"Master Uchiha Shin, I will do my best!"
Mei Terumi clenched her delicate fists, determination flashing in her striking green eyes as she responded to Uchiha Shin's imposing gaze.
Watching Mei Terumi submit at the speed of light, the gathered shinobi cursed inwardly.
They had no right to call her out—they knew full well that if they had been chosen, they'd be groveling at Uchiha Shin's feet just as quickly. Even if they were mere puppets, they were still puppets at the top of the food chain.
Seeing Mei Terumi's quick compliance, Uchiha Shin gave a satisfied nod. Without hesitation, he raised his palm and pointed at several shinobi. In an instant, beams of light shot from his hand.
The energy silently sank into their bodies, forming intricate crimson markings across Mei Terumi's lower abdomen and those of the Yuki Clan members. As for the others, three magatama symbols appeared on their arms.
"This is my Sage's Curse Seal," Shin declared, his tone calm yet absolute. "You guessed right—it does allow me to monitor you."
He paused for effect, his Sharingan flashing ominously before he continued, "But at the same time, it accelerates your training. In critical moments, you can even borrow my power."
Silence fell. Some turned pale, but the realization of the strength they had just gained quickly overshadowed their fear. Their hesitation morphed into awe, and eventually, they accepted their fates.
Power was power, after all. Better to live as enhanced tools than die as irrelevant rebels.
Uchiha Shin turned his gaze toward the battlefield, eyeing the remains of the skeletal landscape left behind by Kaguya Shigemaru's Shikotsumyaku. He raised a single hand seal.
The land quivered. Then, as if the bones had never existed, the terrain smoothed itself into a pristine plain.
Glancing at the ruined structures around him, Shin formed another sequence of hand seals.
"Mokuton: Multiple Residence Technique."
A deep rumble echoed as the ground shook violently. One by one, towering wooden buildings erupted from the earth, replacing the destroyed houses and reforming the village skyline.
"Now that's more like it," Shin murmured, admiring his handiwork. "Mei, I'll send you the construction plans tomorrow. We're rebuilding Kirigakure."
He shot her a pointed glance. "Understand?"
Mei Terumi, now the acting Mizukage, nodded firmly despite the overwhelming weight of responsibility pressing upon her.
Shin then gestured for her to follow. Without hesitation, he pulled Mei Terumi by the arm, walking side by side toward the Mizukage's office.
The watching shinobi could only stare in envy. They knew their place, but if they had been in her position, they would have worshipped Shin without question.
As they walked, Shin's voice carried authority. "Kirigakure's forces need to be reorganized. I want every shinobi accounted for. Any dissenters?" He smirked darkly. "Give me the list."
Nearby, Mei Terumi scribbled notes furiously, struggling to keep up with his rapid directives. She sighed, rolling a loose strand of hair between her fingers. "Master Uchiha Shin, you're truly skilled at this. I'm struggling just to write everything down."
Shin chuckled, unconcerned. "Mistakes are fine. That's what subordinates are for. If anyone refuses to follow orders, let me know."
He flashed a sharp grin. "I'll be staying in Kirigakure for a while. This village is under your command now, but if you need a reminder of who's truly in charge, just ask."
Mei Terumi felt a heavy sense of trust in his words. They had been enemies mere hours ago, yet Shin was placing this much faith in her.
Of course, any shinobi who dared resist soon found themselves executed under Shin's watchful gaze.
Through a mix of raw intimidation and undeniable benefits, he bent Kirigakure to his will. The cost of food had skyrocketed before his arrival, and hunger loomed over the village.
But Shin? He offered an unlimited supply of provisions. More than that, he slashed prices to a mere fraction of their previous cost.
And just like that, the village surrendered without hesitation.
Loyalty? Ideals? None of it mattered when the alternative was starvation.
With resistance dead and his voice absolute, Shin ruled as an unchallenged sovereign.
Days passed. The outside world remained oblivious, but within Kirigakure's walls, Uchiha Shin had taken full control.
Today, Mei Terumi had a new lesson to learn—one that involved "cleaning up."
As the Mizukage's office door clicked shut, she knelt before him, her expression conflicted yet obedient.
Click—
The sound of the door suddenly opening sent a jolt through both of them.
Uchiha Shin and Mei Terumi both inhaled sharply as a gust of cold air swept in.
"Ahem! Is it snowing?"
A black-haired woman stepped inside, her elegant kimono shifting with her movements. Her features were so flawless they resembled delicate porcelain.
Her pale skin had a glow to it, untouched by sunlight. Yet, a faint, intoxicating fragrance clung to her, as though she carried the scent of falling snow itself.
Her figure was graceful, hidden beneath the loose folds of her robe, with only hints of her curves subtly peeking through.
Step. Step. Step.
The beauty named Yuki stopped before him, bowing slightly with an air of refined grace. A warm yet reserved smile graced her lips, reminiscent of winter's gentle sunlight.
"Master Uchiha Shin," she said, voice as soft as a breeze. "This is the latest intelligence regarding the deployment of Kirigakure's forces."
She held out a document, her fingers delicate yet steady. "Additionally, Sunagakure has informed us that they have dispatched a jonin named Pakura."
Shin's eyebrow arched. "Pakura?"
He took the document, flipping through the pages with interest.
Sunagakure had surrendered a powerful kunoichi to Kirigakure, a political hostage to ensure their so-called alliance remained intact.
Lowering the document, Shin's eyes flicked toward Mei Terumi. She nodded slightly, confirming the details.
Yuki, noticing the silent exchange, flushed a deep shade of pink. Her composure faltered for the first time as realization dawned upon her.
As Mei Terumi's secretary, she was well aware of what had been transpiring behind closed doors.
Yuki, the most beautiful maiden of the Yuki Clan, had been chosen to serve Uchiha Shin. Though she had only recently been assigned this role, the scene before her left her flustered and embarrassed.
Shin, noticing the shift in her demeanor, smirked playfully.
"Come here," he ordered with a lazy wave of his hand.
Yuki hesitated for only a second before stepping closer, eyes lowered. Her porcelain-white face remained beautifully composed, though the faintest tremor betrayed her nerves.
Lifting her delicate chin with a single finger, Shin leaned in, exhaling warm breath against her ear.
Huff—
A shiver ran down Yuki's spine, a visible flush spreading across her swan-like neck.
Although she did not faint like a certain Hyuga girl, the sight of her embarrassment still amused him.
Shin chuckled darkly. "Your first day on the job, and you're already making progress."
His voice dropped lower. "Tell me, Yuki—are you afraid of me?"
The girl's voice was barely a whisper. "My Lord, I… I just need time to adjust."
Shin's grin widened. "That's fine. You'll get used to it soon enough."
With a smirk, he traced his finger down her jawline before taking what was his.
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