Uzumaki Kushina's Request

For the next few days, the Desire Hot Spring was packed to capacity.

At first, the clansmen only went because it was "free," leaving as soon as they finished soaking.

But within two days, some discovered that their old injuries didn't hurt as much, while others found their sleep quality had improved after soaking for a few nights.

Some even claimed that after soaking and heading home, their "performance" in the bedroom was better, and now their wives looked at them with a different glint in their eyes.

The news spread through the Uchiha Clan Grounds as if it had grown wings.

"Is it for real? Can a hot spring really heal injuries?"

"Why would I lie to you? That old scar on my arm from a kunai, it's been aching for three years, and after soaking these past few days, the pain is just gone!"

"So, how about it? Going tonight?"

"Count me in! Definitely going!"

Consequently, by evening, a long line formed at the entrance of the hot spring; some carried basins, some were wrapped in towels, and some simply showed up in their pajamas.

Meanwhile, rumors about the hot spring began to spread throughout Konoha through various channels.

In the streets and alleys of Konoha, a hot topic had emerged over the past few days.

"Hey, have you heard? There's a hot spring over at the Uchiha place that can cure illnesses!"

"Cure illnesses? Is that for real?"

"It's true! A distant cousin of mine married into the Uchiha, and she said her old man's legs had been stiff for years, but after soaking for a few days, he's walking just fine!"

"Hiss... that's too incredible..."

"That's not all! They also have some kind of apartment complex where young people can live for free!"

"For free? You mean stay for nothing?"

"For nothing! As long as you're an Uchiha and unmarried, you can apply!"

"Damn... that's too sweet..."

The speakers were two middle-aged ninjas standing in front of the Dango Shop.

One wore a forehead protector, and the other had a toothpick dangling from his mouth.

A passerby waiting in line for dango nearby listened with wide, stunned eyes.

"So... what about those who aren't Uchiha? Can we go in and soak?"

The ninja with the toothpick rolled his eyes:

"In your dreams! It's their clan property; you think they'd let an outsider just walk in? I tried to sneak a peek yesterday and got glared at by two young Uchiha, sent a chill right down my spine."

"That's such a shame... I've got this injury on my lower back, I really want to soak in it too..."

"Why don't you... find an Uchiha to marry?"

"Me? I'm a guy, how am I supposed to do that?"

"So what if you're a guy? There are Uchiha women too! You might be a bit rough around the edges, but what if one of them has poor eyesight?"

"Get lost!"

The two walked off, bickering, but a passerby who had overheard them stood there, lost in thought.

Inside the Dango Shop, the proprietress chatted with a regular customer while rolling dango:

"I hear the Uchiha have some pretty great benefits over there..."

The regular, a woman in her forties, lowered her voice:

"You can say that again! My daughter came home the other day and told me her friend, who's quite the looker, has been surrounded by several young Uchiha men lately..."

"Oh? So they've taken a liking to her?"

"Exactly! The girl's family isn't opposed to it either, saying if she really can marry into the clan, life will be much easier..."

"Sigh, true. The Uchiha have deep pockets, after all."

The two exchanged a look and both let out a sigh.

Inside the Uchiha Clan Grounds.

Xuandou sat in his room, the system panel in front of him displaying a real-time feed of the Desire Hot Spring.

This was a habit he had developed over the past few days.

Watching the steamy, alluring scenes in the women's bath, Xuandou's previously hunched back straightened instantly.

In the women's bath, the air was thick with mist.

Several young female clansmen were soaking in the pool; some leaned against the edge with their eyes closed, some whispered and laughed, and others splashed water at each other.

The sight of the rippling water and the glimpses of skin exposed by accident made Xuandou gulp repeatedly...

He had even caught a glimpse of Mikoto in the feed once.

It was in the evening, when there were fewer people.

Mikoto had come alone, and the way she let her hair down made her look like a completely different person from the dignified wife of the Police Force captain.

In the mist, her silhouette was hazy and indistinct, possessing an indescribable beauty.

Xuandou was stunned on the spot.

He couldn't tell when she was fully dressed, but he never expected Uchiha Mikoto to have such a curvaceous figure!

That old dog Fugaku was truly living the good life.

Every time he finished watching the real-time feed of Uchiha Mikoto, his blood would boil.

And the one who suffered for it was always Pakura.

