Chapter 18: Daily Life With Mikoto

  For the first time in what felt like years, Uchiha Ren awoke to silence—not the strained silence of a battlefield or the wary calm of a patrol—but true silence, soft and restful. The war at the borders still smoldered, but Konoha had no intention of sending him back to the frontlines. Ren, now a Special Jōnin with numerous merits, had earned his peace, if only temporarily.

  And more than anything, he wanted to spend it with her.

  Mikoto.

  Their relationship, once layered with hidden glances and unspoken emotions, had blossomed into something real and warm. A delicate balance of affection, banter, and silent understanding.

  Ren returned to the village after his audience with the Hokage, frustration still simmering within him from the unfair treatment—no promotion despite all he’d sacrificed. Evening had fallen, painting the sky in soft hues of red and gold. That’s when he saw her.

  Mikoto.

  She stood beneath a blooming cherry tree, wearing a red kimono that danced in the breeze. The sight stopped him cold. Her hair shimmered under the fading sunlight, and her soft eyes held a storm of emotions.

  “You're late,” she said, arms crossed, eyes slightly averted.

  “I had a long meeting,” he replied, stepping closer.

  “I waited…” she muttered, voice softer than the wind. “You dummy.”

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  Ren closed the distance and pulled her gently into a hug. “I’m home.”

  She didn’t reply. But her hands gripped his back tightly.

  Mornings began with sparring. Mikoto had grown fiercer. Ren often held back, but she saw through it.

  “Do you think I’m weak?” she demanded after pinning him.

  “I think you’re amazing,” he replied, flipping her gently to his side.

  Her face flared red. “Idiot…” she muttered—but her smile lingered.

  Afternoons were filled with casual strolls. Mikoto’s tsundere side was in full bloom. She dragged him from stall to stall, stuffing dango into his mouth.

  “You better like this,” she said. “Or else.”

  Ren smirked. “So scary.”

  “You wanna see scary?” she threatened, but blushed when he kissed her cheek in response.

  “I surrender,” he said.

  She huffed and turned away, hiding a pleased smile.

  Evenings were quiet moments. One night, while watching the stars, Ren leaned in and kissed her. Soft, hesitant.

  “You… idiot,” she whispered, breathless. Then kissed him back.

  They went on dates to the lake, to the market, even climbed the Hokage Rock at night. Mikoto would blush at Ren’s teasing, then retaliate with mock threats or embarrassed slaps. Ren soaked it all in—her laugh, her frown, the way she played with his fingers when nervous.

  One afternoon, she tripped while sparring. He caught her, and their lips brushed. She froze.

  “I-It’s your fault!” she shouted, before storming off.

  Ren only smiled. She returned later with a bento. “Eat. Or starve.”

  Eventually, Mikoto brought him to her grandfather, Uchiha Sumihiko.

  Ren bowed. “I wish to marry Mikoto, once peace returns.”

  Sumihiko studied him. “You’re not high-born. But your heart is true. Win peace… then we’ll talk marriage.”

  Ren bowed deeply. “I promise.”

  Their final date was beneath the cherry tree again. Lanterns swayed above. Mikoto wore the same red kimono.

  She pulled out a red ribbon. “Here. I… I chose it for you. Don’t lose it.”

  He knelt. “Tie it on me?”

  She did, hands trembling.

  “I’ll marry you one day, Mikoto.”

  She flushed. “You better.”

  He kissed her then—deep, gentle. Her fingers curled in his hair.

  When they parted, she whispered, “I love you, idiot.”

  “I love you too.”