"Hey." Sasuke Uchiha's voice was hoarse. He stared fixedly at Toru Kujyo, his eyes burning with jealousy and longing. "What's that move called? Teach me!"
Toru Kujyo landed, brushed nonexistent dust from his sleeves, and glanced at him, his tone as casual as if he were saying, "Nice weather today."
"You can't learn it."
"Why?!" Sasuke's pride had taken a crushing blow.
"Because you're too weak."
That emotionless statement hurt more than any taunt. Sasuke's face instantly turned a livid purple, and his clenched fists cracked.
But Toru Kujyo couldn't be bothered with him anymore. He looked up at the distant ruins still billowing black smoke-the spot where his home had once stood-and his expression instantly darkened.
"My original body is cleaning up Root's mess, and my shadow clone is causing trouble at the Hokage Building... and after all that, my house gets demolished?" he grumbled under his breath, his voice full of pained regret. "What kind of teamwork is this? Do I have to cover the expenses myself, too?"
"Toru..." Hinata Hyuga had approached at some point. Seeing his rarely displayed frustration, she gently comforted him. "The house... can be rebuilt."
Toru Kujyo sighed and waved a hand. "Forget it. I'll go find the important things first."
He turned and flew toward the ruins, and Hinata immediately followed.
Watching the two leave, Kakashi and Guy exchanged a glance, each seeing the gravity in the other's eyes. Kurenai Yuhi collected herself and told the others, "Keep heading to the Interrogation Department. Don't worry about them. With the strength he just showed, ordinary enemies won't stand a chance."
Everyone acknowledged her orders, but an unusual silence settled over them as they escorted the prisoners.
Above the ruins of the Hyuga Residence, Toru Kujyo's eyes were gently closed, pale golden light