"What's Danzo up to these days?" Xin muttered as he packed his gear. He had a strong feeling that Danzo was probably experimenting with Senju Hashirama's cells, maybe even grafting Sharingan into his own body.
After all, plenty of Uchiha shinobi had died in battle over the years, and many of their bodies were never recovered. Xin doubted every single Sharingan had been taken by the enemy. It was more likely Danzo had taken advantage of the situation and "collected" a few for himself.
He shook his head, trying not to get too distracted. "Man, this mission couldn't have come at a worse time," Nawaki groaned from across the room. He had been planning to gather more information about Hyuga Meiko, but now he had no time to prepare.
Despite his complaints, Nawaki still obediently packed his things, preparing for their departure the next day.
After helping Nawaki get ready, Xin headed out to grab some supplies for the mission. When he returned home, he was met with a surprise. A certain someone was already there, cleaning up his place. Smiling to himself, he snuck up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist.
"Ahh!" Uchiha Mikoto squeaked in shock, almost dropping the duster in her hand.
She relaxed the moment she caught his familiar scent, playfully smacking his hand. "You scared me! Can't you ever behave?"
Xin rested his head on her shoulder, inhaling deeply with a contented sigh. "Weren't you supposed to be working today? What brings you here?"
"I came to give you this," Mikoto said, pulling out an invitation and handing it to him. She sighed softly. "My mother wants you to come tonight. It's... important."
"Wait, what?" Xin raised an eyebrow, staring at the invitation.
Someone actually invited me to something?
Xin released Mikoto and opened the invitation, his eyes widening slightly as he read it. "Seriously? A wedding this fast?"
Fugaku Uchiha was getting married. It was all happening so quickly, and without any prior rumors or fanfare. One day he was single, and now he was about to tie the knot.
Sitting down next to him, Mikoto rested her hand on his shoulder, smiling softly. "He's marrying the daughter of the Sixth Elder. Her name's Uchiha Shizuka. She's really beautiful, but yeah, the whole thing seems... rushed."
Xin chuckled. Without Mikoto, there was no way Fugaku would've stayed single. Even if he didn't want to marry, the Uchiha Elders would've pressured him into it. And now, here he was, getting married to solidify his position as clan leader.
"Looks like it's a marriage for convenience," Xin said with a shrug. "Gotta secure that clan support."