Inside Tsunade's tent~
Tsunade had been upset over her defeat by Hanzo of the Salamander, but Uchiha Lei's arrival eased the oppressive atmosphere considerably.
After Uchiha Lei drew Tsunade into his arms and softly comforted her,
Tsunade shed her facade of strength like a little girl, instantly breaking into tears and sobbing too hard to speak.
Beside them, Uchiha Mikoto tactfully stood up, set the meat porridge on a nearby table, and turned around.
Karura and Uchiha Mikoto exchanged a glance, then walked together to the bed opposite in silent understanding.
Uchiha Mikoto could tell at a glance that Karura and Uchiha Lei's relationship was anything but ordinary, so she invited her with a smile:
"Sister, thanks for making the long journey. Come sit down and rest."
"Thank you, big sister. It wasn't hard on me. Lei was the one traveling nonstop. He had it rough."
Karura turned to glance at Uchiha Lei, then looked back and saw that Uchiha Mikoto had already sat on the edge of the bed. Only then did she turn around, reach behind herself with both hands to hold the hem of her clothes, and sit gracefully on the edge.
Noticing how proper Karura's manners were, Uchiha Mikoto could not help praising her softly:
"Little sister, not only are you beautiful, even the way you sit is so elegant and proper."
"You flatter me, big sister. I think you're the one who's as beautiful as a fairy."
Karura gave a sweet smile and complimented Uchiha Mikoto.
Across from them, Tsunade heard their exchange, which seemed to touch a sore spot about her own unrefined manner. Her sobbing quieted considerably, and she asked through her tears:
"Lei, aren't you going to introduce the sister you brought?"
Taking advantage of Tsunade's improved mood, Uchiha Lei immediately turned