Secrets

Ban hesitated outside the door, neither leaving nor entering. Koki's gaze pierced through the silken rain, trying to see the appearance and thoughts of the person outside.

After a long silence, Koki gently patted Izuna's hand and said in a gentle tone, "Since your brother isn't coming in, why don't we go out and take a look?"

"Alright." Although Izuna was unwilling, he got up and pulled Koki up as well.

Koki gently pushed open the door, and a cold wind carrying raindrops rushed in, making it difficult for the three of them to open their eyes.

Koki narrowed her eyes, gazing towards the doorway where Madara stood alone.

The figure of Ban appeared somewhat lonely. When he arrived, the rain had soaked his clothes, which clung to his skin, his hair was disheveled, and raindrops slid down his face.

The three stood in the corridor, none of them speaking first.

Koki's fingers lightly traced the railing, his transparent fingertips peeking through his sleeves. Fine rain slanted down, and when it touched his fingers, a chill spread from his fingertips throughout his body, causing him to tremble slightly.

He remembered a similar rainy day when he had stood in the corridor, looking at the world outside.

The brown wooden clogs tapped against the damp, hard floor, as if one could sense the slight coolness seeping from beneath the cement.

If you break through the cement and turn over the stones, you might see several black insects crawling inside, and white eggs hidden there as well.

Koki often heard a buzzing sound from inside the wall—was it the sound of insects flapping their wings, or the sound of insects chewing wood?

A light drizzle fell as Koki leaned against the cold iron railing, the chill seeping silently through his clothes and into his skin, yet he seemed oblivious to it.

His head tilted slightly toward the stone pillar beside him, his gaze piercing through the rain as he looked at the scene outside.

Raindrops fell, stirring up puddles and creating ripples.

"It's so refreshing." Izuna's familiar voice rang out leisurely from behind.

The voice was clear and melodious, full of youthful vigor and vitality. If one only heard the voice, no one would associate it with a ninja who had experienced countless life-and-death situations on the brutal battlefield.

Behind him, two different rhythms of breathing intertwined in the air, one of which was deeper and more even.

Koki involuntarily turned her head, and the figure of Madara Uchiha appeared before her.

The pine tree stood tall and straight, exuding a faint aura of indifference that remained undiminished even in the rain.

Koki's lips moved slightly, as if she wanted to say something.

Ban silently clenched his fist at his side, his knuckles white from the tight grip, and the veins on his arm bulging faintly.

"Koki!" Izuna suddenly stepped forward, leaping to stand in front of Koki. He grasped Koki's arm, his voice trembling slightly, and said in a slightly coquettish tone, "It's so cold, why don't we go inside?"

His face appeared even more handsome in the rain, and his wet hair clung to his forehead, adding to his playful charm.

Koki seemed amused by Izuna's cuteness and gently patted Izuna's hand.

"Hmph." Madara Uchiha turned his face away and scoffed lightly. His beautiful and delicate features were tightly furrowed with dissatisfaction, and his brows, furrowed with displeasure, were like a cold frost blade, revealing a hint of impatience.

Perhaps in his view, ninjas, especially those from the noble Uchiha Clan, should possess an unwavering will.

Izuna's childish behavior was nothing but impetuous recklessness.

Koki's gaze pierced through the rain-streaked space and landed on Madara. She whispered, "Madara?" After a brief pause, she continued, "It's been a long time."

Ban's expression trembled slightly, and a crack finally appeared on his icy face.

A god of war who was invincible on the battlefield, whose name once struck fear into the hearts of many enemies.

However, under Koki's gaze, he seemed like a child whose secret had been exposed, lowering his head and speaking softly, "I'm bogged down in trivial matters."

Izuna watched quietly from the side, his bright eyes blinking gently, shifting back and forth between Koki and Madara, as if searching for some unspeakable secret.

After a moment, he frowned slightly and murmured, "Are you having a secret from me?"

Upon hearing this, Koki's lips curled into a sly smile, and she replied mysteriously, "Guess?"

Upon hearing Koki's words, Madara Uchiha's eyelashes trembled slightly, and his chest vibrated gently. His soft voice was like the fluttering of butterfly wings, gentle yet captivating.

"That's a really cunning argument." Uchiha Izuna looked disappointed, his shoulders slumped involuntarily, and the corners of his mouth turned down involuntarily.

"Alright." Koki's smile rippled across her face. "Let's go back inside."

Izuna immediately perked up, strode towards Koki, took his hand, and they went inside together, while Madara silently followed behind.

They walked slowly, and soon they reached the outside of the shoji gate. Izuna squatted down and reached out to take off Koki's shoes.

Seeing this, Koki quickly refused, her face slightly flushed, and said somewhat embarrassedly, "Izuna, I can do it myself."

Dressed in her Koki exuded a languid air, smiling with her head down. Izuna also looked up and smiled at Koki. The harmonious atmosphere enveloped them like a warm spring breeze.

Madara Uchiha's tightly furrowed brows looked as if they could trap a fly.

He stared intently at the scene before him, his eyes filled with confusion, finding the sight utterly perplexing.