Right on time, as planned, I arrived at the wooden cabin and found a graceful figure already waiting there.
I took a close look at the woman before me. Her skin was as white and luminous as snow, her eyes like clear springs, their gentle, alluring gaze full of tenderness. Her lips were naturally red, vivid and tempting.
With no makeup at all, she was still breathtakingly beautiful, like a fairy descended to earth.
Her pale blue kimono perfectly outlined her graceful figure. Her long hair cascaded down her back like a waterfall, swaying in the breeze and lending her an even more elegant air.
She gently raised a hand, inviting me inside. Even beneath the folds of her kimono, her captivating allure was impossible to conceal.
That's right. This woman was Uchiha Chen's first married woman—Mikoto.
The moment I stepped inside, a wave of heat swept over me from behind. Mikoto's burning body drew closer, and her hungry lips eagerly claimed mine.
Though this was only her Shadow Clone, the heart burning with passion was no different from the original's.
Once she'd calmed down a little, Uchiha Chen put an arm around her slender waist, and they sat together on the only wooden bed in the room. He asked softly, "Is there any particularly important news or information today?"
At his question, Mikoto's eyes, which had been clouded with pleasure, cleared somewhat. A troubled look crossed her face as she replied, "There wasn't anything worth noting all day today, Chen.
"After all, the Third Shinobi World War is over.
"The Shinobi World isn't entirely peaceful now, but large-scale conflicts and disputes have been effectively contained, and the various factions are keeping themselves in check.
"The Uchiha Clan earned great merit on the battlefield. Though Danzo and the others suppressed and reduced those honors, what remained was just enough to appease the clan, leaving everything quiet and uneventful."
Uchiha Chen wasn't disappointed by Mikoto's answer.
This had only been a small, casual move in the first place. Any useful information would have been a pleasant surprise, but it didn't matter if there was none.
After sharing some affectionate banter with the beauty, Uchiha Chen suddenly remembered being alone with Izumi earlier that day. Curious, he asked, "I heard that Itachi was called home while he was out. Do you know what happened?"
At his question, Mikoto first steadied her breathing, still a little quick from their playful tussle. Then she answered in a sweet voice, "This morning, I noticed Sasuke felt a little warm, but it didn't seem serious. Who could have guessed his condition would suddenly worsen at noon? He started crying and wouldn't stop.
"I had no choice but to call Itachi back. After all, the moment Itachi picked up Sasuke, the child stopped crying."
Hearing her answer, Uchiha Chen smiled with satisfaction and nodded approvingly. Then he slowly placed a hand on her lovely cheek, savoring its silken warmth and smoothness, before speaking gently:
"Very good! Next, find a suitable excuse to separate Itachi and Izumi. Izumi is my target now. Once she's of age, I'll make my move."
Mikoto paid no mind to the vile things Uchiha Chen had said. Deep down, she believed her master deserved to possess everything in the world. The fact that the young Izumi had caught my eye was an honor beyond measure. As for Itachi, he ought to devote himself entirely to serving his master.
With that thought, Mikoto placed a hand over the cheek I'd touched and replied respectfully, "Chen, I understand. I'll do everything I can to separate them, and I'll find a way to praise you in front of Izumi." Then she looked up and offered him another eager kiss.
After a tender embrace and a long spell of affection, the sky gradually darkened. To avoid any mishaps, they didn't go too far. Before long, it was time to part.
Before leaving, Uchiha Chen solemnly reminded Mikoto to make sure the two of them spent less time together. Then he turned and walked away, vanishing into the night.
Once he was out of sight, Mikoto dispelled her Shadow Clone inside the cabin, and it disappeared with a pop.
Uchiha Chen hurried home. Meanwhile, inside the clan head's residence, a family of four sat kneeling and enjoying tea as they chatted.
Mikoto sat shoulder to shoulder with Fugaku, while Itachi gazed tenderly at the adorable Sasuke in his arms.
Suddenly, the immense pleasure that came with dispelling the Shadow Clone surged through Mikoto's body along the returning chakra. Fortunately, Mikoto, once a Jonin, managed to suppress the impulse through sheer willpower without letting anything show.
Even so, a blush involuntarily rose across her beautiful face.
With her husband and two young, innocent children completely unaware, Mikoto made up an excuse and hurried out of the room.
She stopped by the corridor and gazed up at the bright moon and glittering stars. Her yearning for me grew stronger.
Lost in thoughts of me, she failed to notice that Fugaku had quietly come up behind her. A hint of doubt crossed his eyes, but in the end, he said nothing.
When Mikoto had gradually regained her composure, she turned and saw Fugaku watching her in silence. Somewhat surprised, she asked, "Why are you staring at me?"
Fugaku looked at her still-gentle, graceful face, his lips curling into a smile and amusement shining in his eyes. "I'm admiring my beloved wife, the mother of our children. How did you become so beautiful?"
At his praise, Mikoto's cheeks instantly flushed, as though she were embarrassed by his words. In truth, though, she felt nothing at all. Yesterday, she had already taken her heart away from her family and placed it entirely in Uchiha Chen's hands.
Once the false shyness faded from her face, they exchanged no more words and walked back inside together.
The house was filled with the same cheerful laughter as always, and nothing seemed out of place.
Fugaku set aside his doubts for the moment and joined in the warm, harmonious atmosphere.
Night fell quietly. Uchiha Chen knew nothing of the troubles that had unfolded at the clan head's home.
Back in his modest, secluded home, he ate a simple dinner, then sprawled across his room with his limbs stretched wide.
Looking back on everything that had happened that day, I felt deeply satisfied.
Not only had I gained formidable power, I'd also made a first connection with Izumi. With more time together, I was sure I'd eventually win her heart.
Besides, I'd shared a pleasant time with Mikoto, too... With hopes for a bright future, I slowly drifted off to sleep.