"Oh?" Uchiha Izumi's dark eyes widened slightly in surprise. She had spoken casually, half-joking even, when she mentioned marriage, never expecting Uchiha Fugaku to actually propose that she marry his son.
But Fugaku's voice was firm as he continued, "You and Itachi have a good relationship, don't you? If you marry him, I will approve your request without hesitation. You know my son — he is very capable, and loyal to the Clan."
Izumi's lips curled into a meaningful smile. She paused to consider the proposition, weighing the political implications, the power balance, and her own ambitions. Finally, she nodded, "I agree."
"Hmph." Fugaku's expression softened for the first time in days, a rare smile breaking through his usually stern demeanor. The thought that the coup could succeed, and that his son might wield power as Izumi's husband, was a vision that filled him with pride and confidence.
"When the time comes," Fugaku added with a sly grin, "I will teach my son a few tricks — see if he can train you to be utterly obedient. To have eyes for no one but him. Hmph hmph."
"If you refuse to marry Itachi," Fugaku's tone turned icy again, "then you will not become Hokage. If that happens, I or my son will take that position instead. My son loses nothing in this arrangement."
Izumi smiled softly in return. "As long as the coup succeeds, I will marry him. However, Clan Head, you must understand that Itachi's current stance is somewhat uncertain. He is young, and has been praised extensively by the Third Hokage and Danzo Shimura. At times, it feels like he doesn't even know who he truly is anymore."
"So, you must have a thorough talk with him. Don't let your son become another enemy for us. My relationship with Itachi is good, but when it comes to conflict, I will show no mercy."
Fugaku nodded gravely. "Rest assured, I will explain everything to him. After all, he is a member of the Uchiha Clan."
Izumi chuckled, the sound light but laced with meaning. "That's for the best. It would be dangerous if he became an enemy."
"I still have faith in Itachi," Fugaku said softly. "He has always been a kind person at heart. But he was misled by Konoha's higher-ups, which has distanced him from us."
"I will handle it," Fugaku promised.
Changing the subject, Fugaku asked, "So, will you continue to work at the Hokage's office? To coordinate from within during the coup?"
Izumi shook her head slowly. "No. The Hokage doesn't trust me either. If I returned, I wouldn't be given any important tasks and would constantly be watched. Besides, for internal coordination, Itachi alone is enough."
"That's true." Fugaku agreed. "Then you should join our Konoha Military Police Force. I will also clarify the misunderstandings some clan members have about you."
Izumi shook her head again, a sly smile on her lips. "There's no need. Suddenly becoming friendly would make them think I've reconciled with you all."
"If I continue as before," she explained, "they won't know if I truly joined you or if I'm simply playing a game, perhaps trying to get more conditions from you. That way, we might get useful information from them."
Fugaku nodded thoughtfully. "That might work better."
"Then this matter is settled." Izumi stood, smoothing out the wrinkles in her clothing. "From now on, I will be your daughter, Fugaku."
She smirked mischievously. "But we'll talk about that after you succeed."
Fugaku's face broke into a broad smile. "Hmph, we will definitely succeed!"
After Fugaku left, Izumi stuck out her tongue and muttered to herself with a smile, "Love? Maybe experiencing it wouldn't be so bad. In my previous life, I barely experienced love. Now that I'm a woman, I wonder if it feels different?"
She sighed, eyes softening with a hint of wistfulness. "I really should have had a proper relationship back then. Now that I'm a woman, I can't experience the male perspective anymore. And after all, I've grown used to a woman's way of thinking and acting. It's a bit of a pity."
"But habit is a strange thing," Izumi mused, gazing out the window. "Once you slowly get used to a certain life, it all becomes natural."
Her lips curled into a serene smile. "Let me enjoy these last moments in Konoha as I please."
---
The following day, at the Hokage's Office:
The Third Hokage sat behind his desk, his expression grave as he reviewed a report. He looked up, brows furrowed in concern.
"Are you certain?" he asked Izumi quietly. "You really want to join the Uchiha Clan's Konoha Military Police Force?"
Izumi nodded firmly. "Yes. It was customary for all Uchiha Clan ninja to work in the Military Police Force after graduation. I didn't join earlier because I was too young and inexperienced. But now that I've matured, I think it's time to take on this role."
The Third Hokage leaned back, troubled. "But I've heard you were ostracized by them because of your mother's legacy."
Izumi's eyes narrowed slightly, a faint smile playing on her lips. "Yes, but I also learned that my mother was actually killed by Root ninja while in Konoha Hospital, Hokage-sama."
"Impossible." The Third Hokage stood, shocked. "You must believe in Konoha's integrity. Danzo wouldn't do such a thing. What would be the benefit? To turn you against us?"
