The night had been stormy, rain lashing against the windows and wind rattling the eaves, yet even a deep sleep could not fully dispel the lingering haze of alcohol. Asking the servant rolling up the shutters about the courtyard, the reply came gently: the begonia blossoms remained, though now the green leaves were thick and the reds had faded—lush, yet dwindling.
Another night of exertion had passed, and in the end, it was Uchiha Ran who emerged victorious. Yet he did not claim his spoils immediately. Instead, he lingered, brushing his fingers across Tsunade's softness, letting the quiet intimacy of the moment lull them both into dreams.
Ran had set the sun of Takamagahara to rise on schedule, so that the light would seep through the castle windows at precisely the right time.
But the sunlight itself was not what truly stirred him awake.
"Hah…" Ran inhaled sharply, the cool morning air filling his lungs.
"Tsunade-sensei… you're learning fast," he murmured to himself, eyes still half-closed. "Yesterday I only explained the procedure… yet at the first light, she's already putting it into practice."
Indeed, the legendary Tsunade—famed throughout the shinobi world—not only retained the strength of her reputation but seemed to grasp concepts with uncanny speed. Ran's lips curved into a small smile. "Impressive… truly remarkable," he said softly, though Tsunade made no reply.
His thoughts wandered, as they often did, until he felt her stop moving. Then, a soft weight pressed against him, climbing upward until Tsunade's head emerged from beneath the covers, her gaze locking onto his with mischievous intensity.
"R-Ran… you're awake!" Her voice, low and teasing, carried a private charm only revealed to him behind closed doors.
Feeling her straddle him, Ran instinctively lifted a hand, tilting her chin. "Tsunade-sensei… you're fast, but our time is limited—maybe just two hours."
Before he could say more, her lips met his, adjusting their position with a quiet, deliberate rhythm. Beneath the blanket, only their heads were visible, yet the rise and fall of the covers betrayed every movement.
"Keep going, Tsunade-sensei!" Ran encouraged, brushing sweat from her brow with the hand not occupied by her chin. "You've got this!"
Time passed too quickly. Unlike someone who wastes it, Tsunade and Ran finally emerged from their private world only minutes before the ceremony, leaving Sarutobi Hiruzen waiting with growing impatience.
"Am I late, Hiruzen-sensei?" Ran asked, walking side by side with Tsunade as they approached him.
Sarutobi's eyes narrowed slightly. Seeing them together, though Ran was technically his grand-student, a lingering wariness remained. The Uchiha were never to be trusted completely, and Ran's awakening of the Mangekyō Sharingan had only heightened his caution. Though he believed in the guiding force of the Will of Fire, Ran's brilliance and unpredictability had always set him apart.
After coordinating with Danzo and the others, Sarutobi had successfully used the Fourth Hokage's authority—and even subtle manipulation of Sarutobi Dandelion—to entrap Fugaku Uchiha, learning secrets few outsiders could know: Ran's activities within the Uchiha, his influence on uniting the clan, and even his subtle schemes.
Now, as Orochimaru's disciple and with Tsunade by his side, Ran's presence alone carried weight. Even Minato recognized him as a reliable ally. Yet Sarutobi's unease only deepened—an united Uchiha clan under Ran's guidance could be formidable. Using Fugaku's authority to create obstacles for Ran became a tempting strategy.
Fugaku, a man who prized clan authority and the Hokage's mantle above all else, was predictable and malleable. His wavering will made him easy prey for those like Sarutobi, manipulating him with beauty, influence, and carefully measured authority—a web Ran had unwittingly helped weave.
The Sharingan alone was not enough; Sarutobi and Danzo's system combined physical observation, pharmacology, and the allure of "power" into a complex framework. Originally designed with Ran in mind, it now served as a trap for Fugaku. Paired with an Uchiha's Mangekyō Sharingan, controlling Fugaku became a feasible goal.
Danzo had not revealed all his intentions to his allies. If necessary, he could exploit Fugaku to ambush Ran and then, using his own Sharingan, unleash the Uchiha's ultimate ocular jutsu—Izanagi—to seize Ran's Mangekyō for himself. Orochimaru's intelligence reports had already confirmed that Ran's Mangekyō held space-time capabilities.
The Mangekyō Sharingan's power was not something easily hidden. Even Sunagakure knew of it. Poor Fugaku… he did not realize he had become a pawn in someone else's game.
When the recognition ceremony began, Ran stepped forward as the representative of the returning shinobi from the frontlines.
He nodded subtly to Sarutobi, Danzo, and the council elders before ascending the podium.
"Thank you all for attending my speech today," Ran began, his voice clear and measured. "My achievements are the result of my own effort, and the guidance and support of the Hokage and everyone present."
All eyes converged on him. Slowly, he drew Zanpakutō, letting the blade catch the morning light as he spoke:
"As many of you know, I am skilled with the sword. I promise that, alongside my fellow shinobi, I will defend against all threats from within and beyond our borders. I will ensure that no danger touches our village!"
Sarutobi watched, the sun glinting off Ran's poised form. The young Uchiha's brilliance and composure gave him pause. Perhaps my distrust has been unnecessary…
Indeed, every display from Ran seemed to benefit Konoha. Even Sarutobi could only admit that the boy had potential beyond measure.
And as Ran's eyes swept over the assembly—nearly all hypnotized by Fushō Ru Mō—he allowed himself a small, satisfied smile. Next time, he mused, the real show would begin.