A few days later, outside the administrative office of the Land of Water's royal palace, two girls were already waiting.
Ino wore a black secretary's uniform, her hair neatly tied in a ponytail, and she clutched a prepared resume tightly in her hand, her fingertips slightly white. The sunlight fell on her face, but it couldn't hide the fleeting shyness in her eyes.
Beside her, Yakumo, dressed in a light blue secretary's uniform with long hair draped over her shoulders, held a notebook in her hands, her eyes filled with tension and anticipation.
"Yakumo, do you think we will be chosen?" Ino couldn't help but ask in a low voice, a hint of trepidation in her tone.
Although she expressed concern about the selection results, the figures of the three consorts, Kurenai, Yūgao, and Shizune, involuntarily appeared in her mind. They were all Shun's secretaries back then and later became his consorts. Perhaps she could also have such an opportunity.
Yakumo gently patted her hand, comforting her, "Don't worry, we're both well-prepared, so it'll definitely be fine. Besides, even if we're not chosen this time, we can always try harder."
Despite her words, her own heart was pounding rapidly, and the edges of her notebook were already creased from her grip.
Just then, the door to the administrative office opened, and a maid in a dark uniform walked out.
She smiled gently at the two. "Are you Ino-san and Yakumo-san, who are here to apply for the secretary position? Please follow me to fill out the application form."
The two quickly nodded and followed the attendant into the administrative office.
The administrative office was spacious and bright, with several staff members sitting at tables processing documents, the atmosphere serious but not oppressive.
The attendant led them to a table and handed them two forms and pens.
"Please fill in your personal information, areas of expertise, and past experiences. Once completed, hand them back to me."
Ino took a deep breath, accepted the forms, and began to fill them out diligently.
In the "Areas of Expertise" section, besides writing "information analysis, communication, and coordination," she specifically added, "proficient in flower arrangement and tea ceremony, capable of assisting with diplomatic affairs."
These were all skills she had spent half a year learning specifically to be more worthy of the title "Shun-sama's Secretary."
Yakumo wrote "proficient in genjutsu, document organization, capable of quickly processing various documents" on her form. She also noted in the remarks that she had assisted her clan with village affairs and had some administrative experience.
After completing their forms, the two handed them to the attendant.
The attendant took the forms, quickly scanned them, and smiled. "Both of your qualifications are excellent. We will review them as soon as possible and notify you immediately once there is a result."
—
Ino and Yakumo spent the next few days in trepidation. They would go to the vicinity of the administrative office several times each day, hoping to hear news.
On the morning of the fifth day, a maid knocked on Ino's door, bringing her news that was both exciting and nerve-wracking: Shun wished to summon her.
"Shun-sama... wants to see me?" Ino froze in place, taking a while to react, her cheeks flushing slightly with excitement.
She quickly returned to her room to change into a suitable black short skirt secretary's uniform, repeatedly tidying her hair and clothes in front of the mirror, even carefully tucking stray hairs behind her ears. Only after confirming there were no imperfections did she follow the attendant to the palace's reception room.
The reception room was simply yet grandly furnished, with a rectangular table in the center.
Shun, dressed in a dark brocade robe, held a document and was looking down, reading it intently.
Sunlight streamed through the window and fell on him, outlining his tall figure, and Ino's heart skipped a beat.
Hearing footsteps, Shun looked up, his gaze falling on Ino, and he smiled gently, "Ino, have a seat."
Ino, however, did not sit down immediately. She took a deep breath, as if having made a huge decision, and walked to the seat opposite Shun.
Her hands rested gently on the edge of the table, her eyes bright and firm, devoid of her previous restraint, instead showing a certain frankness. "Shun-sama, there's something I want to say to you first."
Shun was a little surprised but still put down the document in his hand and nodded. "Speak."
"I've liked you for a long time, and I also want to become your consort, which is why I want to become your secretary." Ino's voice was clear and steady, her cheeks flushed, but her eyes did not waver in the slightest.
"I want to see you every day and help you with your affairs. But I also know that liking alone isn't enough. I want to do things for the Land of Water even more."
She paused, recalling the legends she had heard about Shun when she was in Konoha.
He led the Land of Water out of war, established friendly relations with various countries, and allowed the common people to live stable lives.
These deeds had filled her with admiration countless times.
"I've admired you since I was a child. Moreover, I'm skilled in intelligence analysis, can quickly organize information from various countries, and can also handle some affairs through communication and coordination. I believe I can be your competent assistant, not just because of my feelings, but because I have the ability to do this job well."
After saying these words, Ino's heart pounded so fast it almost burst from her chest. She looked at Shun nervously, awaiting his response.
She had even prepared herself for rejection, but to her surprise, Shun's eyes showed no surprise, but rather a gentle smile.
He pushed the document in his hand towards Ino, it was the application form she had filled out that day.
"I've seen your resume. You're skilled in intelligence analysis and communication and coordination, and you even specifically studied flower arrangement and tea ceremony. You are very diligent."
He did not directly respond to her confession. The topic shifted, and his eyes became serious. "However, to become my secretary, one must not only possess ability but also the psychological fortitude to handle unexpected situations."
He pointed to a document on the table. "This is a diplomatic letter sent by Kumogakure yesterday, mainly concerning trade cooperation between our two countries. Take a look and tell me your thoughts."
Ino was momentarily stunned, then quickly reacted.
Shun hadn't rejected her approach, which was already the best outcome.
She quickly picked up the document, suppressed her excitement, and began to read it carefully.
The document's content primarily stated that Kumogakure hoped to strengthen ore trade with the Land of Water and also proposed joint development of border resources, but it also subtly mentioned a request for the Land of Water to lower tariffs.
Ino quickly processed the information, her mind working at full speed.
A moment later, she looked up and said clearly and logically, "Shun-sama, Kumogakure's proposal is beneficial to both countries. Strengthening ore trade can promote the industrial development of the Land of Water, and joint development of border resources can also reduce border conflicts."
"However, regarding lowering tariffs, I believe we can first propose reciprocal conditions, such as requiring Kumogakure to open up agricultural product imports."
"The Land of Water's rice and fruits are of excellent quality and can fill Kumogakure's agricultural product gap. This way, we can achieve cooperation and ensure the Land of Water's interests."
After listening, Shun's eyes flashed with appreciation. "Excellent, your analysis is very thorough. You didn't just see the benefits of cooperation but also considered the interests of the Land of Water. For the next few days, you can stay in the administrative office and assist the staff with some simple tasks. I will observe your performance."
Ino's heart swelled with joy, and she quickly stood up and bowed. "Thank you, Shun-sama! I will definitely perform well and not let down your trust."
Shun smiled and nodded. "Go, the maid in the administrative office will arrange your work."
Ino bowed again and turned to walk out of the reception room.
***
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