"What… what am I doing…?"
Uchiha Mikoto pressed a hand to her chest, anxiety and regret twisting inside her. Just a moment ago, she had let her feelings take over — impulsive, reckless feelings.
She thought of Kushina — her closest friend. And now… she was harboring thoughts about another woman's husband.
A voice suddenly came from behind her.
"Silly girl. If you like someone, you have to be brave."
Mikoto froze like a startled cat. She spun around, cheeks burning, and saw her father leaning casually against the doorway.
"D—Dad?! When did you get here?"
"Hmm… probably around the time you started daydreaming out loud."
Arms crossed, Uchiha Motoyanagi gave her a teasing smile.
"No wonder none of the boys in the clan catch your eye anymore. I was just thinking Fugaku seemed like a promising match — but you shot that down immediately. So it turns out… you've set your sights on Lord Ryoma."
He even gave her a proud thumbs-up.
"That's my daughter. Ambition is good!"
"Daaad!"
Mikoto's face turned crimson. "You misunderstood! I don't have those kinds of feelings for Ryoma!"
But her voice grew smaller…
"And even if I did… Kushina is…"
Motoyanagi sighed and shook his head.
"You're still too naïve."
"This world is ruled by strength. A strong man like Ryoma… Kushina won't be his only partner in the future. Many women across the continent wish they could be by his side. It means their family — their entire clan — would rise to the top."
He gently placed a hand on her head, ruffling her hair like when she was younger.
"And with your close friendship with Kushina? If you and Ryoma were together, she wouldn't oppose you. She'd welcome you. The two of you would get along perfectly."
He whispered one final strike:
"Don't wait until other women take him away… and then regret it."
Mikoto lowered her eyes. She didn't say a word — but the chaos in her heart slowly calmed. A new resolve flickered quietly within her gaze.
She would follow her heart.
The Next Day
Outside a sleek silver-decorated building in Konoha's bustling commercial district, Uchiha Mikoto stood waiting — trying to appear calm.
Tourists, civilians, even visiting shinobi flooded into the exhibition ahead. She even saw a few ninja pets being ushered inside — the lively atmosphere could be felt from the street.
Her eyes scanned the crowd.
And then — they stopped.
"There!" she called out with a bright smile, waving.
Ryoma stepped up to her. "Sorry if I kept you waiting. When did you arrive?"
"I just got here," Mikoto replied quickly.
—A lie.
She had actually arrived nearly an hour early.
Ever since last night… she hadn't been able to stop thinking about today.
Today's… "date."
Ryoma's gaze fell on Uchiha Mikoto — and for a moment he almost forgot to breathe.
Light, refined makeup framed her soft features. She wore a fitted black turtleneck sweater with a silver necklace resting delicately at her collarbone. A high-waisted wrap skirt hugged her slender figure, while sheer black stockings revealed smooth, elegant legs.
She looked less like a kunoichi and more like a graceful urban beauty — poised, gentle… and breathtaking.
She must have spent a long time preparing for this.
Ever since the continent was unified, the world had transformed rapidly. Modern styles, trends, and comforts were reshaping society. When people no longer struggled to survive, they naturally began to chase beauty, culture… and love.
Ryoma's gaze lingered — the sweater hugged her curves, and the confidence in her posture carried a subtle mature allure.
Noticing his stare, Mikoto's cheeks warmed instantly.
She brushed her hair behind her ear and spoke in embarrassment:
"Don't… don't just stare. Let's head inside already."
The exhibition center was buzzing with excitement.
In the past year, Konoha had become the heart of art and entertainment in the entire Shinobi Empire. Exhibitions — from modern art to shinobi pets — were regularly held for both citizens and visitors from other nations.
Today's event was organized by the Inuzuka Clan. Their ninja dog exhibition included competitions, lotteries, showcases… even adoption opportunities.
The venue was divided into multiple areas. The largest crowds gathered around ninja dogs and ninja cats — loved by both shinobi and civilians alike. There were also birds, ferrets, snakes, and all sorts of exotic creatures Ryoma had never encountered before.
Entering the interaction area, Mikoto instantly came alive.
Her reactions echoed through the hall:
"Wahh— so cute!"
"Ahh— look at that one!"
When she spotted a fluffy orange ninja cat, she seized Ryoma's wrist and pulled him over with surprising force. Without hesitation, she scooped the cat into her arms despite its displeased squirming — cheek to fur.
Ryoma blinked, amused and genuinely surprised.
"I never expected you to have this side."
Mikoto was usually calm, elegant, composed — the ideal Uchiha lady. But right now, she was bright, playful… and utterly adorable.
He hadn't cared much about ninja pets when they came in.
But seeing this hidden side of her?
He suddenly felt this trip was already worth it.
...
TN:
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