Officially Beginning

This textbook tsundere reaction greatly increased Uchiha Ren's mischievous desire to tease.

However, his teasing of this "Ruyan Cat" stopped right there.

At the end of the day, it was just a cat.

Although his temperament could hardly be called gentle or humble, it was not yet so depraved as to violate his own pet; that would be a complete collapse of his character.

But if it were a person instead...

Ren's eyes flickered; that would be hard to say.

As his thoughts drifted, his consciousness sank into the Sharingan space.

The feedback bubble he received after charging the Cyan-White Stone Gate today was unremarkable.

[Item: Ultra-thin Velvet Black Pantyhose]

[Evaluation: Woven from ultra-fine, full-elastic fibers softer than a strand of hair, the texture is dense and delicate, the touch is as smooth as silk, crystal clear, and possesses excellent breathability.]

[Origin: A Certain Magical Index]

"Even a 'Superpower Development Tutorial' or a grimoire containing 'Dragon King's Sigh' would have been better... why is it this kind of stuff again?"

Ren complained inwardly, and with a slight movement of his mind, the high-quality, ultra-thin black silk appeared out of thin air into his palm in reality.

The silky, cool touch truly lived up to its evaluation; if he could put them on Mikoto's slender, beautiful legs and engage in leg play...

Ren lowered his head to look at Ayan, who was still pretending to be calm while licking her fur in his arms, and casually handed the black silk over.

"Take this back to the studio and have the technical team study it carefully to see if they can crack the material and weaving method for mass production."

Ever since he gradually began to wield power, he had developed a deep cooperation with the Ninken Clan.

By knocking off and replicating a large number of creations from other worlds, they had jointly built the now-lucrative Konohagakure Ginza, which was all the rage throughout the Land of Fire.

He didn't expect, nor did he care, if his technical team could climb the tech tree.

In a ninja world without the soil for science, where only killing and fighting existed, one wouldn't see results in technology blooming without decades of peace.

In this world where great power belonged to oneself, continuously improving his personal strength until he could crush all enemies alone and attain longevity was the only core pursuit in his heart.

These business operations were merely necessary means to accumulate resources and influence to achieve his ultimate goal.

To put it simply, it was to ensure he and his family lived better.

So he wouldn't have to worry about his daily meals and could focus wholeheartedly on walking toward the path of the strongest.

"Understood, meow, Young Master."

Ayan responded, nimbly rolling up the thin-as-cicada-wing black silk and stuffing it into the small pink pouch on her belly.

Afterward, she changed the subject and brought up the news that had arrived early that morning.

"The one who shouldn't be able to sit still right now isn't us, but that man of ours known as the 'Strongest Hokage'."

Ren said indifferently, "At this time, the Old Clan Head is likely being summoned by the Hokage to discuss the Uchiha sending troops."

Ever since Mikoto took over the intelligence department, the department would convey information to different people based on its importance.

For heavy-hitting news like the first shot of the Ninja World War being fired, it would be simultaneously transmitted to the three Uchiha elders, as well as Ren and Fugaku, the moment it was obtained.

Among them, in terms of status, the only person who could truly stand on equal footing with the Hokage was the Old Clan Head.

"The clan's bottom line and demands are clear to the Old Clan Head."

"Next, we just need to watch the changes and wait for the Third Hokage's decision."

After Ren finished speaking, an alluring aroma of food wafted over from the kitchen, perfectly whetting his morning appetite.

Almost at the same time, a light and familiar knock sounded at the entrance.

"Ren, I'm here."

Uchiha Mikoto's clear and gentle voice came from outside the door.

Ren stood up to open the door, and the morning light poured in, illuminating the figure standing at the entrance.

Mikoto was wearing a simple and elegant Uchiha clan outfit today; the dark high collar set off her slender neck, and her unadorned face carried a morning flush, though a hint of worry about the current situation lingered in her brows.

When she saw Ren, that trace of worry was quickly replaced by a gentle smile.

"Come in quickly, breakfast is just ready."

Ren stepped aside to welcome her into the house.

His right hand naturally took hers, his left hand rested gently on her waist, and he lowered his head to whisper with a smile in her ear.

"But next time, you should say 'I'm home' instead."

Mikoto's cheeks flushed slightly, the corners of her lips lifted into a soft curve, and she responded gently.

"Mm~"

This response was melodious and soft, carrying a bit of shyness and filled with a tacit intimacy.

The morning light fell just right on her slightly lowered eyelashes, casting a gentle shadow.

In the dining room, Daju was directing his Shadow Clones to place the final few side dishes onto the table.

The dazzling array of breakfast items nearly covered the entire tabletop: a fragrant miso soup with perfectly cooked rice grains, golden and enticing tamagoyaki, salmon grilled to perfection, and several plates of refreshing pickles and fresh fruit.

Beyond the rice, there was even a small steamer basket of steaming buns with thin skins and generous fillings—clearly a Chinese-style snack Daju had specifically studied to please his young master.

"Miss Mikoto, you've arrived, meow!"

Upon seeing Mikoto, Daju immediately straightened his back, trying his best to look more reliable.

However, the way his cat eyes kept darting toward Ayan as she walked over gracefully still gave his true feelings away.

Mikoto, well aware of the situation between Daju and Ayan, leaned down to stroke his head.

"Thank you for your hard work, Daju."

Under the orange cat's flattered gaze, she smiled and gently placed the Silver-spotted Cat she was carrying down beside him.

Although Ayan feigned reserve and turned her head away, the tip of her tail tapped lightly against the wooden floor, and in the end, she did not move away.

Over the past ten years, the sight of these two ninja cats bickering had defined Ren's youth and left beautiful memories in Mikoto's life as well.

Seeing Daju and Ayan together was something Mikoto was happy to witness.

Everyone took their seats, and Ren served Mikoto a bowl of miso soup.

"Has there been any news from the old clan leader?"

Mikoto took the soup bowl with both hands and shook her head, blowing softly on the steam.

"Not yet, but the old clan leader did inform us before he left. His expression was very calm, so he must have already planned his next move."

She paused, lowering her voice slightly.

"It's just that the Senju Clan has vanished due to the war, and with all parties coming on so aggressively this time, I worry that the clan will have to sacrifice many more people..."

Ren picked up a piece of tender tamagoyaki and placed it on Mikoto's plate, his tone calm.

"It is precisely because of the danger that we must seize the initiative and obtain the power that Konohagakure would never normally grant the Uchiha."

"It is also time to shatter the illusions of the Konohagakure high command and allow the clan to achieve true rebirth and freedom amidst the flames of war."

So spoke Ren.

Mikoto looked at him, the worry in her eyes gradually replaced by a firm sense of trust.

Sunlight streamed through the window, spilling over the exquisite breakfast and illuminating the figures of the two people and two cats at the table.

Beneath this seemingly calm and warm morning, the new round of maneuvering between Konohagakure and the Uchiha Clan had officially begun.