[Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For $5][www.p@treon.com/zaelum]
[Thank You For Your Support!]
====
[News! I've Already Confronted the Five Kage, and the System Just Arrived! Event!!!]
<150 Power Stones/Chapter!>
====
Competition is a form of productivity, especially when it is healthy competition.
Kyomu managed it well. Both Yugito and Mei had no reason to engage in malicious competition. Their sense of belonging to Ryūgakure was strong, estimated at ninety percent or higher.
With the buff's support, they were that formidable, so Kyomu confidently delegated authority, enjoying the substantial benefits brought about by their competition.
However, there were still conflicts.
When Mei first started, she was unfamiliar with many things, and various departments in Ryūgakure didn't recognize her.
While there was no outright sabotage, if Mei didn't ask, she wouldn't receive information beyond her duties, all of which went to Yugito.
Naturally, Mei increasingly disliked Yugito, while Yugito enjoyed it.
She just wouldn't tell or teach Mei anything; Mei had to figure it out on her own if she was capable.
Determined, Terumi Mei figured out the various tasks of the Ryūkage's secretary in less than half a month. With help from her friend, Haku, she also got to know Kakashi.
Through this, Mei gradually became acquainted with Obito, Guy, Genma, Ebisu, and others, thus gaining the respect of Kyomu's close friends.
With these people's support, other ninjas naturally leaned towards Mei.
While they didn't completely side with Mei, they found a balance between her and Yugito.
Some older ninjas, who had experienced men and women's matters, could see through the dynamics between Kyomu and his two female secretaries.
They couldn't guess Kyomu's thoughts, but they had to treat both women equally.
As a result, Yugito was both angry and helpless.
Ryūgakure had always been Kyomu's. The power Yugito and Mei wielded was granted by him.
If Yugito wanted to start a factional struggle with Mei, Kyomu's high-ranking brothers and the old departments he had fought alongside would automatically clean house without Kyomu's intervention.
Of course, Yugito didn't intend to start a factional struggle, and neither did Mei. Both aimed to outdo the other with their genuine skills and earn Kyomu's recognition.
Honestly, the healthy competition between the two significantly improved Kyomu's work efficiency and strengthened Ryūgakure's and the Land of Dragons' control day by day.
However, other high-ranking officials found it exhausting.
It wasn't mentally exhausting, but work-wise.
Yugito and Mei were like two whips. Whenever Kyomu issued orders and tasks, they would oversee the responsible departments and individuals around the clock.
The two women would help and strategize, but their competitive nature was overwhelming.
Typically, Kyomu assigned them separate tasks to avoid them working together.
In such cases, each wanted to outperform the other, leading to competition.
Kakashi had recently been overwhelmed by the two women. The demands of managing village and national affairs left him with little time for training.
Strangely, despite not training, Kakashi felt his strength steadily growing over time.
It wasn't just Kakashi; all Ryūnin felt this way.
Some found it odd, but improving their strength was a good thing, so they didn't dwell on it.
"Father, I'm home."
On a starry night, Kakashi returned home under the moonlight.
As soon as he entered, Kakashi frowned, sniffing the distinct floral scent that signaled Haku's presence again.
Looking towards the side room, Kakashi's face abruptly turned red.
Rushing forward, Kakashi didn't even take off his shoes before grabbing the photo album from Haku's hands.
"Kakashi, it's rude to snatch things from a guest."
"It doesn't matter, Uncle. If Kakashi doesn't like it, I..."
"Give the album back to Haku," Sakumo ordered sternly. "Kakashi, be nicer to Haku."
"Understood, Father." Kakashi reluctantly handed the album back. Haku accepted it with a sweet smile and a nod.
Eagerly flipping through the album, Haku's movements made Kakashi instinctively hide his hands behind his back, nervously wringing them together.
What to do? She's going to see it!
"Wow!" Haku exclaimed softly.
Smack.
Kakashi facepalmed, looking away in despair, while Sakumo cheerfully pointed out the photos to Haku.
"This is Kakashi as a child. He didn't wear a mask then, but because of something I said, he's worn it ever since."
"Uncle, what did you say?"
"I praised him for looking pretty, like a girl."
"How could you say that, Uncle?" Haku defended Kakashi. "He was clearly handsome as a child, just like you, Uncle, not pretty at all."
Kakashi glanced at Haku, who was earnestly defending him.
Hmph, women!
Don't think I'll look at you differently just because you said something nice.
Sitting down, Kakashi took out the tea set, first serving his father, then pouring a cup for Haku.
"Thank you, Kakashi-kun," Haku thanked sweetly, making Kakashi's expression stiffen.
He wasn't good at dealing with girls, especially clingy ones like Haku.
Sakumo noticed his son's discomfort, smiling slightly.
This boy is still clueless.
"Looks more like his mother," Sakumo continued, subtly bringing up Kakashi's mother. "When your aunt and I first met..."
Kakashi remained expressionless but listened intently.
Haku was much more lively, frequently asking questions and sharing her thoughts, chatting happily with Sakumo, making Kakashi feel like an outsider.
"Uncle, do you mean Aunt pursued you back then?"
