Idol Yandi

As bright moonlight filtered through the courtyard like a gauzy veil and spilled into the hall, the clan meeting that had lasted more than half a day finally came to an end.

Three resolutions were finalized one by one.

First, in response to Kirigakure's ten jonin squads making the initial attack, the Clan Head Faction would send five squads, the Hawk Faction three, and the Dove Faction two.

Before Kirigakure's true intentions were understood, all three factions tacitly refrained from proposing further troop deployments.

Second, before setting out, the Old Clan Head would negotiate with the Hokage to secure command authority over the war, or at the very least, the Uchiha Clan's autonomy in battle.

Third, the next clan head would be selected based on each Uchiha clansman's actual performance on the battlefield.

Everyone understood this perfectly well—the only real candidates were Uchiha Ren, Uchiha Fugaku, and Uchiha Mikoto, with Uchiha Ren holding the strongest position.

Of course, there was still the possibility that someone might rise unexpectedly, awaken the Mangekyo Sharingan, and overtake them all.

The heavy doors of the shrine opened once more. Uchiha Inabi, who had been waiting at the entrance, looked up and was somewhat surprised by the two figures approaching him.

After joining the stream of Hawk Faction members, Uchiha Inabi quietly asked his good brother Uchiha Tekka, "Why is Lady Mikoto walking with Lord Ren? And what is going on with those Dove Faction people?"

Honestly, the young leaders of two factions who had barely interacted before suddenly revealing such a relationship at the clan meeting concerning the transfer of power left every Uchiha somewhat stunned.

"How would I know?"

Uchiha Tekka replied softly. Glancing at Uchiha Yashiro, whose expression remained unchanged, he snorted. "If anyone knows the inside story, it is probably only Yashiro."

"That is true. Yashiro is the strongest among us, and he handles matters more steadily. Lord Ren values him the most."

Remembering the shocked expressions of the other two clansmen guarding the entrance when the doors had opened, Uchiha Inabi could not help feeling secretly pleased.

"Heh, things in the clan are about to get interesting. With the Hawk Faction and Dove Faction joining forces, the Clan Head Faction will be unable to stand alone. Who else could become clan head besides Lord Ren?"

"Lord Ren said that one should never celebrate before the victory is won. Our pressing enemies are Konohagakure's upper ranks and Kirigakure. Only after we get through this will the future truly open before us!"

Uchiha Tekka's gaze shifted toward Uchiha Hazuki and the others walking nearby, and joy rose in his heart as well.

He firmly believed that a united Uchiha Clan was invincible!

"Is it really all right to reveal our relationship so directly?"

Walking at the front, Uchiha Ren was undoubtedly surprised by Uchiha Mikoto's actions.

Her conduct during the clan meeting could still be explained as fighting for the Uchiha Clan's interests.

But after the meeting ended, she had openly walked shoulder to shoulder with him. Their relationship could no longer be explained away, no matter how hard they tried.

Bright moonlight poured down like liquid silver, bathing Uchiha Mikoto in its glow.

The young woman tilted her head slightly. Moonlight flowed over her long black hair, outlining the graceful, gentle contours of her face.

Her slender lashes cast faint shadows beneath her eyes, while her dark pupils glimmered under the moonlight with the warm yet steadfast luster of jade.

"Since Grandpa Huoke supports me in doing what I want to do..." The corners of her lips lifted in a faint smile, her voice soft but resolute.

"Then what is there left to worry about?"

The night breeze brushed past, lifting several strands of hair before her forehead. Moonlight flowed along her fair neck, making her seem both dignified and tranquil, yet possessed of a female ninja's gallant spirit.

"That is true."

Uchiha Ren chuckled softly and naturally reached out beneath the moonlight, covering Uchiha Mikoto's fingertips with his own.

When their palms touched, Mikoto's fingertips trembled faintly.

She did not pull away, allowing his warm palm to rest against the back of her hand before their fingers intertwined.

A blush swiftly crept up her cheeks, especially conspicuous beneath the bright moonlight.

Uchiha Mikoto instinctively lowered her gaze, her long lashes fluttering like butterfly wings as she tried to conceal the tremor in her heart.

Even her normally steady breathing fell slightly out of rhythm, while the hand hanging at her side unconsciously clenched the hem of her clothes.

Moonlight streamed between their clasped fingers, staining the tips of her reddened ears with a thin flush as well.

Seeing this, Uchiha Yashiro and Uchiha Hazuki each waved their hands with great tact.

Almost at the same moment, the clansmen behind them split into two groups like night crows receiving a signal, silently disappearing into the woods on either side of the road.

The faint rustle of clothing brushing against branches quickly faded into the night. In the blink of an eye, only the two of them remained on the entire path, their fingers intertwined beneath the moonlight.

Uchiha Ren grew bolder, wrapping an arm around Uchiha Mikoto's waist and breathing in the subtle fragrance of the young woman as he softly asked, "Mikoto, my Ninja Cat can cook. Would you like to come over for dinner?"

"I am not going."

Uchiha Mikoto's ears turned red from his sudden intimacy, and she instinctively raised a hand to press against his chest.

She turned her face slightly aside, but a smile she could not hide spread across her lips. Even her coy complaint carried a soft, tender note.

"You are such a... bad man."

Uchiha Mikoto struggled lightly, but not only did she fail to break free, she was pulled even closer into his embrace.

Her final complaint was nearly a whisper, carrying equal parts embarrassment and sweetness.

"The first time I went to your home, I fell right into your trap."

Uchiha Ren laughed at that.

As a transmigrator, how could he possibly pass up the chance to win over Uchiha Mikoto in an era where he could block Uchiha Itachi at the fountain?

Since childhood, he had constantly called her "big sister" this and "big sister" that. Forget children his own age—even brats five or six years older than him could not speak as sweetly as he could.

Afterward, he paid tribute to a master of playing with fire—his idol Yandi—and won the young woman's heart long ago.

Yet after they grew up, both became pivotal core figures in their respective factions, and their relationship had gradually been forced to grow distant in public.

Their childhood inseparability faded away, becoming instead a secret flower blooming beneath the moonlight.

Now, with Uchiha Koh voluntarily relinquishing power, Uchiha Mikoto could no longer suppress the feelings in her heart and openly stood beside the man she loved.

Uchiha Ren leaned down closer. "Then for this 'trap,' would my dear Lady Mikoto be willing to fall into it once again?"

"In your dreams~"

Uchiha Mikoto lifted her delicate chin. Her shimmering eyes were filled with his reflection.

"This time, the two of us will lead our clansmen to the Eastern Front. The road ahead is fraught with danger, and our responsibility is grave. We cannot let romantic feelings affect our condition."

Uchiha Ren was just about to speak when the young woman in his arms suddenly rose onto her toes.

A touch as soft as a feather landed on his cheek, carrying a faint scent of cherry blossoms. It parted the instant it touched him.

"When we return from the Eastern Front..."

"We will get married."