The midday sunshine streams through the office window, casting its warm embrace. Yet, the outside air carries an icy chill, tinged with a biting wind.
On the ground, the snowflakes begin their delicate dance of melting, their existence seemingly adding a touch of bone-chilling cold to the atmosphere.
Within the office, Yugao Uzuki stands, her form illuminated by the afternoon light. She holds a stack of documents in her hands.
"Yoru-sama, I've brought the materials," Yugao Uzuki states.
Uchiha Yoru's countenance remains characteristically enigmatic, while Yugao Uzuki's demeanor hints at a mixture of awkwardness and confusion.
"Shouldn't you be resting at home today?" Uchiha Yoru inquires, his seemingly innocent question provoking a startled reaction from Yugao Uzuki, reminiscent of a startled feline.
"Yoru-sama, I'm well now and prepared to resume my work," Yugao Uzuki responds, her attempt at composure contrasting with the lingering nervousness in her eyes.
Although she projects an air of collectedness, the underlying anxiety is palpable. Retrieving a stack of money from her pocket, Yugao Uzuki places it on the table before Uchiha Yoru.
"Um, Yoru-sama, I'd like to return this money to you."
Even amidst these circumstances, her sincerity remains evident. Despite all that transpired, she is determined to rectify the situation by returning the money she had taken earlier. Uchiha Yoru's smile widens, his satisfaction stemming from the implications of power, even when wielded by a spy.
"Yugao, manage the tasks at hand, and later, accompany me to the training grounds," Uchiha Yoru instructs. He maintains his grasp on Yugao Uzuki's trembling hand, placing the money back into her pocket. His soothing words follow, "Yugao, the path of a ninja requires substantial resources, and this is your rightful share."
Yugao gazed at the money once again tucked into her pocket, and her hand held by the other person. Her face flushed even deeper, as if she could drip water any moment. She couldn't help but stammer, "Um, Lord Yoru, I'll head downstairs first."
As the flustered figure departed, a knowing expression graced Uchiha Yoru's face. His smile carried a nuanced understanding as he mused that the other party might have incorporated some acting just now. However, he believed that when it came to matters of the heart, especially Yugao Uzuki's steadfast nature, he was confident the Third Hokage would fall for the ruse.
Yugao Uzuki stepped out of the office building, nervously patting her chest. In this moment, the distinct sound of her heartbeat resonated. Though the ANBU had orchestrated everything, her nerves had genuinely kicked in just now. Her performance had been utterly authentic.
This was precisely why the ANBU had crafted this plan for her - to establish proximity to the target. Spying! It wasn't about possessing advanced acting skills or elaborate techniques; sometimes, making the most of the circumstances was what truly counted.
Similarly, for the sake of this meticulously devised plan and the groundwork laid over the past month, she had fully grasped the gravity of indebtedness. The money in her pocket now seemed to amplify her nervousness while causing her cheeks to take on a slight flush.
"Yugao."
With a sudden light exhale, Yugao felt her hair stand on end, each strand resembling a tiny antenna. Turning her head in alarm, she discovered Hayate's face etched with apologies.
As she spotted the newcomer, Yugao's tension eased, and she wiped a bead of sweat from her temple. She offered a quick smile and inquired, "Hayate, is there something you need?"
The sun's rays glinted off the snowy ground, casting Yugao in a different light today. While her past demeanor radiated determination and strength, now there was an additional touch of vulnerability, stirring a protective instinct.
She seemed almost like an injured little wildcat, freezing Hayate momentarily. Then, with a composed, unwavering demeanor, he scratched his head and chuckled, "Yugao, this is my earnings for the month. It's not much, but I thought it might help you."
As he reached this point, Hayate's earnest expression transformed into an awkward bashfulness. "You know, Yugao, almost all my money goes into training, so I don't have much saved up. Though it's not a lot, I hope you won't mind."
Yugao's smile bloomed as she observed Hayate's sincerity and glanced at the money in his hand. Yet, deep within her heart, a faint sense of disappointment lingered, though she couldn't quite pinpoint why.
While Hayate's money was substantial, in comparison, the pocket money 'he' casually left for her today seemed to create a striking contrast.
Her hard-earned wages over a month juxtaposed with someone's casual pocket money.
