Perhaps Not

Tobirama watched intently as Koki slowly passed by him. At that moment, everything around him seemed to freeze, except for Koki's shadow moving slowly in his eyes.

His breathing seemed to be strained by an invisible weight, each inhale and exhale accompanied by a slight stinging pain.

Koki's steps never faltered. Just as he lifted his toes, about to step out, his gaze involuntarily swept Tobirama Tobirama's injured leg. Unable to bear it any longer, he whispered, "Go back and take good care of yourself."

Upon hearing Tobirama, Tobirama was slightly shaken, then gritted his teeth and struggled to his feet.

Bright red blood flowed slowly down his calf, staining a small patch of soil beneath his feet.

However, at this moment, he had already forgotten the pain in his leg. His gaze was fixed intently on Koki, his lips trembling as he managed to squeeze out two words: "Thank you."

Koki raised an eyebrow slightly, but didn't say another word.

Tobirama met his gaze, his heart pounded like a drum. Like a child who had done something wrong, he hurriedly looked away, only to inadvertently catch a glimpse of his own neatly bandaged shoulder.

The bandaging technique, though not delicate, was exceptionally firm, clearly the work of Koki.

A nameless joy quietly rose in Tobirama's heart.

Just as Tobirama was immersed in this subtle emotion, Koki suddenly flickered and slowly left without looking back.

Tobirama watched Koki's retreating figure, his lips parted slightly, as if he wanted to say something but hesitated, the words that had been swirling in his mind about to be spoken.

But in the end, he still couldn't bring himself to say those words.

In this treacherous and chaotic era, as a ninja, life hangs by a thread, and one could perish at any moment in a sudden battle.

In such circumstances, even one's own name becomes an unbearable burden.

Once their identities are exposed, endless pursuit and danger will follow.

His encounter with Koki was merely a chance meeting in this chaotic world.

Perhaps today's hasty farewell truly means we'll never see each other again.

Tobirama watched silently as Koki disappeared into the distance. After a long silence, he finally turned slowly and began his journey home.

In that vast territory belonging to the Senju Clan, the sunlight still gently shines down, unchanged.

Tobirama quietly returned to his room, carefully bandaging his wound and clutching the removed gauze tightly in his hand.

"Tobirama, you're back?" Hashirama Senju's booming voice pierced the brief silence as he Earth Flow Tobirama, his face filled with anxious worry.

However, upon closer inspection, the distinct scars came into view, Hashirama couldn't help but exclaim in surprise, "You're injured?"

Tobirama snapped out of his Hashirama's call, quickly suppressing his emotions and regaining his usual calm as he replied nonchalantly, "I was discovered by accident. I'm fine, but the mission..."

When the mission was mentioned, Tobirama's tone became slightly heavy.

"As long as everyone is unharmed, that's a blessing," Hashirama hearing this.

In his heart, his clansmen were more precious than anything else, and his younger brother's safety was of paramount importance.

Even if the mission encounters setbacks, as long as people are alive, there is always a chance to make amends.

Tobirama simply nodded silently, his stern face remaining expressionless.

"You're always so serious, Tobirama." Hashirama sighed helplessly, rubbing his forehead, letting out that sigh he had repeated many times before.

He should have been the more mature and composed older brother, but Tobirama's usual coldness and introversion made him seem more like an elder brother, which made Hashirama feel both amused and helpless.

"Can't you even show a smile?" Hashirama persisted in trying to persuade him, hoping to see a touch of youthful vitality on Tobirama's tense face.

However, Tobirama ignored his good intentions, simply turning away and coldly remarking, "Compared to me, my elder brother is the one who causes the most worry."

Hashirama seemed struck by a heavy hammer, like a wounded child, silently walked to a corner, squatted down, drew circles, and muttered, "Not cute..."

If any members of the tribe were to witness this scene, they would surely be unable to resist secretly laughing.

However, Hashirama did not wallow in sorrow for long. He quickly stood up and asked, "Did you encounter any suspicious people on the way?"

Upon Tobirama, Tobirama paused, the image of the black-haired boy flashing through his mind.

After a moment of silence, Tobirama replied, "Perhaps not."

Hashirama sensed the uncertainty in Tobirama's answer and asked doubtfully, "Perhaps?" He stared intently into Tobirama's eyes.

However, Tobirama did not continue to answer, but simply walked into the house, leaving Hashirama standing alone in the same spot.

Inside the room, Tokima leaned against the Tobirama, slowly closing his eyes, and the face of the black-haired boy once again clearly appeared in his mind.

The same storyline slowly unfolds within the Uchiha Clan.

Madara and Izuna had just finished a long meeting and stepped outside. A gentle breeze dispelled the lingering dullness of the meeting.

Just then, a familiar figure walked over.

"Koki!" Izuna's eyes lit up instantly, and without the slightest hesitation, he ran straight towards Koki.

In an instant, Izuna was beside Koki and eagerly took his hand.

"Are you alright? Did you encounter any danger? Are you injured?" Izuna's questions came out one after another, his gaze fixed on Koki, looking her up and down.

Madara, following in Izuna's footsteps, did not run as fast as Izuna, nor did he rush to speak, but the concern in his eyes was no less.

Koki gently patted Izuna's tightly clenched hand, her tone calm. "Everything is fine."