Chapter 069: Because You're a Good Girl

Although the heinous acts were initiated by the nobles themselves, the Senju clan, who facilitated this phenomenon, were no saints either.

Thus, Tsukuyo warned everyone not to become complacent or arrogant. Instead, they should remain humble, avoid flaunting their wealth, and never voluntarily disclose their newfound riches to other ninja clans or ethnic groups. At this point, Tsukuyo's influence within the Senju clan had already surpassed that of their father, Senju Butsuma.

This made Wakama realize one thing: only the strong could dictate the rules, while the weak were forced to abide by the rules set by the strong. Therefore, Tsukuyo's seemingly absurd dream that once they were strong enough, they would lead the entire clan to surrender to their enemy clans, forcing them to provide food and shelter while integrating them into their own clan would undoubtedly come true. Under Tsukuyo's guidance, the Senju clan was gradually transforming.

Meanwhile, their eldest brother, Senju Hashirama, was beginning to display god-like power in his mastery of Wood Release.

Uchiha Yuki never expected that the Senju clan's autumn could be so beautiful. It was a stark contrast to the war-torn ninja world outside. Deep within the forests of Naka River, the Senju clan's territory, with a population of less than two thousand, was like a golden paradise when the lush green world began to take on the hues of sunset.

Surrounding the rice fields were unique Senju-style buildings, an architectural style Uchiha Yuki had never seen before. With their upturned eaves and structures carved into the mountainside, the buildings were beautiful and harmoniously integrated with nature. Additionally, the clan's territory was encircled by dense, beautiful, and unknown plants. These plants stood at least two meters tall, with some reaching up to five meters, their branches adorned with large, snow-white flowers that bloomed proudly, creating a stunning sight.

However, Wakama warned Uchiha Yuki that these plants were extremely dangerous to humans, especially to the Uchiha clan, who relied on their ocular techniques. He urged her not to touch the snow-white flowers out of curiosity.

Uchiha Yuki gazed at the endless rice fields, the majestic and towering buildings, and the beautiful, towering plants that surpassed the height of the structures. Suddenly, she blurted out, "Aren't you afraid that I might just cast a Fire Release on your bountiful fields, now that you've so openly brought me to your clan's territory?"

Wakama, who had just returned with two nectarines from a nearby villager, handed one to Uchiha Yuki and replied nonchalantly, "You wouldn't."

His confidence puzzled her, and she couldn't help but ask, "How can you be so sure I wouldn't do that?"

In response, Wakama simply smiled and said, "Because you're a good girl."

Uchiha Yuki: "..."

How annoying...

Yet, she couldn't help but feel pleased by his sweet words.

Before entering the clan's territory, Wakama had Uchiha Yuki change her clothes and appearance once more. This way, even if other villagers saw her, they wouldn't harbor any hostility toward her. Moreover, since she was walking alongside Wakama, no one would suspect her.

Holding the nectarine Wakama had given her, Uchiha Yuki remarked with surprise, "Is this a peach? Why does it look..."

"Hairless, right?" Wakama chuckled. "It's my sister's creation. She loves experimenting with food. Besides these, she's also developed grapes of various colors and is researching other fruits."

"Then... wouldn't these fruits be very expensive?" Uchiha Yuki asked nervously.

She had met Wakama in the spring of this year, so they had only known each other for a few months, not even a full year. Yet, ever since she agreed to be his forbidden "lover," she had unknowingly accepted countless gifts from him none of which were ordinary. The sheer number of gifts had reached a point where she could never repay him, leaving her deeply conflicted.

She often found herself wondering: Did the girl Wakama spoke of really exist? Had she not returned after all this time? Was she... never coming back? Had Wakama moved on from the shadow she left behind? When would Wakama and she part ways?

She didn't know... and she didn't want to know.

Since Wakama hadn't brought it up, Uchiha Yuki didn't want to ask. She thought it would be better if things could just continue like this. If only they could stay this way forever...

But was that really possible? The Uchiha clan would never approve, would they? And judging by the Senju clan's demeanor, perhaps they wouldn't agree either.

What was she even thinking? Wakama was a scoundrel. Back then, he had been heartbroken over that girl's departure, so he must have truly cared for her, right? Yet, instead of seeking her out to ease his pain, he chose to pour his love into another girl.

Uchiha Yuki knew that if she were to leave one day, even if Wakama were saddened by it, he would quickly find another girl to love, just as he had done with her. He... was that kind of man gentle, considerate, yet fickle and heartless.

But... his charms were too many, making it hard to let go.

Once again, Uchiha Yuki inwardly chastised herself.

"Yuki?" Wakama waved his hand in front of her eyes. "What are you thinking about? Of course, these fruits would be expensive if sold. After all, my sister put effort into developing them. If you want to eat them, you'd have to pay a fair price. But I'm her brother, and she dotes on me, so she lets me have them. You're eating my share, so don't feel burdened."

Uchiha Yuki continued to look at Wakama with a complex expression. Clearly, his reassurance had no effect.

"How about we go to the hot springs?" Wakama pretended not to notice her unease and smiled. "I have a private hot spring garden, just like my brothers. Would you like to visit mine?"

Uchiha Yuki nodded, her words growing fewer. She was lost in thought, wondering if Wakama would seek out another girl if she suddenly became distant. Every time she thought about it, she felt a pang of sadness.

Uchiha Yuki followed Wakama to his private hot spring. True to his word, the place was secluded, and compared to the hot springs in the wilderness, it felt much safer. Aside from the luxurious buildings, the area was surrounded by Senju-style structures and defensive greenery. Here, one could truly relax both body and mind.

Preoccupied with her thoughts, Uchiha Yuki undressed and stepped into the water. Even though she was sharing the hot spring with Wakama, she no longer felt the initial sense of shame. At first, it had been embarrassing, but over time, she had grown accustomed to it.

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