Land of Water.
Kirigakure.
Mei Terumi sent off the Konoha shinobi who had delivered the invitation with a radiant smile.
Although Uchiha Yusuke had not become Hokage—something that brought her a small measure of disappointment—it did nothing to dampen her excitement.
Just imagining that she would soon be traveling to Konoha and seeing the man who had occupied her thoughts day and night—Uchiha Yusuke—
Made her heart itch with anticipation.
It had been more than ten years since she had last seen Yusuke-kun on the battlefield.
She wondered how much he had changed.
Surely he was even more handsome now.
Ah… she would see him soon.
What should she do? She was so excited. So nervous.
Lost in her own lovestruck thoughts, Mei Terumi nearly forgot where she was.
Chōjūrō—the current wielder of the twin blades Hiramekarei—and "Byakugan Killer" Ao exchanged a glance.
Ao stepped forward cautiously.
"Mizukage-sama, it may not be appropriate for you to attend in person. It feels… somewhat rash. I believe sending a representative would be more suitable."
Their concerns were reasonable.
Since the end of the Third Great Ninja War, and since Mei Terumi had taken office as the Fifth Mizukage—reforming Kirigakure's policies and promoting an "Open Village" strategy—
Relations between the Land of Water and the Land of Fire had indeed improved.
But they were far from harmonious allies.
Small frictions and covert tensions still existed.
Although Mei Terumi claimed that her personal attendance was meant to express goodwill to the newly appointed Fifth Hokage—
To seek cooperation and prosperity for Kirigakure—
And although Konoha was the most prosperous of the Five Great Ninja Villages—
Her reasoning was impeccable.
Chōjūrō and Ao were even moved by her apparent devotion to the village.
Yet allowing the Mizukage to personally enter a formerly hostile village still felt risky.
The recent assassination of the Fourth Kazekage, Rasa, by Orochimaru had served as a grim reminder.
And if the Mizukage left—
Who would oversee Kirigakure in her absence?
Mei Terumi understood her subordinates' worries.
But nothing could stop her from going to Konoha to see Uchiha Yusuke.
"Chōjūrō. Ao. No need to say more. I have already decided."
"For the development of Kirigakure, some risks are necessary. There is no need to cling to rigid formalities."
"As for the village during my absence—Ao, I leave it in your hands."
"Chōjūrō, you will accompany me to attend the Hokage's inauguration."
With a decisive wave of her hand, she ended the discussion.
There would be no further objections.
...
At the same time—
Land of Lightning, Kumogakure.
After sending off Konoha's envoy, the Fourth Raikage, A, gathered with his subordinates.
"So the Fifth Hokage is Tsunade," A said gravely.
He had initially believed the next Hokage would undoubtedly be Uchiha Yusuke.
After all, the Uchiha clan now stood at the height of its power within Konoha.
This outcome had surprised him.
Mabui, his silver-haired secretary with composed and analytical eyes, was equally astonished.
She too had predicted Yusuke's appointment.
A rare miscalculation.
"Brother, who are you sending?" Killer B asked.
For once, he spoke plainly—no rap, no rhythm.
Darui, Samui, Karui, and C all turned their eyes toward the Raikage.
A fell silent.
After a long pause, he spoke.
"Darui. Samui. You two will go."
There was reason behind the decision.
Darui—his trusted bodyguard—was powerful and reliable.
Having him represent Kumogakure at the ceremony was appropriate.
As for Samui—
With her calm demeanor, sharp mind, and formidable strength, she was equally dependable.
Sending them as a pair reassured the Raikage.
Darui bowed.
"Yes, Raikage-sama."
Samui followed.
"Yes, Raikage-sama."
...
...
As the Hokage inauguration drew near—
Uchiha Yusuke took time to organize his belongings and officially moved into his new residence.
From that day onward—
He resided in the Uchiha Clan Head's estate.
Kurenai and Tsunade also moved most of their belongings into Yusuke's new home.
Yes.
Though Tsunade had claimed reluctance—
She moved in regardless.
Thus began a new chapter of life under one roof for Uchiha Yusuke, Kurenai Yūhi, and Senju Tsunade.
In the days following the move, Yusuke found himself living quite comfortably.
As for Kurenai and Tsunade—
Especially at night—
They bore the greater burden.
Though they had moved in, they occasionally returned to their former residences to avoid gossip.
After all—
They had no official titles.
Living together openly might spark rumors.
Yusuke dismissed such concerns.
Unmarried men and women living together—so what?
Among Konoha's great clans, such matters were hardly rare.
There were far more scandalous precedents.
And besides—
He was the Uchiha Clan Head.
The Director of the Konoha Military Police Force.
Who would dare gossip?
Who would dare whisper?
Did they have a death wish?
Over the past decade, since Yusuke became Clan Head, the Uchiha clan had risen to become Konoha's foremost noble house.
At the same time—
His authority within the clan had reached unprecedented heights.
There was not a single Uchiha who did not admire and fervently support their Clan Head.
…Well.
Excluding Uchiha Itachi, who had defected and been expelled from the clan.
And excluding Uchiha Obito—presumed dead, yet lurking in darkness.
Aside from those two—
The clan stood united.
Yusuke was confident—
If he openly brought Tsunade and Kurenai into the Clan Head estate—
The Uchiha would not gossip.
They would bow respectfully and address them as "Clan Head's wife."
And then—
Envy them endlessly.
To be chosen by Clan Head-sama—
What fortune that must be.
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