The whole body was soaked in the hot spring, yet the temperature wasn't enough to make one sweat.
"Mikoto, can you tell me something?"
Feeling the woman in his arms, Kain couldn't help but ask, "Usually you're so reserved, but today you're more fiery and active than ever."
"Stop talking~"
Uchiha Mikoto's cheeks flushed. Even though she had acted boldly moments ago, she still felt embarrassed to have it mentioned afterward.
"It's about Chiwa's sensei," Mikoto said. "She asked me to come here. It seems Sarutobi Asuma is connected to the Shell Organization and has now been implicated and arrested."
Hearing Mikoto mention his daughter, Kain asked in detail, "Who is Chiwa's teacher? And how did she get involved with the Shell Organization?"
"It's Kurenai Yuhi," Mikoto explained. "Her illusion theory is quite good, and Chiwa is interested in illusions, so she sometimes goes to learn from her. I saw her a while ago when picking up Chiwa, and she asked to meet me here."
Kain nodded in understanding. "Hard to refuse, I suppose. After all, she's Chiwa's teacher. But why not have someone from the Uchiha clan teach Chiwa illusion theory?"
Mikoto explained that since Shisui took office, he treated everyone equally—those with skill were sent out on missions. After the Federation of Fire was established, tasks poured in from all over, and there simply weren't enough people. Almost all capable Uchiha were sent out.
Few grandmasters of illusion remained in the village, and the best was Kurenai Yuhi. Mikoto could have spoken to Nawaki about Chiwa's interest, but her gentle, shy nature made her reluctant to use the privileges of the Daimyo Prefecture. Yuhihong had approached her personally to request it.
"I see," Kain reassured her. "You can tell her not to worry—if it has nothing to do with the Shell Organization, she'll be released soon. Shisui won't trouble the Sarutobi family because of me. And Sarutobi Asuma, after all, was a disciple of the Second Hokage."
Sarutobi Hiruzen and his faction had long been forgotten—a mere stumbling block of the past. Who bothers to remember the losers? The Ino–Shika–Chō and Sarutobi families were fools who couldn't read the situation. They wouldn't be targeted in the Federation, but their future growth was gone. They'd remain just ordinary families.
Asuma's link to the Shell Organization was his own doing. If it wasn't deep, he wouldn't be imprisoned. But if he'd willingly conspired and planned rebellion, it would be pointless for anyone to ask Kain for help—he'd be challenging the Daimyo's authority.
Because of the Shell Organization, thousands had been arrested for review. It was one of the biggest incidents since the Federation's founding. Kain could recruit people if he wished, but he had no interest in meddling. Still… his daughter was worth helping.
"Mikoto," Kain said, "I'll handle Chiwa's illusion training and make sure she reaches the pinnacle of the craft. But as her mother, you must do your part."
Kain leaned close and whispered in Mikoto's ear. She pushed him away in embarrassment, but in the end, she agreed.
After Ōtsutsuki Isshiki and Ōtsutsuki Toneri were dealt with, only Black Zetsu remained in the ninja world—but it had lost all hope. In the coming era of big data, Black Zetsu would have no place to hide.
After the first Ōtsutsuki was defeated, three more remained, but they posed little threat. With Kushina's projection and the Holy Grail of the World, any incursion would be swiftly crushed. Though the three were strong, none could match Kushina.
If she unleashed her full power, she would move the fight to another time-space or to uninhabited continents and oceans; in populated areas, she would be forced to hold back.
One day, Kain prepared a gift for his daughter and went to pick up Chiwa from school.
To improve her illusion skills, Kain planned two paths—one was the Kurama clan's "Five Senses Control" bloodline ability, the other was the Eternal Water Elves' gift for creating illusions.
If possible, he would also obtain Loki's spell training method—developed by a Frost Giant who became the Nine Realms' greatest mage, whose illusions were nearly indistinguishable from reality.
For now, the first two abilities were more than enough for Chiwa to master over time. Once proficient, her illusions would be impossible for even the Sharingan to detect.
On the way to take Chiwa to school, Kain encountered a ninja who seemed to be waiting for him.
"My lord, please wait a moment. I beg you to spare me some time," said a black-haired, red-eyed kunoichi.
