Over the next few days, the Desire Hot Spring was packed every day.
At first, the clan members only went because it was free, and left once they finished soaking.
But within two days, some noticed that their old injuries hurt less, while others found they slept better after soaking for several nights in a row.
Some even said that after going home from the hot spring, their nighttime "performance" improved, and now their wives looked at them differently.
The news spread through the compound as if it had sprouted wings.
"Seriously? A hot spring can heal injuries?"
"Why would I lie? That old wound on my arm, the one a kunai left, had hurt for three years. After soaking these past few days, it stopped hurting altogether!"
"Well, want to go together tonight?"
"Yes, yes, yes! We have to!"
So by evening, a long line formed outside the hot spring. Some carried basins, some wrapped themselves in towels, and some simply came in their pajamas.
Rumors about the hot spring also began spreading throughout Konoha through all sorts of channels.
Over the past few days, a new hot topic had emerged in Konoha's streets and alleys.
"Hey, have you heard? The Uchiha have a hot spring that can cure ailments!"
"Cure ailments? Is that for real?"
"It is! A distant cousin of mine married into the Uchiha. She said her old man had trouble getting around for years, but after soaking for a few days, he could walk easily again!"
"Whoa... That's practically a miracle..."
"That's not all! They've also got some kind of apartment building where young people can live for free!"
"Free? No rent?"
"No rent! As long as you're an Uchiha and unmarried, you can apply!"
"Holy shit... That's way too good..."
The speakers were two middle-aged ninja standing outside the Dango Shop.
One wore a forehead protector, while the other had a toothpick between his teeth.
The passersby lining up for dango beside them listened, wide-eyed.
"Then... can someone who isn't an Uchiha go in for a soak?"
The ninja with the toothpick rolled his eyes.
"In your dreams! It's inside their compound. You think they'd let outsiders stroll in? I passed by yesterday and tried to take a peek, but two young Uchiha glared at me so hard I felt a chill down my back."
"That's such a shame... I've got an injury in my lower back, and I'd love a soak too..."
"How about... marrying an Uchiha?"
"Me? I'm a man. How would that work?"
"So what if you're a man? The Uchiha have women too! You're pretty ugly, sure, but what if one of them's blind?"
"Piss off!"
The two walked away, ribbing each other, but the passersby who had overheard them looked thoughtful.
Inside the Dango Shop, the proprietress rolled dango while chatting with a regular.
"I hear the Uchiha have some wonderful benefits..."
The regular, a woman in her forties, lowered her voice.
"They certainly do! My daughter came home a few days ago and told me one of her girlfriends, a real beauty, had several young Uchiha men fussing over her lately..."
"Oh? They've taken a liking to her?"
"Exactly! Her family didn't object either. They said if she really could marry into the clan, she'd have an easier life..."
"Well, that's true. The Uchiha have money."
The two exchanged a glance and sighed.
Inside the Uchiha Compound.
Gentō sat in his room, watching live footage of the Desire Hot Spring on the system panel before him.
It was a habit he had developed over the past few days.
At the enticing scenes in the women's bath, Gentō's slouched back instantly straightened.
Mist swirled over the women's bath.
Several young women from the clan soaked in the pool. Some leaned against the edge with their eyes closed, some chatted quietly, and others splashed water at each other.
The accidental glimpses revealed amid the rippling water made Gentō swallow hard...
He had even spotted Mikoto in the footage once.
It had been early evening, when few people were around.
Mikoto had come alone. With her hair let down, she looked nothing like the dignified wife of the Konoha Military Police Force's chief she usually was.
Her outline was hazy in the mist, possessing an indescribable beauty.
Gentō had frozen on the spot.
Her usual clothes concealed it, but he had never imagined Mikoto had such a voluptuous figure!
That old bastard Fugaku really had it good.
Every time Gentō finished watching Mikoto's live footage, his blood ran hot.
And Pakura was the one who suffered for it.
