The midday sunshine streams through the office window, casting its warm embrace. Yet, the outside air carries an icy chill, tinged with a biting wind. On the ground, the snowflakes begin their delicate dance of melting, their existence seemingly adding a touch of bone-chilling cold to the atmosphere.
Within the office, Yugao Uzuki stands, her form illuminated by the afternoon light. She holds a stack of documents in her hands.
"Yoru-sama, I've brought the materials," Yugao Uzuki states.
Uchiha Yoru's countenance remains characteristically enigmatic, while Yugao's demeanor hints at a mixture of awkwardness and confusion.
"Shouldn't you be resting at home today?" Yoru inquires, his seemingly innocent question provoking a startled reaction from Yugao, reminiscent of a startled feline.
"Yoru-sama, I'm well now and prepared to resume my work," Yugao responds, attempting composure but betraying lingering nervousness.
Although she projects an air of collectedness, the underlying anxiety is palpable. Retrieving a stack of money from her pocket, Yugao places it on the table before Yoru.
"Um, Yoru-sama, I'd like to return this money to you."
Her sincerity is evident. Despite all that transpired, she is determined to rectify the situation by returning the money she had taken earlier. Yoru's smile widens, his satisfaction stemming from the implications of power—even when wielded by a spy.
"Yugao, manage the tasks at hand, and later, accompany me to the training grounds," Yoru instructs, gently taking her trembling hand and tucking the money back into her pocket. His soothing words follow: "Yugao, the path of a ninja requires substantial resources, and this is your rightful share."
Yugao gazes at the money once again tucked into her pocket, her hand held by Yoru. Her face flushes even deeper, as if she could drip water at any moment. She stammers, "Um, Yoru-sama, I'll head downstairs first."
As the flustered figure departs, a knowing expression graces Yoru's face. His smile carries a nuanced understanding—he suspects she may have been acting, but when it comes to matters of the heart, especially Yugao's steadfast nature, he's confident that the ruse will captivate even the Third Hokage.
Yugao Uzuki steps out of the office building, nervously patting her chest. In this moment, her heartbeat sounds distinct in the still afternoon air. Though the ANBU orchestrated everything, her nerves had genuinely flared just now—her performance utterly authentic.
This is precisely why the ANBU crafted this plan for her: to establish proximity to the target. Spying isn't about advanced acting or elaborate techniques; sometimes, it's about making the most of circumstances.
For the sake of this meticulously devised plan and the groundwork laid over the past month, she fully grasps the gravity of indebtedness. The money in her pocket now seems to amplify her nervousness, her cheeks burning with unspoken emotion.
"Yugao."
With a sudden soft exhale, Yugao feels her hair stand on end. Turning her head in alarm, she discovers Hayate Gekko standing there, his expression apologetic.
Seeing him, Yugao's tension eases, and she wipes a bead of sweat from her temple. She offers a quick smile. "Hayate, is something wrong?"
The sun's rays glint off the snowy ground, casting Yugao in a different light today. While she once radiated determination and strength, now there's a touch of vulnerability—stirring Hayate's protective instincts.
She seems like an injured little wildcat, freezing him momentarily. Gathering himself, he scratches his head and chuckles, "Yugao, this is my earnings for the month. It's not much, but I thought it might help you."
Hayate's earnest expression shifts to bashfulness. "Almost all my money goes into training, so I don't have much saved. Though it's little, I hope you don't mind."
Yugao's smile blooms as she looks at Hayate's sincerity, then glances at the money. Yet, deep within her heart, a faint disappointment lingers—though she can't pinpoint why.
His modest offering contrasts sharply with the pocket money she now carries—handed to her with casual ease. His gesture, though heartfelt, feels naïve and unpracticed compared to her current reality.
"Hayate, thank you. My problems have been resolved."
"Resolved?" Hayate repeats, scratching his head. "How did you manage to resolve them?"
He immediately regrets the phrasing but stands there with an embarrassed smile, awaiting her answer.
Yugao, transformed overnight, feels she has matured beyond recognition. She can no longer share her secret but forces a gentle smile. "Captain Yoru helped me resolve it. The condition is to serve him for ten years."
Her words hang in the crisp air—servitude, loyalty, the feudal echoes of an older era. Yet she speaks with calm acceptance, the final leaf in a chain of fateful choices.
"Yugao, I'm sorry I couldn't offer more assistance." Hayate's voice trembles with genuine concern.
Yugao waves him off with another pale smile. "Thank you, Hayate. You're kind, but I'm exhausted today. I'll take my leave."
"Yugao, shall I walk with you?" Hayate offers, but she simply shakes her head and departs, leaving him clutching his coins in stunned silence.
"Well," he mutters, turning to head home, "at least I can treat myself to more ramen tonight."
Neither Hayate nor Yugao realizes they serve the same hidden master. In the labyrinth of ANBU intrigue, even allies unknowingly cross blades. They each walk paths of espionage, blinded by loyalty to shadows.
…
On the training field within the Uchiha clan territory, the melting snow leaves a chill in the air. Yugao composes herself as she steps onto the crisp ground, her posture blending bashfulness and resolve. Yoru stands waiting, his expression unreadable.
"Yugao… blood type A, born on November 3rd, fond of flowers, Chūnin rank, specializing in swordsmanship," Yoru quietly recites, his eyes reflecting intellect as he reveals her dossier.
A surge of surprise courses through her—no noble gesture goes unnoticed among the Uchiha. Concealed within the clan's own ranks, her presence remains a secret. She had been chosen carefully by the ANBU Head, her every step—untraceable.
"Yoru-sama." She bows deeply, her pallor betraying her nerves. But when she looks up, she finds not accusation, but a gentle offering: a piece of paper pinched between his fingers.
"This is a chakra-nature test paper," Yoru says softly, extending it to her.
She hesitates, then with trembling fingers accepts it. Though expensive, it's a priceless tool for any ninja.
"Infuse your chakra into it to discover your nature."
She breathes deeply and channels her chakra. The paper splits cleanly in two.
Yoru's expression shifts to satisfaction. "Congratulations, Yugao. You possess Wind nature—an exceptionally rare affinity, oriented toward potent offense."
Despite her commoner origins, her abilities shine through. Her face breaks into a genuine smile.
Watching her, Yoru thinks: No flaws detected. Her performance rings true. I'll ensure ANBU loses this asset—and I gain a loyal ally.
"Yugao, earlier your palms showed signs of training injuries—delicate hands perfect for swordsmanship." With that, he hands her a finely crafted Uchiha clan blade.
"Yoru-sama, this is too valuable."
He waves her concern away with a smile. "Keep it. I've erased the clan crest so outsiders won't recognize it."
"From now on, complete your duties in the morning and never forsake training in the afternoon. I'll personally guide your swordsmanship every day."
She accepts the blade, heart pounding. In her mind, she vows: I'll master this art—for him.
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