After En and Yūto stared at each other for several seconds, En finally yielded under Yūto's imposing presence.
He turned his head aside and sighed softly. "I understand. I'll bring everyone with you."
"But you have to understand," he said, meeting Yūto's Sharingan again despite the slight trembling in his thighs, "if we of the Chinoike Clan are still treated as tools once we reach Konoha, I'll kill you even if it costs me my life!"
The cave abruptly fell silent. Even Yūna, who had been at odds with En moments earlier, instinctively took half a step back.
Yet Yūto suddenly grinned. "Don't worry. I, Uchiha Yūto, never let my comrades die before me!"
"Risking my life to protect my comrades is my ninja way!"
En's taut shoulders finally relaxed. He took a deep breath, stepped forward, and extended his right hand to Yūto.
"Uchiha Yūto... I hope you keep your word."
"The future of our Chinoike Clan is in your hands."
Without hesitation, Yūto clasped his hand. Their gazes met, the scarlet of his Sharingan briefly reflecting against En's Ketsuryūgan.
"Yeah, leave it to me." Yūto grinned. "But..."
He suddenly lowered his voice and leaned close to En's ear. "Next time you threaten me, remember to hide those trembling knees first."
En's face instantly flushed red, while Yūna burst out laughing beside them.
Manzō shook his head and sighed, while Sendō patted both their shoulders in relief.
Tsukimi, who had barely made her presence felt all this time, took the opportunity to move beside Yūto. She poked his back and reminded him quietly.
"Yūto, the Two-Tails' Jinchūriki is drooling on your back!"
Yūto whipped his head around. Sure enough, Yugito looked unconscious and utterly broken, her head resting crookedly on his shoulder as a glistening thread of drool slowly