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The morning sun bathed the earth, the warmth of early spring had begun to return, and the snow on the ground was gradually melting, symbolizing the arrival of spring.
In the bright sunlight, at this time, most of the ninjas were either training or on missions, leaving the streets bustling with ordinary people or women out buying groceries.
As Yūhi Kurenai walked out of the Uchiha Clan Territory, she encountered Nakata Miko. The moment was somewhat awkward, especially for the inexperienced young girl, who appeared flustered and at a loss, her head lowered.
"Yuzumi, let's go together," Nakata Miko said with a familiar smile, placing a basket in her hand and whispering, "The Soldier Pills produced in the Uchiha Clan Territory are no less potent than those of the Akimichi Clan."
It was clear that Nakata Miko had done this many times before, using such an excuse to silence everyone. Despite this, she still led the head-down Yūhi Kurenai out.
"Yuzumi, this is from Captain Yoru."
With a knowing look, Yūhi Kurenai realized there was a stack of money in the basket. Her eyes widened in surprise.
"Sister Miko, didn't you say you would help me solve my problems? Why is there money?"
At that moment, Yūhi Kurenai was like an innocent girl, her naive eyes making Nakata Miko laugh. "Yuzumi, you are truly a simple girl. You can't imagine the life in a powerful clan, especially the Uchiha, who are the first family of the Land of Fire."
"Just from Captain Yoru's position in the Uchiha clan, the family's business generates a monthly dividend. Not to mention the rewards from his duties. The Uchiha are the first family, and they are generous to their own, especially to their women."
As she said the last part, Nakata Miko had a meaningful look, and Yūhi Kurenai's face turned red.
"Take it, it's rightfully yours."
Nakata Miko's words left Yūhi Kurenai at a loss, the basket in her hand feeling as if it were burning.
"Yuzumi, since you've taken this step, there's no turning back. Sometimes rumors can hurt you. Take what you deserve now, so even if you regret it later, you can still live a stable life with this money."
Seeing Nakata Miko's experienced demeanor, Yūhi Kurenai still felt the money was burning in her hands, and she voiced her concerns.
"Sister Miko, we agreed on three million over three years. I'm afraid if I take this money..."
Seeing Yūhi Kurenai's concerns, Nakata Miko shook her head. "Don't worry. The Uchiha's pride is ingrained in their bones. You can doubt their strength, but never their integrity. As long as you behave and listen for the next three years, he won't make it difficult for you to leave."
The amount of money was staggering. Yūhi Kurenai had never seen such a large sum, and the visual impact was overwhelming for someone who had not experienced much in the world.
...
Yūhi Kurenai returned home, exhausted. However, the moment she entered her bedroom, her expression changed when she saw someone there.
"Minister!"
The person was the Anbu Minister, the eldest daughter-in-law of the Third Hokage, and Yūhi Kurenai's direct superior.
"Yuzumi, did the plan succeed last night?"
The Third Hokage's eldest daughter-in-law's gaze was nakedly utilitarian, which was particularly sensitive to Yūhi Kurenai at that moment.
No woman would willingly give her first time to a mission, only to have her superior inquire about the mission's status.
Suppressing her inner pain, Yūhi Kurenai lowered her head and said, "The mission is complete, but the target is cautious. He seems to only want me as a lover for now."
As she spoke, she opened the basket, revealing the green bills inside. The Third Hokage's eldest daughter-in-law showed a look of disdain.
"The Uchiha are generous. You don't need to turn in this money; you can use it as you wish."
Money was not important to her. Her goal was to advance further, and she could only do so through her husband's position. If Ape Fly Shinno became the Hokage, she would be the Hokage's wife.
The Third Hokage's eldest daughter-in-law lowered her voice and said, "Yuzumi, I will remember everything you do. In the future, you will be a spy within the Uchiha clan. The disaster of the Nine-Tails must not happen again. Uchiha Yoru's identity and strength will make him a high-ranking member of the Uchiha clan, perhaps even an elder."
"Sarada Uchiha is getting weaker every day and won't last much longer. Uchiha Yoru is the most suitable candidate to take his place. While intelligence is important, don't rush. Climb slowly and make Uchiha Yoru willing to take you as a concubine in the future."
The Third Hokage's eldest daughter-in-law, though ambitious, was also skilled. She was already planning for the future.
Becoming the Hokage's wife, she needed to be a support to her husband. Now, she had the opportunity to use her position to plant a spy within the Uchiha clan.
"Yuzumi, this is all for the village. I hope you understand."
After explaining the mission, the Third Hokage's eldest daughter-in-law used her skills to win Yūhi Kurenai's loyalty, though her utilitarian mindset was strong. Yūhi Kurenai, feeling resistant, nodded solemnly when she heard it was for the village.
"For the village, Yuzumi is willing to give her life."
Seeing Yūhi Kurenai's response, she smiled in satisfaction. "Yuzumi, rest assured. You are on a secret Anbu mission. I can promise you that after the mission, no one will know your past. You can start a new life in Konoha and even learn advanced ninja techniques, even A-Rank Ninjutsu."
A-Rank Ninjutsu was a high-level technique that only upper-level ninjas could access. The reward was indeed generous.
Yūhi Kurenai forced a smile and nodded. "Thank you, Minister."
At that moment, comfort was more important than the reward, or perhaps Yūhi Kurenai was not a woman driven by ambition.
