An expression of humiliation crossed Hazuki Uchiha's delicate face, marked by a tear mole.
This humiliation lingered like a shadow in her heart.
Two bright red Sharingan, with two tomoe each, emerged in Hazuki Uchiha's eyes. It was clearly the Two-Tomoe Sharingan.
"Nice Sharingan." Kiyoshi said flatly, making no other move.
When Uchiha clan members became emotionally agitated, the pattern of the Sharingan would involuntarily appear in their eyes.
The emergence of Hazuki Uchiha's Sharingan showed her internal turmoil.
However, Kiyoshi had no reservations.
Just like with Natsu Hyūga last time.
Clan power and individual talent were the criteria for judging status and social standing.
The first [Trait] Kiyoshi obtained, [Art of Speech (White)], could have different effects based on social status according to these criteria.
Although it was a White Trait, it would have some effect.
His talent was the basis for Kiyoshi's confidence in dealing with Hazuki Uchiha.
It was likely considered normal by others that he would surpass Hazuki Uchiha and gain a firm foothold in the Uchiha clan in the future.
Graduating from the Ninja Academy in just a few months and then shining in the first two stages of the Chunin Exams.
Many people were already comparing him to Kakashi, the son of the White Fang.
Don't underestimate the designation "Son of the White Fang." Even the Daimyō, upon hearing Shikamaru's suggestion for Kakashi to become Hokage, first reacted by referring to him as "Kakashi, the son of the White Fang," not "Kakashi of the Sharingan."
This phrase was practically synonymous with talent.
In other words, Kiyoshi's future social standing would be higher than Hazuki Uchiha's.
By now, most people no longer said Kiyoshi was *like* Kakashi; when mentioning him, they spoke of him as his *equal*.
Hazuki Uchiha's fingernails were almost digging into her palm. Finally, trembling slightly, she whispered:
"Fine."
The wind outside the window rustled the sparse leaves, casting mottled, wavering shadows.
Her hand slowly lifted, her fingertips slightly shaking.
The rim of the cup touched her lips. She closed her eyes, pausing for a moment with ragged breathing. Finally, she took a small sip.
She wanted to put the cup down but saw Kiyoshi's playful eyes.
"Hazuki-nee is a bit picky. Does it not suit your taste?" Kiyoshi leaned down, whispering near her ear.
A delicate fragrance began to wrap around Kiyoshi's nose. Kiyoshi used his index finger to lift her chin, looking down at Hazuki Uchiha.
"No, it suits me. It suits me very much."
Hazuki Uchiha took another deep breath, barely managing to steady her voice.
She lowered her head and continued drinking the tea. The warm tea liquid slid down her throat, yet she felt no warmth.
There was only a chilling sensation.
Kiyoshi scrutinized Hazuki Uchiha as she drank.
She had soft black hair, lightly draped down to her waist.
As she knelt on the tatami mat, one could sense the fullness of her rounded thighs, delineating subtle curves.
It had to be said, she possessed significant feminine charm.
Kiyoshi looked her up and down with an appreciative gaze.
To be able to raise a daughter like Izumi, Hazuki Uchiha was naturally attractive.
Hazuki Uchiha could feel Kiyoshi's scrutiny, which gave her goosebumps.
She loathed such direct, unwavering staring.
It was utterly rude.
It was as if he were treating her like some kind of object.
A moment later, Hazuki Uchiha finished the cup of tea.
The thought that Kiyoshi had drunk from this cup moments before made Hazuki Uchiha's stomach churn violently.
She suppressed the feeling.
Since Kiyoshi was watching, she couldn't show such an expression, much less vomit.
"I finished it."
She set the teacup down. Her palm was pale from excessive gripping, and her fingertips trembled slightly. The faint sound of the cup hitting the wooden table was barely audible.
Kiyoshi watched her, a hint of a smile flashing in his eyes.
"I have received your gesture of apology. So, where are the Genjutsu scrolls?" Kiyoshi extended his hand.
"I will bring them to you tomorrow."
"Make sure you don't just bring one."
Hazuki Uchiha's spirits finally began to break through her inner desolation when she heard Kiyoshi treat the matter as settled.
"Good… I'll go back now, Kiyoshi… *kun*."
As if to maintain closeness rather than distance, Hazuki Uchiha added the honorific kun to Kiyoshi's name.
With that, Hazuki Uchiha quickly left.
Kiyoshi was left alone in the dilapidated living room.
"Hiss…" The white snake flicked its tongue, meandering across the tatami mat, searching for a comfortable spot.
Kiyoshi opened the sealing scroll on the table. They were all standard chainmail sets.
Kiyoshi took one out and put it on.
The chainmail was light, feeling no different from wearing an extra undershirt.
"The first Blue Trait is coming soon." Kiyoshi mused.
Following the usual pattern, learning a few more Genjutsu techniques would spawn a corresponding Trait, which could serve as advancement material for the original one.
Kiyoshi was looking forward to the impending Blue Trait, estimating that it would bring him a significant boost.
*Clack.*
The sound of the courtyard gate closing reached the inner room.
Kiyoshi cast his gaze in that direction.
The Manipulation he had just performed on Hazuki Uchiha caused the Dōjutsu power in his right eye to replenish, slowly climbing.
Was Hazuki Uchiha celebrating that this was over?
No, this would only be the beginning.
Kiyoshi would not let go of the cash machine that provided him with Dōjutsu power.
The cash machine only needed to stay put and wait to be withdrawn from, while Kiyoshi had a lot more to consider.
How to withdraw the money was also a matter of wisdom.
And afterward, he wouldn't limit himself to the current extent; Kiyoshi would use more in-depth methods.
***
Naka Shrine.
"How is Kiyoshi adjusting lately?" Fugaku looked at Mikoto.
Kiyoshi had been here for a while now and should be gradually building his "bonds."
"He should be doing well. I even saw a Hyūga girl looking for him."
"A Hyūga?" Fugaku folded his arms, his fingers lightly tapping his elbow.
It was not uncommon for outsiders to visit the Uchiha compound.
To Fugaku's knowledge, Obito, who was raised by his grandmother, often saw outsiders.
A short-haired civilian girl frequently looked for Obito, and they seemed to have a good relationship.
That wasn't a problem.
Civilians wouldn't have any influence on the Uchiha.
But the Hyūga clan, which possessed the Byakugan, one of the three great Dōjutsu, was different.
Apart from the Rinnegan, which was only passed down in stories, the two clans possessed the Sharingan and the Byakugan, respectively.
This could easily lead to diplomatic incidents.
Although the Uchiha did not fear any strong enemy, they did not want to create new ones.
Based on the Uchiha and Senju's thousand-year war, only grief and hatred were passed down.
"Did Kiyoshi offend them?" Fugaku asked.
Most clan members were inherently proud, prone to offending people, and likely to get into fights.
He had handled several such incidents.
"I don't think so. The girl was carrying a basket with pastries inside." Mikoto slowly shook her head, her elegant and poised face looking at Fugaku.
With her Three-Tomoe Sharingan, her normal eyesight was excellent, allowing her to clearly see the contents through the basket's weave.
"What about Uchiha clan members?"
"I haven't seen any yet." Mikoto shook her head.
Kiyoshi would train diligently at home as soon as he returned. Generally, only outsiders looked for him.