Having fully taken control of ANBU, Drake walked out of the base.
"Drake, I'm heading off first!"
Obito waved and vanished in a flash.
Drake watched his retreating figure, eyes narrowing slightly.
Something's off.
Very off.
"Ever since Obito came back, he's barely spoken to Rin," Drake muttered, rubbing his chin.
"Did he… finally let go?"
Not just Obito.
Even Yamato had been acting strangely.
Everyone else had left, yet Yamato stayed behind in the ANBU base—hanging around with White Zetsu.
"…People are complicated," Drake shook his head. "No point overthinking it."
Seeing the sky growing dark, he strolled back into the village, heading straight for Happy Hot Springs.
"Only that place can truly comfort the body and soul."
Happy Hot Springs
Drake arrived at just the right moment.
"You really timed it perfectly," Kushina Uzumaki said in surprise.
They had just closed for the day.
"Pure coincidence," Drake smiled and sat down.
After all, freeloading required punctuality.
Before long, Hinata Lingyin—wearing an apron—brought the dishes over.
The moment she saw Drake, her body stiffened.
"Y-You're here…"
Her voice carried a trace of fear. She hurriedly set the dishes down and fled.
"Huh?" Kushina frowned. "Drake, did you bully Lingyin or something?"
"How could I?" Drake shook his head.
"You're all here together all the time—when would I get the chance?"
"That's true…" Kushina nodded.
Lingyin stayed in the shop all day. There shouldn't have been any conflict.
So why did she look scared?
"Drake, you're here."
Maineko stepped out from the corridor, wrapped in a bath towel.
"Hey! Put some clothes on, Maineko!" Kushina covered her forehead helplessly.
If this weren't a women-only bathhouse, Maineko's outfit alone would've drawn a mob.
After sitting down, Maineko shot Drake a glance—her eyes shimmering meaningfully.
Drake received the signal loud and clear.
The food was served.
Lady Mikoto wasn't here yet—only the four of them.
Lingyin sat opposite Drake, head lowered the entire time.
"Lingyin, do you have some misunderstanding with Drake?" Kushina asked gently.
"No! N-No, not at all!" Lingyin shook her head frantically.
"Then why won't you look up?" Maineko pressed.
"I—I…"
"Easy to explain," Drake cut in calmly.
"Miss Lingyin is probably just shy around a man."
He added lightly, "After all, this place usually has only female guests."
"Y-Yes! That's it!" Lingyin nodded vigorously.
Knock. Knock. Knock.
Just then, someone knocked at the door.
"Senior Drake, are you inside?"
A clear, childish voice rang out.
Drake stepped outside and saw a little boy—barely three or four years old.
"You are… Lady Mikoto's son?" Drake asked uncertainly.
"Yes! My name is Itachi Uchiha!" the boy said earnestly.
"What brings you here?"
"My dad asked me to invite you. Mom said you'd probably be here."
"Your mother really understands me," Drake chuckled.
On the Way to the Uchiha Compound
A thought suddenly crossed Drake's mind.
"Itachi, how's Obito been doing in the clan lately?"
"Obito-senpai? He's really popular!" Itachi replied with admiration.
"Oh? Popular how?"
"Lots of big sisters are always surrounding him. I'm going to join them later!"
That explained everything.
No wonder Obito stopped paying attention to Rin.
Gave up one tree—and gained an entire forest.
At the Uchiha compound, Itachi dashed off immediately—clearly going to find Obito.
Drake headed straight for Fugaku's room and pushed the door open.
Uchiha Residence
"You finally came," Fugaku Uchiha stood up to welcome him.
Lady Mikoto Uchiha rose as well, smiling softly.
"Sorry to keep you waiting, Clan Head Fugaku," Drake said politely.
The meal was exquisite.
Mikoto even brought out a bottle of wine.
"Drake, this is daimyō-exclusive wine. It helps with sleep," Fugaku explained.
"Unfortunately… you can't drink it."
"What a shame," he sighed.
"If you drink, that's enough," Drake smiled. "I'm not picky."
Clink.
Fugaku downed his cup in one go, savoring the taste.
"They say this wine contains a rare hypnotic powder," he added enthusiastically.
"Even daimyō fall into deep sleep after drinking it—and wake up refreshed."
"Hypnotic powder?" Drake chuckled.
So… sleeping pills.
What a fancy name.
Fugaku finished one cup, Mikoto promptly refilled it.
Drake used tea in place of alcohol, clinking cups with Fugaku several times.
They spoke only of daily life—and Obito's recent changes.
Eventually—
"Drake, come—have another—"
Bang!
Before he could finish, Fugaku's head slammed onto the table.
"Fugaku?" Mikoto called softly.
"Wake up…"
She shook him gently.
Across the table, Drake narrowed his eyes, watching her performance in silence.
"Lady Mikoto," Drake said calmly,
"Isn't this a bit much?"
Drake wasn't stupid.
It was obvious she'd intentionally gotten Fugaku drunk.
"W-What are you talking about?" Mikoto brushed her hair back, feigning shyness.
"Do you know what you look like right now?" Drake asked quietly.
"…What?" Mikoto blinked.
"You look like a dried-up well," Drake said as he slowly stood up.
"And you?" Mikoto shot him a look.
"I'm a wooden stake," Drake replied, stepping closer.
"Used to dig wells."
He wrapped an arm around her from behind and whispered near her ear:
"Until water bursts forth."
"A-Ah…!"
Mikoto's face flushed crimson.
"No need to dig… the well's already there…" she murmured, barely audible.
Drake laughed softly.
"Lady Mikoto—
you're really bold."
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