Under Senju Yukika's jutsu, amidst the barren land, all kinds of trees and flowers bloomed as if clustered together, an awe-inspiring sight that hadn't appeared in over a century.
Sara stood dumbfounded, then crouched down, gently reaching out to touch a blossom that had just broken through the soil. The tree flowers swayed without wind, shimmering with delicate brilliance.
Sara gently sniffed. The fragrance was rich yet subtle, everything so real yet hard to believe. Night after night, little Sara had dreamed of a blooming Loulan, but she never thought it would appear before her eyes today.
Senju Yukika watched Sara's tearful eyes and twitching nose, a bit speechless. He was merely practicing Wood Release—didn't expect her to be moved enough to give herself away.
Faint cheers and even joyful tears came from deeper within Loulan; clearly, the city's residents had also witnessed this magical scene.
Listening to their cheers, Sara murmured, "Is this really a dream...?"
Senju Yukika gently folded a flower and placed it in Sara's small hand, smiling brightly. "Now you should believe I'm the leader of the Senju clan."
Sara looked up and dumbly nodded, not even noticing that Yukika was still holding her hand tightly.
...
Led by Sara, Yukika was heading toward Loulan City. The terrain was complex and full of hidden barriers. Ordinary people who entered would struggle to find a way out.
After Yukika's shocking display, the innocent Loulan Queen Sara fully believed he was from the Senju clan. Even if Loulan was isolated, everyone knew of Senju Hashirama, the ninja god who once pacified the chaotic world, and Konoha's iconic figure. Plus, Yukika's jutsu made it clear—he was incredibly strong.
Sara suddenly turned to Yukika. "What's your relation to Senju Hashirama?"
Yukika opened his eyes and smiled. "He's my grandfather." He had already scanned Loulan and located the Dragon Vein.
Sara's eyes cleared. "No wonder your Wood Release is so powerful."
Yukika chuckled. His Wood Release wasn't just because of his grandfather; in fact, the Senju clan's mastery of it was largely his doing, but he let Sara's misunderstanding slide.
"You Senju are so powerful. Why come to Loulan?" Sara asked curiously.
To absorb the Dragon Vein's power and become even stronger—of course, he couldn't say that. Instead, Yukika smiled. "I came to save Loulan and restore its glory."
Sara paused, then smiled slyly. "You must be a fool."
Anyone who met a stranger talking big like that would think he was crazy. Honestly, Yukika had never been treated like this before—not even when he wasn't yet so prominent in Konoha.
But Yukika wasn't angry; he was intrigued. If other Senju had heard her, they might've razed Loulan on the spot.
"If you're not a fool, then you're a liar. You brought a miracle, so you're our honored guest, but don't make wild claims. Loulan's fine—we don't need a big shot like you to save us."
Yukika looked around at the rubble and muttered, "Even after seeing my power, you still don't believe me?"
Sara's expression grew complicated. She turned away without replying.
Suddenly, two wary ninjas appeared at the gate, each blocking Sara but not aiming at Yukika.
"Who are you? What are you doing here!?"
Yukika glanced at them, releasing a bit of spiritual pressure. The two ninjas turned pale, staggered back, and dropped to their knees, gagging.
...
Really? His name was just to scare people? Yukika could have taken it as provocation, and if not for Sara, he might've wiped them out.
Sara quickly stood between them. "He's Loulan's honored guest. Don't be disrespectful."
The two kunoichi lowered their heads, eyes full of fear. "Yes, we obey the princess."
Who was this man with such terrifying strength? They'd never met someone with this kind of pressure before—it was like a god descending from the heavens. Their first instinct was to submit and worship.
One ninja whispered, "Princess, the celebration is about to begin."
...
After the celebration, Sara officially became Loulan's new queen. She smiled at Yukika. "Senju clan leader, would you be interested in attending Loulan's celebration?"
Yukika's smile turned sly. "Since the queen herself invited me, how could I refuse?" He had a feeling Loulan's hidden threat was about to make its move.
...
The celebration was lively, crowds cheering Queen Sara's name. Yukika leaned casually against a wall, coldly watching the mechanical crowd. Just as he suspected, most were puppets under someone's control.
A nearly invisible chakra thread caught Yukika's eye, standing out despite its thinness. He looked toward Sara at the tower. Wearing ceremonial attire, she seemed less youthful and more regal now.
Suddenly, a cry rang out. Queen Sara fell from the tower. At that height, she'd die on impact. Strangely, the crowd stayed motionless, staring blankly at her fall.
Bang!
Yukika stepped forward through the crowd, catching Sara mid-fall, and said with a grin, "That's the second time I've saved you."