The next morning, sunlight streamed through the windows of the Hokage's Office.
After finishing several urgent documents, Chiya's mind returned to the image of the little girl from yesterday, wrapped in a snow fox cloak with a timid look in her eyes.
Koyuki Kazahana, the princess of the Land of Snow who had lost both her home and her family.
Although he had already arranged for people to take care of her, Chiya felt that, considering the enormous change she had experienced at such a young age, it would be better to personally check on her.
He stood up, straightened his Hokage robe, gave the ANBU on duty a brief instruction, and left the Hokage Building alone.
In the southern district of Konoha, the private residence arranged for Koyuki Kazahana was quiet and elegant, with ANBU secretly guarding the surrounding area.
The female shinobi responsible for taking care of her was surprised by Chiya's arrival and quickly bowed.
"Lord Hokage!"
"No need to be so formal. Has Princess Koyuki gotten up?"
Chiya asked gently.
"Yes. Her Highness has already had breakfast and is in the courtyard."
The female shinobi answered respectfully.
Chiya nodded and walked inside.
The courtyard was not large, but it was clean and tidy, with several cold resistant green plants growing in one corner.
Koyuki Kazahana was sitting on a stone bench in the courtyard, resting her chin on her little hands as she stared blankly at the sky.
She was still wrapped in that thick cloak, seemingly not yet fully accustomed to the cold weather outside the Land of Snow.
Hearing footsteps, she turned her head.
When she saw that it was Chiya, she froze.
Then, like a startled rabbit, she suddenly stood up, nervously twisting her little hands together as she lowered her head and dared not look at him.
"Ho... Hokage..."
Her voice was as soft as a mosquito's buzz, filled with obvious nervousness and unease.
She had never expected that the supreme leader who governed the enormous Konoha Village would personally come to visit her, the princess of a fallen country.
Seeing her like this, Chiya sighed inwardly, but an even warmer smile appeared on his face.
He walked up to her and crouched down, bringing his eyes level with hers.
"Don't be so nervous, Koyuki. Are you getting used to things here? How did you sleep last night? Is anything making you uncomfortable?"
His series of gentle questions left Koyuki Kazahana somewhat at a loss.
She secretly raised her eyes and looked at Chiya.
When she met those deep black eyes filled with a gentle smile, the fear in her heart eased slightly, but she still did not dare relax completely.
"V... Very well... Thank you for asking, Lord Hokage."
She answered softly, her voice carrying a barely noticeable tremble.
"The bed is very soft and warm... The food is very good too..."
"That's good."
Chiya smiled and gently rubbed her hair, his movement natural and affectionate.
"Just treat this place as your temporary home. You don't need to be afraid.
"Konoha is very safe. No one can hurt you here."
That intimate gesture and those gentle words seemed to touch the softest part of Koyuki Kazahana's heart.
After leaving her home, she had experienced pursuit, escape, and watched her guards die.
She had remained in a state of extreme fear and unease the entire time.
Now, standing before this Hokage who held such a high position yet was so approachable, she felt a kind of care that was almost like that of a father.
The emotions she had been suppressing finally broke through.
Crystal clear tears rolled down from her large eyes without warning.
At first, she cried silently.
Then it turned into uncontrollable sobbing.
Chiya was slightly stunned, but immediately understood. He did not try to stop her.
He simply crouched there quietly and let the little girl's tears soak his sleeve.
He gently patted her back, his movements soft and comforting.
"Father... Father... The palace... There was such a huge fire... Everyone..."
Koyuki Kazahana sobbed intermittently, burying her face in Chiya's arm as her small shoulders shook violently from crying.
She remembered the warmth of her father's embrace.
She remembered the magnificent palace consumed by the flames of the rebels.
She remembered the familiar faces of those who had fallen while protecting her.
All her sadness, fear, and grievances erupted completely at that moment.
Chiya silently listened.
Only after her crying had subsided somewhat did he speak in a low and steady voice.
"Let it out. You'll feel better after crying. Losing important family members and losing your home must be incredibly painful."
He paused, then held Koyuki's shoulders and made her raise her head.
Looking into her tearful eyes, his tone became serious and firm.
"But remember this.
"Precisely because you have lost so much, and precisely because you are now all alone, you must become stronger.
"Your father and your people surely hope that you can live well.
"Tears cannot change the past, but strength and determination can shape the future. You need to learn how to protect yourself, and even more importantly, you need to make yourself strong.
"Only by becoming strong can you protect the things you want to protect and allow those who have passed away to rest in peace."
His words struck Koyuki's young heart like a heavy hammer.
She stared blankly at Chiya, looking at the undeniable seriousness and encouragement in his eyes.
Her tears were still flowing, but the pure sadness and fear in her eyes gradually began to be replaced by something vague, something called determination.
After a long while, she sniffed hard and hurriedly wiped the tears from her face with her sleeve.
Her eyes were still red, but there was now a trace of stubbornness on her little face.
She looked at Chiya and nodded firmly.
"I... I understand, Lord Hokage."
Her voice still carried the sound of crying, but it was much more determined than before.
"I want to become strong! I want to avenge Father and everyone!"