These past few days, the way Pakura looked at him had been off—carrying a hint of resentment mixed with a sense of resignation.

That day, Xuandou had just opened his system panel, preparing to continue watching the real-time feed.

Suddenly, Pakura's voice came from the doorway:

"Lord Xuandou, someone named Uchiha Mikoto is here to see you."

Xuandou was taken aback upon hearing this.

Uchiha Mikoto?

Coming to find him of her own volition?

It couldn't be that she had taken a fancy to him and wanted to cuckold Fugaku, could it?

A thought sprouted in his mind, which he quickly suppressed.

"Show her to the guest room."

He straightened his clothes, composed himself, and headed toward the guest room.

Inside the guest room, Pakura was pouring tea for the guest.

As soon as Xuandou stepped through the door, his eyes lit up.

Uchiha Mikoto sat on the tatami mat, wearing an elegant, simple kimono with her hair tied back, revealing her fair nape.

The collar of her kimono was slightly open, exposing skin as white as snow.

She sat with a dignified posture, her back straight, yet because of her pose, the curve of her chest was exceptionally prominent.

Beside Uchiha Mikoto sat another person.

Long, red hair draped over her shoulders, the color of fire.

She wore a deep purple top with black trousers, the waist cinched tight, outlining a figure with alluring curves.

Her features were far more vibrant than Uchiha Mikoto's, carrying a natural liveliness.

It was none other than Uzumaki Kushina.

At the same time, a system notification chimed in his mind:

[Ding! Suitable female ninja for dual cultivation detected.]

[Name: Uzumaki Kushina

Kekkei Genkai: Uzumaki Constitution

Strength: Kage-level

Overall Rating: S-rank]

He wasn't surprised that Uzumaki Kushina met the criteria for dual cultivation.

What surprised him was that Uzumaki Kushina actually possessed Kage-level strength.

But thinking of her Uzumaki Constitution and the Nine-Tails within her, Xuandou felt relieved.

He withdrew his gaze and sat down across from the two women.

Uchiha Mikoto bowed slightly, an apologetic smile on her face:

"I apologize for disturbing the Clan Head."

Xuandou waved his hand:

"You are too polite, Uchiha Mikoto. Please, speak your mind."

Uchiha Mikoto glanced at Uzumaki Kushina, who immediately put on a pitiful expression, pressing her palms together:

"Xuandou! That hot spring in your clan—the whole village is going crazy over it! I heard it can heal injuries and feels incredibly comfortable after a soak."

She paused, her face flushing slightly, but she bit the bullet and continued:

"Could I go and have a soak as well?"

Xuandou was stunned.

Uzumaki Kushina was actually requesting to use the hot spring?

How was this any different from offering to show herself to him?

Images of the two beauties bathing together involuntarily flooded his mind, and his heart surged with excitement.

Yet, he maintained the composure of a Clan Head on his face:

"This... Kushina, you know how it is. This is a benefit exclusive to the Uchiha clan; by the rules, outsiders are not permitted to use it."

The anticipation on the faces of Mikoto and Kushina collapsed instantly, and the two exchanged a look of disappointment.

Mikoto opened her mouth, wanting to say something, but she didn't know how to begin.

Kushina lowered her head, twisting the hem of her clothes with her fingers.

Xuandou shifted his tone:

"However..."

Both of them looked up at the same time, their eyes lighting up once more.

"Kushina, you are the Nine-Tails jinchuriki and have made significant contributions to Konoha. I am granting you special permission to use the Uchiha hot springs."

Kushina froze for a second.

Then she jumped up abruptly and threw her arms around Mikoto:

"Ahhh! Mikoto, did you hear that! He said I can! I can!"

Mikoto was swayed back and forth by her, yet a sincere smile bloomed on her face.

"And!"

Xuandou added.

"You are welcome to use them anytime you like from now on!"

Kushina let go of Mikoto and turned to thank Xuandou:

"Thank you! Xuandou!"

"Let's go, quickly!"

She grabbed Mikoto and ran toward the door. Mikoto stumbled as she was dragged along, turning back to give Xuandou an apologetic nod before being hauled away.

Xuandou sat where he was, watching their retreating figures, the corners of his mouth slowly curling upward.

He stood up and walked toward his room.

System panel, real-time feed, activate!