The night was as dark as ink, enveloping the entire Fire Capital.
In the Daimyo Manor's study.
Arashi leaned back in his chair, pinching the bridge of his nose.
The documents on the desk had been cleared, but his mind felt slightly swollen from excessive thinking.
"Gen," he said, getting up to stretch, "is everything ready on Uchiha Ragyō's side?"
Gen, who was attending him, immediately replied, "Reporting, My Lord, everything is prepared."
"Uchiha Ragyō spent the entire day personally arranging the courtyard, and she also oversaw the kitchen staff as they prepared each dish for dinner."
Arashi chuckled at the words, ignoring the unintentional flattery in Gen's tone.
"Mm," he hummed, stepping out of the study.
"Lead the way."
"Yes."
The newly bestowed courtyard was named Crimson Moon Pavilion.
It was serene and elegant.
Passing along a cobblestone path, one could hear the gurgling of flowing water.
When Arashi stepped into the courtyard, Ragyō, who had been waiting, curtsied gracefully. "Ragyō respectfully welcomes Daimyo-sama."
Her voice held both excitement and a deliberately suppressed hint of allure.
Arashi's gaze fell upon her.
Tonight, Ragyō 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 her crimson lips, full and luscious, gleamed alluringly under the lamplight.
She knelt there quietly, patiently waiting.
"Rise."
"Yes."
Ragyō rose with her head bowed, her lotus-like steps light as she led the way for Arashi.
A blend of floral fragrance and a woman's scent wafted into Arashi's nostrils with her movements.
Inside, dinner was already laid out on the low table.
After Arashi was seated, Ragyō did not sit down. She knelt beside him and picked up the sake flask.
"Daimyo-sama, 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 Arashi's gaze, she leaned forward slightly, bringing the cup to his lips.
Her crimson lips parted slightly.
Arashi instantly became interested, 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."
Arashi pinched her delicate chin, his thumb caressing her soft skin.
Ragyō's body trembled slightly, yet there was no fear in her eyes. Instead, they shimmered with a watery light, full of allure. "To serve Daimyo-sama is my greatest fortune. I would dare to be even bolder."
Her voice was soft and gentle, with a hint of coquetry.
"Sit opposite me," Arashi said with a smile, releasing his hand.
"I fear the sake will cool if I am too far from Daimyo-sama." She not only did not leave, she moved even closer.
"I like to look at your face," Arashi said with a meaningful smile, "to see how many mischievous thoughts are hidden beneath this beautiful face."
"Daimyo-sama truly jokes. Aren't my thoughts written all over my face?"
Ragyō stiffened slightly, then chuckled, her laughter like silver bells.
However, she obediently sat opposite Arashi, her beautiful eyes meeting his gaze, bold and direct. "My only thought is to make Daimyo-sama… comfortable tonight."
Arashi picked up his chopsticks and did not respond.
The meal was enchanting and ambiguous.
Ragyō continuously served him dishes, sometimes teasing with words, sometimes enticing with her eyes, playing the role of a seductress to perfection.
Arashi watched her performance with great interest, enjoying the feeling of being flattered.
After several rounds of sake.
Arashi set down his cup and leaned back. "Not only is your dance excellent, you are also very interesting."
"To receive a compliment from Daimyo-sama, I can die without regrets," Ragyō replied immediately, her face full of joy.
Arashi raised an eyebrow. "Is that all your ambition?"
"A woman's ambition is simply to please the man she loves, isn't it?" Ragyō replied as if it were obvious.
As she spoke, she rose, walked around the low table, and knelt beside Arashi again.
Arashi looked at her, the playfulness in his eyes deepening. "Oh? So, you love me?"
This question caused Ragyō to pause slightly.
But she showed no panic. She looked up, met Arashi's gaze, and smiled radiantly.
Her smile was dazzlingly beautiful.
"Of course, I love you," she answered without hesitation.
Her fingers lightly traced Arashi's arm, causing a faint shiver.
"From the first moment I saw Daimyo-sama, my heart was already yours."
Arashi 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 to be plucked.
"You certainly know how to talk."
He smiled, reached out to embrace her waist, and with a slight pull, drew her entirely into his arms.
"Oh."
Ragyō 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.
Arashi gazed at her crimson lips, so close, and a flame finally ignited in his eyes.
He said no more, picked her up, and walked quickly toward the inner room.
"Daimyo-sama… 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 moving rapidly, 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, it remained muggy, and the decaying vegetation emitted an unpleasant odor.
"Raikage, ahead is the border of the Land of Fire."
A Kumogakure scout returned silently, reporting in a low voice.
A asked, "What's the situation?"
"The Land of Fire's patrols are very tight," the scout said gravely. "The density of patrol teams is much higher than in the intelligence, and their routes are meticulously designed."
"Just now, I observed over a dozen patrol teams."
A's brow furrowed instantly. "Are there any weaknesses?"
The scout replied, "Yes. Their forces seem insufficient to sustain such high-intensity defense."
"Moreover, there is a defensive vacuum 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, A'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."
A lowered his voice, giving the command. "Seize the next gap, full speed ahead."
"Yes."
The Kumogakure shinobi responded in low voices.
(To be continued.)
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