"Oh?" Uchiha Izumi's dark eyes widened slightly in surprise. She had spoken casually, half-joking even, when she mentioned marriage, never expecting Uchiha Fugaku to actually propose that she marry his son.
But Fugaku's voice was firm as he continued, "You and Itachi have a good relationship, don't you? If you marry him, I will approve your request without hesitation. You know my son — he is very capable, and loyal to the Clan."
Izumi's lips curled into a meaningful smile. She paused to consider the proposition, weighing the political implications, the power balance, and her own ambitions. Finally, she nodded, "I agree."
"Hmph." Fugaku's expression softened for the first time in days, a rare smile breaking through his usually stern demeanor. The thought that the coup could succeed, and that his son might wield power as Izumi's husband, was a vision that filled him with pride and confidence.
"When the time comes," Fugaku added with a sly grin, "I will teach my son a few tricks — see if he can train you to be utterly obedient. To have eyes for no one but him. Hmph hmph."
"If you refuse to marry Itachi," Fugaku's tone turned icy again, "then you will not become Hokage. If that happens, I or my son will take that position instead. My son loses nothing in this arrangement."
Izumi smiled softly in return. "As long as the coup succeeds, I will marry him. However, Clan Head, you must understand that Itachi's current stance is somewhat uncertain. He is young, and has been praised extensively by the Third Hokage and Danzo Shimura. At times, it feels like he doesn't even know who he truly is anymore."
"So, you must have a thorough talk with him. Don't let your son become another enemy for us. My relationship with Itachi is good, but when it comes to conflict, I will show no mercy."
Fugaku nodded gravely. "Rest assured, I will explain everything to him. After all, he is a member of the Uchiha Clan."
Izumi chuckled, the sound light but laced with meaning. "That's for the best. It would be dangerous if he became an enemy."
"I still have faith in Itachi," Fugaku said softly. "He has always been a kind person at heart. But he was misled by Konoha's higher-ups, which has distanced him from us."
"I will handle it," Fugaku promised.
Changing the subject, Fugaku asked, "So, will you continue to work at the Hokage's office? To coordinate from within during the coup?"
Izumi shook her head slowly. "No. The Hokage doesn't trust me either. If I returned, I wouldn't be given any important tasks and would constantly be watched. Besides, for internal coordination, Itachi alone is enough."
"That's true." Fugaku agreed. "Then you should join our Konoha Military Police Force. I will also clarify the misunderstandings some clan members have about you."
Izumi shook her head again, a sly smile on her lips. "There's no need. Suddenly becoming friendly would make them think I've reconciled with you all."
"If I continue as before," she explained, "they won't know if I truly joined you or if I'm simply playing a game, perhaps trying to get more conditions from you. That way, we might get useful information from them."
Fugaku nodded thoughtfully. "That might work better."
"Then this matter is settled." Izumi stood, smoothing out the wrinkles in her clothing. "From now on, I will be your daughter, Fugaku."
She smirked mischievously. "But we'll talk about that after you succeed."
Fugaku's face broke into a broad smile. "Hmph, we will definitely succeed!"
After Fugaku left, Izumi stuck out her tongue and muttered to herself with a smile, "Love? Maybe experiencing it wouldn't be so bad. In my previous life, I barely experienced love. Now that I'm a woman, I wonder if it feels different?"
She sighed, eyes softening with a hint of wistfulness. "I really should have had a proper relationship back then. Now that I'm a woman, I can't experience the male perspective anymore. And after all, I've grown used to a woman's way of thinking and acting. It's a bit of a pity."
"But habit is a strange thing," Izumi mused, gazing out the window. "Once you slowly get used to a certain life, it all becomes natural."
Her lips curled into a serene smile. "Let me enjoy these last moments in Konoha as I please."
---
The following day, at the Hokage's Office:
The Third Hokage sat behind his desk, his expression grave as he reviewed a report. He looked up, brows furrowed in concern.
"Are you certain?" he asked Izumi quietly. "You really want to join the Uchiha Clan's Konoha Military Police Force?"
Izumi nodded firmly. "Yes. It was customary for all Uchiha Clan ninja to work in the Military Police Force after graduation. I didn't join earlier because I was too young and inexperienced. But now that I've matured, I think it's time to take on this role."
The Third Hokage leaned back, troubled. "But I've heard you were ostracized by them because of your mother's legacy."
Izumi's eyes narrowed slightly, a faint smile playing on her lips. "Yes, but I also learned that my mother was actually killed by Root ninja while in Konoha Hospital, Hokage-sama."
"Impossible." The Third Hokage stood, shocked. "You must believe in Konoha's integrity. Danzo wouldn't do such a thing. What would be the benefit? To turn you against us?"
Izumi sighed deeply. "Hokage-sama, I no longer want to be involved in disputes. I just want to live a simple life — maintaining the Village's security by serving in the Military Police Force. I want to avoid political entanglements."
The Third Hokage's stern expression softened. He studied the young woman before him — so young, yet bearing the weariness of one far older.
"Very well," he said finally. "I respect your decision. You have my permission to work in the Konoha Military Police Force."
"Thank you, Hokage-sama." Izumi bowed and left.
After her departure, the Third Hokage's face darkened once more. "How did Uchiha Izumi learn of her mother's fate? Investigate immediately. Inform Danzo and have him explain himself."
"Yes, sir!" a voice replied, but the figure vanished like smoke through the window before the Third Hokage could see.
He lifted his pipe, lost in thought. Izumi's alignment with the Uchiha was troubling. Was she truly siding with them, or was she merely seeking peace?
---
Meanwhile, at Uchiha Fugaku's residence:
Several clan members voiced their doubts.
"Clan Head," one man asked, "why do you want Uchiha Izumi to join the Konoha Military Police Force? She killed an elder!"
"Exactly! She holds a grudge against our clan. She doesn't belong among us!"
Fugaku fixed them with a steady gaze. "The past is the past. I've spoken with the elders, and they agree. Uchiha Izumi will be a vital combat force and a comrade."
He sighed, "Her case was a misunderstanding. Rest assured."
"Ah… this…" the group faltered.
Fugaku waved dismissively. "This matter is settled. Return to your duties."
"Yes, Clan Head." The group dispersed, though their resentment lingered beneath the surface.
Izumi paid no mind. She cared little for their opinions. She was here to experience the Konoha Military Police Force, to carve her own path, and to enjoy the power and intrigue it offered.
---
Izumi's thoughts floated as she prepared for what lay ahead.
She was a woman reborn in a world rife with danger and opportunity.
Now, the game had truly begun.
---
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