The carriage was lined with soft velvet, a faint fragrance lingering in the air.
"Wow… it's so comfortable!"
Sayo sat on the cushioned seat, looking around with wide, curious eyes.
She turned to Aria, who maintained her gentle smile.
"Miss Aria, the Capital is really amazing. I heard there are opportunities everywhere. Where should I go if I want to join the army?"
She clenched her fists with determination. "I promised my companions back home that I'd succeed here and earn enough money to save our village."
Aria laughed lightly, her voice warm and reassuring.
"The Capital is very big, little sister. Becoming an officer isn't easy, but our family knows many influential people. As long as you behave well, I can ask my father to help you."
"Really? Thank you so much!" Sayo said, deeply moved.
Her gaze then drifted to Tobirama, seated opposite her, eyes closed, calm and distant.
His refined presence felt completely different from anyone she had ever met.
"Um… Mr. Uchiha," she asked shyly, "where are you from? You look so… composed. Is that something nobles are taught?"
Tobirama opened his eyes slowly. His gaze was steady, unfathomable.
"I come from a place far beyond this land," he replied flatly.
"As for composure… it's something learned through experience."
Sayo laughed awkwardly, assuming it was just a strange joke, and the carriage fell into silence.
---
Soon, the carriage entered the wealthy district of the Imperial Capital and stopped before a vast manor surrounded by gardens and fountains.
At the entrance stood a well-dressed middle-aged couple, their expressions kind and welcoming.
"Father! Mother! I'm back!"
Aria ran forward happily.
Her mother smiled and embraced her. "Welcome home, my dear."
Aria gestured toward Sayo and Tobirama.
"These two are travelers I met today. They ran into some trouble, so I brought them back."
The couple immediately showed concern.
"Oh my, the Capital has become so unsafe," her mother said gently, taking Sayo's hand. "Child, don't worry. You're safe here."
Her father nodded solemnly. "You are guests of our family. Stay as long as you need. We'll help however we can."
Sayo's eyes filled with tears. She bowed deeply.
"Thank you… I never imagined I'd meet such kind people here."
Tobirama stood quietly to the side, hands in his pockets, observing every smile and gesture with a cold clarity.
Such flawless performances, he thought. Every word practiced. Every expression rehearsed.
He inclined his head politely.
"Thank you for your hospitality."
---
That afternoon, lavish guest rooms were prepared. Warm food and tea were served.
Later, Aria knocked on Tobirama's door.
"Mr. Uchiha, are you resting well?"
She smiled sweetly. "Sayo wants to visit the market. Would you like to come with us? Perhaps we might even find your attendants."
Tobirama didn't look up.
"I'm tired. I'll rest."
Aria's smile stiffened for a heartbeat, then returned.
"Of course. Please enjoy your rest."
She left, masking her irritation.
Outside, Sayo was already waiting, bright-eyed.
"Is Mr. Uchiha not coming?"
"He needs rest," Aria replied gently. "Let's go pick out some clothes."
They left the manor together.
---
Once the carriage disappeared beyond the gates, Tobirama stood.
"The curtain falls," he said softly.
He extended his perception downward, beyond walls and stone, until it reached the hidden depths beneath the manor.
What lay there was enough.
"This place has no right to exist."
In a flash, his figure vanished.
---
Deep underground, in a sealed chamber untouched by sunlight, Tobirama appeared.
The air was heavy, the silence oppressive. The room bore clear signs of cruelty and despair long left unchecked.
At the far end, bound to a wooden frame, was a barely conscious boy—breathing weak, clinging to life.
"Ieyasu…" Tobirama murmured, recognizing him.
The boy stirred faintly, whispering names of his friends in delirium.
Tobirama turned away, his expression unreadable.
"This ends tonight."
He formed hand seals.
A barrier silently unfolded, sealing the entire underground space away from the outside world—sound, presence, and escape all cut off completely.
"No interruptions," Tobirama said calmly.
With another flicker, he returned to his guest room.
Night fell.
Tobirama sat by the window, watching darkness claim the manor.
"Come back safely, Miss Aria," he thought, eyes gleaming faintly.
"I've prepared everything."