Sakumo sipped his tea, nodding with a smile, glancing sideways at Kakashi.
Kakashi didn't respond, feeling even more awkward as Haku occasionally stole glances at him.
"I have unfinished business to attend to."
"Stay for dinner. Haku is cooking tonight," Sakumo insisted.
Kakashi paused, not wanting to argue with his father, and sat back down.
"How can you let a guest cook and serve? Go help," Sakumo instructed.
Kakashi had no choice but to follow Haku into the kitchen, helping her carry out the dishes.
During dinner, Sakumo was noticeably more talkative, while Kakashi...
Without his mask, which Sakumo had made him remove, he didn't know how to eat comfortably.
"Kakashi, I heard from Uncle that you like grilled mackerel. Have some more."
"Thank you."
Kakashi accepted the food without looking at Haku or his father.
Sakumo smiled, satisfied yet unsatisfied.
His son was great in many ways, but he was slower to realize things than Obito, who had staked his claim early and was now ready for the next generation.
Sakumo hoped to hold his grandchild soon.
But he couldn't rush Kakashi, who still needed to mature a bit.
"Clean up and escort Haku home," Sakumo instructed after dinner.
"No need, I can manage."
"Father, she can go alone."
Haku and Kakashi spoke simultaneously, making Sakumo's temple throb.
"I said escort her, so do it. Understand?"
"Yes, Father." Kakashi finally agreed, while Haku beamed.
Her friend Mei's advice worked well. She planned to come over every day if needed.
On the way home, Kakashi walked ahead, with Haku following, chatting intermittently.
Previously, Haku had to talk ten times to get three responses from Kakashi. Today, however, he spoke much more.
For reasons unknown, even Kakashi didn't notice the change.
...
The next day.
"Is Kakashi finally realizing?" Kyomu chatted with Yugito and Mei in the office. "Mei, is it true?"
"Of course, it's true. Haku talked my ear off about it this morning," Mei confirmed.
Kyomu nodded with a smile, "It seems Haku and the Yuki clan are doing well."
"Definitely," Yugito interjected. "Most of the surviving Yuki clan members are girls, and the nearby Senju descendants take good care of them."
"Taking care of them is essential, but be sure to monitor under-18s closely, ensuring the ninja's three prohibitions are followed."
"Rest assured, I've already discussed this with Haku."
"I first spoke with the Senju descendants," Yugito said, glancing at Terumi Mei. "Girls can be careless in these matters, so as long as the Senju oversee it, the ninja's three prohibitions won't be an issue."
Mei secretly pouted, while Yugito looked at Kyomu expectantly.
"You both did well. You anticipated my concerns and addressed them."
Not receiving solo praise from Kyomu, Yugito wasn't overly happy, and neither was Mei.
A tie was unacceptable to both.
"Kyomu, I'll do even better," Yugito immediately pledged.
"Ryūkage-sama, I'll keep working hard," Mei echoed.
No need for Kyomu to stir the pot; the two were already competing again.
Comfortable!
Kyomu's contentment was interrupted when Tsunade burst in.
Instantly, Yugito and Mei stood up, eyeing Tsunade.
Facing Tsunade, the two women always reacted this way, temporarily setting aside their rivalry.
"Kyomu, listening to your secretaries' reports again?"
"Big sis..."
Kyomu barely got a word in before Tsunade sternly cut him off. "Kyomu, Mikoto is about to give birth."
Jumping up, Kyomu asked, "Now?"
"Yes, you told me to inform you. Shall we go?"
"Let's."
Without notifying Yugito and Mei, Kyomu hurried off with Tsunade.
The two women exchanged glances and quickly followed.
Both felt a rising sense of crisis.
Kyomu hadn't handed all his power to them.
Tsunade always held significant authority, on par with both women combined.
Although they never got along, when facing Tsunade, they instinctively sided together. Tsunade, however, never competed with them, only occasionally teasing Kyomu.
With Tsunade unconcerned, Yugito and Mei couldn't unite, instinctively teaming up only subconsciously.
It resembled a three-way power struggle.
Kyomu didn't intentionally create this situation; it just happened naturally.
He didn't mind being the favored one among the three.
As the primary beneficiary, why would Kyomu interfere? As long as he didn't fuel the fire, he was a good 'boss.'
As for future confrontations among the three, Kyomu hadn't thought it through, planning to handle it as it came.
Soon, the four arrived at the hospital, where the corridor was filled with Uchiha clan members.
Kyomu didn't inquire about the situation, knowing his questions would only agitate the already nervous men.
He patted Fugaku's shoulder and ruffled Itachi's hair before quietly joining them in the corridor.
Tsunade, Yugito, and Mei entered the delivery room to help. As the door opened, Mikoto's cries of pain could be heard.
Fugaku's expression tightened. Despite his calm facade, his fingers nearly broke from the pressure.
Itachi, too, showed little outward emotion but was undoubtedly in turmoil.
Before long, Rin emerged from the delivery room with a smile. "It's a baby boy, and he's a prodigy."
A prodigy?
Kyomu was intrigued. With double buffs, how talented could Sasuke be? He was curious.
(End of Chapter)