A soft, pleasant voice drifted from the kitchen, accompanied by light footsteps.
Uchiha Mikoto appeared at the entrance to the living room. A simple yet elegant apron was tied around her waist, and a faint dusting of flour clung to her hands. A gentle, radiant smile lit up her face.
But when her gaze fell on the large orange cat in Anlan's hand—its eyes unfocused and fur disheveled—her smile faltered slightly, turning into helpless amusement.
"Oh my… did you bully Da Ju again?"
"Anlan, Anlan!"
Before he could answer, Botamon bounced over energetically.
The silver-spotted cat followed at a slower pace, emerald eyes sweeping over the dazed Da Ju with a faint, almost inaudible snort.
It crouched slightly—then leapt.
Using Botamon's elastic body as a stepping stone, it pushed off gracefully and landed on Anlan's shoulder like drifting smoke.
Botamon didn't mind at all. It bounced happily in place, circling Anlan in cheerful hops.
"Why are you cooking today?"
Anlan casually handed Da Ju over to Botamon, then used his free hand to steady the silver cat on his shoulder. Smiling, he walked inside.
"Just felt like taking a break. Clear my head."
Mikoto walked beside him, her tone soft and relaxed.
Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Botamon struggling to support the plump orange cat.
Her eyes curved into crescents as her smile deepened, a hint of playful pride slipping into her voice.
"And besides… my cooking might not be worse than Da Ju's."
"Heh." Anlan turned toward her, a touch of pride in his expression.
"Of course. My Mikoto is perfect—graceful in the hall, skilled in the kitchen."
"Smooth talker."
A faint blush rose to Mikoto's cheeks. She shot him a soft glance, her eyes filled not with annoyance, but warmth.
She turned toward the dining area, leaving behind a light reminder.
"Go wash your hands. Come taste it and see."
After dinner, Anlan gently kissed Mikoto's forehead before leaving the top-floor residence.
He returned to his office on the eighth floor.
The lights flickered on, illuminating the cold lines of the cabinets and the solemn desk.
He summoned Uzumaki Minako.
Not long after, she entered.
The exhaustion from her days of fleeing had faded. Her complexion was healthier now, and the constant fear in her eyes had eased.
Dressed in simple, clean clothing, her long red hair neatly combed, she appeared calm and composed.
She stopped a few steps from the desk and bowed slightly.
"Anlan-sama."
Anlan lifted his gaze from the Peach of Grace and studied her briefly.
"Sit."
He gestured to the chair.
"How have you been? Living with Karin—are you adjusting well?"
Minako sat upright, hands folded neatly on her lap.
At the mention of her daughter, her expression softened instantly.
"Thanks to you, everything has been well."
Her voice was steady, sincere.
"Lord Black Cat has arranged everything thoroughly. We lack nothing."
"Karin has been sleeping peacefully these past few days. She hardly cries anymore."
She paused, her tone turning more earnest.
"The shelter and home you've given us… I will never forget this kindness."
Anlan nodded, not lingering on the sentiment.
Instead, he gestured toward the peach.
"This fruit grants a special ability."
"You can think of it as something that awakens a chakra-based technique tied to your deepest desire."
"It is extremely rare. In fact… I am the only one in the entire ninja world who possesses it."
His gaze sharpened.
"But I cannot guarantee what will happen when you consume it. There may be risks."
"That's why I only give it to those I trust."
He leaned forward slightly.
"Minako… are you willing to be the first?"
"I am."
There was no hesitation.
No fear.
No grand declaration.
She simply straightened her back and smiled.
"To be trusted by you is already an honor."
She lowered her gaze slightly.
"I only ask… if something happens to me, please take care of Karin."
Anlan watched her silently for a moment.
Then he smiled.
"Eat it."
Minako lifted the fruit carefully with both hands.
It felt different from ordinary fruit—slightly firm, with a jade-like resilience.
A sweet fragrance wrapped around her senses.
She took a breath.
Thought of Karin.
Then bit down.
Juice filled her mouth.
Warmth spread instantly through her body.
A current flowed within her, branching into countless threads that reached every corner of her being.
Not painful.
Rather—
As if something was scanning her very existence.
Her eyes closed.
Energy and will began to resonate.
Across from her, Anlan's Sharingan activated, the three tomoe slowly rotating.
Her chakra didn't surge.
It changed.
Originally vibrant and life-oriented—
Now deeper.
More restrained.
Imprinted with her will.
Minako felt as if she were floating in a sea of warm light.
Memories surfaced—
The destruction of Uzushiogakure.
Her husband's death.
Karin's smile.
Anlan's calm gaze.
Her desire for peace.
Her determination to protect.
These emotions became anchors—
Shaping the power.
Time passed.
Then—
Her body stilled.
She exhaled slowly.
Even her breath carried a faint sweetness.
Her eyes opened.
Clear.
Bright.
"Anlan-sama… I succeeded."
Anlan's lips curved slightly.
"What ability?"
Minako raised her hand.
Palm upward.
"I can feel… connections."
"Not chakra. Not sealing techniques."
"But… something like the echo of bloodlines."
No visible energy appeared.
But Anlan's Sharingan detected it—
A faint ripple spreading outward.
Passing through walls.
Through space.
Extending far beyond.
Pure perception.
"I can sense Karin…"
"She's safe. Like a small, warm light."
A gentle smile appeared.
Then her expression grew complex.
"And farther away…"
"Near the ruins of Uzushiogakure… and even toward the Land of Rain…"
She looked at Anlan.
"This ability is tied to my bloodline… and my desire."
"To find my clansmen."
"To protect my child."
"To never be separated again."
"It doesn't grant combat power…"
"But I can sense those connected by blood."
"Their direction… their distance…"
"And if I get closer… perhaps even their condition."
"The closer the bloodline, the stronger the connection."
Anlan considered briefly.
A purely supportive ability.
But perfect… for rebuilding the Uzumaki.
He smiled.
"Good."
"If you're willing, I'll provide manpower and resources."
"You'll lead a search team."
"Using Infinity Castle as a base—and your ability as a guide."
"Search the Land of Fire. The neighboring nations. Every corner of the world."
"Find them."
"Bring them back."
His voice softened.
"Here… you won't need to hide."
"You won't lose your name."
"You won't lose your home."
"You can rebuild your clan."
"The Uzumaki can be reborn."
"The Uchiha will stand with you."
Minako's vision blurred.
"Anlan-sama…"
Her voice trembled.
She stepped back.
Then knelt.
Her forehead touched the ground.
"Your kindness… will never be forgotten."
"To rebuild our clan… was once an impossible dream."
"But you've made it real."
"I swear—I will find every clansman."
"From this day on…"
"The Uzumaki will follow you."
"Never betray."
Anlan accepted it calmly.
No excitement.
No pride.
The Uzumaki were already shattered.
Even dozens of survivors would be fortunate.
Their strength?
Insignificant.
But—
The value of this act?
Immeasurable.
When the Uchiha not only crushed their enemies—
But revived a fallen clan—
That influence would spread across the entire ninja world.
Not through force—
But through reputation.
And when the time came—
They would place the crown upon his head themselves.
And call it—
"Loyalty."
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