It was exactly 7:00 p.m.
Inside Uchiha Makoto's spacious villa, Uzumaki Tsubaki moved with quiet precision, preparing dinner as if it were a mission of life and death. This was the one meal Makoto could reliably eat at home, and she treated the task with almost military seriousness.
The aroma of simmering broth and freshly steamed rice filled the air as she finished arranging four dishes and one soup, timing everything so the fragrance would peak just as he walked through the door.
The timing was perfect.
The door slid open, and Uchiha Makoto stepped inside, shoulders still carrying the tension of the day. The rich scent of Tsubaki's cooking greeted him first, followed by the sight of Tsubaki herself—hair tied back in a daring style that highlighted her delicate features and lent her an air of mischievous charm.
"Welcome home, Anata!" she said with a shy smile.
"Would you like to eat first, bathe first… or enjoy me first?"
The line was a playful classic, and though she delivered it with a touch of nervousness, she knew exactly the effect it might have.
Makoto's gaze lingered on the table, then returned to Tsubaki's captivating figure. Any trace of workplace irritation vanished in an instant. Whatever had troubled him earlier now felt irrelevant. Tonight, he would indulge in every delight set before him.
---
Across the Village
Meanwhile, elsewhere in Konoha, Senju Hashirama stood in his quiet home, calling out softly.
"Mito…? Did you not have time to make dinner again? And you're still not home?"
He scratched the back of his head, a faint pang of guilt tugging at him. For two long months he had spent nearly every evening with Uchiha Madara, neglecting his own household. Lately he had tried to make amends—returning home on time for four or five consecutive days, hoping to share a meal with his wife, Uzumaki Mito.
But things had changed.
Mito was no longer waiting at home. Instead, she left early, came back late, and seemed busier than ever. Her shadow clones tirelessly managed the Kunoichi Mutual Aid Association, rallying the women of Konoha to reclaim their ninja path and hone their skills. Her real body led from the front, personally completing two B-rank missions in just a few days—a feat that would challenge even the most seasoned male jōnin.
Hashirama exhaled a long, rueful sigh. "Looks like I'll have to scrounge a meal at Madara's place again."
Though surprised by Mito's sudden transformation, he couldn't help but admire the joy she seemed to find in her new pursuits. If she was happy, that was enough for him.
He stepped toward the door, intent on visiting the Uchiha compound, when a masked ANBU shinobi appeared soundlessly in his path.
"Hokage-sama," the ninja said crisply, "please come to the Hokage Building immediately. Tobirama-sama requests your presence for urgent business."
"Is it really that important?" Hashirama asked, blinking.
The ANBU captain nearly groaned aloud. In all his years, he had never once seen Hashirama handle office work. It was always Tobirama who sat behind the Hokage's desk, ensuring the village ran smoothly. For Tobirama to summon his elder brother so insistently, the matter had to be serious—yet the Hokage still questioned its importance?
Maintaining composure, the ANBU repeated, "Extremely important, Hokage-sama. You must come alone."
The emphasis on "alone" went unnoticed by Hashirama, but it was deliberate. The ANBU had appeared inside the Senju compound specifically to avoid drawing the attention of a certain someone—yes, the ever-watchful and unpredictable Uchiha Madara.
"I understand."
Abandoning thoughts of dinner with his friend, Hashirama followed the ANBU toward the Hokage Building.
---
The Hokage's Office
When Hashirama entered the familiar room, the ANBU quietly withdrew, closing the door behind him. Hashirama's eyes widened in surprise.
"Tobirama? What's so urgent that you had me called over— Mito, you're here too?"
Indeed, not only was his younger brother waiting, but Uzumaki Mito sat beside him. The sight was unusual. The chance of finding Mito, Hashirama, and Tobirama together in the Hokage Office was almost as rare as seeing Uchiha Madara and Tobirama voluntarily sharing the same space.
"I've been helping Tobirama with the village's daily affairs," Mito explained before Hashirama could speak again. Her tone was calm, but a subtle expectation flickered in her eyes.
Part of her hoped Hashirama might show a hint of jealousy or at least scold her gently for neglecting their home life—something to prove he still noticed the distance that had grown between them.
But Hashirama only beamed.
"Is that so? That's wonderful! Tobirama is always so busy. If you're helping, Mito, it must be a great relief for him—and it lets me rest easier when I'm with—"
"All right, all right, Big Brother, don't say it!" Tobirama interrupted sharply, fearing that the next word out of Hashirama's mouth would be "Madara." The man's obsession was becoming a chronic condition.
Honestly, big brother… can't you see Mito-sister is upset?
She doesn't even make you dinner anymore. Now I can't freeload off her cooking either!
Tobirama stifled a sigh. Still, he trusted Mito's judgment and had willingly shared some administrative duties with her. Her help had eased his workload considerably—a mixed blessing, but a blessing nonetheless.
Out of the corner of his eye, he checked Mito's expression. Seeing no sign of irritation, he allowed himself a quiet breath of relief. Mito's patience truly knew no limits.
"Let's get to the point," Mito said briskly, ignoring Hashirama's awkward smile.
Hashirama scratched his head, sensing the faint chill in the room but unable to identify its source.
---
A Brewing Crisis
Tobirama's voice hardened as he delivered his report.
"A squad of Konoha shinobi on a joint mission with Akatsuki Ninja Village encountered a Kumogakure force in the Land of Rice. They clashed. Konoha lost one chūnin. Akatsuki lost two. The enemy's losses remain unknown."
He fixed his brother with a steady gaze.
"This is no small incident, Big Brother. It involves both the Akatsuki Village and the Land of Lightning's Kumogakure. As Hokage, you must issue a response immediately. What are your thoughts?"
Though Tobirama had effectively acted as the village's "shadow Hokage" for years, he was careful to seek Hashirama's formal stance on matters of such gravity. International tension, alliances, and the fragile peace of the shinobi world all rested on decisions like this.
Hashirama's easygoing nature faded as he absorbed the weight of the news. The room fell silent except for the distant murmur of evening activity outside the Hokage Tower.
---
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