That textbook tsundere reaction only deepened Uchiha Ren's amusement.
Still, his teasing of this "mist-like cat" stopped there.
At the end of the day, she was just a cat.
His temperament wasn't exactly gentle or refined, but it hadn't fallen to the point of crossing such a line. That would be a complete collapse of character.
If it were a person, though…
A faint glint flickered in his eyes.
That would be another matter entirely.
As his thoughts turned, his consciousness slipped into the inner space of his Sharingan.
After today's infusion of ocular power, the pale blue stone gate returned something… rather unremarkable.
Item: Ultra-thin Velvet Black Stockings
Evaluation: Woven from ultra-fine elastic fibers softer than hair, with a dense, delicate texture. Smooth as silk, translucent, and highly breathable.
Origin: A Certain Magical Index
"…At least give me an ability development manual. Or a grimoire like Dragon King's Sigh… why is it always stuff like this?"
Ren muttered inwardly.
With a flicker of thought, the stockings materialized in his hand.
The cool, silky texture lived up to its description.
If they were worn on Mikoto's long legs…
His gaze lowered.
In his arms, kasumi was still grooming herself, feigning composure.
Without much thought, he handed the stockings over.
"Take this back to the workshop. Have the technical team analyze the material and weaving method. See if it can be replicated."
Since gradually taking control, Ren had deepened cooperation with the ninja cats.
Using items from other worlds as templates, they produced imitations—building what had become the thriving "Konoha Ginza," a commercial hub sweeping across the Land of Fire.
He had no expectation that his team would climb any technological tree.
In a world without a scientific foundation—one built on combat and chakra—true technological progress would take decades of peace.
Here, power belonged to the individual.
To grow strong enough to stand above all enemies… to live long and unbound—
That was his only true goal.
Everything else—
Business, wealth, influence—
Were merely tools.
Put simply—
To ensure he and those close to him lived well.
Free from worry.
Able to pursue strength without distraction.
"Got it, Young Master."
kasumi responded, deftly rolling up the nearly weightless stockings and tucking them into the small pink pouch at her belly.
Then her tone shifted.
"There's news from this morning."
"The one who can't sit still right now… isn't us."
"It's that 'Strongest Hokage' of yours."
Ren nodded calmly.
"At this point, the clan head has likely been summoned."
"To discuss Uchiha deployment."
Since Mikoto took charge of intelligence, information was distributed based on importance.
Something like the opening of a great war—
Reached the clan elders, Ren, and Fugaku immediately.
But in terms of status—
Only the clan head could truly stand on equal footing with the Hokage.
"The clan's bottom line and demands are clear to him."
"For now, we wait."
"And see how the Third decides."
As he finished speaking—
The aroma of food drifted from the kitchen, perfectly timed to awaken the morning appetite.
Almost at the same moment—
A familiar knock sounded at the entrance.
"Ren, I'm here."
Mikoto's clear, gentle voice came from outside.
Ren rose and opened the door.
Morning light poured in, illuminating her figure.
She wore a simple Uchiha outfit, the high collar accentuating her slender neck. Her face, untouched by makeup, carried a soft morning glow—though a hint of concern lingered in her eyes.
The moment she saw him—
That concern melted into a warm smile.
"Come in. Breakfast is ready."
He stepped aside, letting her in.
His right hand naturally took hers. His left rested lightly at her waist as he leaned in, murmuring near her ear—
"Next time… say 'I'm home.'"
A faint blush colored her cheeks.
Her lips curved into a soft smile as she answered gently—
"Mm~"
The response was light, shy—
And filled with quiet intimacy.
In the dining area, Maru directed his shadow clones, placing the final dishes on the table.
The spread was impressive.
Miso soup, simmered to perfection.
Golden tamagoyaki.
Perfectly grilled salmon.
Pickled vegetables.
Fresh fruit.
And even—
A small basket of steaming buns, clearly something Maru had painstakingly learned to make.
"Mikoto-sama, you're here!"
Maru straightened immediately, trying to appear dependable.
But his eyes kept drifting toward kasumi as she approached gracefully.
Mikoto smiled knowingly.
She reached down and gently patted his head.
"Thank you, Maru."
Under his flustered gaze, she placed kasumi beside him.
Though kasumi turned her head with feigned indifference, her tail tapped lightly against the wooden floor.
She didn't move away.
For ten years, the playful bickering of these two cats had been part of Ren's youth—
And part of Mikoto's memories as well.
Seeing them together—
Was something she welcomed.
They all took their seats.
Ren served Mikoto a bowl of miso soup.
"Any news from the clan head?"
She accepted it with both hands, shaking her head as she gently blew on the surface.
"Not yet. But before he left, he informed us himself."
"He seemed calm… so he must already have a plan."
She hesitated, lowering her voice slightly.
"It's just…"
"The Senju vanished because of war. And now, with enemies on all sides…"
"I'm afraid the clan will suffer heavy losses again."
Ren placed a piece of tamagoyaki into her dish.
His tone remained steady.
"That's exactly why we must take the initiative."
"And secure authority Konoha would never grant us in peacetime."
"It's time to shatter their illusions."
"And let the clan be reborn—through war."
Mikoto looked at him.
The worry in her eyes slowly faded—
Replaced by quiet, unwavering trust.
Sunlight streamed through the windows, illuminating the table.
Two people.
Two cats.
A peaceful morning.
And beneath it—
A new round of confrontation between Konoha and the Uchiha…
Had officially begun.
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