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Shortly after Sasuke was born, Mikoto privately talked with Itachi. Not long after, Itachi began addressing Yoichi as "father," and Yoichi accepted it.
Though they were not biological father and son, everyone in the clan knew the situation. Moreover, Mikoto was pregnant and had given birth to Yoichi's son.
Mikoto's decision also silenced a small group of people who disliked Fugaku and, by extension, Itachi. Addressing Yoichi as "father" made Itachi one of the highest-ranking second-generation members in the village.
"Yoichi, you're back. Itachi, put Sasuke down; it's time to eat," Mikoto said as she emerged from the kitchen, smiling warmly. She called Itachi over, who had been holding Sasuke.
Since giving birth to Sasuke, Mikoto exuded a mature and graceful charm, entirely different from Mina's style. Especially when Mikoto wore a fitted suit and short skirt, her long, straight legs encased in smooth black stockings, she could only be described as stunningly beautiful.
"Mikoto, did you handle the food?" Yoichi asked as he entered, feeling grateful for her support and understanding.
"Itachi, don't hold Sasuke while we eat."
"I know, mother," Itachi replied, reluctantly placing Sasuke back in his crib before sitting at the table to eat.
"Where are Mina and Karin?" Yoichi inquired.
"She went to see Kushina, supposedly to share some mothering tips," Mikoto responded.
"Mina? She's practically a child herself. Kushina must be very trusting to learn from her," Yoichi remarked skeptically. Mina, carefree during the day, turned into a passionate lover by night, making up for the time spent apart from Yoichi during the day.
In the Uchiha clan, Mina had the least pressure, doing whatever she pleased. Apart from helping Yoichi occasionally, she was the most carefree person in the village.
After lunch, Mikoto asked, "Yoichi, should I accompany you when the Sand Village delegation arrives, or should we meet them separately?"
"We might need to meet separately. This is an embarrassing issue for them, and the Sand Village can't afford to start a conflict with us now," Yoichi replied thoughtfully.
Over the past year, Mikoto had gradually taken control of various business interests, forming a business alliance that she chaired. They had been increasing prices and restricting essential goods like food, oil, and salt to the Sand Village and the Land of Wind.
"Prepare to strike a hard bargain when you meet with them. Make them agree to allow Uchiha businesses into the Land of Wind and other conditions you can think of," Yoichi advised. The Sand Village wouldn't last much longer under the current blockade, affecting both their ninjas and civilians significantly.
"They might use the upcoming Chunin Exams to negotiate, but you can drive a hard bargain. They can't hold out much longer," Yoichi concluded.
Mikoto smiled warmly. "Understood."
"Alright, I have to head out now," Yoichi said, standing up.
"Is this Konoha?" Nawaki stood on the tall outer wall of the village, stunned by the vast expanse before him. The village had grown to double its previous size, with many five- to six-story buildings creating a bustling, thriving atmosphere.
"If I had known the village was doing so well, we should have returned earlier," Nawaki remarked.
"I've been away. How would I know?" Tsunade replied, lightly punching Nawaki. "Besides, you've been playing around too much."
"Let's head to the clan compound. I'm curious to see what it looks like now," Tsunade said, grabbing Nawaki by the collar and dragging him towards the Senju compound, with Shizune following behind.
As they reached the entrance to the Senju compound, they saw Yoichi waiting for them.
"Yoichi, what are you doing here? I thought you were busy," Tsunade said, smiling naturally but recalling how Yoichi had nearly incapacitated her with his antics a few days earlier, causing her expression to harden.
"I knew you'd be back, so I came to see you," Yoichi said, embracing Tsunade. "Let's go inside and take a look. The place has been completely renovated."
Tsunade blushed slightly but didn't resist. She was used to Yoichi's public displays of affection. "This is still the outside..."
"So what? No one will say anything," Yoichi replied nonchalantly. As they walked in, it felt as though Yoichi owned the Senju compound.
Nawaki and Shizune followed, with Tsunade glancing back to see Nawaki smirking, prompting her to shake a fist at him in warning.
Inside, they found the compound well-preserved and freshly refurbished, with updated training grounds and new furniture, but everything was arranged just as Tsunade remembered.
Nawaki, after a quick tour, gave Yoichi a thumbs up. "This is amazing, Yoichi. It's just like before, but brand new."
