Chapter 38: Yugao Uzuki's Decision

"Lord Hokage, this is..." 

Yugao Uzuki could hardly believe what she was hearing. The sacrifice Hiruzen Sarutobi spoke of was this! She had expected to spill blood, sweat, and tears in an enemy village, which she was more than willing to do. But this... 

The reality was that she would have to shed blood, sweat, and tears in bed. 

She already had a partner, Hayate Gekko. How could she marry Natsuhane Uchiha? What would Hayate think? As a ninja, maintaining the secrecy of her mission was paramount, especially for an S-rank espionage mission. She couldn't reveal to Hayate that her marriage to Natsuhane was just a mission. If the mission details leaked, it would all be for nothing. 

But if she didn't tell Hayate, their relationship would likely end in shambles. 

Yugao was visibly troubled. On one side was a demanding mission, on the other, her true love. She could only choose one... 

While a ninja's duty is to follow orders, as a human being, love holds just as much importance as duty. 

Hiruzen Sarutobi noticed Yugao's dilemma. 

"Yugao, you see, Natsuhane Uchiha has been making significant moves lately, and his power is too conspicuous. Uchiha with Mangekyou Sharingan are often unstable, and I'm worried he might do something harmful to the village. After careful consideration, you're the most suitable person for this mission."

"But I..."

"You've been with me for many years in the Anbu, and I trust you the most. For the peace and prosperity of Konoha, I need you to make this sacrifice."

"But this is too..."

"From the day you chose to become a ninja, you should have been prepared to sacrifice for the village, whether it's your honor or your body. We don't fear death, so why should we fear this? Yugao, I hope you understand this."

"..."

Yugao Uzuki ultimately conceded and accepted the mission.

"Alright, prepare yourself. Don't approach the Uchiha directly. Wait for the right moment to appear by Natsuhane's side. With your looks, I'm sure he'll approach you."

"Yes, Lord Hokage."

"Good, now you may go. Oh, and stop by the police department. Ask Ibiki Morino to come see me; I have matters to discuss with him."

"Understood..."

...

The next day.

Natsuhane woke up early. Today was an important day: taking over the Konoha Police Department.

"Hmm? Natsuhane, you're putting on pants right after waking up? That's not like you."

The woman lying in bed was his wife, Anko Mitarashi.

A month ago, Anko had given birth to an SS-ranked baby boy.

Natsuhane smiled, "I'm going to the police department. Do you want to come with me?"

"I'm not going~" Anko pouted, her face once again showing her trademark mischievous expression.

Natsuhane pinched her cheek lightly, "Then you stay and rest well. You didn't get much sleep last night."

"I can't sleep unless you're next to me~"

No sooner had she said it, Anko wrapped around Natsuhane like a snake.

"Anko, stop, I just put on my jacket..."

"Hehehe, prey caught by a snake can't escape!"

...

Yugao Uzuki left the Hokage's office, her mind heavy with conflicting emotions. She understood the gravity of her mission, but the thought of betraying Hayate Gekko tore at her heart.

Meanwhile, Natsuhane, unaware of the new twist in his life, walked confidently toward the police department. His goal was clear: to reclaim the power that once belonged to the Uchiha and to solidify his position within Konoha.