After the Anbu extra left, silence filled the air. Uchiha Ruri sat respectfully in a chair, dressed in a gorgeous kimono. Her long white hair fell down her back like a silver waterfall.
The kimono was a traditional garment of the Uchiha Clan, its deep blue fabric embroidered with the clan crest in gold and intricate patterns.
Delicate white ribbons adorned its collar and cuffs, lending it an air of elegance and refinement.
Ruri's long hair had been neatly combed and rested lightly on her shoulders, its color a striking contrast to her kimono.
Her face was expressionless, like an iceberg, making her difficult to approach.
Ruri smiled faintly as she looked at the Lord Third, a unique light glimmering in her eyes.
Her smile was warm and friendly, as if it could instantly bring people closer.
The Lord Third was moved by her smile. He smoked as he recalled the past.
He still remembered the talented kunoichi who had once drawn everyone's attention at the Ninja Academy.
That girl was Ruri. Back then, her outstanding talent and intelligence had made her stand out at the Ninja Academy, turning her into the center of everyone's attention.
Her talent showed not only in how quickly she learned ninjutsu, but also in her keen insight and judgment.
Yet just when everyone thought she would continue to excel and become a star of the future Ninja World, something unexpected happened.
Ruri's grades suddenly took a noticeable turn for the worse. She even began making frequent mistakes during basic ninjutsu tests.
Everyone was confused and baffled. Given her talent and abilities, such mistakes should have been nearly impossible.
"Ruri, time flies. Look at how much you've grown," the Lord Third said slowly, his tone full of emotion.
He gazed at the girl who had grown up before him, his eyes gleaming with complex feelings.
Ruri smiled faintly and nodded. "That's right, Lord Third. Time really does fly. Ever since graduating from the Ninja Academy, I've been working hard to train, hoping to become an excellent kunoichi."
Her voice was gentle yet firm, full of confidence and resolve.
"Mm, I can see that you've always been working hard." The Lord Third nodded, a hint of approval in his eyes. "But after graduating as a Chunin, you haven't taken on any other duties, have you?"
He asked tentatively, seemingly hoping to learn more about Ruri's situation.
Ruri shook her head lightly. "No, Lord Third. I've been focused on my training, hoping to master ninjutsu and combat skills. I believe that only by constantly improving myself can I make a greater contribution to the village."
Her gaze was firm and resolute, as if she had already found her path and goal.
The Lord Third heard her answer, and a hint of satisfaction flickered in his eyes. He took a deep breath and said slowly, "Very good, Ruri. Your determination and courage show me that you'll become an excellent kunoichi. But you know the village needs more than powerful shinobi. It also needs talented people who can take on important roles and offer advice."
His words carried encouragement and expectation.
Ruri heard him and curled her lips into the polished, professional fake smile of a young lady. It looked flawless, yet held a barely perceptible hint of mockery.
She lifted her head and looked straight at the Lord Third, her tone edged with disdain. "Why not just say you want me to join the Anbu? Why bother with all these rehearsed lies?"
Her words left the Lord Third momentarily stunned. He hadn't expected the seemingly gentle girl to voice her displeasure so bluntly.
Still, he didn't grow angry. He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself.
Maybe the Uchiha Clan's massacre has made her view the village with disappointment?
He knew Ruri wasn't easy to deal with. Born into a prestigious clan, she had received strict education and training since childhood. Her ninjutsu and intelligence far surpassed those of her peers.
More importantly, she had keen insight and judgment, and could easily see through other people's thoughts and intentions.
So it was practically impossible to deceive her with tricks or lies.
The Lord Third fell silent for a moment, took a puff of his pipe, then spoke slowly. "Ruri, you've misunderstood me. I wasn't trying to deceive you or manipulate you. I only hope you'll gain a fuller understanding of what the village needs, and of the responsibilities you bear as a kunoichi."
Ruri smiled lightly but said nothing. She knew the Lord Third wasn't lying, but there were indeed things he was keeping to himself.
Perhaps it was his expectations of her, his worries about the village, or his plans for the future.
Whatever they were, Ruri didn't want to dwell on them. Konoha might become an enemy someday; for now, it was simply where she lived.
Before Ruri had transmigrated, outsiders had seen her as an elegant, dignified kunoichi. She had impeccable manners, and her every word and gesture exuded an air of nobility.
