Hearing his question, Mei shot Yusuke a deeply resentful look.
You're really asking me that? Don't you know exactly why I look like this?
"Cough…"
Meeting her aggrieved gaze, Yusuke cleared his throat awkwardly.
"I told you that you wouldn't be used to staying here. Finish breakfast and head back. It's early—if your subordinates can't find you, they'll start panicking."
Mei continued staring at him bitterly.
Is this about being unaccustomed?
With that relentless "rain hitting the banana leaves" noise all night—who could possibly sleep?!
Fortunately, Kurenai emerged from the kitchen with breakfast, easing the tension.
"Yusuke-kun, breakfast is ready. Oh—"
"Mizukage-sama, you're awake. Please join us."
Having regained her usual Yamato Nadeshiko-like gentleness, Kurenai took the initiative to invite her.
After last night's "declaration of sovereignty," Kurenai no longer felt as hostile toward Mei.
Mei, in turn, no longer displayed last night's aggressive possessiveness.
"Alright. Give me a moment—I'll freshen up first."
Though she hadn't slept much, she had spent the entire night thinking.
About Yusuke.
About her situation.
About strategy.
After washing up, the three sat at the dining table.
The atmosphere was surprisingly pleasant.
Gone was the tense, sword-drawn jealousy of the previous night.
What surprised Yusuke slightly was this—
Mei, proud and possessive as she was, had actually lowered herself to build goodwill with Kurenai.
Watching the two women chatting like close sisters, Yusuke narrowed his eyes slightly.
What is this woman plotting now?
In truth, Mei had come to a conclusion during her sleepless night.
With how intimate Yusuke and Kurenai clearly were—
There was no breaking them apart.
But she refused to give up.
And she couldn't stay in Konoha long.
As self-confident as she was, Mei didn't believe she could completely win Yusuke's heart in such a short time.
Once she returned to Kirigakure—
It wouldn't just be Kurenai.
Other women would inevitably appear.
After all—
Yusuke was simply too outstanding.
Too attractive.
If she couldn't compete head-on—
Then she would change tactics.
If she couldn't block the river—
She would redirect it.
If she couldn't win—
She would join.
By becoming Kurenai's "sister," she would gain an ally within Konoha.
That was the brilliant curved-route strategy she had devised while listening to the torrential rain all night.
The more she thought about it—
The more feasible it seemed.
Besides—
The shinobi world did not strictly enforce monogamy.
It was simply the common choice.
Among great clans and daimyo—
Multiple wives and concubines were hardly unusual.
Thus, the harmonious breakfast scene was born.
Kurenai, perceptive and gentle by nature, sensed Mei's intention clearly—
She wanted in.
And surprisingly—
Kurenai welcomed it.
Within the span of a single breakfast, the two were already addressing each other like close sisters.
"Mizukage-neesan," Kurenai asked curiously, "when did you meet Yusuke-kun?"
Mei smiled softly, her eyes tinged with memory.
"Ten years ago, during the war. Since then… this is only the second time we've met in person."
Kurenai was stunned.
"Only twice? Then why is your relationship so close?"
Mei's expression turned blissful.
"You don't understand, Red. Though we were far apart, we exchanged letters for ten years. Yusuke-kun promised he would come marry me."
Hearing that, Kurenai felt both admiration—
And a faint stab of jealousy.
Yusuke had never said such words to her.
In fact—
Hadn't she always been the one taking the initiative?
And for Mei to maintain such deep feelings after seeing him only twice in ten years—
That level of devotion…
Was frightening.
At that moment, Yusuke, who had been quietly eating, finally interjected:
"We did exchange letters occasionally. That's true."
"But I never promised to marry you. Don't mislead people."
"Mei, don't misunderstand."
The moment he finished speaking—
Mei turned to him with the expression of an abandoned puppy.
"Yusuke-kun… are you going to irresponsibly abandon me?"
"Your heart is so cruel…"
"But… even so, I'll forgive you."
Yusuke: "..."
Breakfast ended in relatively peaceful fashion.
After a short rest, the three prepared to leave.
Today was Tsunade's Hokage inauguration ceremony.
As the Fifth Mizukage who had traveled across the sea, Mei would obviously attend.
And as Clan Head of the Uchiha, Chief of the Konoha Police Force, and Head of Root—
Yusuke's presence was indispensable.
On the way to the Hokage Tower, members of the Uchiha clan greeted them warmly.
"Good morning, Clan Head-sama!"
"Clan Head-sama, you work so hard!"
"Greetings, Clan Head's wife!"
"Clan Head-sama, is this the new Clan Head's wife? Good morning, new Madam!"
"You and Clan Head-sama look perfect together!"
"Clan Head-sama, heading to work so early again? Truly admirable!"
"Clan Head-sama, have you eaten? Please come by our shop first!"
The warmth was overwhelming.
It was clear how deeply respected and beloved Yusuke was among his people.
Long accustomed to such scenes, Yusuke responded with steady composure.
Walking beside him, Kurenai—addressed repeatedly as "Clan Head's wife"—had long passed the stage of blushing embarrassment.
Each respectful greeting strengthened her sense of belonging within the Uchiha clan.
As for Mei—
Being called "new Clan Head's wife" only made her smile brighter.
Perhaps—
This curved strategy of hers…
Was off to a promising start.
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