Over the past few days, Pakura had been looking at him strangely, with a hint of resentment and a hint of resignation.
That day, Gentō had just opened the system panel to continue watching the live footage.
Suddenly, Pakura's voice came from the doorway.
"Lord Gentō, someone named Uchiha Mikoto is here to visit."
Gentō froze at her words.
Mikoto?
She came to see me of her own accord?
Surely she hadn't fallen for me and decided to cuckold Fugaku?
The thought sprang into his mind, and he hastily suppressed it.
"Show her to the reception room."
He straightened his clothes, composed himself, and headed to the reception room.
Inside, Pakura was pouring tea for the guests.
The moment Gentō entered, his eyes lit up.
Mikoto sat on the tatami in a simple, elegant kimono, her hair pinned up to reveal her fair nape.
Her kimono collar was slightly open, offering a glimpse of snow-white skin.
She sat gracefully, her back perfectly straight, but her posture made the curves of her chest especially prominent.
Someone else sat beside Mikoto.
Long red hair spilled over her shoulders, its color like fire.
She wore a dark purple top and black trousers, fitted tightly around the waist to accentuate her curves.
Her features were far more expressive than Mikoto's, carrying a natural liveliness.
It was none other than Uzumaki Kushina.
At the same time, a system notification sounded in his mind.
[Ding! Suitable female ninja for dual cultivation detected.] [Name: Uzumaki Kushina Bloodline limit: Uzumaki constitution Strength: Kage level Overall rating: S-rank]
He was not surprised that Uzumaki Kushina met the requirements for dual cultivation.
What surprised him was that Kushina possessed Kage-level strength.
But once he considered her Uzumaki constitution and the Nine-Tails inside her, it made sense.
He withdrew his gaze and sat across from the two women.
Mikoto bowed slightly, an apologetic smile on her face.
"I'm sorry to disturb you, Clan Head."
Gentō waved a hand.
"No need to be so formal, Mikoto. Whatever you need, just say it."
Mikoto glanced sideways at Kushina, who immediately put on a pitiful expression and pressed her palms together.
"Gentō! Everyone in the village is talking about your clan's hot spring! I heard soaking there heals injuries and feels incredibly good, too."
She paused, her cheeks flushing slightly, but pressed on anyway.
"Could I go for a soak too?"
Gentō was taken aback.
Kushina was actually asking to use the hot spring?
How was that any different from volunteering to let me watch her?
An image of the two beauties bathing together sprang unbidden into his mind, stirring his heart.
But outwardly, he maintained the dignity of a clan head.
"Well... Kushina, as you know, this is a benefit reserved for the Uchiha Clan. By our rules, outsiders aren't allowed to use it."
The anticipation on Mikoto's and Kushina's faces instantly collapsed. They exchanged a glance, both looking disappointed.
Mikoto opened her mouth, wanting to say something, but did not know how to begin.
Kushina lowered her head, twisting the hem of her clothes between her fingers.
Gentō changed tack.
"However..."
Both women looked up at once, their eyes lighting up again.
"Kushina, you're the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, and you've contributed a great deal to Konoha. I'll make a special exception. You may use the Uchiha's hot spring."
Kushina froze for a second.
Then she sprang to her feet and threw her arms around Mikoto.
"Ahhh! Mikoto, did you hear that? He said yes! Yes!"
Mikoto swayed helplessly as Kushina shook her, but a heartfelt smile spread across her face.
"And!"
Gentō added.
"From now on, you can use it whenever you like!"
Kushina released Mikoto and turned to thank Gentō.
"Thank you, Gentō!"
"Come on, let's go!"
She grabbed Mikoto and ran outside. Mikoto stumbled as she was pulled along, turning back to give Gentō an apologetic nod before being dragged away.
Gentō remained seated, watching their retreating backs as the corners of his mouth slowly lifted.
He stood and headed for his room.
System panel, live feed, activate!
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