master Sasuke."
Oh?
Uchiha Yao raised an eyebrow slightly.
What was meant to come had come after all.
Inside the reception hall.
The atmosphere was somewhat oppressive.
Uchiha Fugaku sat in a wheelchair. His once imposing face, which had never needed anger to inspire awe, was now filled with pleading.
Uchiha Mikoto stood behind him, her hands tightly resting on her husband's shoulders.
Before them stood a small, thin figure.
Second Pillar.
He kept his head lowered, his hands in his pockets, silently resisting the entire world.
Uchiha Yao entered at an unhurried pace, sat down in the seat of honor without concern for anyone else, picked up the tea the maid had prepared beforehand, and gently blew away the steam.
He said nothing.
He simply left the family of three hanging there.
In the end, Fugaku was the first to lose his composure.
He maneuvered his wheelchair a little closer, then lowered his once-proud head toward Uchiha Yao.
"Clan Head."
Uchiha Fugaku's voice carried deep desperation.
"I know this request is extremely presumptuous."
"But... I still wish to ask you to take Sasuke as your disciple."
After speaking, Mikoto behind him also bowed deeply.
"Please, Clan Head!"
Sasuke's body suddenly stiffened.
He raised his head, his dark eyes filled with anger and confusion.
"Father! Mother! What are you doing?!"
"I don't need a teacher!"
"I—"
"Shut up, Sasuke!"
Fugaku cut him off with a stern shout.
Sasuke froze from the rebuke. His lips moved, but in the end, he swallowed his words unwillingly.
Fugaku turned back to Uchiha Yao, his eyes nearly carrying a trace of supplication.
"Clan Head, this child... his eyes have been