Seeing the faint but determined flame burning in the little girl's eyes, Chiya smiled slightly and rubbed her hair again.
"Having that determination is a good thing.
"Revenge is not everything in life, but having the strength to protect yourself and the people you care about is necessary."
He stood up.
"Rest well and get used to life here.
"Once you have settled down and your body has recovered, I will find a suitable teacher for you and have you personally taught knowledge and strength."
"Really?"
Koyuki Kazahana's eyes instantly lit up, filled with unbelievable surprise.
"Of course. I keep my word."
Chiya nodded.
"So until then, eat well, sleep well, and take good care of your body. Understand?"
"Yes!"
Koyuki Kazahana nodded vigorously.
For the first time since entering Konoha, a smile filled with hope finally appeared on her little face.
After giving her a few more gentle instructions, Chiya said goodbye and left.
When he walked out of the courtyard, he looked back.
Koyuki was still standing at the entrance, waving at him with all her strength.
The gloom on her face seemed to have faded considerably.
'Hopefully, this young seedling that has endured the snow and wind can find a new life on Konoha's soil.'
[Congratulations, you have completed the mission. The Snow Country Princess, Koyuki Kazahana, has safely arrived at Konoha Village, and you have provided her with temporary protection.]
[Mission Reward: One Mind Transfer Puppet Curse Seal Technique.]
A secret technique of the Yamanaka Clan?
After absorbing the reward, Chiya felt certain.
This technique was similar to the Mind Transfer Technique.
The puppet affected by the technique would attack an enemy.
As long as the puppet was attacked by the enemy, the technique would activate.
The enemy's mental power would enter the puppet, while the caster's mental power would enter the enemy's body.
It was indeed a highly distinctive secret technique.
After Chiya returned to the Hokage's Office, he had barely finished handling a few documents when someone gently knocked on the door.
"Come in."
The door opened, and a gentle and graceful figure walked inside.
The newcomer was wearing the simple Uchiha Clan clothing.
Her black hair was tied up, her features were beautiful, and her temperament was quiet and elegant.
It was Uchiha Mikoto.
She was also carrying a delicate food box.
"Chiya."
Mikoto's voice was gentle and carried a hint of a smile.
"You've been busy all morning and haven't had lunch yet, right? I brought some of your favorite food."
Seeing her, the sternness on Chiya's face softened considerably.
He put down his pen, leaned back in his chair, and smiled.
"I was getting a little hungry. You really are thoughtful, Mikoto."
Mikoto placed the food box on the tea table nearby and opened it while casually speaking.
"On my way here, I ran into Rinbi. She looked very well, so we talked for a while.
"She said Fugaku has been extremely happy recently because she is pregnant again."
"Oh? Rinbi is pregnant again?"
Chiya's hand paused slightly as he held his teacup, and a trace of surprise flashed through his eyes.
Fugaku and Rinbi had been married for many years and already had Itachi as their eldest son.
Now she was pregnant again.
'If I calculate the timing, could this child be the legendary second pillar of the world?'
'Uchiha Sasuke?'
He put down his teacup, his tone carrying a hint of teasing.
"That guy Fugaku works fast. Looks like the Uchiha Clan is about to welcome another child."
Mikoto's hands paused slightly as she arranged the dishes, and a barely noticeable blush appeared on her cheeks.
She lowered her head, and her voice suddenly became very soft, carrying a faint trace of envy and longing.
"Yes... Seeing how happy Rinbi is, it really is wonderful... Chiya, I... We also..."
She did not finish her sentence, but Chiya already understood what she meant.
He stood up, walked over to Mikoto, and gently pulled her into his arms.
"Are you ready?"
Mikoto leaned against his firm chest and could hear his steady, powerful heartbeat.
"Do you also want a child of our own?"
Chiya's low voice sounded beside her ear, carrying a knowing smile.
Mikoto's face instantly turned completely red like a ripe apple.
She buried her face in his chest and gave a barely perceptible nod, softly answering with a tiny "Mm."
Feeling the slight trembling of the delicate body in his arms and the longing she had hidden deep inside, Chiya's heart softened.
He lowered his head and kissed her hair, his voice gentle and certain.
"All right. We'll prepare when we go back!~"
Those simple words made Mikoto tremble all over.
She suddenly raised her head, her eyes filled with unbelievable surprise and immense happiness.
It was as though all the starlight in the world had gathered in her eyes.
"Really... Really, Chiya?"
She excitedly grabbed his sleeve, her voice slightly choked with emotion.
"When have I ever lied to you?"
Chiya smiled and lightly tapped her nose.
"If you want one, then we'll have one."
Overwhelming joy surged through Mikoto.
She felt her eyes grow hot as her heart filled with sweetness and happiness.
She tightly hugged Chiya, burying her face against his neck as she whispered softly.
"Thank you, Chiya... I... I'm so happy..."
The two remained in each other's arms for a while before Chiya patted her back.
"All right, let's eat first. If there's nothing important this afternoon, I'll go with you to Fugaku's house. We can congratulate them in person while we're there."
"Yes!"
Mikoto nodded vigorously, happiness filling her face.