Izumi sighed deeply. "Hokage-sama, I no longer want to be involved in disputes. I just want to live a simple life — maintaining the Village's security by serving in the Military Police Force. I want to avoid political entanglements."
The Third Hokage's stern expression softened. He studied the young woman before him — so young, yet bearing the weariness of one far older.
"Very well," he said finally. "I respect your decision. You have my permission to work in the Konoha Military Police Force."
"Thank you, Hokage-sama." Izumi bowed and left.
After her departure, the Third Hokage's face darkened once more. "How did Uchiha Izumi learn of her mother's fate? Investigate immediately. Inform Danzo and have him explain himself."
"Yes, sir!" a voice replied, but the figure vanished like smoke through the window before the Third Hokage could see.
He lifted his pipe, lost in thought. Izumi's alignment with the Uchiha was troubling. Was she truly siding with them, or was she merely seeking peace?
---
Meanwhile, at Uchiha Fugaku's residence:
Several clan members voiced their doubts.
"Clan Head," one man asked, "why do you want Uchiha Izumi to join the Konoha Military Police Force? She killed an elder!"
"Exactly! She holds a grudge against our clan. She doesn't belong among us!"
Fugaku fixed them with a steady gaze. "The past is the past. I've spoken with the elders, and they agree. Uchiha Izumi will be a vital combat force and a comrade."
He sighed, "Her case was a misunderstanding. Rest assured."
"Ah… this…" the group faltered.
Fugaku waved dismissively. "This matter is settled. Return to your duties."
"Yes, Clan Head." The group dispersed, though their resentment lingered beneath the surface.
Izumi paid no mind. She cared little for their opinions. She was here to experience the Konoha Military Police Force, to carve her own path, and to enjoy the power and intrigue it offered.
---
Izumi's thoughts floated as she prepared for what lay ahead.
She was a woman reborn in a world rife with danger and opportunity.
Now, the game had truly begun
Izumi donned the familiar green uniform of Konoha's ninja security force, the fabric fitting snugly against her slender frame. The emblem of the Leaf Village and the Uchiha Clan crest adorned her chest and back—symbols heavy with history and burden. She felt a mixture of anticipation and restraint as she followed behind Uchiha Cang Kong, who led her through the winding streets toward her assigned patrol area.
"This street is your responsibility," Cang Kong said reluctantly, his tone as cold as ever. "It's not too big, so one person is enough. Don't mess things up. We've already told you everything you need to know."
Izumi nodded sharply, her eyes bright with determination. "Understood. I will maintain public order properly."
Cang Kong snorted coldly. "I'd be thankful if you just didn't cause trouble. Hmph. I'm leaving now. Do a good job." With that, he gave her a curt gesture, guiding her around the perimeter to familiarize her with the neighborhood before disappearing down an alley.
Left alone, Izumi muttered to herself, "Though he seems difficult to get along with, he's surprisingly considerate in his own way."
She adjusted her uniform and took a deep breath. "Time to start patrolling. I'm curious—what will it be like to serve as a member of the security force?"
With a gentle smile, Izumi stepped onto the bustling street.
---
The street was modest yet lively—a stretch lined with small vendors selling fresh vegetables, steaming bowls of ramen, and handmade crafts. Nearby was a residential area, home to families and the elderly. Both zones were her responsibility.
Izumi's eyes sparkled as she greeted the vendors, waving cheerfully. "Hello! I'm a new member of the Konoha Security Force. From today on, I'll be responsible for maintaining order in this area."
The vendors blinked in surprise. The Konoha Security Force usually seemed stern, distant, and serious—as if everyone owed them something. It was rare to see someone as young, bright, and gentle as Izumi take up the mantle.
Yet, despite their initial surprise, the vendors greeted her not with smiles, but with cool indifference and thinly veiled suspicion.
One elderly shopkeeper mumbled to another, "Hmph, another Uchiha… I don't trust them."
Izumi's smile never wavered, but inside, she felt a strange, prickling sensation—a fluctuation in the air around her. Her gaze sharpened.
From across the street, a small child played with a wooden sword, carefree and oblivious to the tense atmosphere. Izumi crossed the road, crouching down beside him.
"Hello there," she said softly. "What's your name, little one?"
The boy looked up, his eyes locking onto the Uchiha crest emblazoned on Izumi's uniform. With childish defiance, he spat a mouthful of saliva directly onto her cheek.
"Ptooey!"
Izumi instinctively tilted her head, narrowly dodging the spit. Her smile froze. Slowly, she opened her eyes wide, revealing the crimson glow of the Sharingan, its three tomoe spinning with quiet intensity.
The child's face instantly paled, and tears welled in his eyes. "Waaah waah waah!" he began to cry, clutching at his mother's skirts.
Within moments, a crowd gathered. Neighbors rushed forward, eyes filled with outrage. They formed a protective circle around the boy, pointing fingers at Izumi.