Moreover, his arrangements weren't just considerate, but also showed genuine care. In comparison, Hayate's current gesture outside the Police Department appeared somewhat naive and impulsive.
"Hayate, thank you. My problems have been resolved."
Resolved?
Upon hearing this, Hayate awkwardly scratched his head. He had no idea what to say. "Um, Yugao, how did you manage to resolve them?"
As soon as he finished speaking, Hayate mentally chided himself. Why did he phrase it like that? But the words were already out, leaving him with no choice but to offer an embarrassed smile.
Meanwhile, due to the experiences of the previous night, Yugao had transformed from a girl into a young woman. Overnight, it seemed she had shed all traces of her former innocence. She felt as though she had matured in just one night.
She couldn't control her own destiny, and that was due to power! If she were powerful enough to be a Jonin, the ANBU would never put her at risk so casually.
Thinking of this, Yugao's face displayed a carefree smile. She looked at Hayate and said, "Captain Yoru helped me resolve it. The condition is to serve Yoru-sama for ten years."
Yugao knew her situation couldn't remain hidden for long, but to avoid gossip, Uchiha Yoru had taken care of everything today. Of course, she was well aware of this.
The concept of serving brought to mind the feudal system of the samurai era. A century ago, major noble families and clans followed such customs. They would recruit members from smaller families or powerful warriors to serve them, forming an employment relationship. In return, they had to pledge loyalty. If they betrayed that loyalty, powerful families had the right to decide their fate. Moreover, if their reputation was tarnished, they would be hunted by all.
Though the ninja era had arrived, these traditions still persisted within major families. The term had evolved to "serving." Except for a few families like the Hyuga, who did things differently, most others focused on cultivating skilled civilian ninja as their subordinates.
The major families provided resources, and the subordinates gave loyalty.
"Yugao, I'm sorry I couldn't offer more assistance."
Hayate awkwardly scratched his head at this point, his straightforwardness preventing him from understanding her ordeal.
Yugao, who had undergone so much overnight, wasn't in the mood for prolonged conversation. Furthermore, she was now tasked with gathering information as a spy, which meant she didn't want to needlessly involve others. She offered a forced smile and shook her head.
"Thank you, Hayate. You're a good person. But I'm a bit exhausted today, so I'll head off."
At this juncture, Yugao didn't want to engage extensively with familiar faces. She was drained, and while Hayate was an exceptional ninja, he was completely oblivious to this aspect. He expressed concern, saying, "Yugao, would you like me to accompany you?"
Yet, Yugao simply waved her hand before departing. As Hayate stood there, money in hand, he awkwardly scratched his head and pocketed the money, his face wearing a smile.
"Well, this means I can enjoy some barbecue tonight."
At the same time, he encouraged himself silently. Don't rush; focus on completing the ANBU mission and gathering intelligence. There's ample time ahead.
Both Hayate and Yugao were part of the ANBU, yet they didn't recognize each other. After all, only teammates saw one another's true faces. Additionally, Yugao was a recent recruit, sent out on a spy mission. Naturally, neither of them knew they belonged to the same organization.
Hayate's talent for infiltration made him particularly suited for gathering intelligence. Thus, it seemed both of them were unaware of their shared affiliation. This was intentionally arranged to prevent involving others in case of exposure. After all, in the ninja world, there were numerous genjutsu and mind-invading techniques.
Outside the village, within a training field nestled in Uchiha clan territory, the melting white snow ushered in a brisk chill, imbuing the air with a sense of crispness. Amidst this setting, two figures materialized.
Yugao had managed to subdue the maelstrom of emotions within her. As she entered the training field, her countenance projected a pretense of both bashfulness and complexity. Uchiha Yoru, however, exhibited no signs of discomfort.
"Yugao... blood type A, born on November 3rd, with a penchant for flower appreciation, currently holding the rank of Chunin, and proficient in swordsmanship," Uchiha Yoru calmly disclosed all of Yugao's information. A surge of surprise coursed through her upon hearing this. Evidently, individuals from eminent clans were never straightforward. Fortunately, she had only attracted the attention of the ANBU as they prepared to groom her. She had been handpicked by the ANBU Head. Concealed by them, her tracks remained untraceable.
