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The night was as dark as ink, covering the entire capital.
In the daimyo manor's study, Shin leaned back in his chair, pinching the bridge of his nose. The documents on the desk had been cleared away, but his mind felt slightly swollen from too much thinking.
"Takeshi," he said, getting up to stretch his body. "Is everything ready on Uchiha Kasumi's side?"
Takeshi, who was attending to him, immediately replied, "My lord, everything is prepared."
"Uchiha Kasumi spent the entire day personally arranging the courtyard, and she also supervised the kitchen staff as they prepared each dish for dinner."
Shin chuckled at the words, ignoring the unintentional flattery in Takeshi's tone.
"Mm," he hummed in response, stepping out of the study. "Lead the way."
"Yes, my lord!"
The newly bestowed courtyard was named Crimson Moon Pavilion. It was serene and elegant.
Passing through a small path paved with cobblestones, one could hear the gurgling of flowing water.
When Shin stepped into the courtyard, Uchiha Kasumi, who had been waiting, curtsied gracefully to him. "I respectfully welcome you, my lord."
Her voice held both excitement and a deliberately suppressed hint of allure.
Shin's gaze fell upon her.
Tonight, Uchiha Kasumi had changed into a more daring black silk kimono, with a burning Uchiha fan crest embroidered in gold thread on the lapel. Her long hair cascaded down her back, the ends slightly curled, adding a touch of charm.
She wore light makeup, her eyeshadow subtly upturned, and especially her crimson lips—full and luscious—gleamed alluringly under the lamplight.
She knelt there quietly, patiently waiting.
"Rise."
"Yes, my lord."
Uchiha Kasumi rose in response, her head bowed, her steps light as she led the way for Shin.
A blend of floral fragrance and the scent of a woman wafted into Shin's nostrils with her movements.
Inside the house, dinner was already laid out on the low table.
After Shin was seated, Uchiha Kasumi did not sit down but knelt beside him, picking up the sake flask.
"My lord, this is sake that I personally warmed."
She poured a full cup but did not hand it over. Instead, she took a small sip herself.
Under Shin's gaze, she leaned forward slightly, bringing the cup to his lips. Her crimson lips parted slightly.
Shin instantly became interested. He did not refuse and opened his mouth to receive it.
The sake was mellow, carrying the warmth and fragrance from her lips, sliding down his throat as if igniting a flame.
"You're quite bold."
Shin pinched her delicate chin, his thumb caressing her soft skin.
Uchiha Kasumi's body trembled slightly, yet there was no trace of fear in her eyes. Instead, they shimmered with watery light, full of allure. "To serve my lord is my good fortune. I would dare to be even bolder."
Her voice was soft and gentle, with a hint of coquetry.
"Sit opposite me," Shin released his hand, smiling.
"I fear the sake will cool if I am too far from my lord." She not only did not leave but moved even closer.
"I like to look at your face," Shin said with a smile, his meaning clear. "To see how many mischievous thoughts are hidden beneath this beautiful face."
"My lord truly jokes. Aren't my thoughts written all over my face?"
Uchiha Kasumi stiffened slightly, then chuckled, her laughter like silver bells.
However, she obediently sat opposite Shin, her beautiful eyes meeting his gaze, bold and direct. "My only thought is to make my lord... comfortable tonight."
Shin picked up his chopsticks, not responding.
The meal was enchanting and full of tension.
Uchiha Kasumi continuously served him dishes, sometimes teasing with words, sometimes enticing with her eyes, playing the role of a seductress to perfection.
And Shin watched her performance with great interest, enjoying the feeling of being flattered.
After several rounds of sake, Shin put down his cup and leaned back. "Not only is your dance excellent, but you are also very interesting."
"To receive a compliment from my lord, I would die without regrets," Uchiha Kasumi immediately responded, her face full of joy.
Shin raised an eyebrow. "Is that all your ambition?"
"A woman's ambition is simply to please the man she loves, isn't it?" Uchiha Kasumi replied as if it were obvious.
As she spoke, she rose, walked around the low table, and knelt beside Shin again.
Shin looked at her, the playfulness in his eyes deepening. "Oh? So, you love me?"
This question caused Uchiha Kasumi to pause slightly.
But she showed no panic. Instead, she looked up, met Shin's gaze, and smiled radiantly. Her smile was dazzlingly beautiful.
"Of course, I love you," she answered without hesitation.
Her fingers lightly traced Shin's arm, causing a faint shiver.
"From the first moment I saw my lord, my heart was already yours."
Shin looked down at her.
Under the lamplight, her face was flushed, her eyes hazy, and her breath was sweet. She was like a ripe peach, just waiting for him to pluck her.
"You certainly know how to talk."
He smiled, reaching out to embrace her waist, and with a slight pull, drew her entirely into his arms.
"Oh!"
Uchiha Kasumi gasped, falling into his embrace. "What I said is all from the heart."
She looked up, her arms wrapped around his neck, her breath like orchids.
Shin gazed at her crimson lips, so close, and a flame finally ignited in his deep eyes.
He said no more, picked her up, and walked quickly towards the inner room.
"My lord... mm..."
Outside the window, the moonlight was full.
Inside the room, endless passion unfolded.
Yet, no one knew that at the eastern border, a dozen figures were rapidly moving, about to enter the Land of Fire.
In the swampy forest at the border of the Land of Water and the Land of Fire, the chirping of insects and croaking of frogs were incessant.
The air here was humid, and even though it was late autumn, the air remained muggy, and the decaying vegetation gave off an unpleasant odor.
"Raikage, ahead is the border of the Land of Fire."
A Kumogakure scout returned silently, reporting in a low voice.
The Raikage asked, "What's the situation?"
"The Land of Fire's patrols are very tight," the scout's tone held a hint of seriousness. "The density of patrol teams is much higher than in the intelligence, and their routes are carefully designed."
"Just now, I've already seen over a dozen patrol teams."
The Raikage's brow furrowed instantly. "Are there any weaknesses?"
The scout replied, "Yes, their forces seem insufficient to sustain such a high-intensity defense. Moreover, there's a defensive gap of about three minutes between patrol teams."
"As long as we seize the opportunity, we can pass through!"
"Three minutes?"
"Yes!"
"That's enough!"
Upon hearing this, the Raikage's brow relaxed, and a cruel smile appeared on his face.
It seemed the Land of Fire was just bluffing, a mere empty shell!
"Everyone, prepare!"
The Raikage lowered his voice, giving the command. "Seize the next gap, full speed ahead!"
"Yes!"
The Kumogakure shinobi responded in low voices.