"What are you doing? How dare you bully a child?" a woman yelled.
Izumi blinked, trying to keep her voice calm. "He spat on me first. I just dodged it, and now he's crying."
The woman scoffed, glancing around at the others for support. "No, you frightened the child! Don't lie!"
"Such a young girl, and yet so cruel."
"That's right! Those Uchiha people aren't good at all."
"We don't want you here! Leave this place!"
Izumi felt a sudden rush of irritation at their relentless murmurs and accusations. Their voices droned like an endless swarm of buzzing insects in her ears.
Snapping her fingers sharply, she summoned a powerful vibration.
"Bzzzz—"
A booming sound suddenly filled the street, overwhelming the crowd's chatter. The residents clasped their ears, gasping in shock, stumbling backward as if struck by an invisible wave. Many collapsed to the ground, clutching their heads in pain.
Seizing the moment, Izumi grabbed the nearest woman—the one who had spoken most harshly—and glared down at her.
"Perjury, inciting the public to attack a security force member. Do you think I will let this slide?" Her voice was cold, unyielding.
The woman struggled, crying out, "Let me go! Help! She's hurting me! The security force is killing me!"
Izumi dragged her along the cobblestones by the hair, her grip firm and unrelenting.
The woman screamed, "Help! The security force is abusing me! Someone, please help!"
The disturbance attracted even more curious onlookers from nearby streets, who came out to watch the escalating conflict. They whispered and pointed, casting wary glances at Izumi and the woman in her grasp.
Suddenly, Uchiha Cang Kong arrived, his face dark with disapproval. "What's going on here? You just started causing trouble as soon as I left?"
Izumi's tone was sharp as she replied, "She incited that child to attack me maliciously, lied about what happened, riled up the crowd to harass me, and obstructed my enforcement duties. She's no ordinary citizen—I suspect she's a spy."
Voices rose around them, accusing Izumi and the Uchiha clan.
"You're the ones acting maliciously! None of you are trustworthy!"
"Get them out of here!"
"Let her go!"
Cang Kong's face flushed with frustration. "Let her go, now!"
Izumi sneered, refusing to relent. "Let her go? What a joke. The loudest voice does not win here." She tightened her grip on the woman's hair and started toward the security force headquarters.
By now, a sizable crowd had formed, their faces a mixture of anger, fear, and confusion.
Cang Kong glanced at the gathering masses and knew this incident had become a serious problem.
"Let her go!"
"Uchiha, enough already! This is too much!"
"They even locked me up just last week!"
"Oh? Is that so? You must have been wronged." Murmurs of sympathy rippled through the crowd as they distanced themselves from Cang Kong's authority.
Izumi raised her hand, voice commanding, "Everyone, move aside! You're blocking the way!"
The crowd's anger grew louder.
"Let her go!"
"Uchiha Clan, get out!"
"Right!"
Before the chaos could escalate further, a calm, authoritative voice rang out, carrying both majesty and kindness.
"What exactly is happening here? Izumi, if this is a misunderstanding, just let her go." The Third Hokage emerged from the crowd, pipe in hand.
The people immediately fell silent and bowed their heads in respect.
"Hokage-sama! Help her!"
"Hokage-sama!"
The Third Hokage's eyes narrowed as he looked at Izumi, who was still dragging the woman by her hair. His brow furrowed in disapproval.
"Izumi," he said gently but firmly, "do you understand how your actions affect the villagers of Konoha? Your methods seem... immature."
The crowd murmured in agreement.
Cang Kong's legs nearly buckled under him. "It's over," he whispered. "What am I to do now that the Hokage has seen this?"
Izumi met the Hokage's gaze without flinching.
"Hokage-sama," she said clearly, "this woman incited the child to maliciously ambush me, a security force member. She committed perjury, stirred the crowd to surround me, and deliberately interfered with my enforcement duties. She is no ordinary citizen—I suspect she's a spy and must be taken in for investigation. I ask you not to obstruct my work."
Hearing this, Cang Kong and the civilians gasped in shock and disbelief. "How dare this young girl!"
One nearby ninja stepped forward indignantly. "How bold! Do you know who he is?"
Izumi's eyes glinted with cold defiance. "Of course I know. The Third Hokage himself. But does his position exempt me from enforcement of the law?"
The ninja opened his mouth to respond, but the Third Hokage raised a hand to silence him.
The crowd fell silent, tension thick in the air as they awaited the Hokage's verdict.
---
Izumi's heart beat steadily. She knew the road ahead would be filled with obstacles, but she was ready.
Her Sharingan burned bright—not just a symbol of power, but of justice in a world rife with deception.
She was no longer a mere girl. She was a force to be reckoned with.
And this was only the beginning