shopping

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### Konoha Village

#### Inside a High-End Dessert Shop

"This, this, and this… except for these three, get one of everything else!" Uzumaki Kushina said with a big grin.

"Okay, Madam Patriarch, please wait," the clerk answered respectfully before turning around to prepare the desserts.

"Kushina, why do you want so much? It's expensive," Uchiha Mikoto whispered in Kushina's ear.

"It's okay, this is my family's property. I don't need to worry about money," Kushina replied with a smile. "Today, eat as much as you want. I'll cover everything."

Kushina's husband, Takuya Senju, had recently entrusted her with managing all of his properties in Konoha. It was only then that Kushina realized just how wealthy her husband truly was. Even if she kept buying endlessly, she wouldn't be able to spend all the money his businesses generated.

"Wow, Kushina, I really envy you," Mikoto said with a hint of emotion. "Being able to marry the man you love must be wonderful."

Seeing Kushina's cheerful expression, Mikoto couldn't help but feel a bit envious. Marrying a man like Takuya Senju seemed like a dream, and it was evident from Kushina's happiness that she was living it.

"Mikoto, is something on your mind?" Kushina asked, puzzled by Mikoto's tone.

"Lately, my family has been talking about an arranged marriage," Mikoto said, sounding depressed.

Her family had recently informed her that Uchiha Chishima wanted to marry her off to his son, Uchiha Fugaku. As the clan head's decision was final, Mikoto felt resigned to her fate.

"Another arranged marriage?" Kushina snorted coldly. "Mikoto, you shouldn't have to marry someone you don't love."

"Keep your voice down, Kushina," Mikoto whispered urgently. Despite her own reservations, she knew the weight of her family's decision. Looking at Mikoto's dejected expression, Kushina's mind began to race.

"Mikoto, what do you think of Takuya?" Kushina asked suddenly.

"Huh?" Mikoto was taken aback. "Takuya is wonderful, handsome, funny, and incredibly rich…"

Back in their academy days, both girls had admired Takuya Senju. However, after Takuya left the academy, their connection with him had faded.

"If you had to choose between Takuya and Fugaku, who would you pick?" Kushina pressed on.

"Kushina… Takuya and I haven't been in touch for a long time," Mikoto stammered, feeling embarrassed.

"No, I mean it," Kushina insisted. "Answer honestly. I'm not implying anything."

"Well… of course, I would choose Takuya," Mikoto admitted reluctantly. "Are you happy now?"

She couldn't help but think that Kushina was showing off. While she was trapped in an unwanted engagement, her friend was happily married.

Kushina chuckled. "Don't worry, Mikoto. If you don't want to marry Uchiha Fugaku, leave it to me. You deserve to find your happiness too."

Kushina had an idea. Since she and Takuya were committed to revitalizing the Senju clan, why not marry Mikoto into the family? Mikoto was gentle, beautiful, and possessed the Uchiha bloodline. The union would strengthen the Senju clan in multiple ways.

"Mikoto, I just remembered something I need to take care of. Enjoy the desserts, and I'll surprise you next time!" Kushina said, leaving hastily.

Mikoto watched her leave, confused. "What's gotten into her today?"

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### Senju Compound

Kushina arrived home, her mind buzzing with excitement. She found Takuya in his study, going over some documents.

"Takuya, I need to talk to you about something important," Kushina said, closing the door behind her.

"What's on your mind, Kushina?" Takuya asked, looking up with a smile.

"It's about Mikoto. She's being forced into an arranged marriage with Uchiha Fugaku, and she's miserable about it," Kushina explained. "I was thinking… what if we invited her to join our family instead?"

Takuya raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "You mean… marry her into the Senju clan?"

"Yes," Kushina said eagerly. "She's been my best friend since our academy days. She's kind, strong, and has the Uchiha bloodline. It would be a perfect match."

Takuya considered her words. "It's an interesting idea, Kushina. If it makes you happy and strengthens our clan, I'm open to it. We should speak to her and see how she feels."

Kushina beamed. "Thank you, Takuya. I'll talk to her right away!"

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### High-End Dessert Shop

Mikoto was still enjoying her desserts when Kushina returned, a determined look on her face.

"Mikoto, I have a proposal for you," Kushina said, sitting down beside her.

"What is it?" Mikoto asked, curious.

"How would you feel about joining the Senju clan?" Kushina asked directly. "Marrying Takuya?"

Mikoto's eyes widened in shock. "Kushina, are you serious?"

"Yes, I am," Kushina said firmly. "You deserve to be happy, and Takuya is open to the idea. Think about it, Mikoto. You don't have to accept a marriage you don't want."

Mikoto felt a glimmer of hope. Could this be her chance at happiness? She looked at Kushina and saw the sincerity in her eyes.

"I'll… I'll think about it, Kushina. Thank you," Mikoto said, feeling a mix of emotions.

Kushina smiled. "Take your time, Mikoto. We're here for you, no matter what you decide."

As they continued their conversation, Mikoto felt a sense of relief wash over her. For the first time in a long while, she saw a possible path to a happy future.

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Thank you for reading 🖤