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After Jiraiya's interjection, Minato also smiled.
Then, Hiruzen put down his pipe and asked Minato, "What would you do in such a situation, Minato?"
Minato paused thoughtfully before responding, "Third Hokage, I'm not entirely sure."
"But I probably wouldn't agree to Cloud Village's demands. They have shown untrustworthiness twice now, which makes it hard for me to trust them again. What if they retaliate against Konoha once they get the Two-Tails back?"
"Moreover, the items they offered in exchange for the Two-Tails can't really be compared. We're not familiar with the Six Paths tools; what if Cloud Village gives us defective ones?"
In the ninja world, even enemy tools must be handled with extreme caution, let alone the legendary tools of the Sage of the Six Paths. If they used tools provided by Cloud Village and something disastrous occurred, it would make Konoha the laughingstock of the ninja world.
"Yes, you're correct, Minato. You're already looking at issues from the perspective of a Hokage," praised Hiruzen with a smile, then glanced at Jiraiya, "If it were you, Jiraiya, you might just say 'I don't know,' right?"
Jiraiya crossed his arms and replied defensively, "Old man, don't start appreciating Minato and disparaging me. Remember, I taught him!"
"Thankfully, Minato didn't pick up your peeping habits."
Hiruzen retorted disdainfully, then continued questioning Minato, "What's your view on the Two-Tails, Minato?"
"The Two-Tails, you mean Yugito? Since she has joined Konoha, she is a ninja of Konoha. If I become Hokage, I will protect her as the Hokage."
"But you don't know everything about her. Can she control the Tailed Beast? Might she cause unrest in the village? Currently, we only know her movements outside the Uchiha clan territory."
Hiruzen exhaled a cloud of smoke, then added, "Minato, you've seen what happens when a Jinchuriki loses control. Kushina nearly killed you when you helped seal her. A free Jinchuriki unleashing the Tailed Beast's power in the village…"
These words silenced Minato. He had been severely injured by an out-of-control Kushina before, and the memory of a Jinchuriki losing control was vivid in his mind.
"If it were me, I would personally meet with Yugito, explain my intentions, and then persuade her to agree to Konoha's method of managing Jinchuriki."
After some thought, Minato continued, "Everyone in Konoha is my comrade. I will strive to understand my comrades and have them understand me. That's my approach."
"Well said, Minato."
Jiraiya expressed his satisfaction. His novels always hoped for mutual understanding among people, which he believed would eliminate wars.
His student had inherited his will and seemed to be even more exceptional.
Hiruzen also nodded, although it wasn't exactly the answer he was hoping for, Minato's proactive and determined attitude, supported by his own endorsement, was promising. Hiruzen then prepared to convene with two advisors to discuss matters and asked Jiraiya and Minato to leave.
After leaving the Hokage Building, Minato asked Jiraiya quietly, "Sensei, is the Uchiha clan really so domineering in the village?"
"It used to be fine. I remember before Fugaku defected, he got along well with the old man. But after the new clan leader took over, the Uchiha's attitude became more assertive."
Jiraiya stroked his chin, recalling his interactions with Yōichi and rumors he had heard in the village.
"I've heard there are two factions within the Uchiha clan: one that prefers peaceful methods and another that is more forceful. Yōichi, the new clan leader, belongs to the latter. Even among the village's senior ranks like Danzo, he is known for his militant style."
"However, such a militant style isn't very popular in the village, as most ninjas prefer peace."
Hearing this, Minato nodded in understanding, wondering how well he had performed in front of the Third Hokage. It seemed he still had a long way to go if he wanted to become Hokage.
Elsewhere.
Sakumo initially intended to take Yōichi to a dango shop, but a disagreement led them to the food district instead.
"Sakumo-senpai, haven't you had lunch yet? Why not try the hotpot restaurant my clan recently opened? It could also be an opportunity for me to receive some guidance from you."
Thus, Sakumo found himself standing outside the Uchiha hotpot restaurant, the pungent spicy aroma wafting out even before he entered.
"How could such a place exist in Konoha?"
Sakumo was about to make an excuse to leave, but Yōichi firmly dragged him inside.
Inside, Yoichi initially ordered the super spicy pot, but upon seeing Sakumo's changing face, Yōichi switched it to a dual-flavor pot, which relieved Sakumo a bit.
Once the hotpot arrived, Yōichi also ordered ten servings of magical goat meat, a rare dish limited to 200 servings per day, usually sold out by noon. Fortunately, they arrived early enough to secure some.
