Uchiha District.
Rin Nohara walked through it alone. Foreigners rarely entered this area, and every time she did, she felt a sense of being watched—other Uchiha observing her. But now, that feeling had noticeably diminished. She visited Kiyoshi or Obito frequently, and the Uchiha living in this vicinity had grown accustomed to her presence.
"Eh?"
Rin was about to knock when she realized the door wasn't closed.
*Squeak...*
The slight sound of the door pushing open echoed. Rin looked at the somewhat unkempt courtyard. Perhaps because Kiyoshi had only recently returned, there hadn't been time to tend to it, and it was overgrown with weeds and fallen leaves. She stepped carefully across them, calling out Kiyoshi's name.
The house was deathly silent, offering no response.
'Is he not home?' Rin wondered.
Just as she turned to leave, she spotted the long white snake Kiyoshi kept as a pet. Its scales shimmered brilliantly under the sunlight.
"Excuse me, is Kiyoshi home?" Rin asked politely. She knew that summoned beasts were quite intelligent; some could even speak human language. She had seen Kakashi summon the Eight Ninja Hounds before, and those eight dogs were very capable and fluent in human speech.
"Hiss, hiss..."
The white snake nodded. It had a subconscious concept of this woman who frequently came looking for its master. Even if its understanding was limited, it was enough to nod in response to the question.
"That's great."
A smile of relief touched the corners of Rin's mouth. It took a considerable amount of time to travel between Kiyoshi's house and her own; she was glad she hadn't made the trip for nothing. She walked inside.
In the silent house, a strange sound finally reached her ears. Rin knit her brows slightly. Was it the wind? The sound was elusive, making it difficult for her to hear clearly. She felt only confusion.
The door to the inner room was also unlocked, merely left ajar. Rin pushed it open all at once. Inside was an empty living room. Two teacups and a kettle sat on the low table. Clearly, a guest had been entertained here.
The wind-like sound, however, was becoming clearer and clearer. Driven by curiosity, Rin continued forward. If she hadn't encountered Kiyoshi's summoned beast, she certainly wouldn't have trespassed into a private home. It was only because she felt she had the beast's permission that she ventured further.
At the low table, the tea in the cups had gone completely cold, evidently having sat there for some time.
'Is it Kurenai?' Rin thought to herself. She remembered Kurenai also visited Kiyoshi often, seemingly to discuss matters regarding Genjutsu. Could the two of them be so deep into their research that they hadn't heard her voice?
Rin continued further in until she reached a crack in a door, peering through a small opening. She saw a scene that she would never forget—one that struck her very spirit.
Rin froze on the spot, then quietly pulled the door shut. Her fingers gripped the edges of her skirt tightly. With her head bowed, she left the house without a word. Compared to when she arrived, she was even more light-footed, ensuring not a single sound was made.
Heavens. What had she seen?
Rin rushed out of Kiyoshi's house, left the Uchiha District, and reached the main street outside. Even after returning home, she remained in a daze. The internal heat in her body fluctuated more intensely, forcing her to take a cold shower. The icy water flowed down her shapely body. The water was freezing, but the heat within her remained.
...
"My strength... has grown again."
Kiyoshi stood up, covering his eyes. After providing Samui with a "takeout" meal, he had thoughtfully taught her more profound matters regarding Water Style ninjutsu. As for Rin's visit, Kiyoshi had sensed it from the very first step she took into the courtyard. Having allowed his chakra to infiltrate Rin's meridian system for years, the seed had finally begun to sprout.
"This is a report of intelligence I've compiled. You can take a look."
Kiyoshi placed a scroll on the table. Samui bit her lip and silently picked it up. This was what she wanted. This trip was enough to provide an account to Samoto, and even the higher-ups.
"Also, my heart truly feels your sincerity. It seems we are all people of the Land of Lightning after all."
Kiyoshi spoke some polite formalities. After dealing a blow, one naturally had to provide a "sweet date" to maintain balance. Samui's eyes were rimmed with red, and tears threatened to spill. But her stoic face remained strong, and she did not let them fall.
The so-called ninja is one who endures. To endure what ordinary people cannot—that is the true Way of the Ninja. She left with a "thank you" and went to open the door.
"Wait. Clean the floor before you go."
After saying this, Kiyoshi headed to the kitchen.
*Splash.*
The sound of washing hands echoed—a good habit of maintaining hygiene after a meal. Indignation flared on Samui's fair face. She gripped the scroll in her hand, enduring the ultimate humiliation as she mopped the floor.
*Thud.*
Samui left. She glanced back at Kiyoshi's dilapidated house, her eyes filled with misery. Such was the fate of a spy. Thinking on the bright side, if Samoto knew Kiyoshi was interested, he might even proactively offer her to him. At least this time, she had held her final line and hadn't let Kiyoshi have his way entirely. As for the next time... only the heavens knew.
Samui tucked the scroll away and walked toward the sushi shop.
...
Hokage Building.
Kiyoshi hadn't been home long before he was summoned here.
"Lord Hokage, do you have a mission for me?"
Kiyoshi spoke, his gaze looking directly at Hiruzen without wavering.
"There is indeed a mission," Hiruzen said slowly, shaking his tobacco pipe.
"Where the leaves dance, the fire burns steadfastly. I will complete whatever mission I am given."
Kiyoshi's tone was respectful. Hiruzen nodded in satisfaction, showing a relieved smile. Excellent; this was the "Will of Fire" of the new generation. His own second son, who was good for nothing, shouted all day about doing great things, yet in terms of awareness, he couldn't even compare to Kiyoshi, who was born an Uchiha.
"Regarding Fugaku's situation, I assume you know a thing or two since you were on the front lines. The Uchiha are members of the village; becoming increasingly estranged is not the outcome we desire."
Hiruzen's tone was melancholy, as if he were sharing his innermost thoughts with Kiyoshi.
"Hiding strength privately during a war—what does that say to the other comrades who gave their lives?" Hiruzen's gaze grew much sharper. He paused and continued: "I have observed you for a long time. Unlike other Uchiha, you possess a broader mind. How would you like to become the bridge linking the Hidden Leaf and the Uchiha?"
The Hokage's office fell silent. Kiyoshi could vaguely feel that the eyes peering at him had increased. It was the Anbu...
"It would be my honor."
Kiyoshi smiled.
"Good, very good. You have the shadow of my old friend, Kagami Uchiha."