Uchiha Reira was a familiar name within the clan.
Some would say it was through Danzou or Madara as the relations she had towards those had given her gravitas within the Clan, but the deep truth that characterized her as a Kunoichi was that she was not someone one wanted to cross on a practical level. Yes, no one would deny that compared to many other Uchiha, the girl was more open and more emotional- but that didn't make her any less ruthless when the situation called it.
Hence why she made it to Jounin as fast as she did, with her careful training and sharp mind granting her insight on what to learn and what to ignore, all for the sake of min-maxing the capacity of fighting in various and differing circumstances. This became more evident when Danzou left and she was thus less pressed on trying to get close to him. It hurt a bit that he left like that, but she understood both motivations driving him out of the village.
In fact, Reira found this time of grace meant to give her peace of mind and a greater amount of freedom much needed. Training had been a main point in this month and she felt pleased with the major growth spurt she went through within Yoshiko and Himeko both were unpleasant to handle early on as they tried their hardest to keep the rivalry going even without Danzou around, but that mellowed out steadily as it just didn't feel the same.
Gura was less exposed to this so she was less prone to latch on the traditional rivalry and more interested to be 'useful' somehow. Not in combat, obviously, as the Hokage had barred her from joining Konoha's Ninja Corps, but that didn't stop the shark-girl from just helping around those few fishermen that swore loyalty to Konoha in the Land of Waves.
One could even say that Gura made that place her second home, with Konoha now firmly recognized as her first one.
Kiri was no longer a hassle to her, but a hole for her bad memories.
Speaking of the overall geopolitical situation, the fact that the region had gone extremely quiet due to internal issues was good news as Uzugakure had been slowly improving its capacity to individually handle the Major Village if a revenge-attack was to happen. But what Danzou did years ago had severely crippled that possibily for at least a full decade.
Kumo and Iwa had been stabilizing and their new leaders promoted neutrality and peace as they were pleased by Konoha opening to aiding their recovery. Likewise, Suna has been seeing major improvements in its special crop-cultivation process and spices coming from the hot area had supported the trade-related economy. The use of new seals that were based on Danzou's designs had also seen a growth in ther village's infrastructure and an overall effort to turn some unused sections of the Land of Sands as Summer Locations for noble tourists.
At the same time, Konoha didn't slack off in terms of its economic growth. The Village has seen a major improvement in its infrastructure as more villagers had expanded their businesses while new one emerged from people seeking fortune, making enough money and then starting their own competitive businesses to challenge the monopolies.
The Shimura-owned company that was expanding even while Danzou was out of the country also presented a chance for innovation as researchers and scientists were provided funds and buildings to experiment on new advancements in science and seal-production. If Danzou hadn't been attractive out of appearance and deeds, the sheer amount of money his family was now entitled to would have gained attention.
So, it was no surprise that there was an effort to get him hooked to someone through marriage as he returned home. It didn't please her that her parents tried to do that behind her back- but she managed to avert disaster because, truth be told, she saw no point in competing with the other girls.
They were all nice and friendly- and Danzou, despite his reluctance to accept romance just yet, could be slowly coaxed into a notion of sharing. Not necessarily in a submissive fashion, but that would be up to how this very meeting was going to be like. Yes, while many in the village would have been happy to just plot and go around others' back, Reira sought a direct confrontation with the one she was expected to spend the rest of her life with.
And while her mother had made some off-hand comments on her simple outfit, Reira didn't care and knew that it was just enough to be a formal and yet overall simplistic woman in this circumstance. Danzou came by wearing a beautiful kimono suit that was similar to the one he styled for his mission in the Land of Iron, but with some differences as to make it less combat-ready and more formal.
She liked it.
"Dan-kun," She greeted politely, and the small smile on his face was already a big response considering how awkward this had to feel to him.
"Reira-chan. It's been a long time now."
"Too long I would dare say," The girl pushed quietly and she preened under his gaze as she knew her current outfit was seen excellent by his tastes on fashion.
"Yes," He admitted quietly, taking a seat beside her by the low table. it was just the two of them in that small living room, a request she got from Madara as she needed this moment to not be disrupted by anything or anyone.
Hence why this was 'merely a tea hangout'. It was not- it wasn't even a date. Reira knew better than just push it and she just wanted a pre-date meeting with Danzou to iron out some potential questions and misunderstanding before an effort in diplomacy was made for good.
"How was your trip?" The girl asked, and Danzou took a moment to ease down and smile a bit more. "I suppose you found what you needed."
"And maybe more. I suppose you heard of my newest... friend."
"Musashi, yes," Reira answered swiftly, lips twitching as she had yet to get a reading on the swordswoman. "Troublesome?"
"At times. I think she competes with Yoshiko in terms of aggressive interactions."
That was good to know. After all, had she been another Himeko that... would have been a dreadful addition. To make it clear, there was nothing genuinely wrong with the girl but her mind tended to have some lewd developments that really threw people off at times. Two of them at once would be quite the nightmare as they would probably encourage each other to think more and do more.
Danzou then proceeded to give her a summary of how his month went. He saw so much, learned so much and his sword was... wonderfully-crafted. He admitted that his old blade was destroyed in the process, but that his new one bore higher power than what his old blade could. It was masterfully-crafted, enough to make her feel a bit envious of her love interest as she had so long wanted a gorgeous blade herself.
As Danzou was busy talking, Reira unconsciously leaned onto his shoulder, resting her cheek on it as she nodded a few times, attentively studying the pleasant narration and then asking a few questions here and there over interesting events that he had been keen to not discuss with others. Not because of a specific favoritism, but because Reira could actually hold her mouth shut if needed and... some things required uttermost secrecy out of potential issues those could warrant.
But as the two kept on sharing their own time in the month, both found themselves compelled to get closer. Lips were soon close to touch in a painful circumstance for both as neither took initiative for some time. Slightly unnerved, but nonetheless understanding due to her own unease, Reira spoke with honesty.
"You don't have to. I don't mind waiting."
That should have been a clue to back off and be done with this uneasy moment. But Danzou was... clearly driven to not hesitate anymore.
The kiss didn't appear geared to last long, but it actually did last for a few minutes. Reira was stunned, but so was Danzou. The contact lasted for what felt an eternity for them. A Sweet Eternity. It really made her happy when, as she pressed her body on him, thinking not of the lewdness and intimacy, she was greeted by... a bit of a stiff tent pressing on her.
She never thought that would be how she discovered that her future husband was... quite attracted to her. She wasn't the most beautiful but... that didn't stop her from being pleased by what she got as a response to her frame on his.
They both pulled away but soon hugged tightly.
"How long have you waited for... this?" He asked, quite cutely too.
Reira couldn't hold the wide grin. "Too long."
Way too long.