Uchiha Itachi lowered his eyes. "I... went to their clan grounds, identified myself, and told them that Lord Yanbai thought highly of them and wanted to adopt them..."
Before Yanbai could respond to those words, Madara spoke.
"What gives you the right to speak for Yanbai?" Madara Uchiha sneered. "Has Yanbai ever once said in this life that he wanted to adopt these two children?"
Madara Uchiha understood now.
Yanbai's prestige had already surpassed that of anyone else in the shinobi world.
What Uchiha Itachi had said was little different from a threat. However reluctant the Kaguya Clan and the Yuki Clan might have been to part with these children, they had no choice but to hand them over.
Who would dare defy Yanbai now?
But this also tarnished Yanbai's reputation.
Madara Uchiha found such conduct repulsive.
Uchiha Itachi did not respond to Madara's mockery, instead looking steadily at Yanbai.
Yanbai pinched the bridge of his nose. "Itachi, these two children... were their lives just as troubled as before?"
Uchiha Itachi thought for a few seconds, then shook his head. "No. Haku came from an ordinary background and didn't stand out in the Yuki Clan. His family wasn't particularly wealthy, but he lived a quiet, happy life. Both his parents were alive, and he and his siblings got along well."
"Kimimaro awakened Shikotsumyaku at a very young age, so his clan protected him well. He also held a high position within the family."
After explaining this, Uchiha Itachi suddenly realized something. Looking somewhat dejected, he said, "I'm sorry. I didn't think it through. I thought... you would still like them."
At those words, Madara Uchiha cast Uchiha Itachi a meaningful glance, scoffing at his explanation.
Yanbai's expression remained calm. "I would still like them. They're both good children. But Itachi,