Chapter 86: Relationships

Encountering a strange child was just an insignificant interlude. Shortly after returning home, Ye Zi was summoned to the Root.

Nanako drew another vial of blood from Ye Zi and a small piece of living tissue.

The research on enhancing Ye Zi's physical characteristics had made little progress over the past five years. Not only had there been no significant advancements, but methods for suppression were also elusive. As Ye Zi's hair began to turn white, Nanako grew increasingly anxious. Despite her efforts, including trying to fuse First Hokage's cells with Ye Zi's, the result was accelerated decay.

On the other hand, Orochimaru's research team had successfully developed and applied the technique for transplanting Sharingan.

Ye Zi had been closely following this development because he desired a very powerful eye: the Rinnegan he had seen in the Rain Country. Unfortunately, the transplanting required the use of First Hokage's cells, which were toxic to him and would cause rapid decay if integrated into his body.

This issue remained unresolved, but Ye Zi was not willing to give up easily, so he never refused Nanako's requests.

After providing Nanako with his blood, Ye Zi returned home.

Over the past five years, his presence in the village had been rare. He typically moved between two points, and today, he was out on a rare day off, which was why he was seen on the streets.

Not long after he got home, visitors arrived—Kushina and Minato, who had just returned to the village. They came directly to his house upon hearing of his return.

Ye Zi was not surprised by their visit; similar scenes had played out many times over the years.

He let Kushina and Minato in but did not offer even basic tea, showing a very indifferent attitude toward hosting.

Despite the lack of refreshments and the cold demeanor, Kushina and Minato were accustomed to it.

Once inside, Kushina's gaze wandered over Ye Zi's face and the increasing amount of white hair. As Tsunade's apprentice, she had more insider knowledge about Ye Zi's physical condition than most.

She knew well that Ye Zi's life span was wearing thin, but she could do nothing to help. She realized long ago that she had been pushed to the fringes of Ye Zi's world, and perhaps everyone else had as well.

The atmosphere in the living room was very quiet. Kushina watched Ye Zi, while Ye Zi stared at the withered plants in the garden. Minato remained silently observing the two.

Minato was aware of a simple fact: Kushina had feelings for Ye Zi, and he himself had feelings for Kushina. It was a frustrating reality, but he chose not to interfere. Instead, he aimed to gradually enter Kushina's view.

"Hello! Is anyone here? I'm coming in!"

Suddenly, a pleasant and clear female voice came from the entrance.

The first phrase was a greeting, the second a question, and the third an action. From greeting to asking, and then directly opening the door, it all happened in two seconds.

"Sorry for the intrusion."

Following the female voice was the sound of the door opening and a calm male voice. However, the footsteps were those of three people.

Hearing the sounds from the entrance, Ye Zi sat steadily, his expression unchanged. When the first female voice appeared, he raised his eyebrows slightly, though it was subtle.

"Sorry for the intrusion."

A girl in green attire poked her head into the hallway. Seeing the three people in the room, she cheerfully lifted the large three-tiered bento box and smiled at Ye Zi, who was seated in the main position, saying, "Captain, please don't hold it against me for coming in unannounced just because I brought lunch."

"Sorry for the intrusion."

Following the girl in green were a pair of siblings, both with black hair and black eyes. They were members of Ye Zi's team: Kotoe and the Uchiha sibings . In a short time, this team, which had shocked Konoha for a long while, would be disbanded, as Kotoe and the siblings had successfully passed the Jonin exam and would now lead new teams as Jonin.

Coincidentally, Kushina and Minato would also be assigned as team leaders soon, so their team would also disband.

Ye Zi merely watched the three enter the living room without saying anything. He had no intention of preparing tea.

Kotoe placed the bento box on the table, glanced at Kushina, and then directly sat next to Ye Zi.

Kushina raised her eyebrows at this scene.

Kōri, with a frosty expression, sat down and asked Ye Zi directly, "Where's the tea?"

Ye Zi glanced at her and said, "If you want tea, get it yourself."

Kōri responded seriously, "You're the host; we're the guests."

"Oh." Ye Zi acknowledged with a brief reply and said nothing more.

Seeing this, Uchiha Kōri's forehead visibly twitched.

"I'll get it."

Ninashi, with a wry smile, got up to prepare the tea. Kotoe, meanwhile, opened the bento box and took out the food, saying, "It's rare for our team to get together."

Kotoe glanced at Kushina, emphasizing the word "team" heavily.

Minato, sitting beside Kushina, sighed slightly and looked at her. It was clear that they were being subtly pushed out, which was indeed not ideal for them to stay.

However, Kushina seemed to ignore the hint and remained seated.

Seeing that Kushina had no intention of leaving, Minato also stayed put.

Despite the clear indication that they were being asked to leave, Kushina made no move to leave. Kotoe snorted lightly but said nothing more.

Soon, Ninashi returned with tea and two sets of chopsticks, showing a bit of hospitality.

With the tea set, Kotoe clasped his hands together and declared, "Let's eat!"

The bento box contained only four sets of chopsticks. Fortunately, Ninashi had thoughtfully brought two extra sets from the kitchen; otherwise, Kotoe wouldn't have proceeded further.

Seeing the group and the steaming food on the table, Ye Zi sighed silently.

Every rare day off seemed to end up like this at home, not that he disliked it, but he didn't exactly enjoy it either.

It was just that he didn't hate this kind of atmosphere.

"Finish eating and leave; I need to rest," Ye Zi said, picking up his chopsticks.

In response, there was a "thud."

Kotoe placed a bottle of sake on the table with a grin.

Ye Zi's mouth twitched slightly at the sight of the sake.

Kōri's eyes brightened, and she immediately poured herself a cup.

Ninashi sighed and obediently brought out several bottles of sake in accordance with Kotoe's plan.

Kushina unabashedly grabbed a bottle, using her rice bowl as a cup, and filled it with sake. Kotoe did the same and drank it all, then gave Kushina a competitive look. She also finished her drink.

Minato sighed softly and calmly picked up his chopsticks to start eating.

This scene was not new.

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