Morning sunlight spilled across the village, the lingering snow of early spring slowly melting away. Winter was finally loosening its grip, and Konoha was waking to a softer season.
At this hour, most shinobi were already training or heading out on missions. The streets belonged to civilians, shopkeepers, and women carrying baskets toward the market.
When Yūhi Shinku left the Uchiha district, she ran straight into Nakata Miko.
The moment froze.
Shinku lowered her head instinctively. For someone who had crossed a line only the night before, even eye contact felt dangerous.
"Shinku, let's go together," Miko said easily, stepping forward and placing a woven basket into her hands. Her tone was casual, practiced. "Uchiha military rations are famous. Honestly, they're not any worse than the Akimichi supply lines."
It was a familiar excuse. Miko had used it before. No one would question a woman leaving the Uchiha district with provisions.
They walked side by side.
"Shinku," Miko added quietly, "this is from Captain Yoru."
Shinku looked down.
Inside the basket, beneath the rations, was a thick stack of banknotes.
Her breath caught.
"Miko-san… wasn't the agreement that he'd handle everything? Why is there money?"
Miko laughed softly. "You really are naïve. You have no idea how the great clans operate. The Uchiha are the Fire Country's wealthiest clan."
She leaned closer. "Captain Yoru receives monthly dividends from clan industries alone. Add his official salary, and this amount barely registers. The Uchiha don't skimp on their own people. Especially not their women."
Shinku's cheeks flushed.
"Take it," Miko said firmly. "You've earned it."
The basket suddenly felt unbearably heavy.
"Once you've stepped onto this path," Miko continued, her voice turning quieter, older, "there's no turning back. Rumors can destroy you. Money won't protect your heart, but it will protect your future. Even if you regret this one day, you won't be left with nothing."
Shinku hesitated, then spoke the doubt she couldn't swallow.
"We agreed on three years… three million total. I'm afraid that if I take this now—"
Miko shook her head. "Uchiha pride runs deep. You can doubt their temper, never their word. If you behave, keep quiet, and wait out the three years, you'll walk away clean. He won't stop you."
Seeing the money in front of her was different from hearing about it. The weight of it made her hands tremble.
When Shinku returned home, exhaustion finally caught up to her.
Then a presence filled the room.
She stiffened.
"Director."
Standing in her bedroom was her direct superior. The woman who commanded ANBU operations and happened to be the Third Hokage's daughter-in-law.
"Did the plan succeed?" the director asked coolly.
The question cut deeper than any blade.
Swallowing the ache in her chest, Shinku bowed. "Yes. The target is cautious. For now, he intends to keep me close… as a companion."
She opened the basket.
The director glanced at the money and scoffed. "Generous. You don't need to hand that in. Spend it as you wish."
Wealth meant nothing to her. Her ambitions lay higher.
Lowering her voice, she continued, "Shinku, remember this. You are now embedded inside the Uchiha. The Nine-Tails disaster can never be allowed to repeat itself."
Her gaze sharpened. "Yoru's position and strength mean he'll rise quickly. He's a future clan elder at minimum. Uchiha Setsuna won't last many more years. Yoru is the natural successor."
She paused deliberately. "Don't rush. Climb slowly. Make him trust you. If he's willing to formalize things someday, even better."
This was not a suggestion. It was a long-term deployment.
"Everything you're doing is for the village," the director concluded smoothly.
Shinku hesitated, then nodded. "For the village… I'll give everything."
Satisfied, the director offered her final bait. "Complete this mission, and your record disappears. A fresh start. Advanced jutsu access. Even A-rank techniques."
Shinku smiled faintly. "Thank you, Director."
Later that day, inside the Seventh Division office of the Police Force, Uchiha Shisui scratched his head awkwardly.
"Yoru-niisan… last night's situation. Patrol units noticed Miko's movements."
Yoru sighed, rubbing his temple. "I'll let it slide this time. Next time, warn me first."
Nothing slipped past the Uchiha district's security.
Shisui hesitated. "The clan wanted me to tell you… they can recommend suitable candidates too."
Yoru waved it off. "Focus on Orochimaru-sensei's situation."
Shisui nodded, then discreetly signed a hand signal. A silent question: Is she a problem?
Yoru shook his head just as subtly.
He picked up his teacup and traced a line of water across the desk.
What you can see isn't dangerous. What's hidden is.
Shisui's smile didn't change, but his eyes hardened. "I'll personally watch the detention sector."
As he left, anger simmered beneath the surface.
Using spies was one thing. Using women like this was something else entirely.
Yoru watched him go, expression unreadable.
Then he exhaled softly.
"They really won't stop," he murmured.
The village had made its move.
Now it was his turn.
He remembered an old truth from another life, one that had survived centuries:
If she hasn't seen the world yet, then show her everything.