After they returned to Konoha, the rain had just stopped, leaving the streets damp and muddy.
The mingled smell of blood and dust had yet to fully dissipate. Vendors were putting their stalls back in order, and pedestrians hurried along in a flustered but orderly stream.
Inside the Hokage's Office, Tsunade, the Fifth Hokage, stood at the window, her gaze cold as she watched the village being rebuilt outside.
She held a new troop deployment chart, her brows tightly furrowed.
"We need to put the campaign against the Akatsuki on the agenda as soon as possible."
Tsunade's voice was full of authority, hoarse but powerful.
"Konoha needs to send strong fighters too, but someone has to stay behind to protect the village..."
Shizune carefully leafed through the intelligence reports beside her. "Besides... none of our tailed beasts have been captured..."
Tsunade gave a low, cold chuckle. "Hmph. When it comes down to it, Kumogakure should be the one in a hurry, not us."
Outside, sunlight finally broke through the clouds, falling across Konoha's red bricks and blue-gray roof tiles. Everything looked peaceful.
Yet a faint, oppressive atmosphere hung over one street corner.
"No way, Yemu... that's who you really are?"
"So you knew too, Qingxue?"
Hinata Hyuga's voice trembled faintly. Though her tone was calm, she seemed to be forcing herself to stay composed.
She stood beside Yemu with her head lowered, her eyelashes quivering slightly in the sunlight.
Just then, Qingxue Uchiha slowly stepped forward, a faint smile curling at her lips, her eyes curving like gentle ripples on water.
"Of course. Sorry, but I've known Yemu's real identity for a long time."
Her tone was flippant, the last words carrying a touch of pride, as though she were deliberately showing off.
Those words struck Hinata straight through