Mikoto's Shyness

The three of them rushed straight into the Hokage Office. The Third Hokage was staring anxiously out the window.

When the door opened, the Third Hokage looked at Shen Ye and the others expectantly, only to find their hands empty.

"Didn't you bring those people back?"

"Those burly men got away, but we found something else."

"Oh?"

The Third Hokage looked surprised. They were just ordinary people who weren't on record, yet they'd made an unexpected discovery.

It seemed the reports sent back by the ninja up ahead hadn't been entirely accurate. They hadn't even learned about many of the circumstances.

Shen Ye nodded to Shikaku, who took something from his ninja pouch and set it on the table.

The Third Hokage's gaze was instantly drawn to the small stone. He frowned from time to time, seemingly deep in thought.

"There's a powerful sealing force on this. Those ordinary people definitely couldn't have done it."

"That's exactly why we brought it back to you."

"Go back and get some rest. It looks like this mission will require the village to send Chunins. It won't be easy."

He had originally planned to wait here for the final results, but Shen Ye suddenly changed his mind and turned to leave.

From the Third Hokage's words, Minato and Shikaku understood that this was beyond their ability to get involved in, so they simply left with Shen Ye.

At least none of them had ended up with the label of having failed their mission. They would have to consider their next steps carefully.

The three of them were headed in different directions, so they parted ways at the foot of Shadow Rock.

A few hours passed, and the next morning arrived right on schedule. Shen Ye stretched his languid arms.

"Shen Ye, you're awake. Someone's here to see you."

Tsunade appeared in front of him with a mischievous grin, her expression positively suggestive.

Shen Ye scratched his head in confusion. Someone had come to see him, and Tsunade was giving him that look? Who on earth was it?

After straightening his clothes, Shen Ye walked out of his room. In the living room, a familiar, pretty figure sat waiting on the sofa.

"Mikoto, what brings you here so early?"

"Could we go somewhere and talk?"

Mikoto cautiously pointed toward the door, her eyes full of anticipation.

This only confused Shen Ye even more. Why was Uchiha Mikoto, usually so arrogant and domineering, acting like a completely different person—so timid all of a sudden?

Shen Ye nodded and led Mikoto outside. They didn't stop until they reached a secluded corner.

Mikoto lowered her head slightly and stared at her toes. She clutched the hem of her clothes and shifted her weight back and forth, looking terribly bashful.

"You can tell me now. There's no one else around."

"I'm sorry, Shen Ye. I've been wrong about you this whole time."

"Didn't you already apologize? Besides, I've never blamed you."

"But... but..."

Mikoto's face suddenly flushed red. She lowered her head even further, not daring to meet Shen Ye's eyes.

Shen Ye shook his head helplessly, unsure what was going on.

"Don't keep saying 'but.' Just say what you want to say. Otherwise, I'm going back."

"Could you please not tell anyone about the mark on my butt? It's always been my secret."

Shen Ye's mouth twitched twice. He'd thought it was something important.

Even if Mikoto hadn't come to him, he wouldn't have spread something like that around.

Being a gentleman had always been one of Shen Ye's guiding principles. Besides, Uchiha Mikoto was one of his good friends in this world.

Betraying a friend was something Shen Ye would never do.

"I promise."

"Thank you, Shen Ye. How about I treat you to Ichiraku Ramen tonight?"

Shen Ye nodded. He knew Mikoto still had important training to do, so he didn't ask her to stay.

Watching Mikoto skip away, he could tell she'd finally let go of a burden she'd been carrying.

Neither of them noticed the short figure hiding at the edge of a nearby corner. He had heard every word of their conversation.

Taking the opposite direction from Mikoto, Shen Ye headed for the Hokage Office.

Although the Third Hokage had ordered more experienced ninja to take on the mission, Shen Ye was very curious about the little stone.

He stopped below and looked up at the office window, where he happened to meet the Third Hokage's gaze.

The Third Hokage smiled, raised a hand, and gently pushed the window open. Then he stepped aside and walked toward the desk.

Shen Ye crouched slightly and focused chakra beneath his feet. After several consecutive leaps, he landed beside the office window.

There was no one else in the office. The little stone was still on the desk.

"Did you find anything inside the little stone?"

The Third Hokage shook his head. The stone did indeed have a powerful sealing force on it, but even after he undid it, it was still just an ordinary stone.

"Maybe even that seal was just a smokescreen. We've been deceived too many times."

"What exactly is going on?"

"We'll need to investigate further before we can reach a conclusion. I've already sent ninja to track down those people."

Shen Ye nodded, picked up the stone, and examined it carefully in his palm. He really couldn't see anything special about it.

"I thought there might be a whole world hidden inside such a tiny stone. Guess it's nothing special."

"Even the First wouldn't claim he could do something like that easily."

Meanwhile, the fellow who had eavesdropped on Shen Ye and Mikoto's conversation hurried to the Uchiha Clan. He paced anxiously at the entrance, waiting.

Before long, Fugaku came out, dressed in light, casual clothes.

"Lord Fugaku, you're finally here! I just overheard that damn Shen Ye talking to Mikoto. He knows about the mark on Miss Mikoto's butt!"

Fugaku furrowed his brow. Even he didn't know about something like that.

If the fellow in front of him hadn't just brought it up, Fugaku would never have known that Mikoto had a birthmark on her butt.

Fugaku had already disliked Shen Ye, and his expression immediately darkened. He clenched his fists tightly.

The snitch trembled and didn't dare say another word, afraid Fugaku might lash out at him in anger.

Struggling to calm himself, Fugaku took a deep breath.

"I have you to thank for this. Here, take this as a reward."

Fugaku took a small gray pill from his pocket and handed it to the fellow before him. The man's eyes immediately lit up.