Chapter 56. Learn to Dance with Me?
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Recently, there hadn't been much happening—everything was calm and peaceful. The only notable event was making a small profit. Feeling generous, Yuto casually added a bit more to someone's bounty.
Strangely, the hidden Root ninjas that were always lurking around seemed to have disappeared. Perhaps they had been recalled to protect their own leader?
Now, with a bounty of 550 million ryo, it was no wonder someone might take the risk to claim it.
Shimura Danzo.
The undisputed number one on the Ninja World's Bounty List.
He had finally achieved his dream—surpassing all previous Hokage. He must be feeling quite pleased with himself right now!
After a short walk, they entered the Uchiha clan's grounds.
Yuto-sama had returned!
Cheers echoed through the clan.
It was the young Uchiha heir's birthday, and the clan was lively as ever. Of course, given the Uchihas' current situation, Itachi didn't have many friends outside the clan. So, the celebration was limited to a family gathering.
Yuto, accompanied by Suzune, strolled in cheerfully.
This was his family's home—no need for formalities!
He casually found a spot to sit, glancing at Fugaku, who wore his usual emotionless expression. But upon Yuto's arrival, Fugaku's face transitioned to a "slightly annoyed" emotionless expression.
With a grin, Yuto greeted, "It's Itachi's birthday, brother. Why the sour face? Here, here!" He pulled an envelope out of his pocket and handed it to the quietly seated Itachi. With a kind and gentle smile, he said, "This is from your uncle and Suzune. A birthday gift. Hold on to it tightly, and don't let your father take it."
"..."
I never took it. It's always Mikoto who does, saving it for the kids!
Fugaku raised an eyebrow, glancing at the envelope but saying nothing. His face remained stoic, as if the world owed him millions.
It was no wonder outsiders rarely came to such events—Fugaku's expression alone seemed to discourage guests.
Soon after, other members of the Uchiha clan arrived.
However, Yuto's smile froze slightly when he saw two unexpected guests—Elder Uchiha Setsuna and Hyuga Hana.
What were these two doing here? Shouldn't they be off dancing in the fine weather?
"Chief Elder," Fugaku greeted as Setsuna entered.
Setsuna, leaning on his cane, nodded and said flatly, "Elder Hana happened to be passing by and decided to stop in."
"Elder Hana," Fugaku acknowledged the Hyuga elder with a formal bow, his expression as impassive as ever.
Those in the know understood; those who didn't wouldn't comprehend even if explained.
Yuto and Suzune also exchanged greetings, though Suzune, being caught off guard by her Elder's presence, seemed a bit flustered.
A secretary attending her boss's family celebration—what's strange about that? It's perfectly normal!
Why are you nervous?
Suzune blushed and greeted, "Elder Hana."
"Yeah." Hana nodded. She also knew that the Hyuga clan had a daughter who worked as a secretary for the Uchiha clan.
Therefore, although it was a bit surprising, it wasn't entirely unexpected to find Suzune here.
Quietly, Yuto leaned over to the Chief Elder and whispered, "Chief Elder, the new dance hall will be opening soon. I have two lifetime membership cards for you." Sliding them discreetly into Setsuna's hand, Yuto added, "I'll even design a custom pair of stylish flared pants for you. You'll be the most fashionable dancer in the hall!"
Since he was no longer a grassroots entrepreneur, profit turnover wasn't his primary focus. Influence and coverage had become the most important priorities, especially for his research lab. He planned to develop signal equipment first and then move on to mobile phones and computers. By then, who would be more influential than him?
Thinking about it, the technology tree in the ninja world was quite strange.
Cloning and genetic technologies were incredibly advanced. In later stages, there were chakra cannons and the Ancor Vantian—the flying fortress. Yet civilian technology lagged behind until much later, with the appearance of civilian computers, mobile phones, train-like mine cars, and handheld game consoles.
Perhaps the technology in the ninja world wasn't weak during Naruto's time, but due to the long-term wars, the focus had always been on developing military technology. Only after the ninja world united and began fighting aliens did civilian technology develop rapidly.
