"Where's my husband?"
The faint light of dawn seeped into the bedroom the next morning, yet the lingering scent of the night before still hung thick in the air.
Uchiha Mikoto stirred gently beneath the soft bedding that had been replaced the previous night.
Her thick lashes fluttered like butterfly wings before she slowly opened her eyes.
Her gaze was still hazy with the soft mist of sleep.
Instinctively, she turned to the side.
That place was empty.
Only a faint depression remained in the sheets, along with the subtle trace of his crisp scent.
Mikoto's silk purple nightdress had loosened slightly during the night.
The collar had slipped down just a little, revealing the elegant curve of her pale shoulder and neck glowing softly in the morning light.
A few rays of sunlight filtered through the gauze curtains and fell across her body in gentle patches that rose and fell with her breathing.
"Husband?"
Her voice carried the lazy softness of morning.
Like a feather brushing through the quiet air.
Mikoto slowly pushed herself upright.
Her long black hair spilled down over her shoulders and back like a waterfall.
Her gaze drifted around the room in the gentle light.
Anlan was not there.
She sat quietly for a moment, letting the fog of sleep fade.
Then she caught the faint scent lingering in the air.
A blush crept slowly across her cheeks.
"What a naughty little brother…"
The beautiful wife gave a soft huff.
She lifted the blanket and slid her snow-white bare feet onto the slightly cool floor.
The chill made her toes curl instinctively.
After opening the window to let fresh air in, she walked toward the bathroom.
—
A short while later, Mikoto stepped out of the bedroom after bathing.
A trace of moisture still lingered around her, carrying the faint fragrance of flowers.
She now wore a cream-colored set of home clothes.
The modest yet elegant tailoring hugged her figure naturally.
The soft fabric shimmered faintly in the sunlight as it traced the graceful curves of her body.
Her long hair was loosely tied behind her head.
A few damp strands hung beside her pale neck, adding a touch of relaxed charm.
Her forehead was smooth and bright.
Her eyes were clear like water.
The warmth of the bath left a gentle flush on her skin.
At the bedroom doorway, Mikoto bent slightly and slipped her feet into a pair of white rabbit slippers.
Then she walked into the living room.
Morning light poured through the wide floor-to-ceiling windows, filling half the hall.
And then—
Her gaze settled on a single sofa near the window.
Uchiha Anlan sat there.
His back partially turned toward her, bathed in the morning sun.
The light outlined his shoulders and back sharply.
He was looking down slightly, holding an unfolded document.
It was the Petition of the People written by the nobles.
His expression was focused.
The lines of his jaw looked sharp and composed under the shifting light.
Mikoto unconsciously slowed her steps.
She quietly watched her husband.
On such a peaceful morning—
Bathed in sunlight.
Calmly reading words that carried the weight of the clan's future.
Time itself seemed to slow.
Only dust motes drifted silently in the light around him.
"Lady Mikoto! Breakfast is ready!"
Big Orange's energetic voice came from the dining room.
The tone was lively, full of pride after finishing the cooking.
Mikoto glanced once more at her husband's calm silhouette.
A warm smile bloomed in her eyes.
Then she walked toward the dining room.
—
The dining room was filled with an irresistible aroma.
The long table had already been set neatly.
Several small dishes were arranged in the center.
In front of the seats were bowls of steaming miso soup.
Beside them were bowls of fragrant white rice.
Big Orange placed a freshly cooked grilled fish before Anlan's seat.
The fish was golden and crispy, glazed lightly with sauce and garnished with chopped scallions.
"Young Master, Lady Mikoto—please enjoy, meow!"
Big Orange adjusted the plate with its paws, its cat face shining with anticipation.
"Today's main dishes are salted grilled mackerel and teriyaki chicken!"
"There's tofu and seaweed in the soup, plus tamagoyaki and pickles!"
"Delicious and nutritious, meow!"
At that moment, Anlan set down the Petition of the People and walked over.
The silver-spotted ninja cat that had been delivering intelligence earlier stood up elegantly and followed behind him.
Anlan walked to Mikoto's side and naturally took her hand, guiding her to sit.
Her cheeks reddened slightly.
She obediently sat down in the chair he pulled out.
"Thank you for your hard work, Big Orange," Anlan said gently.
He sat in the main seat and nodded at the abundant breakfast.
"It's nothing, meow!"
Big Orange's eyes narrowed happily.
But when it noticed Ah Yan nearby, its excitement mixed with eager enthusiasm.
The orange cat quickly ran back to the kitchen and returned with a carefully prepared small dish.
It was the special "Morning Love Meal" prepared daily for Ah Yan.
Only after Ah Yan calmly accepted the plate did Big Orange finally relax.
Then it turned and shouted happily behind it.
"Breakfast time, Koromon!"
A pink round figure bounced out from the bathroom.
"Puyo!"
Water droplets still clung to Koromon's face.
Koromon energetically greeted everyone and hopped onto the small table reserved for the cats and Digimon.
It began eating happily alongside Ah Yan and Big Orange.
Anlan picked up his chopsticks and took a bite of tamagoyaki.
The egg flavor was rich and soft.
Perfectly cooked.
Mikoto sipped the miso soup.
The warm broth drove away the last trace of morning chill.
She looked at her husband.
Then at the three little ones happily eating.
A soft smile appeared in her eyes.
For a moment—
She seemed to glimpse the future.
Morning sunlight filled the dining room.
The table was wrapped in warm golden light.
