Madara Uchiha fell silent for a moment, then suddenly asked, sounding conflicted, "Couldn't... you just look directly at my memories?"
"I have that power." Yae Miko shook her head. "But why don't I look directly at your memories? Unlike Old Grandmother, I respect children's privacy. I'd rather hear it from you. You don't have to share anything you don't want to."
Despite what she said, Yae Miko's thoughts at that moment were: The real issue is that I'm afraid of seeing something that'll burn my eyes. It wouldn't be good if I saw something I shouldn't.
Yet at those words, Madara Uchiha seemed to remember something. His voice softened as he said, "You really are very humble and kind."
Madara had recalled the unscrupulous Old Woman.
Yanbai had said that Old Grandmother liked collecting intimate videos of the younger generation whenever she had the chance, then hiding in a corner to watch them every day...
Yae Miko offered no explanation and simply smiled. "You're too kind. You can begin."
Madara Uchiha then began recounting his experiences over the years in a calm voice, using plain, unembellished words.
An unknown amount of time passed.
With a serious expression, Yae Miko joined the conversation, guiding Madara Uchiha so he could finish his account smoothly.
"...You met when you were young, because of Hashirama?"
Nothing unusual showed on Yae Miko's face.
"...So Old Grandmother told you about the fate that should originally have unfolded?"
"...That means you know what you would have become without Yanbai."
"...Hmm, so all that happened afterward, too? You really have been through a lot..."
Yae Miko sighed repeatedly. On the surface, she seemed to be lamenting Madara Uchiha's experiences, but inwardly she grumbled: *Damn... That old hag imprisoned my favorite child for so long, and so many things