When the pale moonlight filtered through the skylight like a soft veil, the clan assembly—lasting most of the day—finally came to an end.
Three resolutions were set in stone.
First, the initial deployment against Kirigakure would consist of ten jōnin squads.
Five from the clan head's faction.
Three from the hawks.
Two from the doves.
Before confirming Kirigakure's true movements, all three factions tacitly agreed not to propose further reinforcements.
Second, before deployment, the old clan head would negotiate with the Hokage—securing command authority for the war, or at the very least, operational autonomy for Uchiha forces.
Third, the next clan head would be chosen based on each member's performance on the battlefield.
Everyone understood what that meant.
Only three truly stood as candidates—
Uchiha Ren.
Uchiha Fugaku.
Uchiha Mikoto.
Among them, Ren held the strongest momentum.
Of course, there was always the possibility of a dark horse—someone awakening the Mangekyō Sharingan and overturning everything.
—
The heavy doors of the shrine opened once more.
Standing guard outside, Uchiha Inabi looked up—
And froze in surprise.
Two figures approached side by side.
After falling in with the hawkish group, Inabi leaned toward his friend Uchiha Tekka and whispered,
"Why is Lady Mikoto walking with Lord Ren? And what's going on with the doves?"
To be honest, the sudden reveal of a connection between the two faction leaders—who had rarely interacted openly before—left the entire clan stunned.
"How should I know?" Tekka muttered back, glancing at the ever-composed Uchiha Yashiro.
"If anyone knows what's really going on… it's probably Yashiro."
"True. He's the strongest among us, and the most trusted by Lord Ren."
Inabi recalled the shocked expressions of the other guards when the doors opened earlier, and couldn't help but feel a flicker of satisfaction.
"Heh… things are about to get interesting. If the hawks and doves unite, the clan head's faction won't stand a chance."
"The position of clan head—who else could it go to but Lord Ren?"
Tekka shook his head slightly.
"Lord Ren said it himself—never celebrate too early."
"Our real enemies right now are Konoha's leadership and Kirigakure. Only after we get through this war… will the horizon truly open."
His gaze shifted briefly to Uchiha Hazuki and the others walking nearby, a quiet excitement stirring within him.
He believed it firmly—
A united Uchiha was invincible.
—
At the front of the group, Ren walked beside Mikoto, his tone carrying a hint of curiosity.
"Revealing our relationship like this… you're sure it's not a problem?"
He had been surprised by her actions.
Her stance during the meeting could be explained as fighting for the clan's interests.
But walking openly beside him afterward—
There was no hiding it now.
Moonlight poured down like liquid silver, draping over Mikoto.
She turned her head slightly.
The soft glow traced her features—flowing through her dark hair, outlining her gentle yet resolute expression.
Her long lashes cast faint shadows, while her eyes—deep and black—shone with a calm, jade-like clarity.
"Grandfather Hokaku said I should do what I truly want," she replied, a faint smile on her lips.
Her voice was soft.
But unwavering.
"What is there to hesitate about?"
The night breeze stirred a few loose strands of hair across her forehead. The moonlight brushed her pale neck, giving her an air both elegant and quietly heroic.
"Fair enough."
Ren chuckled softly.
Under the moonlight, he reached out—naturally, as if it were the most ordinary thing in the world—and covered her fingertips with his hand.
At the moment their hands touched, Mikoto's fingers trembled slightly.
But she didn't pull away.
Instead, she let his warmth settle over her hand… their fingers intertwining.
A blush quickly spread across her cheeks, vivid beneath the pale glow.
She lowered her gaze instinctively, her lashes fluttering as she tried to steady the sudden rhythm of her breath.
Her free hand tightened unconsciously against her clothing.
Even the tips of her ears were tinged with soft color beneath the moonlight.
Behind them, Uchiha Yashiro and Uchiha Hazuki exchanged a glance.
With perfect tacit understanding, they raised their hands slightly.
Almost instantly, the group behind them split into two streams—like night crows taking flight—silently dispersing into the forest on either side of the path.
The faint rustle of clothing against leaves faded into the night.
In the blink of an eye—
Only the two of them remained beneath the moonlight, fingers entwined.
Ren grew bolder.
He slipped an arm around Mikoto's waist, drawing her closer, catching the faint fragrance that clung to her.
"My ninja cats can cook," he murmured near her ear.
"Want to come over for dinner?"
"I'm not going."
Her ears flushed instantly at his sudden closeness. She raised a hand against his chest, trying to push him back.
Turning her face aside, she couldn't quite hide the smile tugging at her lips.
"You're such a… bad person."
She struggled lightly, but only ended up pulled closer.
Her protest softened into something almost like a whisper.
"The first time I went to your house, I fell right into your trap."
Ren laughed.
As a transmigrator—
Living in an era where he could intercept Uchiha Itachi before everything fell apart—
How could he not claim Uchiha Mikoto?
From childhood, he had stayed close to her.
Calling her "big sister" this, "big sister" that—
Among boys his age, or even older, no one could match his ease with words.
And later—
Borrowing a page from a certain master of flames—
His "idol," the Flame Emperor—
He had long since captured her heart.
As they grew older, however, both became central figures within their respective factions.
Outwardly, they had to distance themselves.
The closeness of childhood faded into something hidden—
Like a flower blooming quietly beneath the moon.
Now, with Hokaku stepping aside—
Mikoto could no longer suppress her feelings.
She chose, openly, to stand beside the one she loved.
Ren leaned closer, his voice low.
"So… this time, Lady Mikoto—"
"Are you willing to fall into the 'trap' again?"
"In your dreams~"
She lifted her chin slightly, her eyes shimmering as they reflected his face.
"This time, we're leading our people to the eastern front."
"The road ahead is dangerous. The responsibility is heavy."
"We can't let personal feelings affect us."
Ren was about to reply—
When suddenly, the girl in his arms rose onto her toes.
A soft touch brushed against his cheek.
Light as a feather.
Carrying the faint scent of cherry blossoms.
Gone in an instant.
"When we return from the eastern front…"
Her voice was quiet.
But certain.
"Let's get married."
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