Konan's fingertips danced, countless tiny scraps of paper swirling gently. At his words, she nodded lightly.
"That's right."
"Two of Kumogakure's top fighters joined forces to attack him, and no one supported him the entire time. He weathered it all by himself."
Hyuga Mie's eyes shone, her face brimming with unconcealed pride and adoration as she marveled softly.
"That's Lei for you. No one in the Shinobi World's younger generation can match him."
A gentle smile lingered on Karura's lips, but deep in her eyes lay a trace of worry she could barely hide.
"Battles are perilous and unpredictable. I wonder if Lei has any hidden injuries. I only hope he isn't forcing himself to keep going."
"Don't worry."
Tsunade gave a soft huff, her tone utterly certain.
"That brat has thick skin and a tough life. Injuries like these can't do anything to him. He won't die!"
Whoosh!
Someone suddenly flung the tent flap open!
Night wind poured through the opening, making the candle flame flicker wildly!
A tall, straight-backed young man strode into the tent, his voice carrying a teasing smile.
"Who's been bad-mouthing me behind my back?"
At his voice, all four women abruptly looked up!
The next instant, their gazes froze!
Uchiha Lei stood tall at the front, while Pakura and Kurenai Yuhi followed him into the tent, one on either side!
In an instant, the relaxed atmosphere inside the tent froze and changed completely!
Shing!
Invisible wariness and hostility swept through the entire tent!
Four distinctly different gazes locked onto the unfamiliar Pakura!
Scrutiny, vigilance, curiosity, and jealousy intertwined, almost becoming tangible!
Tsunade's brows abruptly knitted, her expression serious as she stared straight at Uchiha Lei.
"Lei, who is this?"
The gentle smile on Karura's face instantly stiffened. Her slender fingers quietly clenched the hem