It was the beginning of the Night of the Long Moon.
Uchiha Tama brought a clansman whose serious injuries had yet to heal to the residence the Clan Leader had arranged for Yanbai.
It was afternoon.
Rain fell from the sky.
Knowing the Princess's temperament, Uchiha Tama had everyone tidy themselves up first. Even the wounded had to be cleaned up before being brought before Yanbai.
The autumn rain was fine and cold.
Wild Watermelon, Groundcherry, and Dragon Tooth Grass grew in scattered clumps throughout the courtyard, their roots deep and leaves lush.
The Clan Leader had originally wanted to send someone to tidy the courtyard, but Yanbai had stopped him.
Many of those weeds could be used as medicine. Throwing them away would be a waste.
No one really understood what those weeds were good for, but to Yanbai, these seemingly worthless plants might hold a special significance.
After all, the Forest was Yanbai's friend. Perhaps the weeds were, too.
"The members of the Uchiha Clan are all so cute... except for Madara and his brother..."
Just as he had back in the Senju Clan, Yanbai often sat beside the narrow veranda.
"Your Highness, the young Clan Leader will be hurt if you talk about him like that." Uchiha Tama lowered his eyes, sitting cross-legged at least two meters away from Yanbai.
Bored, Yanbai turned to look at the meek, deferential Uchiha Tama.
Uchiha Tama was twenty that year. He had the cold, handsome features typical of the Uchiha Clan, a tall frame, and an imposing presence. His expression warned strangers away, and he rarely spoke, as though he had no idea how to get along with others.
Yanbai remembered Uchiha Tama's name.
The first time he had seen it was in the intelligence his dad, Butsuma, had given