Ch 216 : Bird in a cage

After returning home, Mikoto began preparing lunch.

Even though she and Fugaku didn't talk much when he was home, now that he was gone, the house felt even more empty to her.

Before, no matter what happened, she knew someone would come back.

Now it was just her and her son.

Thinking about Ayari's attitude toward her at the Hokage's residence today made her feel even more bitter.

She had lost her husband's love and now her friend too.

"Mom, Uncle Hachidai is here," Itachi's voice suddenly called from the living room.

Hearing this, Mikoto turned off the stove, collected herself, and took off her apron before walking out.

She greeted with a smile, "Hachidai, you're here."

Hachidai nodded politely. "Sorry to bother you, Mikoto-san."

"Is there something you need?"

"It's about clan matters. I wanted to discuss something with you."

Mikoto smiled and said, "You can handle clan matters as you see fit. Fugaku trusted you completely; there's no need to consult me."

Hachidai was considered the second most influential figure in the Uchiha clan.

The clan members had no objections to him temporarily leading affairs, and his relationship with Fugaku's family was close.

Hachidai responded, "It's still better if you take a look."

As he spoke, he placed a document on the low table in front of them and handed it to Mikoto.

Curious, Mikoto carefully reviewed the document.

About halfway through, she hesitated and asked, "This... seems like a good thing?"

If the relocation was carried out as described, the Uchiha would undoubtedly move closer to Konoha's power center.

The new locations were prime areas, suitable for clan members interested in business.

Hachidai nodded. "It is a good thing... and perhaps compensation from Lord Hokage for our clan."

Mikoto: "..."

The meaning behind that "compensation" was clear without needing further explanation.

Hachidai continued, "Also, your family is on the relocation list..."

Mikoto froze for a moment, then quickly read further, only to discover that their new residence was right next to the Hokage's estate.

Her heart skipped a beat.

She immediately understood the Hokage's intention.

Can I even refuse... And with Ayari's attitude toward me, plus how Makoto is recklessly acting against the current, what if it causes more conflict between them?

"Mikoto-san?"

"Ah?" Mikoto snapped out of her thoughts and looked at Hachidai.

"What's wrong?" Hachidai asked, then thoughtfully added, "Do you feel this isn't appropriate?"

"No... it's not that, I..." Mikoto stammered, unable to form a complete sentence.

Realizing her own lapse, Mikoto fell silent for a moment before saying, "Is this matter urgent?"

Hachidai smiled, "Of course not. I just wanted to discuss it with you. You can take your time thinking about it. If it's really not feasible, I'll go back and discuss it with Lord Hokage."

Mikoto nodded lightly. "Alright, I understand. I'll get back to you as soon as possible."

After finishing their discussion, Hachidai prepared to leave.

Mikoto politely invited him to stay for a meal, but ultimately saw him off.

"Kaa-san, are we moving?" Itachi, who had been listening the whole time, asked.

"Uh... it's not certain yet," Mikoto replied reluctantly.

In her heart, she was unwilling to move, but she feared that she wouldn't be able to go against the Hokage's wishes.

Fugaku had already been transferred out of the village.

If she refused, what if the Hokage used Itachi to threaten her next...

Itachi asked again, "Then where will we move to?"

Mikoto hesitated slightly, "Somewhere very close to the Hokage."

Hearing this, Itachi's eyes lit up. "Really?"

Mikoto asked, "You seem pretty happy about that."

Itachi said excitedly, "That way, I can visit Neji and play with him often!"

"... Itachi, do you really want a little brother that much?"

Itachi scratched his head, "It would be great if I had one, but since Dad isn't home now, having Neji to play with is good too."

Mikoto could only sigh softly, her gaze lingering on the document on the table for a long time without saying a word.

......

Hokage Residence.

In the master bedroom, after hearing what Ayari had said, Kushina gradually calmed down.

Ayari clearly regarded her as a third party in the relationship but displayed an exceptionally generous attitude about it.

This made Kushina feel resistant, but the truth was undeniable — she was indeed acting as Makoto's secret lover.

No, calling her a lover was too generous; she was merely a tool for his desires at best.

If she continued to refuse, would Ayari see her as being completely ungrateful?

Lowering her head, Kushina said slowly, "Ayari... things between Makoto and me aren't what you think."

"I really think you should reconsider. Moving in wouldn't be appropriate, and honestly... I don't want to."

She knew she couldn't just muddle through and compromise on this matter.

If she really moved in, it would cement that role for her.

Ayari looked at Kushina for a moment and then said, "Suit yourself. If you change your mind, you can come to me."

Kushina left the bedroom and saw Ayano busy with housework and Natsu soothing the child.

She thought bitterly, This Hokage sure lives a cushy life — so many beautiful women at home, and he's still not satisfied, sneaking around outside.

What Kushina didn't expect was that shortly after returning home, Makoto came knocking on her door.

He got straight to the point: "Ayari asked you to move in with us. Why didn't you?"

Kushina, feeling a bit intimidated in front of Makoto, stammered, "How could I? I'm... I'm nothing to you."

Makoto retorted, "What do you want to be to me?"

Kushina hurriedly said, "I don't want to. I don't want anything. I'm fine living alone. Please just leave me alone."

She was truly terrified of Makoto.

His methods were endless, repeatedly forcing her to surrender her dignity and obediently comply.

Moreover, Makoto held Minato's life in his hands.

By now, Kushina didn't even know if she could still save Minato.

But apart from that single hope, her life had no other purpose.

It was the only thing sustaining her.

Makoto said calmly, "Ayari treats you so well, and you're really willing to go against her wishes?"

Kushina was left speechless. "I..."

This was an absurd request to begin with, but Makoto spoke about it so righteously, making it impossible for her to respond.

What could she say — call him a lunatic?

Accuse their entire family of having twisted minds?

But Kushina could fully anticipate the consequences if she dared to say such things.

Reality was always this relentless, leaving her no way out.

Makoto controlled everything about her.

She had once been someone deeply cherished by another, but now she was merely a plaything in Hyuga Makoto's grasp — a forbidden possession Minato could never touch again.

She wasn't a bird in a cage.

A bird in a cage, once the door was opened, would fly away.

She was a bird embroidered onto a screen, woven into purple silk laced with golden clouds.

As the years passed, her feathers dimmed, rotted, and were eaten by worms.

Even in death, she remained trapped within that screen.

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