Idol Yandi

As the bright moonlight spilled through the skylight like a sheer veil into the grand hall, the clan meeting that had lasted for the better part of the day finally settled.

Three resolutions were finalized one by one.

First, for the ten jonin squads initially deployed to face Kirigakure, the Clan Head Faction would actively provide five, the Hawk Faction three, and the Dove Faction two.

Before the true intentions of Kirigakure were fully understood, all three factions tacitly agreed not to propose any further reinforcements.

Second, before heading to the front lines, the old clan head would negotiate with the Hokage to secure command of the war, or at the very least, operational autonomy for the Uchiha.

Third, the candidate for the next clan head would be nominated based on the actual performance of every Uchiha clansman on the battlefield.

Everyone knew deep down that the only ones truly eligible for election were Uchiha Ren, Uchiha Fugaku, and Uchiha Mikoto, with Uchiha Ren being the most formidable among them.

However, one could not rule out the possibility of a dark horse emerging, someone who might awaken the Mangekyo Sharingan and surpass the others.

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

After merging into the flow of the Hawk Faction, Uchiha Inabi whispered to his good brother Uchiha Tekka, "How did Lady Mikoto end up walking with Lord Ren? And what is going on with those guys from the Dove Faction?"

To be honest, all the Uchiha were stunned that the young leaders of these two factions, who had rarely interacted, would suddenly reveal such a connection at a clan meeting focused on the transfer of power.

"How would I know?"

Uchiha Tekka replied in a low voice, glancing at the composed Uchiha Yashiro before snorting, "If anyone knows the inside story, it's probably only Yashiro."

"True, among us, Yashiro is the strongest and the most level-headed; he is the most trusted by Lord Ren."

Recalling the shocked expressions of the other two clansmen guarding the door when it opened, Uchiha Inabi couldn't help but feel a sense of secret delight.

"Heh, things are going to get interesting in the clan now. With our Hawk Faction and the Dove Faction joining forces, the Clan Head Faction will be left isolated. Besides Lord Ren, who else could possibly take the position of clan head?"

"Lord Ren said that one should never celebrate halfway. Our immediate enemies are the Konohagakure high command and Kirigakure. Once we get past them, the world will be our oyster!"

Uchiha Tekka shifted his gaze toward Uchiha Hazuki and the others walking nearby, his heart swelling with joy as well.

He firmly believed that a united Uchiha was invincible!

"Is it really okay to expose our relationship so directly?"

Walking in the lead, Uchiha Ren was undoubtedly surprised by Uchiha Mikoto's behavior.

Her performance during the clan meeting could still be explained as securing benefits for the Uchiha.

But after the meeting, walking side-by-side with him so brazenly—their relationship was now something that couldn't be cleared up even if they jumped into the Yellow River.

The bright moonlight poured down like quicksilver, enveloping Uchiha Mikoto.

The young woman tilted her head slightly, the moonlight flowing over her long, dark hair and outlining her beautiful, soft facial contours.

Her long eyelashes cast faint shadows on her eyelids, while those dark eyes, illuminated by the moonlight, shimmered with a luster as warm and firm as jade.

"Since Grandpa Huoke supports me in doing what I want to do," she said, a soft, light curve appearing at the corners of her lips, her voice gentle yet resolute.

"Then what is there to worry about?"

The night breeze brushed past, causing a few strands of hair on her forehead to flutter. The moonlight flowed over her fair neck, making her appear both dignified and serene, yet possessing the heroic spirit of a kunoichi.

"I suppose so."

Uchiha Ren chuckled softly and, under the moonlight, naturally reached out to cover Uchiha Mikoto's fingertips.

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

She did not pull away, letting his warm palm press against the back of her hand before their fingers interlaced.

A flush of crimson quickly climbed up her cheeks, appearing exceptionally distinct under the bright moonlight.

Uchiha Mikoto subconsciously lowered her eyes, her long lashes fluttering like butterfly wings as she tried to hide the agitation in her heart.

Her once steady breathing lost its rhythm, and her other hand, hanging at her side, unconsciously gripped the hem of her clothes.

The moonlight flowed between their interlaced fingers, staining her reddened earlobes with a thin layer of rosy hue.

Uchiha Yashiro and Uchiha Hazuki, following behind, saw this scene and, with great tact, waved their hands.

Almost simultaneously, the clansmen behind them, like night crows receiving a signal, tacitly split into two groups and silently vanished into the woods on both sides of the path.

The faint sound of clothing brushing against leaves quickly dissipated into the night. In the blink of an eye, only the two of them, fingers interlaced under the moonlight, remained on the path.

Uchiha Ren grew bolder, wrapping his arm around Uchiha Mikoto's waist and, inhaling the faint fragrance emanating from her, whispered, "Mikoto, my ninja cat knows how to cook. Would you like to come over for dinner?"

"I am not going."

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

She turned her face slightly away, but she couldn't help but let a hidden smile bloom at the corners of her lips, even her coquettish retort carrying a soft, tender tone.

"You are just a... bad person."

Uchiha Mikoto struggled slightly, but instead of breaking free, she was pulled even closer.

The final complaint was almost a murmur, filled with a mix of shyness, annoyance, and sweetness.

"The first time I came to your house, I already fell into your trap."

Uchiha Ren smiled at her words.

As a transmigrator, having encountered an era where he could intercept Uchiha Itachi's mother, how could he possibly not win over Uchiha Mikoto?

Since he was a small child, he had been "Sister this, Sister that." Among his peers, or even those five or six years his senior, was there any brat who could talk as sweetly as he did?

Later, by paying homage to the master of fire—his idol Yandi—he had captured the young girl's heart quite early on.

However, after they grew up and both became pivotal core figures within their respective factions, their public relationship had to gradually drift apart.

The inseparable bond of their childhood faded, transforming instead into a secret flower blooming under the moonlight.

Now, with Uchiha Koh voluntarily relinquishing his power, Uchiha Mikoto could no longer suppress the feelings in her heart, and she stood openly and righteously by her beloved's side.

Uchiha Ren leaned in close, "Then, my dear Ms. Mikoto, are you willing to fall into this 'trap' once again?"

"In your dreams~"

Uchiha Mikoto lifted her exquisite head, her shimmering eyes filled entirely with his reflection.

"This time, you and I will lead our clansmen to the Eastern Front. The road ahead is fraught with danger and the responsibility is heavy; we cannot let personal feelings affect our state of mind."

Uchiha Ren was about to speak, but he saw the young girl in his arms suddenly stand on her tiptoes.

A touch as soft as a feather landed on his cheek, carrying the faint scent of cherry blossoms, before pulling away just as quickly.

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

"Let's get married."