Chapter 9: Newlywed Uzuki Yūgao

Sasuke certainly didn't lie. Although he didn't realize that little Sakura's target was not Natsuo, but himself. 

But Sasuke knew how many "mission sign-up forms" the Uchiha clan received these days! When little Sakura grows up, she might really need to cut in line! 

That night. 

The Uchiha clan held a meeting to discuss this issue. 

"Sure enough, I was right to come back!" Natsuo thought to himself. 

He risked his life to return to Konoha, just to make use of the Uchiha clan's legacy, right? And now, the Uchiha can be described in one sentence - we Uchiha are only left with money! 

If you count the cash and bank deposits inherited, Natsuo has a total of 10 billion ryō in his hands. This is the accumulation of the Uchiha clan for hundreds of years! 

Not to mention the large properties and shops that the Uchiha still have in Konoha, shares in major businesses, Fire Country's mines, and the merchant caravans that travel between the Five Great Nations. 

In addition to the accumulation of the Uchiha clan during the Sengoku period, there is also the influence of the Second Hokage's policies. He restricted the Uchiha clan to the police force, to prevent the Uchiha from experiencing too much warfare and producing Mangekyō wielders. 

But while there were political restrictions, there were also economic opportunities, allowing every Uchiha to live a prosperous life. Therefore, even though many older generation Uchiha knew that the Second Hokage was hostile towards them, and many orders contained elements of suppressing the Uchiha, in the end, during the Second Hokage's lifetime, no Uchiha rebelled against Konoha. 

Even people like Uchiha Kagami willingly fought and died for Konoha. 

Today, Natsuo's inherited wealth mostly comes from the accumulation during the special policy period of the Second Hokage. 

This gave him a solid foundation, allowing him to spend large sums of money without consequences. 

"Come on, let's carefully choose which female shinobi will become the help for the revival of our Uchiha clan" 

Natsuo waved the "mission application forms" and smiled at Sasuke and Yukino. The three of them started selecting. 

"Natsuo, what kind of woman do you want to choose?" Yukino seemed very interested in this. 

"Of course, it's high-value women from Konoha!" 

Sasuke nodded slightly, indicating his agreement. The three of them began their selection. 

First, they had to be beautiful, otherwise Natsuo wouldn't be interested. Secondly, they must be in good health. And then, their strength and talent should be good, as it would affect the talent of their offspring. 

Although from a scientific perspective, women who have given birth once have a strong advantage in childbirth. 

Natsuo also has a unique appreciation for married women and young mothers. But considering the future, naturally, young girls are more suitable. After all, girls will eventually become young mothers, but young mothers will not become girls. 

Suddenly, Natsuo's hand paused as he flipped through the application forms. 

"What's wrong, Natsuo?" Yukino leaned over curiously and glanced at the list of female applicants. "Uzuki Yūgao? Is there something wrong with this woman?" 

"No, nothing," Natsuo smiled faintly. 

"I just feel like I've seen this woman somewhere before. From her age, she seems to be my junior." 

"Maybe she secretly admired you when you were in ninja school?" Yukino teased. "I remember you were quite popular back then" 

Natsuo smiled casually and didn't say much, but his eyes narrowed slightly. Although she was younger, looking at her purple long hair, her special Jōnin rank, and the introduction of her proficiency in swordsmanship below. 

It should be her! 

But Uzuki Yūgao is directly under the Third Hokage's Anbu. Is this the Third Hokage's arrangement? He thought to himself, while casually putting the report form into the "approved" column. 

... 

After careful consideration, five people were selected first. Including the woman that Natsuo believed to be Uzuki Yūgao, all five expressed their willingness to marry within the Uchiha clan. 

After all, who would want to be just a silent tool for reproduction when they could marry within a prestigious family? 

Two of them were special Jōnin, and the other three were Chūnin. They were all civilian ninjas, without any special bloodline. Compared to those with bloodline limits, they were doing quite well. Under the influence of their prominent families, those women with special bloodlines had not yet stooped to participate in this "mission". 

But Natsuo didn't lose out either. As a civilian ninja, becoming a Chūnin or higher-ranked ninja was already quite impressive. Although it wasn't as straightforward as having a bloodline limit, it still represented considerable talent. 

And so, the wedding ceremonies for the five people kept the scarce Uchiha clan busy. 

Although there were differences in their feelings, Natsuo claimed to treat them all fairly. They would have the ceremonies they were supposed to have. 

Keeping the women's feelings in mind, the wedding ceremonies were held separately, with at least two days in between. This made the women feel more comfortable. At least the groom didn't run off to another woman's bed on the second day of the marriage. 

"Although Natsuo seems like a scumbag in his actions, he still treats us with some respect". Uzuki Yūgao sighed softly. 

The Naruto World was full of feudal remnants. In front of the prominent nobles, being a "wife" meant having a little bit of status, not a commodity that could be exchanged. Although female ninjas generally wouldn't fall to such a level. 

But Natsuo's actions made these girls feel a bit respected. 

Looking at his handsome face, an inexplicable feeling surged in their hearts. Love? Warmth? It seemed so, but they probably couldn't even understand their own thoughts! 

Just... 

"Hokage-sama..." Uzuki Yūgao frowned, recalling the conversation with the Third Hokage before she "accepted the mission."