Though the Uchiha possessed a terrifyingly powerful kekkei genkai—and now had a powerhouse like Uchiha Yuzuru—strength alone didn't mean everything to a hidden village.
If they weren't truly settling in Kumogakure, that power would become a hidden danger.
To the Third Raikage's concern, Yuzuru chuckled and said mildly, "Nothing could be simpler."
"Our Uchiha clan has no rule against marrying other shinobi."
"Really?!" The Third Raikage slapped the desk so hard it exploded into splinters.
In his original plan, it would be enough if the Uchiha settled down in Kumogakure in peace. Even if they couldn't contribute much, at least they wouldn't bring the village trouble.
But now Yuzuru was saying they were willing to intermarry with Kumogakure's shinobi!
"First, let's be clear: while I'll allow marriages between the Uchiha and your shinobi, anyone who wants to marry an Uchiha woman must marry into our clan."
Yuzuru stated his condition.
The system's rewards were tied to the Uchiha population. Marriage was fine—but Uchiha women couldn't marry out of the clan.
"That's nothing. Agreed."
The Third Raikage waved it off without a care.
As long as there was a blood bond with the village, the ties would be unbreakable.
And as for the children's surname…
Was that really important?
"Also, the orphan of the Uzumaki clan will be joining Kumogakure with us."
"As long as it's an equal exchange, both Uchiha ninjutsu and Uzumaki sealing techniques can aid Kumogakure's shinobi in their training."
Kumogakure's Lightning Release and body-tempering methods were excellent. For many Uchiha with a lightning affinity, such an exchange was more than fair.
Besides, he had no intention of leaving Kumogakure anyway; sharing resources was truly win–win.
"Yuzuru, you've given me a real surprise!"
Back when the Land of Whirlpools was destroyed, it was because every nation feared the Uzumaki's sealing arts.
And now, Kumogakure had a chance to obtain those very techniques!
Add in the Uchiha's inherited ninjutsu resources…
The Third Raikage felt as if he were dreaming. Tonight's gains far exceeded his expectations.
So this was the heritage of the foremost clan in the shinobi world—terrifying!
How foolish were those Konoha fools to drive a clan like the Uchiha out of the village?
Finding Yuzuru more and more agreeable, the Third Raikage strode forward, clasped Yuzuru's hand, and laughed heartily. "Yuzuru, from today on, you and I are brothers!"
That was Kumogakure's plain, straightforward way—even closeness was sworn like this.
Just then, the door to the Raikage's office was kicked open.
'A' stormed in, seething. He jabbed a finger at Yuzuru and snarled, "You bastard, you dare come to our Kumogakure? I'll kill you right now!"
Before he could move, the Third Raikage flickered behind him and smacked the back of his head.
"Brat! How are you talking to your Uncle Yuzuru?"
Rubbing his head in a daze, A glanced between the Raikage and Yuzuru, incredulous. "Uncle… Yuzuru?"
"You punk, if you're rude again, I'll slap you to death."
The Third Raikage shot A a glare, then turned back to Yuzuru with a beaming smile. "Yuzuru, my son's not exactly young anymore. About a marriage alliance…"
Every Raikage had abandoned surname and given name alike, keeping only the codename "A."
So even if his son had to marry into another clan, the Third Raikage didn't bat an eye.
Yuzuru waved it off. "We advocate for freedom in love. That sort of thing depends on his own effort."
Hearing their exchange, A—who'd just regained his senses—froze again.
A… marriage alliance?
His brain seized up.
His father…
Wasn't under genjutsu, right?!
—
When Yuzuru returned to the Uchiha compound, Mikoto Uchiha and Kushina Uzumaki were both asleep on the table.
At the sound of the door opening, they lifted their heads at once.
The instant they saw Yuzuru, both of them rushed over.
"Yuzuru, you're finally back."
Mikoto clutched his arm, eyes slightly red.
He'd been away so many days, going alone to a dangerous place like Kumogakure—she'd been worried sick.
Yuzuru smiled, patting her back. "Mikoto, in this shinobi world, no one can threaten me."
"It's done. From now on, we'll settle in Kumogakure."
Mikoto nodded, unconcerned. "I'll follow your lead. As long as you're there, anywhere is fine."
Catching Mikoto off guard, Yuzuru secretly winked at Kushina.
To his surprise, Kushina stepped up and took his other arm.
"Hey! Kushina, you—"
"Mikoto, I didn't do anything."
Mikoto shot Yuzuru a sidelong look and pinched his waist, mock-angry. "Lucky you, you incorrigible flirt."
Kushina huffed. "While you were gone, I laid it all out with Mikoto. I'm done sneaking around—I want to hold you openly, too."
At that, Yuzuru let out a sigh of relief.
Looked like the battlefield at home had been resolved. All good.
With an arm around each of them, he put on a helpless face. "Honestly, I'm a very devoted man—but kind as I am, I can't harden my heart to turn away such pure girls."
"Sigh… the troubles of an excellent man."
He took a deep breath.
'Smells so good…'
"Pervert."
Kushina muttered and slipped free of his embrace.
When this guy was serious, it was impossible to look away, but when he wasn't, you couldn't help but want to hit him.
"Yuzuru, I'll tell the Former clan head you've returned. They've been waiting on your news all this time."
Mikoto straightened up, gentle as ever. "Yuzuru, are you hungry? I'll make you something."
"Go on, then."
Watching the two of them pretend to be busy, Yuzuru sighed helplessly.
'System, oh system, you've brought me such hardship.'
'If it weren't for ensuring the Uchiha clan's population thrives, why would a pure-hearted boy like me end up in this situation!'
T/n:
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