"Lord Third, if possible, I'd like to join the Ninja Academy as a teacher." Ruri's voice echoed through the spacious Hokage's office, her eyes shining with resolve. She took a deep breath and continued, "You know what happened to the Uchiha Clan last night. The whole clan was wiped out, leaving only one child, Sasuke."
A pained look flashed through the Lord Third's eyes, but he quickly concealed it.
The Uchiha Clan's destruction had been a huge blow to Konoha, and Sasuke's care was also part of the promise he had made to Itachi Uchiha.
He looked at Ruri, his eyes filled with complex emotions as he considered her becoming a teacher in Konoha.
Ruri lowered her eyes slightly. Her long eyelashes cast faint shadows on her cheeks, making her feigned tearful expression seem more genuine. Her voice trembled a little, touched with heartbreaking vulnerability. "Lord Third, please grant me this small request. Sasuke is still just a little boy, and he's lost all his family and support. I... I really want to take care of him and give him some warmth and affection."
Looking at Ruri, the Lord Third couldn't help feeling conflicted.
He knew Ruri was an excellent kunoichi with great strength and talent.
Yet now she was showing a woman's gentleness and warmth, which surprised him.
He fell silent for a moment, as if weighing the pros and cons.
He knew that letting Ruri take care of Sasuke was indeed a good choice.
After all, Ruri had not only exceptional ninjutsu and insight, but also a kind and gentle heart.
She could give Sasuke a mother's care, help him emerge from the shadows in his heart, and find the courage and direction to live again.
More importantly, Sasuke needed someone to help him grow, and Ruri was the most suitable person for the job.
However, the Lord Third also knew that this wasn't an easy decision.
He had originally planned to have Ruri join the Anbu, but a teaching position at Konoha seemed like a better fit.
Sasuke's circumstances were indeed unusual. He needed more than just someone to look after his daily needs; he also needed emotional comfort and support.
"Very well. I'll allow you to join the Ninja Academy as a teacher." Hiruzen Sarutobi's voice echoed through the office, his eyes firm and resolute.
Hiruzen Sarutobi gave Ruri a long look, then continued, "We'll make special arrangements for your benefits, too, so you don't need to worry about making ends meet. I know you're giving up a lot of your own time and opportunities to take care of Sasuke. But believe me, Konoha won't forget your efforts and sacrifices. We'll give you all the support and help you need, so you can focus on teaching Sasuke and building a solid foundation for his growth and future."
Ruri was stunned. Well, would you look at that—she'd actually pulled it off?
She'd thought she would fail. She still had several Uchiha young-lady skills she hadn't even used yet.
She'd succeeded on the very first step? That meant things would be much easier from now on?!
Ruri knew Hiruzen Sarutobi was a man of his word. As Hokage of Konoha, he would make good on his promise.
Hiruzen Sarutobi paused, then continued, "Also, some of the Uchiha Clan's assets will be used to support you and Sasuke. The clan may be gone, but its property and belongings still belong to its descendants. You and Sasuke are the last of the Uchiha bloodline, so those assets rightfully belong to you. I'll have someone handle the inventory and distribution to make sure you receive your fair share."
Ruri was surprised and touched. She hadn't expected Hiruzen Sarutobi to consider her and Sasuke's livelihood so carefully, even taking the Uchiha Clan's inheritance into account.
"Right, right, right. I'd just finished checking the house and noticed the furniture was gone. So you really did take it?" Ruri smiled faintly on the outside.
Inside, though, she was already seething. You bunch of old schemers! Couldn't you leave even the leftovers for us?
Hiruzen Sarutobi saw Ruri's resolute, grateful expression and felt a sense of comfort and satisfaction.
As Hokage, he knew he carried the responsibility of protecting the village and its people.
Her abilities and character were both exceptional, filling him with trust and expectations for Ruri.
"Ruri, I know you may have some doubts and resentment." Hiruzen Sarutobi spoke slowly, his voice steady and authoritative. "But please believe me when I say everything I do is for the good of the village and its people. Sometimes we have to make difficult decisions to ensure the village's safety and stability."
Ruri listened to Hiruzen Sarutobi and nodded vigorously, her emotions in turmoil.
Right, right, absolutely. You're the one with the most power, so everything you say is right.
