Chapter 067: The Cultured Mouse
Uchiha Yuki had changed into a light green women's yukata, though her hairstyle remained the same.
The yukata bore the emblem of the Senju clan, giving Uchiha Yuki the illusion that she had already become a part of the Senju.
Sitting across from her was Senju Wakama, also dressed in a clean yukata.
After emerging from the hot spring, the two had changed into spare clothes stored here.
By the scent, Uchiha Yuki could tell that these clothes hadn't been stored here for long.
Moreover, the fabric was of exceptionally high quality, clearly expensive.
And yet... this was a remote mountain wilderness, with no one around. The Senju clan had left so many valuable items here. Was this sheer extravagance? Or were they simply fearless?
No matter how she thought about it, Uchiha Yuki couldn't help but feel a creeping unease.
Of course, Uchiha Yuki didn't know that this area was protected by the forest and wasn't accessible to just anyone.
The animals and the forest itself would prevent intruders from entering.
Wild beasts roamed freely here, and they had many ways to stop unwanted visitors.
The forest's own weapon was the miasma.
That was why Senju Wakama had brought Uchiha Yuki here by jumping down from a cliff.
"After soaking in the hot spring, your complexion looks much better. You should come here more often," Senju Wakama said, unaware of her thoughts, simply trying to make conversation.
This was one of the "lessons" Senju Wakama needed to practice the art of conversation.
He had always felt that complimenting others without making things awkward was a skill, and not something just anyone could do easily.
If you weren't careful, you might end up looking like a fool.
Now, seeing Uchiha Yuki lost in thought, her brow furrowed with worry, Senju Wakama had no intention of asking what was troubling her.
Pouring out negative emotions could be a form of release, but for the listener, it was often just emotional baggage.
Senju Wakama neither wanted to receive such baggage nor let her dwell in negativity, so he decided to take a different approach.
It was best to keep things pleasant for everyone.
Besides, there was no mirror here, so whatever he said would be taken at face value.
Sure enough, Uchiha Yuki, lost in thought, reached up to touch her face upon hearing his words, her eyes filled with doubt, as if to say, "Really?"
Senju Wakama smiled. "You were pale before, but now you have some color in your cheeks. You look much healthier."
Uchiha Yuki's expression remained neutral, but the faint blush on her delicate face betrayed her feelings.
Senju Wakama silently poured her some tea, thinking to himself, The Uchiha really are a tsundere bunch.
But Uchiha Yuki remained silent, perhaps unsure how to handle the current situation.
Time passed quickly.
Uchiha Yuki mumbled that she should be going, and Senju Wakama quickly used his "Deft Hands Technique" to help her change back into her original clothes.
As for her hair, aside from undoing her braid, removing the wildflowers, and tying it back up, there wasn't much he could do to restore its original messy state.
Uchiha Yuki didn't say anything, simply discussing the time and place for their next meeting before bidding Senju Wakama farewell.
Before she left, Senju Wakama slipped a small pouch into her hand.
"What's this?"
Uchiha Yuki looked at the pouch, puzzled by the small, ice-like objects inside.
"This is rock sugar, a special snack my sister makes. She's the only one in the world who knows how to make it. It's much tastier than soldier pills," Senju Wakama said with a smile. "Consider it a parting gift."
Uchiha Yuki narrowed her eyes, looking at the beautiful boy who was smiling like a blooming flower. Her heart stirred once again.
What a... jerk!
He had so many tricks up his sleeve, making it hard to leave.
Yet, this seemingly gentle and considerate person was actually the most cold-hearted...
Even though she knew he was rotten to the core, she couldn't help but keep him in her heart.
Uchiha Yuki inwardly scolded herself, her lips twitching as she nodded. "Thank you."
"You're welcome. Remember the agreed time and place."
"Alright, then... see you later..."
Uchiha Yuki accepted the gift and ran off without looking back.
Her departure was swift and without hesitation, completely different from how Hyuga Miyu had left before.
After watching Uchiha Yuki disappear into the distance, Senju Wakama reflected on the day's events.
Today's "date" with Uchiha Yuki had allowed him to practice various techniques: the Wood Style, rapid imitation, the Deft Hands Technique, and the art of conversation.
On top of that, he had shared a bath and tea with her.
It had been a fulfilling and enjoyable day, far more productive than training alone.
Meanwhile, Uchiha Yuki was sprinting through the Naka River Forest, trying to return to her clan's territory before anyone noticed her absence.
Along the way, she ate all the rock sugar Senju Wakama had given her.
She couldn't keep something like that.
After all, Senju Wakama had said that only the Senju princess could make it. It was too risky to keep.
Fortunately, the small pouch itself was unremarkable, so Uchiha Yuki kept it.
Senju Wakama stealthily returned to his clan's territory.
It was already afternoon.
As he entered his courtyard, he noticed a small, sneaky figure on the roof beam Tsukuyo's pet mouse, Murien.
The little mouse let out a soft "squeak."
Senju Wakama frowned. "Murien? What's the matter?"
Last time, it was Murien who had helped deliver a message about Uchiha Yuki.
But today, Senju Wakama had just parted ways with her.
Murien reached into a small pouch on its back and pulled out a note, tossing it toward Senju Wakama.
Senju Wakama unfolded the note, revealing a line of tiny characters.
It was clear that Murien had written this by dipping its paw in ink.
Yes, Murien was a cultured mouse.
Ever since Tsukuyo had gained her father's favor, she had been allowed to study in the library alongside her brothers.
And whenever Tsukuyo went to the library, she brought Murien along.
The little mouse had been taught to read and write.
At first, her brothers thought it was absurd, but Tsukuyo had proven it was possible.
Murien's ability to write had significantly reduced communication barriers.
Senju Wakama read the note.
Murien informed him that Hyuga Miyu, due to the "Caged Bird" seal, was unable to defy her father.
Her residence was now heavily guarded, surrounded by Hyuga clansmen, making it nearly impossible for anyone to infiltrate likely to prevent Senju Wakama from "stealing" her.
Even if Hyuga Miyu wanted to escape, she would be quickly captured, so she had chosen not to run.
Additionally, the messenger parrot had been "shattered," its remains burned, making it impossible to retrieve.
Lastly, Hyuga Miyu had a message for Senju Wakama, which Murien was tasked with delivering.
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