So.
He had to act quickly, too!
He was also planning to visit that peaceful little country soon—there might be development opportunities there.
Of course, with a war raging outside, he would have to be careful.
Uchiha Setsuna accepted the cards without a word, swiftly pocketing them as if nothing had happened.
He truly is worthy of being an Uchiha!
Despite his advanced age, the man still cared deeply about his image!
Turning to Itachi, he gently patted the boy's head.
"Chief Elder," Itachi greeted openly, as expected of the clan leader's son.
"Good child! A bright future for the Uchiha clan! Such talent—he surely is destined to be a genius ninja!" Then, Uchiha Setsuna paused, his brow furrowing slightly. Pinching Itachi's chubby cheeks, he muttered, "I haven't seen you for a while. Has Itachi gained some weight?"
"..."
The room fell silent.
Mikoto smiled helplessly. Suzune lowered her head to hide her reaction. Yuto watched with an amused grin. And Fugaku… glared darkly at Yuto, his face full of frustration.
Who do you think did this?
At this moment, the Chief Elder's expression grew serious as he continued, "The Uchiha clan is not like the Akimichi clan; there is no need to study their secret techniques. With the Sharingan, any speed can be tracked. Being too heavy is detrimental to mobility." He then cast a sharp glance at Fugaku and Mikoto, letting out a disapproving snort. "Fugaku! Mikoto! You cannot spoil your child too much. Don't let him grow into someone who doesn't want to be a ninja!"
"..."
Trying to rile him?
Uchiha Yuto rolled his eyes but said nothing, his gaze softening as he looked at Itachi, who was frowning and patting his little belly. "It's fine for a child to eat more—he'll grow taller!"
It seemed Itachi was no longer so easily fooled like a toddler.
The room went silent as three pairs of eyes bore into Yuto.
After an awkward laugh, Fugaku finally nodded and replied earnestly, "I understand. I will ensure Itachi is properly trained."
"I trust you!" Uchiha Setsuna nodded approvingly, his gaze shifting back to Itachi. "If you're too busy, you can leave him to me. I will personally train him well."
"???"
Train him? Or have him join the Chief Elder's square dancing sessions?
The image of an elder teaching a child to dance gracefully in a public square felt unexpectedly heartwarming to Yuto. His lips twitched upward as he looked at Fugaku and said in a warm, encouraging tone, "With the Chief Elder's guidance, Itachi could learn Uchiha's traditional… combat dance. It's a form of taijutsu, after all—good for weight loss and physical strength. It sounds perfect! Brother, for the sake of your child, you should agree."
"..."
I was going to agree, but now I'm hesitating!
I have a bad feeling in my heart!
Fugaku felt a sense of foreboding but had to admit the idea made sense. After a moment of contemplation, he nodded. "I understand."
Just as the words left his mouth, a clan member suddenly rushed in and respectfully announced, "The Hyuga Clan's main house leader, Hiashi-sama, and branch house leader, Hizashi-sama, have arrived."
"???"
Everyone was stunned.
Why was the Hyuga Clan here? This wasn't some grand event like the Hyuga's traditional three-year-old celebration.
Yuto glanced at Suzune, who looked just as puzzled.
Could this be a return gift for that wedding back then? Yuto speculated as he nodded at Fugaku, preparing to step out with him to greet the guests.
But before they could move, another clan member rushed in, announcing loudly, "Nono-sama has arrived."
"And Kushina-sama is here as well."
"???"
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Author's Note:
The war scenes are tricky to write since the protagonist isn't directly involved, and advancing the timeline is a bit cumbersome. But don't worry—it's almost here! The focus isn't on the war itself.
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Translator's Note:
Originally, I used "Lord" instead of the Japanese word "-sama." But considering how weird it is to use "Lord" in "Lord Kushina," I changed it back to the Japanese honorific. From now on, it will be "-sama" instead of "Lord" future.