In the afternoon, after Chiya finished his necessary official duties, he left the Hokage Building with Mikoto.
They first went to the commercial district and selected some nourishing supplements suitable for a pregnant woman, along with some toys for children.
Then they carried the gifts and headed toward Uchiha Fugaku's residence.
As the Uchiha Clan head and the Hokage of Konoha, Chiya's arrival made Fugaku and Uchiha Rinbi feel both honored and excited.
Fugaku still wore his usual serious expression, but he could not hide the smile in the corners of his eyes.
He quickly welcomed Chiya and Mikoto into the house.
Rinbi, whose pregnancy was not yet visible, gently touched her stomach and welcomed Mikoto to sit down with a warm smile.
"Clan Head, Lord Hokage, you're too kind. You even came here personally."
Fugaku spoke respectfully.
"We're family, so there is no need to be so formal."
Chiya waved his hand, placed the gifts on the table, and smiled.
"I heard that Rinbi is pregnant again. This is a great occasion, so of course I had to come and see you.
"How are you feeling? Is anything making you uncomfortable?"
Rinbi gently touched her stomach, her face glowing with maternal warmth.
"Thank you for your concern, Clan Head. Everything is fine. The baby is very well behaved and hasn't caused me any trouble."
"That's good."
Chiya nodded and looked at Fugaku.
"You're going to be a father again. Your responsibilities will be even greater from now on."
A faint smile appeared on Fugaku's serious face.
"Yes. I will definitely take good care of Rinbi and the children."
At this point, Fugaku insisted on keeping Chiya and Mikoto for dinner.
Seeing that it would be difficult to refuse his hospitality, Chiya agreed.
Near dusk, the sound of the front door opening came from the entrance.
Uchiha Itachi returned home on time after finishing a day of training.
When he saw Chiya sitting in the living room, he clearly froze for a moment.
He immediately composed himself and respectfully bowed.
"Teacher, you're here."
Although Itachi was only a few years old, his words and actions already showed a composure and etiquette far beyond his age.
Looking at his young disciple, a trace of appreciation flashed through Chiya's eyes.
He spoke gently.
"Yes. Finished training? Come sit here."
Itachi walked over and sat down beside Chiya as instructed. His posture was straight, and his little face was serious.
Soon, dinner was ready.
The food was not particularly elaborate, but it was filled with the warm feeling of an ordinary family meal.
Everyone sat around the dining table, and the atmosphere was harmonious.
Naturally, the conversation revolved around family and children.
"Itachi has been training very hard recently. His shuriken skills have improved quickly, and his theoretical knowledge is also very solid."
Chiya casually praised him.
A trace of pride flashed through Fugaku's eyes, though his expression remained serious.
"He still has a long way to go. He needs to work harder and cannot disappoint the expectations of the Clan Head and his teacher."
Rinbi looked at her son gently and placed a piece of his favorite food into his bowl.
"Training is important, but you also need to rest. Look at you, you've lost some weight again."
Mikoto also smiled and joined the conversation.
"That's right. Children are still growing.
"Itachi is so sensible and talented. He will definitely accomplish great things in the future."
As she spoke, her eyes unconsciously glanced toward Chiya, carrying tenderness and expectation.
Chiya noticed her gaze and gently squeezed her hand beneath the table.
He then spoke to Rinbi.
"Make sure you get enough nutrition during your pregnancy. If you need anything, just let us know. The clan and the village will provide support."
Rinbi smiled gratefully.
"Thank you for your concern, Clan Head. Everything is fine for now."
Fugaku also spoke.
"The Clan Head is so busy with clan affairs, yet you still care about these little things at home..."
"How can this be a little thing?"
Chiya interrupted him.
"The continuation of the clan and the upbringing of the next generation are both extremely important.
"I can only feel at ease when I see our clan members living together harmoniously and our families growing."
He then looked at Itachi, who was quietly eating while secretly listening to the adults' conversation with his ears perked up.
Chiya smiled.
"Itachi, once you have a little brother or sister, you'll be an older brother. You need to set a good example and protect them."
Itachi raised his head.
A serious light flashed in his dark eyes as he nodded firmly.
"Yes, Teacher! I will definitely protect my little brother and sister!"
Seeing him act like a little adult, everyone laughed.
The dining table was filled with laughter and warmth.
Fugaku occasionally discussed clan affairs and village matters with Chiya, while Rinbi and Mikoto quietly exchanged thoughts about raising children and other matters between women.
Looking at this scene, Chiya's heart also filled with warmth.
This ordinary and peaceful family life was especially precious in the shinobi world, which was filled with schemes and conflict.
Dinner ended in a pleasant atmosphere.
After sitting for a while longer and having some tea, Chiya and Mikoto stood up to say goodbye.
Fugaku and Rinbi accompanied them all the way to the door.
As they walked back toward the Clan Head's residence, the moonlight flowed over the quiet Uchiha district.
Mikoto tightly held Chiya's arm and rested her head against his shoulder.
"Today was really wonderful..."
She murmured softly.
"Mm."
Chiya answered and tightened his grip on her hand.
The night was gentle, stretching their shadows long as the two figures blended together.