Konoha Year 17, spring.
Kagami Uchiha felt that his life had finally begun to look up.
He sat by the window of the little house he rented, holding a cup of hot tea, a faint, heartfelt smile on his lips-the kind he had not worn in a long time.
Outside, the sunshine was just right. The snow had begun to melt, and drops of water pattered from the eaves like some cheerful rhythm.
"Lord Kagami."
A gentle female voice came from behind him.
He turned and saw "Senju Tsubaki" standing behind him with a steaming bowl of porridge. She wore a plain white house kimono, her hair loosely pinned up, a gentle smile on her face.
"You went to bed late last night. I was worried you might be hungry, so I made some porridge." Her voice was soft, like a spring breeze.
Kagami took the bowl, warmth rising in his heart.
"Tsubaki, thank you for your trouble."
"It's no trouble." She lowered her head, a faint blush spreading across her face. "It's my good fortune to be able to look after you, Lord Kagami."
Kagami looked at her profile, feeling increasingly satisfied.
Senju Tsubaki. A woman of the Senju Clan. Gentle, capable, and understanding. Though she was not an exceptional beauty, her dignified air and proper manners made up for it. Most importantly, she treated him-very well.
Ever since their wedding night, she had indulged his every wish, never complaining about this shabby little house, never looking down on his meager income.
She rose early every day to prepare his breakfast, waited for him to come home at night, and heated his bathwater.
She had even begun learning to mend clothes, patching every hole in his few old garments.
"Tsubaki," Kagami said, setting down the bowl and taking her