After the prying gaze in the shadows vanished.
Qingchuan maintained his "low-energy consumption" cultivation for a long while, only stopping when he confirmed no one was observing him.
It was now noon.
The blazing sun made his sticky body even more uncomfortable.
He felt exhausted.
Not just physically, but mentally.
"How annoying..."
"Forget it. Let's call it a day."
Sheathing his blade.
Qingchuan decided to rest for the remainder of the day.
Work-life balance mattered.
Though the system only recognized blade-swinging repetitions for skill progression, his physical fatigue kept accumulating.
Occasional breaks were reasonable.
Returning home.
After a hot bath, he donned his skirt again.
He planned to explore the village.
Over a month had passed since his transmigration.
Apart from Itachi, he hadn't interacted with anyone.
Leaving early, returning late.
This posed a hidden risk.
His current public persona was Uchiha Haruko.
This identity needed reinforcement.
Occasional public appearances to maintain presence became necessary.
Staring at his reflection.
A vibrant girl with gentle eyes and rosy lips—utterly disguising his male physique.
Taking a deep breath, he hyped himself up.
"You can do this."
"Eat ramen, buy dango, then head home."
"Go for it, Haruko!"
Clenching small fists.
Holding Senbonzakura, Haruko officially stepped out.
The Uchiha compound stood distant from Konoha's bustling center.
But their clan district had its own market, complete with signature snacks.
Qingchuan decided to survey this area first.
However.
He underestimated the impact of his current appearance.
Nervous during his first public exposure, his timid demeanor inadvertently enhanced Haruko's charm.
Consequently.
Every vendor—whether uncle or auntie—would exclaim "What an adorable girl!" while giving extra portions at discounted prices.
This quietly boosted his confidence.
The dynamic shifted upon leaving Uchiha territory.
Though still drawing admiring glances, people instinctively distanced themselves upon spotting the Uchiha crest on his clothes and the blade in his arms.
"Still underestimated Konoha's prejudice against Uchiha," Qingchuan murmured, now walking normally as wariness counterbalanced admiration.
Frankly, these villagers seemed rather simple-minded.
Naruto's situation was understandable—the Nine-Tails' stigma ran deep.
But his current appearance radiated harmlessness.
Well, the sword deducted some points.
Yet what harm could a petite girl possibly cause?
Eyes flashing disdain.
His gait gradually adopted the Uchiha's characteristic pride.
Today's outing.
Was precisely for showing off and establishing presence.
This routine would continue for seven years.
Until mastering Bankai and gaining strength to confront Itachi sans disguise.
The optimal strategy—low-key growth while maintaining legal identity.
Suddenly.
A slurred, malicious voice pierced the air.
Accompanied by a swaying drunkard clutching a sake bottle.
"Damn Uchiha!"
"Locked me up... three days... just for drinking!"
"I'll... settle this... someday!"
"Huh?"
"A shrimp wearing Uchiha rags?"
The drunkard focused on Qingchuan.
Alcohol-blurred vision initially obscured the girl's cuteness.
But the clan crest on the skirt ignited his humiliation-fueled rage.
Staggering forward, he lunged at Qingchuan with the bottle!
Qingchuan frowned.
Within 0.0007358 seconds, numerous options flashed through his mind.
Knocking out the drunkard risked exposure.
Feigning helplessness preserved low profile but contradicted his already foul mood from morning surveillance...
Enduring harassment felt repulsive.
Both choices had pros and cons.
Before deciding, a swift figure resolved the crisis.
A familiar presence.
Compact yet agile, executing precise moves.
Qingchuan instantly recognized him—his sole acquaintance this past month.
Uchiha Itachi, clan heir and top academy student.
Kicking away the drunkard, he pinned the man while maintaining visual contact with Qingchuan.
"Please sober up, drunkard!"
Restraining the man, Itachi sighed in relief.
"Haruko, are you unharmed?"
"Did this... frighten you?"