"Yukino, what are you doing here?" Uchiha Kuro looked at the girl in his arms with some confusion.
She was his former teammate—a civilian ninja with a very pretty appearance.
However, her talent was only average. She couldn't compare to the likes of Sakura or Rin, disciples of the Hokage. At present, she was only at the level of an elite Genin.
"I heard you came back… That's great! I knew you wouldn't die!"
Yukino's eyes were moist as she held Uchiha Kuro tightly. Her arms wrapped firmly around him, fingers clutching as if afraid that if she loosened her grip even slightly, he would disappear again.
As a ninja, Uchiha Kuro naturally had teammates he could rely on.
But since he planned to fake his death, he had deliberately chosen a time when one of his teammates was injured, went out on a mission alone, and successfully staged his death. It was even said that the Third Hokage later used this case as a teaching example at the Ninja Academy—"the consequences of being a lone wolf."
"Don't cry, don't cry," Uchiha Kuro said softly. "If you keep crying, you won't look pretty…"
"Mhm…" Yukino's eyes were still red.
She glanced at the silent, desolate compound and the bloodstains on the ground that hadn't been fully washed away.
"I wanted to come earlier, but there were ANBU guarding outside your clan, and they wouldn't let me in."
"Uchiha Kuro… your Uchiha clan really…"
She trailed off, unable to continue.
"Yeah. It's true." Uchiha Kuro nodded. "Right now, the Uchiha clan only has me and Sasuke left."
Yukino's eyes reddened instantly again. She gently held Uchiha Kuro, as if afraid of hurting him, pulling him into her embrace.
"Why is fate so unfair… You barely made it back alive, and then this happened…"
Her voice was full of heartache.
Her delicate hands softly patted his back.
"Uchiha Kuro, it's okay… don't worry…"
"The Uchiha are one of the founding clans of Konoha. The village won't just abandon you…"
Hearing this, Uchiha Kuro's eyelids twitched slightly.
Girl… you probably don't know that the reason the Uchiha were wiped out is that Konoha contributed about ninety-nine percent to it.
In fact, if he hadn't decisively requested the Third Hokage to seal off the Uchiha compound when he returned—forcing Hiruzen Sarutobi, due to appearances, to send people—then the clan's assets and ninjutsu scrolls would probably have all "disappeared" by now!
Meanwhile, Yukino continued to comfort him gently.
"The Third Hokage won't just stand by… The other clans might also help…"
"And…"
"I'll help too…"
When she said that last sentence, her cheeks turned slightly red, and her voice became extremely soft—so soft that it was almost inaudible if one didn't listen carefully.
…
The two chatted for a while longer.
Yukino couldn't help but ask about Uchiha Kuro's plans going forward.
Uchiha Kuro didn't hold back—he laid out his entire plan of "reviving the clan through sheer numbers and saving it through a harem."
The revival of the Uchiha required children!
However, in the ninja world, although not explicitly stated, monogamy was generally the norm among ninjas.
On the other hand, the nobles and high-ranking officials of the Land of Fire often had multiple wives and concubines.
If he wanted to change this, he had to make it known—so that the women of Konoha would understand and seize the opportunity!
"The Uchiha really do need new blood…" Yukino's face flushed, but she nodded without hesitation. "This is for the sake of the clan. Uchiha Kuro, you'll have to work hard."
"Oh, right. You haven't been home for half a year, so there must be a lot of dust piled up. I wanted to help you clean before, but your clan members wouldn't let me in…"
"Let me help you clean up your house!"
"Living in a clean place will make you feel better too!"
As she spoke, she smiled and rolled up her sleeves, immediately getting to work.
The ANBU lockdown had only lasted for a limited time, so Uchiha Kuro had prioritized sorting out important items like ninjutsu scrolls and property deeds.
As for his residence…
If not for a ninja's habit of enduring harsh conditions, it wouldn't even be livable.
A thorough cleaning began.
Not just Uchiha Kuro's house—even the dark, dried bloodstains outside had to be scrubbed away bit by bit.
Before they knew it, night had fallen.
Uchiha Kuro thought for a moment and said, "You should stay here tonight. It's too late to go back to your place now."
"Don't worry. The bedding inside is clean."
"Mm…" Yukino nodded softly, her face slightly red.
That night.
Uchiha Kuro had just lain down.
A faint rustling sound came from outside.
Yukino gently pushed open the door and walked in.
"Yukino, what are you…" Uchiha Kuro was briefly stunned, then smiled helplessly. "I need to revive the Uchiha. I might not be a qualified husband…"
"I don't care… I don't want to be like before anymore, only watching you from the shadows!"
Yukino's face was flushed red. Her body trembled slightly, like a frightened little rabbit. Her voice was filled with shyness.
But her actions showed no hesitation.
"And besides, Uchiha Kuro… do you know what my best friends say?"
"They all say that a girl like me… is the most fertile type!"