"Yoru-sama."
Yugao appeared tense, her already pale complexion becoming even more so. It was as though she feared his probing into her identity. However, when she looked up, she was greeted not by awkwardness but by a gentle smile and a piece of paper pinched between his fingers.
"Yugao, this is a chakra nature testing paper."
Accompanied by a soft smile, Uchiha Yoru extended the chakra paper to her, an invitation for her to give it a try. Yugao momentarily hesitated, then swiftly comprehended his intent. With slightly trembling fingers, she accepted the paper.
"Thank you."
Chakra nature testing papers carried a substantial price tag. Being a commoner, Uchiha Yoru understood the burden it placed on her. Not because they couldn't afford it, but what purpose did testing her chakra nature serve if she couldn't learn advanced nature techniques?
For ordinary ninja, these nature techniques were prized knowledge. They would only invest in such costly paper when they had a chance to acquire these techniques and enhance their skills. Until they gained the qualifications to study nature techniques, common ninja wouldn't readily part with their money for this purpose. After all, there were more pragmatic expenditures, such as explosive tags.
"Infuse your chakra into the paper to ascertain your chakra nature."
Uchiha Yoru's voice was soothing as he instructed her. With her slender fingers clutching the chakra paper, Yugao infused her chakra into it, causing the paper to split cleanly down the middle.
Observing this, Uchiha Yoru's expression shifted to one of satisfaction. "Congratulations, Yugao. While you possess a single nature, wind nature is an exceedingly rare attribute. Moreover, it's an attribute inclined towards high-powered offensive capabilities."
Despite her status as a commoner, her prodigious abilities couldn't grant her direct access to advanced ninja techniques. Nevertheless, she was well-acquainted with these foundational concepts. As she beheld her confirmed chakra nature, Yugao's face radiated a genuine smile.
As he observed the young girl before him, Uchiha Yoru mused silently. No discernible flaws, probably performing true to character. Having graduated only a few years prior, her current demeanor naturally didn't warrant contrived pretense. However, he would find a way to ensure that ANBU would lose this elite member, while his side would gain one.
"Yugao, during the morning health assessment, I noticed traces of training-related injuries on your body, and your palms are quite dainty."
Midway through his sentence, his tone shifted unexpectedly. Just as Yugao began to contemplate her response, a weighty object appeared in his palm.
"Your hands possess a delicate beauty, well-suited for cultivating swordsmanship. Your explosive power is also commendable."
With a soft chuckle, Uchiha Yoru placed a standard Uchiha clan ninja blade in her grasp, his words interwoven with his actions.
His words weren't unfounded. She was indeed suited for swordsmanship. Given his familiarity with the original story, he knew that this young girl, with her remarkable sword skills, had ascended to become a special Jounin in ANBU, even earning the moniker "ANBU's Blossom."
As her battles had shown, she predominantly relied on swordsmanship. Perhaps her background as a commoner contributed to this choice. Still, it was inconceivable that she wouldn't learn basic low-level jutsu. Thus, swordsmanship was truly her forte, and she had embarked on the path of specialization in it.
Initially, she believed he was teasing her. Suppressing her internal confusion, she resisted the urge to fluster. Yet, she never anticipated that he would place a ninja sword directly into her hand.
A Chunin skilled in swordsmanship, she could easily discern the quality of this ninja blade. It was undoubtedly an exquisitely crafted weapon.
"Yoru-sama, this is far too valuable."
Before Yugao could finish her sentence, Uchiha Yoru waved his hand, smiling. "If you like it, keep it. Rest assured, I've removed the Uchiha clan crest from the blade. Outsiders won't be able to discern it."
"Starting today, ensure you complete your tasks each morning, and in the afternoons, don't forsake your training. I'll personally guide you in swordsmanship every day."
Given her commoner background, Yugao cherished ninja techniques profoundly. Yet, ANBU couldn't simply bestow her with these techniques. Therefore, to win this girl's heart, money wasn't enough. The most precious thing money couldn't buy was advanced ninja techniques. He also intended to share his Uchihas training insights.
Since she's new to the world, I'll show her the splendors it holds—with ninja techniques! He'll ensure this girl's head's spinning.
~~~
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