"Glad you like it," Yoichi replied. "Let's head to the Hokage's office to sort out your ninja registration, Nawaki."
As they arrived at the Hokage's office, Sakumo was about to ask Yoichi about the Sand Village delegation but was distracted by the sight of Nawaki.
"Tsunade, you're back... Is that Nawaki?" Sakumo asked, surprised.
"Yes, it's me, Nawaki. Just got back and need to register as a ninja," Nawaki said, scratching his head.
"I see... Yoichi mentioned reviving someone. That must have been you," Sakumo realized, his eyes wide.
"Nawaki has been training outside, and today he officially returns to become a ninja again," Yoichi explained.
"Let's re-register you then. I'll have ANBU accompany you for a few days, and we'll issue a confidentiality order to anyone who recognizes you," Sakumo decided.
"Thanks, Sakumo," Yoichi said.
"Tsunade, what about you? Back to the medical department? We could use someone of your expertise," Sakumo asked.
"Sure, I'll handle it. Seems like a lot of work," Tsunade sighed. She had already decided to contribute, knowing her brother and lover were committed to improving the village.
"Great. Yoichi, these files are for you," Sakumo said, handing over a stack of documents.
"That's a lot. These aren't mine. Aren't these for the Chunin Exams? Shouldn't the Hokage decide?" Yoichi protested.
"I trust your judgment on this, Yoichi. Handle it," Sakumo insisted, not revealing his desire to lighten his workload.
Yoichi sighed, taking the files.
Walking back to his office, Yoichi explained to Tsunade, "The village has grown a lot since the war. We're now approaching 150,000 people."
"Wow, no wonder there are so many high-rise buildings," Tsunade remarked, her eyes wide.
"There will be even taller ones soon," Yoichi said, entering his office, where a fresh stack of documents awaited.
Tsunade noticed the empty desk and chair. "Who's that for?"
"My assistant or a clone. There's too much work for one person," Yoichi explained, setting down the files. He then locked the door and approached Tsunade.
"Tsunade, why don't you be my assistant? You'd be perfect," Yoichi suggested, leaning in.
"You sure that's what you want me to assist with?" Tsunade asked, her face reddening as she was backed into a corner and sat on the desk.
"We're in the office," she murmured, already wrapping her arms around his neck.
"I missed you," Yoichi said, the room dimming as he used wood release to cover the windows.
...
"Are you Nawaki?" Jiraiya had just returned to the Hokage building and was stunned to see someone familiar.
"Jiraiya! You've gotten older," Nawaki replied, smiling. He quickly pulled Jiraiya aside to explain.
"Jiraiya, it's a long story, but I've been revived. Please don't tell anyone; it could cause trouble."
Jiraiya, still in shock, nodded. "Who did this? Was it Tsunade?"
"No, it was her lover, Yoichi Uchiha," Nawaki clarified.
"Yoichi Uchiha? How... How is that possible?" Jiraiya asked, bewildered. The idea of Yoichi being Tsunade's lover was even more shocking.
"Jiraiya, I don't know much. I spent the past year training outside. If you want answers, you should ask my sister," Nawaki advised.
"Where is she?" Jiraiya asked, determined.
"She went to Yoichi's office," Nawaki replied.
Jiraiya headed to the top floor, where he found the office door locked with a barrier. Suspecting they were discussing confidential matters, he decided to wait, his mind racing with questions.
'Could Tsunade have made some compromise because of the revival? It doesn't seem like her...' Jiraiya thought, troubled.
After a long wait, the door finally opened, and Tsunade stepped out, her appearance slightly disheveled.
"Tsunade," Jiraiya called, approaching. He noticed her flushed face and disheveled hair, making him suspect what had transpired.
"Jiraiya? What are you doing here?" Tsunade asked, surprised.
"I saw Nawaki and had some questions. Can we talk?" Jiraiya asked.
"Sure, but keep Nawaki's return confidential," Tsunade reminded him.
"Alright. How about we have a meal together with Orochimaru to celebrate?" Jiraiya suggested, eager to clear things up.
"Fine. Come to my place tonight," Tsunade agreed, thinking it was a good time to inform Orochimaru about Nawaki.
(End of Chapter)