Oath Under the Moon

"I know."

Uchiha Ling's voice was low and firm, as steady as a monolith, ringing clearly in her ears with an unquestionable power.

"Your feelings, all your grievances and unwillingness—I know them all. I have been watching them all along."

Uchiha Ling lowered his head, his warm lips nearly brushing against her sensitive, delicate earlobe.

The scorching breath sprayed against that fine skin, causing Kushina to tremble involuntarily as a tingling sensation spread rapidly from her earlobe through her entire body.

"Kushina," Uchiha Ling called her name, his voice carrying a strange, magical allure, "look at me."

Uchiha Ling pulled back slightly, his hands gently yet firmly cupping her tear-stained cheeks, forcing her to meet his gaze.

"Remember what I say to you today," Uchiha Ling said, each word deliberate. His voice was not loud, yet it struck like nails forged from the hardest metal, hammering into the air and deep into the bottom of Kushina's heart.

"Days like this will not last much longer. I promise you."

"Wait until I possess enough weight in this Konoha, enough authority to change the rules; wait until I stand at a position high enough to overlook everything and establish a new order."

Uchiha Ling's words were like a precise scalpel, dissecting the haze of reality to reveal a future landscape that made one's heart race.

"The first thing I will shatter is this damned cage that imprisons you in the name of 'protection'!"

Kushina stared at him, stunned, deeply shaken by the sharpness and the promise so plainly and fervently revealed in his eyes.

"When that time comes, Kushina, you will obtain true freedom.

You will go wherever you want and do whatever you wish, without needing to report to anyone or care about any gazes hidden in the shadows.

The sky of Konoha, or even the entire shinobi world beyond Konoha—the vast forests, the boundless deserts, the immense oceans—nothing will ever be able to restrain your steps again.

That suffocating surveillance by the Anbu? That will become a thing of the past, something I will sweep into the trash heap of history with my own hands."

Kushina looked at his face so close to hers, filled with earnestness and certainty, and listened to his low, magnetic voice describing that beautiful future. She felt her heartbeat racing like a drum, an indescribable surge of heat flowing from her heart to her limbs.

"I believe you, Ling." Kushina finally stopped hesitating; her voice was soft, yet carried an unprecedented firmness.

Kushina took the initiative to reach out, her soft arms wrapping around Uchiha Ling's neck, pressing her body closer to his broad, warm chest as if to merge herself into his very bones and blood.

Uchiha Ling lowered his head, his forehead resting gently against hers, his high nose bridge rubbing affectionately against her petite one. Their breaths mingled completely, and the air was filled with a sweet, ambiguous atmosphere.

The faint, unique fragrance of the young girl lingered at his nostrils, like the most intoxicating wine.

Seeing Uchiha Ling staring intently at her, Kushina shyly closed her eyes.

Her long, butterfly-wing-like eyelashes fluttered slightly from nervousness and anticipation, casting faint shadows beneath her eyelids.

Watching her look of complete trust and surrender, Uchiha Ling felt a surge of heat rush to his head; all reason and restraint seemed so superfluous at this moment.

Uchiha Ling no longer hesitated, lowering his head to precisely capture those lips, as soft and fragrant as cherry blossoms, so close at hand.

At first, it was just a touch as soft as a feather's brush, filled with immense cherishing.

But soon, after feeling Kushina's inexperienced yet incredibly passionate and sincere response, the kiss deepened, becoming lingering and scorching, like dry wood meeting a raging fire, spiraling out of control.

Uchiha Ling's arms tightened around her slender waist, as if to knead her into his own body.

Kushina responded with youthful effort, feeling the dizzying masculine scent and the domineering yet tender plunder passing between their teeth and lips.

The moonlight, like clear silver gauze, shone gently through the window onto the two embracing and kissing, gilding them with a dreamlike halo.

While indulging in this moment of warmth and passion, the thought deep within Uchiha Ling's heart to become Hokage became even clearer and firmer.

Having power alone only leads to destruction; one must use wisdom to lead everything.

Knowing that the Third Shinobi World War was imminent, Uchiha Ling was well aware that with his Mangekyo Sharingan, he would inevitably rise to prominence.

It was unknown how much time had passed, but only when both were somewhat breathless did they reluctantly pull apart.

Kushina's face was so red it seemed it might bleed; she buried her burning cheeks deep into Uchiha Ling's chest, not daring to meet his eyes, but the slight upturn of her lips betrayed the sweetness and happiness in her heart.

Uchiha Ling looked down at her infinite shyness, his heart filled with an indescribable sense of satisfaction.

Uchiha Ling gently stroked her red hair and planted a soft kiss on the top of her head.

"It's very late, you should rest," Uchiha Ling said softly.

"Mm..." Kushina replied in a small voice, but she held onto his arm without the slightest intention of letting go.

Uchiha Ling chuckled and simply scooped her up into his arms.

Kushina let out a short gasp of surprise, her arms subconsciously tightening around his neck.

Carrying her, Uchiha Ling walked to the bed, gently placed her on the soft mattress, and carefully tucked her in.

"Sleep now. I'll wait until you're asleep before I leave." He sat on the edge of the bed and held her small hand that had poked out from under the quilt.

Kushina closed her eyes in peace, feeling the warmth and strength from his palm. Before long, the sound of steady breathing came, and a sweet smile still lingered on her lips.

After sitting quietly for a while longer to ensure Kushina was fast asleep, Uchiha Ling gently let go of her hand, tucked the corner of the blanket for her, and left the room silently, merging into the moonlight outside.