Kain recognized her after a moment—it was Kurenai Yuhi, the one Mikoto had mentioned. He had seen her in Konoha before.
Letting his clone escort Chiwa, Kain addressed her, "If this is about Sarutobi Asuma, my only advice is not to worry. The Federation will not wrong anyone."
He spoke this way only for Mikoto's sake; normally, a regular ninja wouldn't even see him.
"I know the Federation is fair," Kurenai said, "but please forgive Asuma this once, Daimyo-sama. He was confused for a moment and contacted the rebels."
Seeing Kain about to leave, Kurenai quickly followed, saying she hoped for a pardon from the Daimyo Prefecture, that Asuma was being wronged, and that she could not bear to see him involved in such a matter.
Her desperation was what had led her to approach Uchiha Mikoto in the first place. Being Chiwa's extracurricular illusion teacher came with generous pay, and Mikoto's soft-heartedness had persuaded her to speak to Kain.
But after hearing Kurenai's plea, Kain frowned slightly and asked, "From what you've said, it sounds certain Sarutobi Asuma colluded with the Shell Organization. How do you know? Were you involved?"
"I was not, my lord," Kurenai said, shaking her head. After hesitating, she added, "A few days ago, I asked Mrs. Mikoto to let me visit Asuma in the interrogation department. He told me himself that he was confused for a while and made a mistake."
"Then if the facts are clear, just wait for the Federation's trial," Kain said.
As he moved to leave, Kurenai stepped in front of him, arms spread, blocking his way, and begged once more for Asuma's forgiveness.
However, Kain used magic to stop Kurenai Yuhi from taking a seat in the middle of the street. Although there were very few people on this road, a ninja suddenly sitting down would soon attract attention, and someone might even recognize him.
"Are you threatening me by sitting here?"
"No, no, Daimyo-sama. It's just that no one can save Asuma except you."
"Why should I save someone who rebelled against the Daimyo's Prefecture? You're a ninja of the Federation—has your head been damaged?"
After saying this, Kain ignored Kurenai Yuhi and left using Apparition.
Although research on the first Ōtsutsuki had been largely completed, the matter of the Tenseigan was still waiting for him, and half his time was already taken up with ninja affairs. He had no time to reason with Kurenai Yuhi—everything needed to follow the Federation's rules.
After news of the incident on the moon spread among the Federation's high ranks, the Hyuga clan also heard about it. Hyuga Hiashi, who had stepped down as patriarch, came forward to make inquiries.
However, after learning about the Ōtsutsuki clan on the moon, Hiashi was tactful—he did not ask for the Tenseigan or any artifacts. Instead, he requested from the Daimyo's Prefecture a copy of the Ōtsutsuki clan's heritage records.
Kain naturally agreed to such a small matter.
The Ōtsutsuki inheritance on the moon was nothing compared to what already existed—there were more refined Gentle Fist techniques and Byakugan secrets than the Hyuga clan possessed, though the Hyuga might not even be aware of them.
The existence of the Caged Bird seal was nothing more than a bloodline safeguard—likely created to prevent a future prodigy from gathering enough power to awaken the Tenseigan. Unfortunately, the later clan leaders had twisted its purpose, turning what was meant for protection into a tool of privilege.
The Tenseigan itself was a powerful weapon, and the massive Tenseigan on the moon contained tremendous ocular power, but it was only effective for Byakugan users. This was not an issue for Kain; it wasn't that he lacked Ōtsutsuki genes, only that he hadn't expected anyone to inherit this power.
After a short rest, Nohara Rin said,
"My lord, Hong came to see me yesterday. She wants to meet you again, and I have something to ask as well. Since Hong and I were in the same class back then, I thought I should tell you..."
"This woman still hasn't given up—and now she's found you too?"
Kain frowned with mild irritation, then lightly patted Rin's head. At the moment, she was working very hard, and it wouldn't feel right to refuse her request outright.
Kurenai Yuhi certainly knew how to pick her moments—whether it was Uchiha Mikoto or Nohara Rin, she always managed to get them to speak on her behalf.
