Chapter 80

Uchiha Mikoto returned home after saying goodbye to Namikaze Minato and Uzumaki Kushina.

The three of them had successfully completed a B-rank mission to eliminate marauding pirates.

"Mikoto."

As soon as she opened the door, she saw Uchiha Fugaku.

"Is there something you need?" Mikoto asked, her tone indifferent.

Fugaku sighed inwardly. Ever since Mikoto awakened her Sharingan, her attitude had subtly changed. However, it wasn't the arrogance or complacency one might expect from a sudden increase in power. He couldn't quite understand it, feeling there was an invisible barrier between them.

"I heard you returned. The family meeting is about to start, and you are eligible to attend."

"A family meeting?" Mikoto pondered briefly and nodded. "I'll go with you."

"Alright." Fugaku smiled.

They headed to Naka Shrine. Many clansmen had arrived before them and greeted them as they entered. Only those with three-tomoe Sharingan or jounin-level strength could attend, so the numbers weren't large—around thirty, excluding those on missions. Even so, it solidified their reputation as the strongest clan in Konoha. After all, the entire village had only a few hundred jounin.

"Father." Fugaku bowed.

"Sit down," said Uchiha Hisaku, smiling. He glanced at Mikoto. "Mikoto, you too."

"Yes." Mikoto sat beside Fugaku.

A moment later, the long table in the hall was full.

"Everyone, please look at today's newspaper."

Hisaku waved his hand, and a newspaper floated to each person.

Mikoto focused on the headline: "Learn from Obito?" This was Haruki's doing. What was his intention? She began to ponder. Knowing Haruki, his actions always had a purpose.

The shrine erupted in noise.

"What does the Hokage mean? Everyone knows Obito's lack of talent, yet he's being praised. Is this to insult the Uchiha?"

"I don't think the Hokage is that petty."

"Hmph, the Hokage and Danzo don't like us. It's not surprising they'd insult us."

"I suspect there's a conspiracy here. We must be cautious, Patriarch."

Mikoto frowned. The resentment was too great. Their pride led them to disrespect everyone, including the Hokage, worsening relations. She recalled Haruki's words: to solve the Uchiha's problem, one must engage with the people. Mikoto realized Haruki's actions were aimed at improving the Uchiha's image. With the Hokage's endorsement, the villagers' view of some Uchiha members would improve.

"The Hokage still wants to destroy us!"

An elder sitting to Hisaku's left suddenly spoke, shocking everyone.

"Elder, what do you mean?" Hisaku asked, surprised.

"Do you remember Uchiha Kagami? He was favored by the Second Hokage and inherited the so-called Will of Fire."

The elder sneered disdainfully.

"Many thought this would improve our relationship with the Hokage. But what happened? Some clansmen became Uchiha traitors and Hokage's lackeys. Now they're using the same old tricks!"

His words caused another uproar in the shrine.

Mikoto remained silent. She felt a disconnect from these people, who were stuck in past glories and failed to reflect on themselves. She glanced at Fugaku beside her, seeing his conflicted expression. He seemed to want to say something but held back.

There's still hope.

Mikoto's cold attitude towards Fugaku was due to their differing ideals. She intended to implement Haruki's vision, which would inevitably clash with the Uchiha. However, she knew Haruki's approach was right.

She smiled.

How could sparrows understand the ambitions of a swan?

Mikoto rubbed her forehead, tired of the arguments.

"What's wrong?" Fugaku noticed and asked.

"Nothing."

Mikoto raised her eyelids slightly. "Fugaku, if you want to be my boyfriend, your current performance is far from enough."

"Huh?"

Fugaku was bewildered by her sudden remark.

But Mikoto said no more. She resolved to change both Fugaku and the Uchiha clan. The old guard clung to the past, but they were the new future.

---

"Tsunade."

Haruki entered the room and hugged her from behind. "It's the weekend.You don't need work."

"You're being lazy again." Tsunade put down her pen and flicked his forehead. "Don't disturb me."

"Let's go shopping." Haruki suggested, "Remember when I said I'd take you to buy clothes?"

"Now?" Tsunade recalled the promise made during a foot massage.

"Yes, now." Haruki took her hand. "You promised."

"Alright." Tsunade smiled indulgently.

"I get to choose, and you can't object."

Haruki led her out.

"That's not happening."

Tsunade leaned against the wall to change shoes and glared at him. "I won't wear something weird."

Haruki was momentarily stunned but quickly recovered.

"At least we both have to agree?"

"That's acceptable."

Tsunade smiled and extended her hand.

Haruki admired her beautiful face, held her hand, and they walked to the clothing store.

"This one."

He pointed to a large but empty store.

Tsunade followed him inside without suspicion.

"I'll choose the clothes. You try them on. If you like them, we buy them. If not, we move to the next. Deal?" Haruki suggested.

"Okay." Tsunade glanced at the wide array of clothes.

"The first one." Haruki handed her a kimono.

Tsunade found it acceptable and went to try it on.

"How is it?"

She stepped out, twirling. The light pink kimono, adorned with intricate sakura patterns, covered her figure, exposing only her neck and feet.

"Very pretty."

Haruki praised and handed her the second outfit.

"I knew it."

Tsunade glared at the qipao but didn't refuse.

She took longer this time.

Haruki couldn't help but swallow.

The elegant blue qipao fit perfectly, showing off her curves with embroidered plum blossoms reaching her ankles, revealing her feet in crystal-clear short heels.

"This is good."

Haruki nodded, earning an eye roll from Tsunade.

"Next outfit!"

"Okay, okay."

Haruki handed her a school swimsuit.

"Haruki!" Tsunade glared. "You think I'll wear that?"

"It's too small."

Haruki scratched his chin and discarded the swimsuit, bringing out a gown.

Tsunade smacked his head. "Stop fooling around."

She turned to the fitting room.

Minutes later, Haruki was awestruck.

The pure white gown bared her shoulders and cleavage, fitting snugly at the waist, accentuating her hips. Intricate flowers adorned the dress down to the hem, just above her ankles, revealing her feet in blue-white heels.

"Beautiful." Haruki muttered.

Tsunade smiled at his dazed look, feeling the effort was worth it.

"Snap out of it."

Tsunade teased, pinching his cheek. Leaning over revealed more of her chest.

"Hmm, one last outfit."

"You better not." Tsunade glared, ready to stomp him despite the heels.

"Not something weird. Another kimono."

"We just did that." Tsunade frowned.

"This one."

Haruki handed her a white kimono.

Tsunade's heart raced.

It was a shiromuku—a wedding kimono.

"Don't want to wear it?"

Haruki leaned closer, feeling her rapid breath.

"I do…"

Her voice was barely audible.

"What did you say?"

Haruki stepped back, smiling. "I didn't hear you."

Tsunade bit her lip, feeling strangely moved instead of nervous.

She looked at him for a moment and softly said:

"Kiss me."