"I'm back, Mom."
Sasuke Uchiha said dejectedly.
He still hadn't recovered from the blow he received during the afternoon's ninja tools throwing class.
His well-laid plans had ended in failure.
"Sasuke."
Mikoto Uchiha approached, wearing an apron. She rubbed his head and asked, "Is something bothering you?"
"No," Sasuke responded instinctively.
"Mom's not happy! Sasuke."
Mikoto put her hands on her hips and, with a stern face, said, "You're hiding something from me, just like before."
Sasuke hesitated for a few seconds and then poured out the whole story.
However, he omitted the fact that he lost badly, simply saying that he and Shinho had fought to a stalemate.
Because Fugaku Uchiha and Itachi Uchiha were very busy, he wanted to spar more with Shinho Aburame but couldn't find an opportunity.
"I see!"
Mikoto laughed, "You want to be friends with him."
The Ninja Academy was indeed useful.
It allowed him to find friends he wanted to make.
"No!"
"You misunderstood!"
Sasuke hurriedly said, "That's not what I mean; who wants to be friends with him!"
"I understand, I understand."
Mikoto said gently, "Mom has a way."
"Huh?"
Sasuke was stunned and asked, "What way?"
"Your mom was once an excellent ninja."
Mikoto hugged his head and said somewhat proudly, "I'm quite familiar with Shinho's teacher, Lady Tsunade."
Sasuke's eyes lit up.
This was indeed a method.
It would be more convenient than him directly approaching Shinho.
"Mom, when you go to see him, make sure to say it's for sparring."
Sasuke reminded her seriously.
Even though he needed help, the Uchiha were naturally proud and never bowed their heads.
"Understood."
Mikoto smiled warmly, "Leave it to Mom; I guarantee the task will be completed."
Sasuke felt a bit more at ease.
________________________________________
As night fell.
After dinner, Shinho Aburame continued practicing medical ninjutsu.
Tsunade was lying sideways on the sofa, her long and shapely legs curled and overlapping.
She wasn't wearing socks, and the soles of her feet, white with a hint of red, faced outward.
Following her smooth instep upward, there were her slender ankles.
Under the lamplight, her skin emitted an enticing glow.
Just then, there was a knock at the door.
Tsunade didn't move, still watching TV intently.
Shizune got up and opened the door.
"Are you Shizune?"
Mikoto Uchiha smiled and introduced herself, "I'm Mikoto Uchiha."
"Lady Mikoto!"
Shizune immediately realized who she was.
She was the wife of the Uchiha clan's leader.
Regardless of status or position, she deserved respect.
"I heard Lady Tsunade has returned to the village, so I've come to visit."
Mikoto lifted the fruit she was holding, explaining her purpose.
"Please come in."
Shizune stepped aside.
Others might get punched away, but she couldn't.
The Uchiha clan was now the premier ninja clan in Konoha Village.
"Mikoto?"
Tsunade sat up, a bit surprised.
"Lady Tsunade, it's been a long time."
Mikoto placed the fruit on the table and glanced at Shinho not far away.
He was indeed quite handsome and adorable, no less than Sasuke.
Shinho looked up at Mikoto.
Just like in the anime, she had long black straight hair, wore a loose casual dress, and exuded a gentle aura.
Mikoto noticed his gaze and immediately gave a smile.
"It has been a long time."
Tsunade couldn't help but think of Kushina Uzumaki and sighed softly.
Mikoto Uchiha was her good friend.
Fugaku Uchiha and Minato Namikaze also had a good relationship.
As for Tsunade, she was merely an acquaintance to them.
However, she was very close with Kushina Uzumaki.
Because Kushina was the second Nine-Tails Jinchūriki.
The first was Tsunade's grandmother, Mito Uzumaki.
"When did you return?"
Mikoto sat opposite Tsunade, her legs together, hands on her knees, showing great etiquette.
"A week ago."
Tsunade's sitting posture was more casual, leaning against the sofa as she looked at her.
"I heard you returned to take in an apprentice?"
Mikoto continued to ask.
"It's this little brat."
Tsunade pointed at Shinho and said.
"What a coincidence."
Mikoto smiled softly, "My son Sasuke is his classmate."
"Sasuke?"
Tsunade raised an eyebrow slightly.
The father of Hiruzen Sarutobi was named Sasuke Sarutobi.
Choosing this name would naturally lead to associations.
Especially since both Sarutobi and Uchiha were renowned in Konoha Village.
But Tsunade didn't want to bother with these complicated matters.
The only thing she wanted now was for Shinho to grow into a powerful medical ninja.
"Shinho is very popular at school."
Mikoto deliberately skipped over the topic of the name.
It's all just politics.
Back when Fugaku named him, it was indeed to show goodwill toward the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi.
But given the current situation, it's hard to achieve that wish.
"That little brat is only good at that."
Tsunade smiled.
Mikoto was slightly surprised.
In her impression, Tsunade had always been decisive.
But when talking about Shinho, she was gentler.
Hmm, it felt like a mother's role.
Mikoto came back to her senses and said, "Sasuke wants to be good friends with Shinho, but he's too shy to say it directly."
So that's how it is.
Tsunade understood the purpose of Mikoto's visit today.
She pointed at Shinho and said, "You can talk to him."
Mikoto gratefully nodded.
She stood up and walked over to Shinho.
"Hello, Shinho."
Mikoto reached out, brushed aside her hair, and bent down slightly. "I'm Sasuke's mother, Mikoto Uchiha."
"Aunt Mikoto."
Shinho caught a faint delicate fragrance.
It was coming from her.
"Shinho."
Mikoto smiled gently and said, "Sasuke said he hopes to be friends with you."
Shinho blinked.
Are you sure he said that?
I might be young, but don't try to fool me.
"Auntie has a favor to ask."
Mikoto clasped her hands together and requested, "Could you include him when you play?"
"Sure."
Shinho nodded calmly.
Since you've sincerely asked, I'll bring him along.
Of course, the main purpose is to achieve some accomplishments.
"Thank you, Shinho."
Mikoto reached out and patted his head. "Come visit Auntie's house someday; I'll treat you well."
Her tone was very gentle.
But Shinho wasn't too happy about being patted on the head.
"I won't disturb you any longer; carry on."
Mikoto returned to the sofa and started chatting with Tsunade.
________________________________________
[Achievement Unlocked: Tsunade′s ′Mom Diplomacy'; Reward: One Child Gu.]
[One Child Gu: Rank One Gu insect. When used, it allows a pregnant woman to conceive one child.]
"Huh?"
Shinho was stunned.
"One Child Gu?"
He fell into deep thought.
"What the fuck does this mean?!" Shinho was baffled to say the least.
What could this 'One Child Gu' even mean?"