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As Lunahime vanished with a puff of smoke, leaving a subtle scent of moonflowers in her wake, Hinata and Hanabi settled next to Horyu on the soft grass. The cool evening breeze whispered through the training ground, carrying with it the promise of the night. Hinata, her gaze fixed on the horizon where the last light of day gave way to the stars, seemed lost in thought. Her fingers twisted nervously in the hem of her jacket, a clear sign of the turmoil brewing within her.
After a moment, she turned towards Horyu, her eyes reflecting the soft glow of the moon. "Are you really engaged to Ino?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. Horyu, sensing the delicate nature of her inquiry, simply nodded. Hinata's response was a soft, "Oh," her disappointment barely concealed, casting a shadow over her usual warmth.
Hanabi, ever observant, caught the subtle interplay of emotions between her sister and Horyu. With a mischievous glint in her eye, she leaned forward, breaking the silence that had fallen over them. "Horyu, you are strong and successful, you will surely have multiple wives, won't you?" she said, her tone playful yet pointed.
Horyu, understanding Hanabi's intention, couldn't help but appreciate her effort to lighten the mood. "Hokage-sama said so. I will probably have multiple partners, and I already talked to Ino about it," he replied, his voice carrying a hint of amusement.
Hinata, her interest piqued, turned back to Horyu, her previous sadness momentarily forgotten. "Did she agree?" she blurted out, then, realizing the directness of her question, her cheeks flushed a deep shade of red. "I mean, was she agreeable to such terms?" she added, her voice tinged with curiosity and a hint of hope.
Horyu's smirk widened, noticing Hanabi's barely contained giggles at Hinata's reaction. "She did," he confirmed, his gaze shifting between the two sisters. Hinata's face lit up at his confirmation, a wave of relief washing over her.
The conversation shifted then, as Hanabi bombarded Horyu with questions about his future plans and the dynamics of having multiple partners. Horyu answered as best he could without revealing too much, always mindful of the delicate balance he needed to maintain. His answers were careful, calculated to reassure without making promises he couldn't keep.
As the evening wore on, the trio discussed potential strategies for Hinata's training, how to integrate the Lunar Step Taijutsu with her Gentle Fist, and even speculated on the kind of creature that might choose Hanabi as a contract partner.
Eventually, the conversation wound down, and they prepared to leave the training ground. Hinata and Hanabi, their spirits lifted by the discussion and the possibilities it had unveiled, thanked Horyu for his time and insight. Hanabi, still full of energy, dashed ahead, while Hinata lingered for a moment.
"Thank you, Horyu," she said, her voice sincere. "For everything."
Horyu waved his hand dismissively, a subtle smile playing on his lips. "It was nothing. See you girls later," he said, turning to leave the training grounds behind.
It was a month later when Horyu arrived at Shisui's room. Pushing the door open, he stepped inside the dimly lit office, where the young Hokage was buried in paperwork. "You called me, Hokage-sama?"
Shisui looked up, his face brightening with a rare smile upon seeing Horyu. "Horyu, over the month, you and Ino completed significant quests that cleared out some of the intel we were having headaches with lately. Well done." His voice carried a mixture of gratitude and respect, qualities that were seldom bestowed so freely in the ninja world.
Horyu bowed slightly, his response modest. "I did what I can, Hokage-sama." His voice, devoid of any boastfulness.
Shisui nodded, his eyes reflecting his growing trust in Horyu. "Your efforts have not gone unnoticed." As he spoke, two system messages blinked into existence before Horyu's eyes, unseen by Shisui:
[World Quest: Path of Shisui: Quest 1: Prove your Loyalty: Prove your Loyalty - Completed. Reward: Bloodline Purifying Pill, +500 XP, +50 SP.]
[Ino Engagement Quest: Path of Naruto: Bonds Forged in Sincerity: Quest 2: Allies in Training - Completed. Reward: Comrades in Arms, +300 XP, +30 SP.]
Horyu mentally acknowledged the messages, his expression unchanged as he stored the information away. Bloodline Purifying Pill, similar to one he used to awaken his Sharingan was rewarded once again, and Horyu couldn't help but get excited with the prospect of using it again.
Shisui's next words drew Horyu back to the conversation. "Your dedication is making a difference, Horyu. The Uchiha Clan, and Konoha, are stronger for it." The Hokage's acknowledgment was a rare token of appreciation in their line of work, one that Horyu didn't take lightly.
The meeting progressed with Shisui outlining future plans and strategies for Konoha, seeking Horyu's input on several matters. It was a testament to how much Shisui valued Horyu's judgment and abilities.
As the meeting drew to a close, Horyu, maintaining his composed demeanor, leaned forward slightly. "Hokage-sama, there is something I am interested in, I am wondering if you would gracefully bestow it upon me." His voice was calm, yet there was an underlying determination in his request.
Shisui, his curiosity piqued by Horyu's serious tone, set aside the documents he was reviewing. "What is it?" he inquired, his gaze meeting Horyu's steady one.
Taking a moment to gather his thoughts, Horyu spoke with clarity, "I want to sign the Rashomon Contract." His request, direct and to the point, reflected the depth of his ambition and the calculated nature of his plans.
Shisui, momentarily taken aback, raised his eyebrows in surprise. "The defensive gates of the First Hokage?" he asked, seeking confirmation. After a brief pause, as if considering the implications, he nodded. "You've proven yourself more than capable, Horyu. I see no reason to deny your request." His tone was firm, a decision made.
"An Anbu will deliver it to your residence tonight," Shisui added, seemingly satisfied with his decision. Then, as an afterthought, he continued, "Speaking of which, it might be time for you to move from your current house, considering your growing status."
Horyu, caught off guard by the suggestion, quickly composed himself. "Hokage-sama, if it's all the same to you, I would prefer to stay where I am." His request was laced with a hint of personal attachment. "It's the only connection I have to my parents, and I've grown quite fond of it."
The Uchiha Compound, particularly the corner where Horyu's modest home sat, was secluded, away from the prying eyes and bustling activity of the village center. For Horyu, the isolation wasn't just a matter of preference but a necessity for the delicate balance he maintained in his dual life.
Shisui, understanding the unspoken depth of Horyu's attachment, offered a warm smile. "If that's where you're comfortable, then it's settled." His response was accommodating, a gesture of respect for Horyu's wishes. With a final bow, Horyu exited Shisui's office.
At night, an Anbu landed in front of Horyu's house, the distinctive cloak fluttering silently in the night breeze. Horyu, anticipating this visit, opened the door and greeted the masked figure with a nod. The Anbu, in return, extended the scroll towards him, its seal broken only moments before by Shisui himself.
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