Kurotsuchi hadn't even noticed that she was training so hard now just to earn one person's praise, to have him recognize her efforts.
She was practically living for someone else. But Kurotsuchi didn't realize it. If anything, she found the feeling strangely sweet.
Uchiha Yin saw nothing unusual in her expression, but Uchiha Mikoto had noticed the way Kurotsuchi looked at him. That gaze stayed with her.
As a woman herself, Uchiha Mikoto knew exactly how much affection lay in those eyes.
Even so, Uchiha Mikoto said nothing. Uchiha Yin was an exceptional person, after all.
It was only natural that girls would fall for him. Kurotsuchi didn't seem to have realized it herself yet, so it was better not to say anything.
A girl deserved to experience the first stirrings of love for herself. Uchiha Mikoto simply smiled and watched.
Seeing Kurotsuchi smile so brightly filled Uchiha Yin with warmth and relief. He chuckled. "Let's eat out tonight. You won't have to go to any trouble!"
As he spoke, he gave Uchiha Mikoto's cheek a fond pinch.
Uchiha Mikoto was delighted to hear that she would be having dinner with Uchiha Yin.
"All right. Where are we going? I'll go home and change first!"
Her smile was sweet as she said it, like a girl falling in love for the first time.
The sight made Uchiha Yin happy too. He told her where they were going, then let her head home to change.
Uchiha Yin took Kurotsuchi and set off for the restaurant.
Kurotsuchi watched Uchiha Mikoto walk away, then looked down at her own clothes.
They were ordinary ninja clothes. She had spent the whole day training, and sweat had soaked into them. She could smell it on herself.
For a moment, Kurotsuchi felt embarrassed by her own