The Iwagakure delegation remained in Konoha for a week.
After the signing of the peace treaty, they finally departed, and the intense pressure looming over the village eased.
The tightness brought by prolonged warfare began to dissipate.
But as external danger faded, internal undercurrents began to stir.
Root — The Underground Chamber
In the dim, empty underground space, Danzo's shadowed face looked even more sinister under the flickering lamps.
A masked Root shinobi knelt on one knee before him, reporting in a cold, mechanical tone.
"Target trains alone in the woods behind the Uchiha compound every noon — simple straight-punch drills."
"July 13, 1:23 p.m. — target took his sister to the sweets shop, Sanshoku Dango."
"July 14, 9:18 a.m. — target went to…"
"July 15, 10:41 a.m. — target…"
"July 16, 8:12 a.m. — target visited Orochimaru-sama. Operatives could not approach."
"July 17, 9:13 a.m. — target again entered Orochimaru-sama's location and remained there for three days."
"July 21—"
When he heard that the target — Uchiha Yuan — had been meeting with Orochimaru, Danzo slammed his cane against the ground. His single eye flashed with a vicious gleam.
"Orochimaru… you've set your eyes on that brat already, have you?
Of course. You've always been obsessed with the Sharingan…"
At that moment, another Root operative appeared soundlessly and knelt.
"Danzo-sama, Senju Gen has appeared at the entrance of the Uchiha compound."
Danzo's expression darkened. After a few seconds of silence, he spat coldly:
"Hmph. What a disgraceful child.
A Senju… actually following behind an Uchiha like a dog."
Uchiha Compound — Front Gate
Two Uchiha Police Force guards stood at the entrance, their eyes stern — but also surprised and curious — as they looked at the boy standing before them.
"A Senju brat? What business do you have here?"
As guardians of Konoha's internal security, the Uchiha Police were naturally intimidating.
Combined with the clan's famously forceful and domineering nature, few outsiders dared step near their territory at all.
But despite the sharp, oppressive gazes, Senju Gen didn't waver.
"I'm looking for Yuan. My name is Senju Gen."
The two Uchiha guards exchanged glances — then unexpectedly laughed.
"Oh, I know you. You're the kid who helped Yuan beat the crap out of that bastard, Yoshiwara Yuto."
"Yuan's home is deeper in the district," the other added.
"Follow the main road straight, right turn at the fifth intersection, then go straight and left at the third."
They waved him through.
Gen thanked them and entered the Uchiha territory.
A Curious Visitor
As he walked deeper into the district, Gen looked around with open curiosity.
At the same time, the unfamiliar face — and especially the Senju clan crest on his clothing — drew countless stares.
Many Uchihas paused mid-step.
Some clearly intended to question him but, upon seeing the Senju emblem, hesitated and stepped back with oddly complicated expressions.
Shops lined both sides of the central avenue — a complete miniature marketplace run by many civilian Uchiha families.
The air suddenly filled with the mouthwatering aroma of grilled meat.
Gen paused.
Inside a small shop, Uchiha Daishi fanned the charcoal flames with one hand while expertly flipping skewers with the other.
Beside him, Uchiha Tsubame sliced thin pieces off a massive roast.
"That's him," Tsubame murmured. "Senju Gen. They say he used to be in the same unit as Big Brother Yuan."
"He's coming this way," Daishi said quietly.
Gen stepped forward.
"Hello. I'll take three skewers of grilled meat… and one spicy meat wrap."
"Coming right up," Daishi said.
He seasoned the skewers with practiced ease, then handed Gen four skewers.
"…This is one extra."
Daishi smiled. "That one's on me. Take it."
"Why?" Gen asked honestly puzzled.
Daishi only smiled again, offering no explanation.
"Here's your meat wrap," Tsubame said as he passed over two wraps. "The extra one is also on the house."
Gen looked at the two Uchiha boys.
In their eyes, he saw sincerity — nothing more.
After a moment, he accepted the food.
"Thank you."
He took a bite—
and his expression lit up instantly.
"This is delicious! This might be the best grilled meat I've ever had."
He tried the spicy meat wrap and nodded again, impressed.
"The crispy vegetables, the juicy meat, the warm flatbread… it's perfect."
Soon, everything in his hands was gone.
As he continued walking, he was repeatedly offered samples or extra portions — fried chicken bites, dumplings, roujiamo, milk tea, ice cream…
All things he'd never seen in Konoha's main shopping streets.
Gen became increasingly confused.
Every shop gave him "one more," yet none explained why.
The only thing he could tell was—
None of the Uchiha bore him malice.
Holding a cup of caramel milk tea, Gen reached the fifth intersection.
He took a sip.
"Sister would love this…"
Then, looking around at the lively, prosperous district, he whispered:
"…The Uchiha really are enviable."
A warm female voice answered him.
"Oh? And what exactly does this young man envy about the Uchiha?"
Gen turned.
Uchiha Mikoto, holding baby Sasuke, walked toward him with a gentle smile.
To read advanced Chapters, head over to p@treon:
patreon.com/nani_kaito