"Sakumo-senpai, do you think Cloud Village will start a war?"
"It was uncertain before, but after what just happened... it's very likely."
Sakumo said with a smile, not because of Yōichi's slap, but because if Cloud Village didn't want to start a war, even cutting off Dodai's legs wouldn't stop it.
However, their eagerness to retrieve the Two-Tails, even offering Six Paths tools and conceding defeat, likely indicated an intention to continue the war once they regained the Two-Tails.
This was unlike Cloud Village's usual style.
"Just now, the Third Hokage called us over, and it didn't seem like he intended to negotiate seriously with Cloud Village. Otherwise, why involve me?"
After their meal, Yōichi and Sakumo headed to the exam site. When Kakashi and Kurenai emerged, they learned of the sudden change to the second round's format.
However, sudden changes were common in missions. Kakashi had experienced missions meant to protect someone turning into a situation where they became accused of murder and had to flee.
"Yōichi-sama."
Obito approached, excitedly greeting Yōichi; his life had improved significantly, and thanks to Yōichi, wearing the Uchiha clan's fan symbol earned him much attention.
"Obito, do your best to eliminate Kakashi in the third round."
This encouragement hit right where Obito needed it, and he responded enthusiastically, "Yes, Yōichi-sama, I will do my best."
Kakashi rolled his eyes as Yōichi stirred trouble upon meeting him.
After meeting Kurenai and her team, Yōichi intended to return home, but instead, he headed towards the supermarket.
He had noticed that Mikoto seemed unwell yesterday, unsure if it was due to exhaustion or mood, and decided to check on her.
Upon reaching Mikoto's office, he entered directly, finding her desk tidy but her face lacking its usual gentleness, replaced by worry.
"Mikoto, what's bothering you?"
"Yōichi-sama."
Mikoto, feeling reassured by Yōichi's presence, was about to speak when Yōichi pulled her to sit on the sofa.
"Yōichi-sama, I might not be a qualified mother. I forgot the time I was supposed to meet Itachi, and by the time I remembered and went to find him, I felt that no matter what I did, I couldn't make up for breaking that day's promise."
Mikoto expressed deep regret. Whenever she went to see Itachi now, he still called her 'Mother,' but there seemed to be a barrier between them.
"Yōichi-sama, what should I do?"
Mikoto, feeling helpless, grasped Yōichi's hand, seeking support.
"Itachi, right? I remember he's only three. Why not move him to live with you? Last time you were worried about being too busy, but if you live together, your concerns will disappear."
Yōichi suggested as he caressed Mikoto's soft, pale hand, "Don't overwork yourself. Just delegate more to other clan members, work four to five hours a day. I spend no more than two hours at the police force; that should be manageable."
"But what about the task Fugaku assigned to Shinji-san?"
"Defector's tasks are irrelevant. I'm the clan leader, I'll speak to Shinji. Mikoto, you are Itachi's mother."
Yōichi advised, but then his gaze unintentionally landed on Mikoto's nylon-clad leg, and he couldn't help but hold it.
Perhaps influenced by Mina, who often placed her nylon-clad feet in Yōichi's hands, he had developed a particular interest.
"There's plenty of space around my house, Mikoto. You could pick a spot and build a house there, then move Itachi to live with you. Dwelling on past oversights is pointless; make up for them in the future."
"Besides, you've been too busy. I shouldn't have given you so much responsibility that you sometimes skip meals."
Mikoto felt touched by Yōichi's empathetic perspective and his willingness to help her address her worries. "Yōichi-sama, it was my choice before, it's not your fault. I just need to pay more attention."
Her cheeks flushed slightly as she spoke, feeling a sensitive tingle where Yōichi held her foot; though distracted by thoughts of Itachi, it was hard for her to concentrate.
"Yōichi-sama, I..."
"I understand. We still have some time. I'll head over to the police force shortly; Mikoto, you should start delegating your work too. It's impossible for one person to handle everything."
After finishing his advice, Yōichi helped Mikoto up from the sofa.
If he didn't help Mikoto resolve this issue soon, she might even start neglecting her meals.
Although Yōichi didn't particularly care for Itachi, there was no need to deliberately make things uncomfortable for Mikoto.
Before leaving, Mikoto gratefully adjusted Yōichi's clothes—a gesture more about reconnecting with her role as a wife than actual necessity.
After Yōichi left, Mikoto felt slightly relieved. The past couldn't be changed, but she resolved to make amends going forward.
(End of Chapter)