For a while, only the gentle clinking of utensils and satisfied chewing could be heard.
Along with the quiet warmth of home.
—
After breakfast, the work of the new day began.
Anlan and Mikoto left the dining room together and went to the office area downstairs.
The room was simple and efficient.
Bright morning light filled the space.
Important scrolls and documents were neatly arranged on the desk.
When they entered, several senior Uchiha officers from the front line were already waiting.
"Regarding the Petition of the People—"
"Yashiro and the others handled it cleanly."
"We'll have the nobles deliver it to the Daimyō's residence immediately."
Anlan walked directly to the main seat without small talk.
His gaze swept across the room.
Then he turned to the capable Uchiha Hazuki.
"Prepare a proper procession."
"Make it grand."
"No need to advertise intentionally."
"But ensure the entire Land of Fire witnesses how the 'people' voluntarily present their gratitude to the Uchiha."
Hazuki nodded.
"Yes, Lord Anlan."
Anlan then looked toward Uchiha Yakumi.
"Yakumi."
"Escort the nobles with a small Crimson Guard unit."
"You don't need to contact the Daimyō directly."
"Just ensure their safety and act naturally."
At that moment Mikoto spoke softly.
"Yesterday we received intelligence."
"Mito Monon, currently at the Daimyō's court, requested military funding."
"He was quite forceful."
She looked at Yakumi.
"For us, that is good news."
"If possible, make good use of this assistance from Konoha's leadership."
The Uchiha goal was not to become a regional governor.
Their goal was to become the Shogun.
The first step was establishing their banner outside Konoha under the support of eastern nobles—while maintaining nominal ties.
On the surface, the old system of one nation, one hidden village would remain.
But the Crimson Guard would exist independently.
With Konoha's power divided, the Daimyō would believe he now had the ability to balance both sides.
He might even grant the Uchiha legal independence to pressure Konoha.
Once that legal status existed—
Future developments would no longer be under the Daimyō's control.
History was full of examples where weak rulers lost control to powerful ministers.
Yakumi nodded calmly.
"Understood."
—
After arranging the Petition matter, Anlan turned to another figure.
Uchiha Shisui.
The young ninja stood upright, his eyes bright with determination.
"Shisui."
"Yes, General!"
"You will lead a reconnaissance team and join Inabi's squad."
"Now that the eastern Konoha army is destroyed, Jūzō Biwa's Mist forces are the only organized enemy remaining."
"Their eyes are their scattered scouts."
"Your mission is to work with Inabi to eliminate those eyes."
"Disrupt their reconnaissance network."
"Shrink their operational range."
"I want Jūzō Biwa to gradually become blind across the eastern lands."
Shisui already possessed a three-tomoe Sharingan.
His strength was firmly at the jonin level.
After several more real battles, he would reach elite jonin.
"Yes!"
Shisui stood straighter.
"I will cooperate with Senior Inabi and eliminate the Mist scouts!"
"I will not disgrace the Uchiha name!"
"Good."
Anlan nodded.
Then he looked toward Uchiha Fugaku.
"The clan headquarters has decided to recruit more forces within Konoha while our victory momentum lasts."
"Fugaku."
"Send a Hyūga branch member back to the Hyūga compound in Konoha."
"Under the excuse of delivering front-line reports."
"The Hyūga clan head is a smart man."
"When he sees his man return safely, he will understand where to place his bet."
Fugaku nodded knowingly.
Then Anlan continued.
"With new forces about to join…"
"The time when we openly face the world's attention is not far away."
His calm voice carried the quiet weight of an approaching storm.
"Fugaku."
"You will oversee Crimson Guard training and readiness."
"I want them prepared to fight at peak condition at any moment."
"Invincible in attack."
"Unstoppable in battle."
Then Anlan looked toward Yashiro and Tekka.
"Yashiro. Tekka."
Both men straightened.
"Each of you will form a unit."
"Select an elite Uchiha squad as the core."
"Then incorporate five security teams from the Ginza Guard."
"Each of you will command roughly five hundred men."
Anlan first looked at Yashiro.
"Your unit will be called Volcano Army."
"Focus on defensive fortifications, coordinated formations, and precise ranged support."
"You will become the most stable shield on future battlefields."
Then he turned to Tekka.
"Your unit will be called Wind Forest Army."
"You will focus on mobility, infiltration, and rapid annihilation."
"You will become the sharp blade that pierces enemy lines."
"These two new forces will become the shield and spear of the Uchiha army."
"You must forge these reinforcements into reliable soldiers as quickly as possible."
"We are only a few steps away from controlling the eastern lands."
"A disciplined army will be our strongest foundation."
His gaze swept the room again.
"Understood?"
"Yes, General!"
Fugaku, Yashiro, and Tekka answered together.
The initial structure of the Uchiha military had now been established.
Not merely a tactical adjustment—
But the foundation for the clan's future path.
—
After the meeting ended, everyone returned to their duties with renewed determination.
The room grew quiet again.
Anlan remained in the office.
Sunlight moved slowly across the floor.
The silver-spotted cat Ah Yan leapt gracefully onto the desk.
Another black cat perched on the chair arm opposite him.
A quiet discussion about the Ginza merchant group and future plans began between Anlan and the two ninja cat managers.
Reports.
Analysis.
Orders.
Soft voices mixed with occasional gentle meows.
Mikoto sat nearby, reviewing intelligence reports with Hazuki.
Time passed slowly.
And step by step—
The Uchiha grew stronger.