"I don't need you to sacrifice yourselves to prove anything. What I want are people who are alive, useful, and capable of becoming a real source of strength in the future, not a pile of worn-out tools."
Those words were both a reprimand and an expression of concern for Shiori, as well as a declaration and reassurance to everyone present.
The effect was clear.
The unease and bewilderment in many people's eyes faded considerably, replaced by a faint sense of anticipation and belonging.
Uchiha Makoto watched the crowd gradually settle down, pleased.
The Uzumaki Clan's loyalty and potential were an important part of his future plans.
Today's incident had given him the perfect opportunity to establish his authority and win people over.
"Yako, take her to get those wounds treated, and let her rest," Uchiha Makoto instructed Yako before turning to Shiori. "Your ability is unusual. I'll arrange specialized training for you so you can put it to better use instead of hurting yourself. Take good care of your daughter."
Shiori nodded firmly, and for the first time, a light called hope kindled in her eyes.
Uchiha Makoto turned to leave, already considering how to incorporate this Uzumaki mother and daughter's unusual constitutions into his "bloodline fusion" or "special talent development" plans.
The base's population was growing, new territory was being planned for, and rare materials were being collected...
Everything was moving steadily in the direction he had laid out.
A faint mixture of disinfectant and medicinal herbs hung in the base's separate infirmary. The lighting was brighter than in the residential area, illuminating Shiori's pale yet stubborn face.
Uchiha Makoto sat in a chair with a backrest, his hands folded over his knees, watching Yako carefully apply ointment to the overlapping bite marks, old and new, on Shiori's arm.