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For now, Konoha can afford to hold back. After all, other villages will help scout the way first. Konoha just needs to focus on its own internal affairs.
The mess left by the Third Hokage is substantial, and despite efforts to clean it up, there's still a massive hole to fill.
After the Third Hokage and Homura left, Shizune asked quietly.
"Hokage-sama, will the village really take military action against the Akatsuki?"
"What are you thinking?" Tsunade rolled her eyes in exasperation.
Military action isn't something to be taken so lightly.
"But you just said..."
"I did say the village would act against the Akatsuki, but I never specified when."
Tsunade had no intention of being the first to strike. With Shinnosuke and Koharu already lost, she wasn't about to provoke the Akatsuki anytime soon.
She flicked Shizune's forehead and said earnestly.
"You... That was just reassurance for the old man—a show of firm stance against the Akatsuki. Did you really think he wants to charge straight into Amegakure? Too naive."
The fact that the Third left such a mess proves he understands Konoha's current situation. Launching military action now would bring no benefits.
Even the intel about the Sage's Eyes was shared. If they still rushed into a fight, it'd be sheer stupidity. Until other villages test the waters, Tsunade won't move.
---
After returning home, washing up, and changing into fresh clothes, Kazuki headed to the clan head's residence to meet Fugaku.
Upon hearing of Kazuki's return, Fugaku had left the Police Force early, knowing Kazuki would come to discuss matters.
"Patriach."
"Sit." Fugaku gestured.
Kazuki glanced at Fugaku's formal seiza posture, then opted to sit cross-legged instead. Fugaku didn't comment, simply pouring tea and sliding a cup toward Kazuki.
"The tutor list for the remedial class is finalized. Review it."
Fugaku didn't expect this to magically improve the Uchiha's reputation, but he was willing to try.
Kazuki skimmed the list and thought. 'Typical Fugaku—picking only the most patient, mild-tempered clansmen. Afraid the Uchiha temper will scare the kids?'
Most Uchiha had short fuses, so Fugaku prioritized calm instructors. The last thing he wanted was rumors of "Uchiha teachers terrifying students" spreading within days.
As long as the selected members weren't hotheaded or irrational, it'd suffice. The real key figure was Shisui—few in the clan matched his temperament. His presence alone would anchor the Uchiha's image. The others just needed to not mess up.
After a sip of tea, Kazuki brought up the commercial district project.
"I've settled the plans with the Hokage. My proposal is having the Uchiha lead a coalition of clans to fund construction. Shops will be allocated based on investment shares. The Hokage only granted half the total slots."
"Half?" Fugaku paused, then nodded. "That's more than fair."
Even with clans providing funds, Tsunade offering half was generous. Fugaku had expected less.
"You've already considered which clans to ally with?"
The Uchiha couldn't handle this alone—allies were necessary. Monopolizing benefits was unwise; shared interests forged stronger bonds.
"Any clan except the Sarutobi and Shimura can join, provided they contribute funds. The Uchiha will simply hold the largest share."
No exclusivity, but no relinquishing dominance either. Otherwise, why bother spearheading this?
"..."
'Your audacity remains unmatched.'
Hearing Kazuki outright exclude the Sarutobi and Shimura clans left Fugaku stunned. Though the Third had retired, his influence lingered. Openly snubbing them was bold—yet Tsunade had agreed.
Her approval meant she could suppress backlash from excluded clans, freezing them out completely. No matter how profitable the district became, they'd have no stake.
"I'll rest for two days, then meet with representatives to discuss cooperation."
Kazuki was confident no sane clan leader would refuse this opportunity. Such chances to legally expand clan assets were rare. If even the Uchiha were eager, smaller clans would jump at it.
"Good." Fugaku nodded. "The elders and I have agreed—the clan will fully support this. But our backing comes with expected returns."
"Also, since you're back, visit the Hyūga tomorrow with gifts. The timing is auspicious."
"???"
'What? Why?'
Seeing Kazuki's confusion, Fugaku assumed negligence and chided.
"Though you now enjoy the Hokage's trust—and the Hyūga may rely on you—this concerns deep collaboration between our clans. You must take it seriously."
"Must 'I' go?"
Before Kazuki could ask about this "collaboration," Fugaku slammed the table, furious.
"What? Should I, your Patriach visit your future father-in-law and fiancée 'for you'?"
Other matters could slide, but not this. The pride of both clans was at stake—one misstep could turn their rivalry from formal to genuine, making Konoha laugh at them.
'Wait—deep collaboration means marriage? But why involve me? Gifts? Future father-in-law—?'
Kazuki's mind raced.
"Father-in-law... Hyūga Hiashi? Mine?"
This was genuinely bewildering. How did a trip to Kumo result in a fiancée?
Fugaku scowled, arms crossed. "Or should it be mine?"