The entire ninja world was still trembling with disbelief over an Uchiha becoming the Third Hokage.
Yet in peaceful Konoha, the next dawn rose soft and untroubled.
Uchiha Soren had not slept a minute.
He had dressed carefully in the deep-colored, dignified kimono Elder Uchiha Sifang had sent the night before. The garment framed his shoulders with quiet nobility; the cut emphasized his height; the color cast a cool shadow over his already sharp features.
A quick trim of his fringe made his dark eyes seem deeper and clearer.
He regarded the mirror.
A noble youth looked back at him — handsome, composed, carrying both elegance and danger.
Less a butcher… more a prince forged in fire.
"This will do."
He turned to step out — only for Uchiha Sifang to arrive first, expression unreadable.
"Young lord," Sifang said gravely, "will you first visit the Daimyō's daughter? Or a maiden of our clan?"
Soren paused.
Then blinked.
"…Why can't I marry them both?"
Sifang froze.
For a moment, he saw Hashirama's naïveté and Madara's arrogance collide in one soul.
But then, remembering Soren's new rank, the elder quickly recalculated.
In the Warring States era, men of power took multiple wives as naturally as they breathed.
And for the Uchiha, more heirs meant more chances — more Sharingan, perhaps even more Mangekyō.
"No rule forbids it," Sifang admitted slowly.
"Then… which young lady first? Princess Kaori in the main hall, or Zhili?"
"Zhili," Soren answered without hesitation.
"She's the first girl I've ever… liked."
His eyes softened.
"Princess Kaori may be the Daimyō's daughter. But if I had to choose only one woman in this world… it would be Zhili.
Princesses are many.
There is only one Zhili."
Sifang's face lit like fire catching dry leaves.
"If the young lord thinks so, this old man is satisfied," he said warmly.
He hesitated — then added, "But once Princess Kaori marries into the clan, she too will be one of us. A bridge to the Daimyō's palace. Treat her fairly."
Soren nodded.
"Of course. My wives will all be cherished."
To Zhili's Residence
Soren left the house and immediately summoned Juno.
The orange ninja cat appeared, round as ever, tail flicking, face arranged into his best groveling expression.
"Big-mouthed cat," Soren said sternly, "I have a mission."
Juno straightened at once.
"Whatever Lord Soren commands, Juno will accomplish! Meow!"
Soren fought a smile.
"Princess Kaori is in the clan hall. Go to her. Jump into her arms. Make her feel at home here."
Juno blinked.
"…What kind of mission is this, meow?"
"You silly cat," Soren sighed, rubbing his forehead.
"My future wife is nervous. Make her feel safe. Make her feel welcomed. That is your mission."
Juno puffed up with pride.
"At once, Lord Soren!"
Sifang escorted Soren toward the main hall while the little cat half-waddled, half-raced ahead.
Princess Kaori
Princess Minamoto Kaori sat quietly beside her elder brother, dressed in layered court robes and a delicate veil.
She looked like a pale moonflower left to bloom alone.
Today she and her brother had come early, though her heart quietly ached.
She wondered:
Would Uchiha Zhili mock her?
Would the clan shun her?
Would this place ever feel like home?
Then—
"Meow~"
A familiar sound drifted in.
Kaori turned.
A little orange sphere of fur waddled toward her and leapt lightly into her arms.
Her veil shifted — her eyes brightened.
"Princess Kaori," Juno announced proudly, "Juno has come again!"
He peeked at her through the veil.
Her smile — warm, delicate, relieved — melted across her face.
Juno felt his tail curl with smug satisfaction.
"My master worries that you feel uneasy," he added proudly.
"He sent Juno so you won't feel alone. He wants you to take this place as your home."
Kaori stroked him with gentle hands like polished jade.
A simple warmth rushed into her chest.
Minamoto Kazuhiko, watching this, noticed the embroidered "Wu" sigil on Juno's little vest and brightened instantly.
"This little cat is…?" he asked cautiously.
"That," Elder Sifang replied, "is the young lord's personal ninja cat. His closest companion."
Kazuhiko inhaled sharply.
If the Hokage sent his closest companion to comfort Kaori…
This marriage might truly happen.
Talks of dowry and marriage rites became warm and efficient; the Daimyō's treasury opened as naturally as a river.
Even Uchiha Shana — who initially felt prickly toward outsiders — softened at the sight of rare jewels and gifts.
Sifang answered in kind:
"Since Prince Kazuhiko shows sincerity, we too shall be generous.
Our four elite squads will serve directly under Princess Kaori's protection.
She will never be mistreated under our roof."
Kazuhiko, unaware of just how powerful those squads truly were, felt deeply reassured.
I must nurture this alliance well, he thought.
Soren Approaches Zhili's Door
Meanwhile, Soren approached the small courtyard where Uchiha Zhili lived.
Hands behind his back.
Breath steady.
Heart… not steady at all.
He stopped before her door.
Tonight, the future began.
And he would choose Zhili first.
Because the world had many princesses—
But only one Zhili.
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