In this village, the Hokage's word was law and order. She couldn't argue with it or defy it.
But I can leave the village whenever I want!
"Mm-hmm, mm-hmm." Ruri gave a vague response, keeping a smile on her face while feeling cold inside.
Hiruzen Sarutobi watched her reaction and couldn't help feeling a little puzzled. He sensed that Ruri hadn't fully accepted his explanation and decision, even though she seemed so obedient and respectful on the surface.
He couldn't quite figure out what she really thought.
Still, Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't have much time to dwell on Ruri's thoughts.
He had many other matters to handle and decisions to make. He couldn't let one person's feelings interfere with the running of the whole village.
"Enough." Hiruzen Sarutobi waved a hand to dismiss Ruri. He took a puff, drew in a deep breath, then slowly exhaled.
Smoke drifted through the air, obscuring his face and making his expression impossible to read.
"You may leave now," Hiruzen Sarutobi said, his voice weary, as if issuing an order.
He knew his words might seem harsh to Ruri, but he hadn't chosen to put them more gently.
Ruri stood, bowed slightly, and took her leave with practiced grace. "Goodbye, Lord Third."
Her voice was calm and steady, as if nothing had affected her. Then she turned and left the Hokage Building.
"The Uchiha Clan... Uchiha Sasuke... Uchiha Ruri." Hiruzen Sarutobi slowly spoke the names, his eyes filled with deep and complicated emotions.
As Hokage of Konoha, he had witnessed the Uchiha Clan's rise and fall, and had personally taken part in some of the decisions and actions surrounding it.
Now, as he spoke of the once-glorious clan again, an inexplicable wave of emotion rose within him.
Hiruzen Sarutobi took a deep breath, trying to steady his emotions.
Just then, Danzo walked in. His gaze was penetrating, his expression as stern as ever, and he went straight over to Hiruzen Sarutobi.
"Hiruzen, I heard you spoke with that Uchiha girl earlier." Danzo's voice was low and forceful, with an unquestionable authority.
Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded slightly, his brow furrowing. "Yes, Danzo. I've agreed to let Ruri join the Ninja Academy as a teacher. I think she's capable of doing the job and looking after Sasuke."
A complex expression flickered in Danzo's eyes. He fell silent for a moment before speaking slowly. "Hiruzen, you know I've always had reservations about the Uchiha Clan. Is it really wise to let their descendants stay in the village and take on such an important role?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi took a deep breath, his eyes firm and resolute. "Danzo, I understand your concerns. But Ruri and Sasuke are innocent children. They haven't committed any crimes. We can't discriminate against them because of their bloodline, much less deprive them of their right to live. I believe that if we give them enough care and guidance, they'll become people who contribute to the village."
Danzo fell silent for a moment, seeming to consider Hiruzen Sarutobi's words. Then he slowly raised his head and looked straight into Hiruzen Sarutobi's eyes. "All right, Hiruzen. Since you've made your decision, I'll respect it. But I hope you'll keep a close eye on Ruri and Sasuke and make sure they don't pose any threat to the village."
Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded. "I understand, Danzo. I'll do everything I can to ensure the village's safety and stability."
"Uchiha Young Lady's Guide to Diplomacy: An Intern Politician's Handbook"
Rule One: Interacting with Konoha's senior politicians.
"On the complicated stage of politics, as the young lady of the Uchiha Clan, you represent not only yourself but also the honor and dignity of your entire clan. So before embarking on your internship in diplomacy, you must understand this deeply."
"The Uchiha Clan has a long history and a great reputation. It is a force to be reckoned with in the shinobi world. Every word and action of yours can affect the clan's image and standing beyond its borders."
"..."
Ruri walked through the streets of Konoha. It was already late at night, and not a soul was around.
But Ruri seemed to be in another world, absorbed in looking over the items she had bought from the system.
"Wow, the system shop really is amazing. It has everything," Ruri murmured.
"With these items, I won't have to worry about any of the trouble I might run into in the village." Ruri's lips curved into a satisfied smile.
She knew that the items she'd bought from the system shop would be her most capable assistants, helping her handle all kinds of challenges and difficulties.
Just then, a flash of white light appeared, and the book in Ruri's hands vanished, returning to the system inventory.
She paused, then understood.
She knew this was the wonder of the system: whenever and wherever she needed them, those items would appear in her hands at once.
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