Chapter 42: The Yuki's Answer
With the help of Uchiha Ryoken, Uchiha Natsume, and Yuki Yami, the seven rescued Yuki clansmen were quickly carried into the relative safety of the house.
Uchiha Raizen didn't assist; he stood watch, his senses extended. As he expected, a Kiri spy had remained behind to observe. He watched the man leave, then walked over to the spot where he had been hiding, picking up the [Body Flicker Technique] and [Hiding in Mist Technique] orbs left behind. Their suspicion was high. His future missions would not be so straightforward.
Soon, the rescued Yuki clansmen began to regain consciousness.
"Brother Yami! What happened? Where are the others?" one of them asked groggily.
"Two of our clansmen... they weren't with you," Yuki Yami said, his face falling. "The Kiri must have kept them."
"Those cunning bastards!" Uchiha Raizen spat, a genuine anger flashing in his eyes. He had known the Kiri might hold some back, but the confirmation stung. So, that's how Haku ends up in the Land of Water. The pieces of the timeline were falling into place, but it brought him no satisfaction.
"Elder Raizen," Yuki Yami began, his voice heavy with a new resolve. "I know you wish for our clan to join the Uchiha. I would have refused you before. But now, you have shown us immense kindness by saving our people. I will discuss this with the rest of the clan and give you our answer."
"Of course. Take your time," Uchiha Raizen replied, giving them the space they needed.
He and his two friends moved away to rest, allowing the Yuki their privacy. This time, he didn't use any eavesdropping techniques.
"Uchiha Natsume, Uchiha Ryoken," he said quietly. "I think we should return to the clan. Our objective is compromised. The Kiri won't keep this quiet. Even if they don't know our full purpose, their rumors will draw attention. I've decided we should head back. What do you think?"
"I support that decision," Uchiha Natsume agreed immediately. "The three of us are vulnerable out here. If we run into a hostile clan, especially the Senju or the Hyuga, it would be disastrous."
"I agree," Uchiha Ryoken added. "Our success here is already significant. Pushing our luck further is unwise."
"Then it's settled. We'll wait for their answer and then depart."
An hour later, Yuki Yami approached them, his expression solemn but clear.
"Elder Raizen. We have reached a decision. We will accompany you to the Uchiha clan's territory."
A wave of relief washed over Uchiha Raizen. "Excellent. Gather your things, and we can—"
"There is nothing to gather," Yuki Yami interrupted, a sad smile on his face. "Everything we need, we carry with us." It was a statement born from a life of constant flight and loss.
And so, the expanded party set out immediately.
One month later, they arrived at the outskirts of the Uchiha clan's main compound. The journey had been long but uneventful.
The moment Uchiha Raizen set foot inside the territory, a summons arrived. Patriarch Uchiha Tajima demanded his presence immediately.