"If it's too troublesome, I'll reject Hong directly. I don't want to make things difficult for you, Daimyo-sama," Rin said seriously. If she had to choose between her friend and Kain, she would, of course, choose Kain.
"Forget it. I'll give you some face—I'll go see her tomorrow."
Rin had been with him long enough, and as someone from the Daimyo's Prefecture, her reasonable requests were rarely denied.
When you rule over multiple worlds and hold immense resources, small favors cost you nothing.
The next day
Kain went straight to Kurenai Yuhi's residence. He knocked on the door, which opened shortly after. Kurenai, bare-faced and looking a little tired, froze when she saw him.
Kain said calmly, "Didn't you ask Nohara Rin to speak to me? Why are you so surprised?"
"I just didn't expect the Daimyo-sama to come in person. Forgive my rudeness—please, come in."
She quickly stepped aside, wanting to move the conversation indoors; after all, matters involving accusations of colluding with the Shell Organization were not suitable for discussion outside.
Inside, Kain glanced around. The room bore traces of two people living there, but it was tidy. Aside from a few shochu bottles on the table, everything was in order.
Kurenai busied herself in the kitchen for a moment before bringing a cup of tea to Kain. She had no time to change into formal attire, but she was, after all, one of the most celebrated beauties among the ninja.
Her long, pale legs and slightly weary expression carried a certain charm, though her aura was tinged with helplessness over Asuma's situation.
"My lord..." she began.
"Let's make this short. I spoke with Mikoto and then Rin. For their sakes, I'll give Asuma one last chance. Your partner is quite something—he was practically at the Shell Organization's core, introducing many people to each other. The Federation originally intended to give him the death penalty. Take this order to the interrogation department; his sentence will be reduced to ten years of hard labor."
Konoha Village—the predecessor of the Federation of Fire—had never been lenient toward traitors. Execution was the iron rule, and not even Sarutobi Hiruzen would have been spared.
Ten years in prison was already a mercy—a lesson he would not forget. Otherwise, after all that had happened, nothing would change.
It would be released in a day, which felt no different from not having a lesson at all.
"Ten years."
Kurenai Yuhi had just felt relief knowing Asuma escaped death, but her expression stiffened at those words. Ten years… too long. Ten years of hard labor.
"My lord, can't you reduce it a little?" she pleaded softly.
Kain refused without hesitation. "Too greedy, Jōnin Yuhi Kurenai. Do you think treason can be erased with one word? Or—what can you pay to lessen the crime?"
"I—"
She faltered, unable to answer. The thought of Asuma enduring ten years of hard labor gnawed at her. No one could say how long he would survive in such conditions. The Fire Federation was merciless to those sentenced to labor.
"My lord… is there any way to shorten it? No matter the method, I'm willing to try."
"You're willing to try anything? Don't speak lightly, Jōnin."
Kain reached out, fingers brushing her bare cheek. Her skin was smooth despite her exhaustion, a weariness that only deepened her feminine presence.
The intimate, almost mocking gesture made her shiver. She wanted to pull back—yet Asuma's image stopped her.
She had once overseen labor camps. Days there were brutal: barely five hours for eating and sleeping. Prisoners were driven until they collapsed, the Federation squeezing every drop of strength from them.
If Asuma went there, he wouldn't last.
Kurenai's mind raced. She could accept reality now—Asuma would return after ten years, if he survived. But if she wanted his sentence reduced, it would cost her greatly.
Asuma…
She closed her eyes, memories flashing through her mind, emotions clashing.
If I don't agree, knowing the daimyo's plan… would it really be good for Asuma? Better to free him sooner, then persuade him to abandon revenge. He doesn't have to know. I'll say it was thanks to Nohara Rin and Uchiha Chiwa. He'll believe it. And if he never knows, it's as if it never happened.
"That's right, my lord… I can give anything."
Her voice trembled. Once spoken, the decision weighed heavily, but retreat was no longer possible.
She slipped her shirt off with shaking hands, her trembling betraying the turmoil inside.
"What admirable determination, Jōnin Yuhi Kurenai," Kain said before pulling her into his arms and laying her on the bed.
The two had once shared this space; lying there now, her inner struggle only deepened. But it was already too late to turn back.
Asuma… forgive me.