Dog meat.
Raien's understated yet deliberately emphasized words pierced straight through Kurenai Yuhi's and Hinata's emotional defenses like a dagger.
Both women stiffened at the same time, their faces instantly draining of all color.
Akamaru?
That lively, loyal white ninja dog who never left Kiba's side connecting that image with Kiba and Shino's disappearance, and Raien's cold, ruthless methods—
Kurenai Yuhi could almost certainly guess the origin of the richly fragrant meat bubbling in the pot.
A violent wave of nausea and fury surged up her throat.
Hinata reacted even more strongly.
She instinctively covered her mouth, her Byakugan wide open.
Her body trembled faintly.
She was on the verge of vomiting right there.
Raien took in their pale faces and barely suppressed physical reactions.
The mocking curve of his lips deepened.
He calmly sliced off a piece of meat, lifted it, and chewed slowly and meticulously as if savoring a rare delicacy.
His voice carried a condescending, almost magnanimous tolerance.
"What? You can't bear it? It's fine. If you don't eat, you'll starve."
"Tonight…" he paused slightly, "there's nothing else."
The choice was laid bare.
Either swallow this "meal," soaked in cruelty and humiliation or endure the gnawing torment of hunger.
Kurenai Yuhi bit down hard on her lower lip.
The metallic taste of blood spread across her mouth.
She was an elite jōnin, someone who had survived brutal wars and witnessed countless deaths.
Her mental fortitude far exceeded Hinata's.
Fear, disgust, rage—all of it crashed against her like a raging tide.
But she forced it down.
Survive.
Get the information out.
That belief burned like a lighthouse in the dark, barely holding her collapsing will together.
"Hinata… sit down."
Kurenai's voice was hoarse, but unwavering.
She squeezed Hinata's ice-cold hand tightly, transmitting strength she herself barely had.
Pulling the unsteady Hinata along, she straightened her back and sat down at a seat slightly farther from Raien's "warm" dining circle.
Far enough to keep some distance.
Close enough to see everything clearly.
Raien seemed quite satisfied with their "obedience."
He clapped his hands lightly.
At once, palace maids in elegant attire appeared soundlessly.
They placed exquisite bowls and chopsticks in front of Kurenai Yuhi and Hinata with practiced efficiency.
Then, without a single sideways glance, they retreated like shadows.
"Don't be shy. Eat."
Raien tapped the steaming hotpot lightly with his chopsticks, his tone casual as if truly hosting guests.
Beside him, Uchiha Mikoto lowered her head and silently served him.
Her eyes briefly flicked toward Kurenai Yuhi and Hinata.
There was a trace of pity—woman to woman but more than that, there was numb resignation.
Uchiha Izumi, on the other hand, remained like a cold statue.
She focused on her food, her sharp gaze occasionally sweeping over Kurenai Yuhi evaluative, guarded as if observing a potentially dangerous object.
Only Uchiha Hikari, seated beside Raien, looked completely different.
She blinked her large eyes curiously, openly observing the two newcomers.
She casually gnawed on a meat bone, lips glistening faintly with oil.
Then, in a clear, seemingly innocent voice, she suddenly spoke.
"Wow! Red-eyed big sister, and white-eyed big sister—you're both really pretty!"
Hikari's tone was light and sincere, carrying a straightforward admiration.
"Even a little prettier than Aunt Mikoto and Sister Izumi!"
This unexpected "compliment" stunned both Kurenai Yuhi and Hinata.
Especially Kurenai Yuhi.
She looked into Hikari's bright, unguarded eyes.
Listened to her sincere praise then glanced at the meat bone still in Hikari's hand.
A powerful sense of absurdity, mixed with deep pity, surged into her heart.
Such a pure, straightforward person…
She must have been completely manipulated by this devil in human skin.
Kurenai Yuhi was convinced.
If Raien could ensnare the wife of the Uchiha Clan Head through despicable means, then controlling a young, emotionally dependent woman would be even easier.
This realization only deepened her hatred for Raien and, at the same time, awakened a strong protective instinct toward Hikari.
"Th-thank you…"
Kurenai Yuhi forced out a stiff smile, trying to respond to Hikari's kindness.
She needed a breakthrough.
And this seemingly innocent, heavily favored woman might be her best chance.
"Hikari… that's a beautiful name."
Kurenai softened her voice deliberately, her expression gentle and non-threatening.
"What… how old are you? And what do you usually do here?"
She chose her words carefully, beginning her probing.
"My name is Hikari! Uchiha Hikari!" Hikari answered cheerfully, completely unguarded.
"I'm already an adult! Brother says I'm very important!"
As she spoke, she leaned naturally against Raien's arm, full of dependence.
"Brother saved me from a very, very dark place."
"Hikari…" Kurenai echoed softly, her eyes filled with just the right amount of sympathy and curiosity.
"A dark place? That must have been terrifying. Did Big Brother… save you?"
She deliberately emphasized the word save.
At the same time, her gaze subtly flicked toward Raien, watching his reaction.
Raien merely sipped his soup calmly.
A faint, almost imperceptible smile lingered at the corner of his lips.
He didn't interrupt.
Instead, he looked like someone enjoying an interesting performance.
"Mhm! Super scary!" Hikari nodded vigorously.
For a brief moment, a shadow of lingering fear crossed her face.
"I was locked away for a really, really long time. It was cold, and I was hungry, and there was nothing at all. Then Big Brother found me and brought me out! Big Brother is the best!"
Her admiration for Raien was undisguised.
Kurenai Yuhi sneered inwardly.
As expected… completely conditioned.
She continued gently, guiding the conversation.
"Then, Hikari… are you happy living here? What do you usually do every day?"
Her words sounded casual but in reality, she was trying to extract information.
About the palace.
About guards.
About Raien's habits.
About any possible weakness that could be used for escape.
...
📢 Author's Update
The fanfic "Naruto: Raised by Kushina, Took His Brother's Wife" (Part 1 & Part 2) is now officially complete! 🎉
All 120 chapters (Part 1 & 2 combined) have been fully uploaded on Patreon.
📚 Category: Naruto
🔗 Read here: patreon.com/Shadow_demon_007
Thank you all for your continuous love, support, and patience for this story 💙