From the original story, it was clear that after the death of Moonlight Kazekage, Konoha formed an alliance with the Sand Village. Yūhi Kurenai suffered from war syndrome, a form of psychological trauma, and chose to leave the Anbu to join the logistics unit.
If she were an ambitious woman, she wouldn't have done so.
...
In the Police Department Seventh Squad office, Uchiha Shisui had a somewhat awkward smile.
"Brother Yoru, about last night, you know Nakata Miko's situation. It didn't escape the patrol team's eyes."
Seeing Shisui's hesitant expression, Uchiha Yoru shook his head. "Alright, I'll forgive you this time, but please let me know next time."
No stranger could enter the Uchiha clan territory without being noticed, especially a mere Chunin like Yūhi Kurenai.
The Uchiha clan had hidden patrol guards who would immediately report any unusual activity, and the news would reach the higher-ups. As a ninja, such information would not be disclosed casually.
But the clan leader and elders must have known about it last night, which is why Shisui knew.
"Brother Yoru, the family wants me to tell you that you can also choose a suitable person from within the clan."
After a year of dealing with high-level politics and witnessing countless dark deeds, Shisui found having a mistress to be quite common. He saw it as an honor for the woman to bear the noble Uchiha bloodline.
"Alright, Shisui, but focus on Orochimaru-sensei's situation for now," Uchiha Yoru said, rubbing his forehead and shaking his head.
Being from a prestigious family, when you enter the power center and enjoy certain privileges, you also have to bear corresponding responsibilities.
For example, while the Uchiha clan did not oppose marrying outside the clan, they would advise finding a clan member, especially for those who could activate the Sharingan. However, this was just a suggestion, as the Uchiha's pride allowed for only a few words of guidance.
For someone like him, who was already a key figure in the Uchiha clan, if he chose to marry outside the clan, the person could be a civilian, but preferably an upper-level ninja to avoid gossip.
Parents with Chakra abilities would have children who could also extract Chakra, and if the parents were high-level ninjas, the child's talent would likely surpass ordinary ninjas.
Uchiha Yoru smiled and shook his head at the clan's trivial matters. Technically, his position as a squad leader was only marginally powerful, but with his status as Orochimaru's disciple, he was almost on par with the clan leader and elders.
"Brother Yoru, here is the family's advance dividend."
Seeing the passbook Shisui handed over, Uchiha Yoru couldn't help but laugh. Just for taking a woman, the clan had taken notice, even advancing the dividend that was due in a week.
However, he had no intention of refusing the money. He had worked hard for the Uchiha and deserved the reward.
"Brother Yoru, I've instructed the clan's guards to protect Miss Yuzumi in the future."
Shisui smiled, and Uchiha Yoru shook his head, saying, "Alright, if anyone causes trouble in the clan territory, just let the guards know."
As they laughed, Shisui secretly made gestures, asking if Yūhi Kurenai's identity was suspicious and if she needed to be watched. Uchiha Yoru smiled and shook his head, signaling that it was unnecessary.
"Shisui, we need to increase the manpower in the prison. Keep an eye on it."
Uchiha Yoru pretended to discuss official matters with Shisui but wrote a message on the table with his teacup.
"What is visible is not scary; what is hidden is."
The meaning was clear: The spies we know are not scary because we can monitor them. What is truly terrifying is what is hidden, as you don't know who they are or when they will strike from behind.
Shisui smiled and nodded, taking the message. He understood the need to watch the prison, where many unsavory activities took place. Although the Hyuga clan was involved, they couldn't let their guard down, as the Hokage's faction had already made a move.
Shisui's smile hid his anger. Why was the Third Hokage doing this? Did he not trust the Uchiha?
First, he planted spies, and now he was using a female spy to get close. If it were just for monitoring, it would be understandable, given the Uchiha's involvement in the Nine-Tails incident. But using a female spy in this way was a clear sign of distrust, a tactic used against enemy nations.
The village's treatment of the Uchiha as enemies filled Uchiha Shisui with anger, sadness, and a sense of corruption in the Konoha leadership.
"Shisui," Uchiha Yoru said, shaking his head to indicate that it was not necessary.
Shisui understood and nodded, not revealing that Yūhi Kurenai was an Anbu spy, now an outright spy. He feared that it would conflict with the plan, but his brother would bear the burden alone.
"Shisui, I remember Itachi is preparing for his graduation exam. When you have time, help me teach him."
Uchiha Yoru smiled apologetically, and Shisui nodded solemnly. "Brother Yoru, you can count on me."
Shisui's heart was filled with the frustration of the corrupt Konoha leadership, which influenced Uchiha Itachi.
In the original story, Uchiha Itachi and Uchiha Shisui were both mentor and friend, and Itachi was influenced by Shisui. In this life, the same influence persisted, but this time it was different.
Uchiha Yoru sneered. The Third Hokage's tactics were relentless, but this time, he would make the Third Hokage's plans backfire.
Uchiha Shisui and Uchiha Itachi, future Shadow-level ninjas, would not stand with the Hokage's faction.
And Yūhi Kurenai?
A civilian with upper-level ninja potential, with a clean family background. Uchiha Yoru sneered, determined to teach the Third Hokage a lesson.
Women were not to be used this way. This was not a matter of national or family hatred. When the ugly face of Konoha's politics was revealed, the wounded heart needed comfort.
He remembered the wisdom of his past life: "If she is naive, show her the world's splendor."
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(End of Chapter)