Hiruzen felt more at ease regarding Yami, but what he believed to be "his own people" was not necessarily the same as what Yami considered "his own people."
In Yami's view, "his own people" were those who stood firmly by his side no matter what happened.
There was no conflict of interest with the villagers now, but if there ever was in the future.
If they didn't choose his side, then they would naturally become enemies.
After returning home, Yami copied the medicinal bath formula and handed it to Yugao.
"Go to the pharmacy and buy the herbs yourself tomorrow. Soak once a day. The effect will fade after about thirty days. With training, your Chakra volume should double."
The reason it could double was because Yugao's Chakra was too low. Based on Yami's estimate, she only had about three standard Chūnin's worth.
Yugao carefully memorized the herbs, their quantities, and the preparation method written on the note. After reciting it a few times, she tore the note to shreds right in front of Yami.
"Yami-kun, please rest assured. I won't let a third person know the recipe for this medicinal bath."
Yami smiled but said nothing. He felt quite pleased inside.
The third stage of the bond was enough to prove Yugao's sincerity, but her attitude was what really stood out.
The night passed without incident.
On the weekend, Yami spent nearly the entire day with Izumi playing in the morning and training in the afternoon.
In just two days, with Izumi's accelerator effect, he had initially mastered using the Mind's Eye of the Kagura and also learned two Water Release techniques.
Meanwhile, Yugao followed Yami's instructions and prepared the medicinal bath.
She soaked every morning for an hour, then went to the training ground to deplete her Chakra using ninjutsu, followed by Chakra refinement—and repeated the cycle.
In just two days, she already felt her Chakra had significantly increased, and her physical strength had improved as well.
These changes made Yugao genuinely happy.
By the third day, it was Monday.
After her morning medicinal bath, Yugao didn't go to the training ground. Instead, she changed into a chiffon dress and went to the market to buy ingredients.
Today was the day she had invited Yami over for lunch at her home.
Yugao felt that with her current ability, there wasn't much she could do to help Yami. So, she focused on the little things—like preparing meals for him. She took this meal very seriously and made sure to buy beef and chicken wings, Yami's favorites.
After returning home, she got to work.
By the time the food was nearly ready, Yami arrived.
The Uzuki residence was a two-story house with a small courtyard. Though not large, it was more than enough for Yugao, who now lived alone.
In fact, many shinobi still lived in apartment buildings. Land in Konoha wasn't cheap, and all the prime spots had long been snapped up by those with original clan shares.
"Just ten more minutes, the chicken wings will be ready."
Yugao looked at Yami, who was glancing around the living room, and said in a gentle tone, "Sit in the living room for a bit. There are snacks on the coffee table."
Yami muttered an acknowledgment, then turned away and pouted.
That tone… like she was coaxing a child.
Hmm? He was a child now, so it was fine.
Just as Yami opened a bag of potato chips to munch on, there was another knock at the door.
"Yami, can you help check who it is?" Yugao was busy with cold dishes and had to call out from the kitchen.
Yami opened the door and both he and the person on the other side were surprised.
"Kurenai?"
"Yami?!"
...…
Ten minutes later, the dining table was filled with a sumptuous spread.
The three of them sat at the table, and the atmosphere was slightly awkward.
In the end, it was Kurenai who broke the silence first. She looked at Yugao with a bit of grievance:
"Yugao, where have you been these past few days? I came to visit you three times, but you weren't home any of those times."
Yami snorted, clearly displeased. "You only came looking for Yugao, not me?"
Kurenai shook her head like a rattle. "The guards at your Shimura residence have horrible attitudes. I went there once and never went back."
Yami frowned slightly. "You came by? Those guards didn't even tell me."
Useless. Can't even watch a gate properly. They deserve punishment.
"That's not important," Kurenai changed the subject, her gaze locking on Yugao, who now looked slightly uncomfortable. Suspiciously, she asked:
"Why is Yami having lunch at your place? Why did you invite him and not me?"
There was a hint of grievance at the end.
Why was it like this? They were clearly good sisters, best friends—but Yugao only invited Yami for a meal.
"Um…" Yugao hesitated, unsure of what to say, but Yami spoke up first:
"Yugao has been training in swordsmanship with me these past few days—unlike you, who only knows how to play around."
"As for today—"
People had different levels of bonds. Kurenai's bond was only at the first stage, so she naturally couldn't know about the medicinal bath. Yami simply used training as an excuse.
"What?!" Kurenai looked at Yami in shock, her rosy lips parting into a surprised "O." "You… you two have been training together? And you didn't take me with you?"
"Yugao even treated me to a full-course meal at Yakiniku Q," Yami added another blow. If Kurenai were from the Uchiha clan, she'd probably awaken her Sharingan out of pure emotional damage.
At this point, what else could Yugao say?
She could only sigh and say, "Let's eat first."
With that, she skillfully picked up a chicken wing and two slices of beef and placed them in Yami's bowl. She even pushed the napkin in front of him so he could use it at any time.
Watching the scene blankly, a strange line of thought suddenly crossed Kurenai's mind.
It's clearly a movie about three people, but somehow I feel like a side character.
(To be continued.)
***
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