93 Chapter 93
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"It's Mikoto-san, I was just training, so it took me a moment to open the door. Please come in."
Yōichi naturally welcomed Mikoto into his home, though her expression was far from relaxed. She had faced humiliation here before, and it had been only a day; there was no way Mikoto could forget that.
But Yōichi had already gone inside, and Mikoto, recalling her husband's warnings and pleas, as well as his hopeful gaze, paused at the door for two minutes before lowering her head and entering.
Still unable to find the guest shoes at the genkan, Mikoto proceeded inside stepping on her black stockings. The pantyhose she wore last time were discarded after she took them home.
Upon entering, Mikoto saw Yōichi wiping off sweat with a towel, revealing a robust upper body and perfectly streamlined muscles; having trained in the Lightning Release Chakra Mode for two years, Yōichi's physical condition was undoubtedly the strongest in the Uchiha clan.
The combined training of Gravity Control and Weighted Clothing made Yōichi feel he was not far from achieving a body like the Third Raikage, who could withstand even S-rank Wind Release jutsu.
In a few more years, he too could reach that level.
"Yōichi-kun."
After taking a second glance, Mikoto suddenly snapped back to reality. She was a married woman who had given birth; how could she stare at a junior's body like that?
Thus, she quickly averted her gaze, calling out Yōichi's name while picking up the clan member information booklet she had brought with her.
"Wait a moment, Mikoto-san. Please go to the living room first. Would you really have me discuss matters with you while I'm covered in sweat?"
Yōichi didn't look at Mikoto-san and directly asked her to wait in the living room; although Mikoto didn't want to go to the place where she had previously lost face, it was certainly not appropriate to discuss matters in the bedroom.
So, she suppressed her shame and went to the living room, which had given her unforgettable memories last time, carefully avoiding the previous spot and sitting down on her knees.
After a while, Yōichi came to the living room, changed into fresh clothes.
"Yōichi-kun, I have brought the things you asked for last time, and regarding the Uchiha Welfare System, I have notified everyone."
Mikoto, seeing Yōichi arrive, calmed her emotions and started discussing the main issue.
"Good job, even the timing is well planned. Let's proceed with this plan; the welfare amounts for the clan's shinobi are too large to hand out directly, so let's deposit it directly into their bank accounts. Ordinary people can be given cash."
The cash envelopes prepared by Yōichi had his name and blessings on them. Those who received the money would definitely see his name and express their thanks.
As for the clan's shinobi, they all knew who initiated the Uchiha Welfare System, so there was no need for explicit reminders.
"About the matter we discussed last time, Mikoto-san, how have you considered it?"
"Last time..."
Upon hearing this, Mikoto immediately remembered the task of becoming Yōichi's errand assistant; not only in charge of the Uchiha Welfare System but also managing the communications for his other businesses.
Pharmaceuticals, ninja games, combat suit research, and military equipment among others.
Initially, Mikoto hadn't planned to tell Fugaku about the errand assistant matter, but she was lost in thought after returning home that day. Fugaku noticed something was amiss and inquired about it.
Startled by Fugaku's sudden questioning, Mikoto couldn't possibly disclose that matter. In a rush, she revealed Yōichi's offer to make her his errand assistant and to manage communications for all his businesses.
Hearing this, Fugaku became interested. After some inquiry, he wished for Mikoto to definitely become the assistant, to help him gather some crucial intelligence.
Fugaku made this request with sincerity and hope in his eyes. Coupled with Mikoto's desire to regain the note, she agreed.
"I agree. If there's anything you need in the future, Yōichi-kun, please command me."
Mikoto bowed slightly, inadvertently revealing a modest curve, and spoke to Yōichi in a low posture.
"Right now, there are a few things I need you to handle. The clan's stockpile of weapons and explosive tags is too low. Tell Shinya and Hideto to start from today, to triple the stockpile of weapons and increase the explosive tags tenfold."
"Also, Mikoto-san, please ask the clan head to give me the financial ledger for the clan's military supplies. The current expenses are a bit high."
"Additionally, if there's any news from the Tokugawa, notify me immediately. The combat suits are related to the safety of all clan members. If there's none, Mikoto-san, if you have time, you could also visit the combat suit factory more often to gather information."
"Compared to the ninja games and the previous matters, it's not that crucial, but it's still an important source of income. If Yūto-kun has any important news, please notify me immediately."
"By the way, Mikoto-san, unless there's something special, please come to my house at 9 AM to report on various matters."
Yōichi assigned many tasks, leaving Mikoto somewhat dizzy. However, after a moment, she realized she was being entrusted with involvement in all aspects.
How could he trust her so much
"9 AM is fine, I can make arrangements for Itachi by then. But, Yōichi-kun, are you sure you want to entrust me with so much?"
Mikoto felt uneasy, having been begged by her husband to steal information. Yōichi-kun must be aware of this as well.
So why entrust her with so much? Was this... intentionally letting her take the information?
"What's wrong? Too much to handle?"
"No, but I... am Fugaku's wife."
Her voice trailed off with those last words.
"So what if you are the clan head's wife? Although I don't get along with Fugaku, I have no ill feelings towards you, Mikoto-san."
Yōichi's demeanor changed completely from the day before, and his handsome appearance made Mikoto believe his words even more.
"Doing this job so well shows Mikoto-san's capability. Even the more hot-headed clan members, though they may dislike the clan head, have never spoken ill of you, Mikoto-san. This shows your capabilities and character are impeccable."
Yōichi continued to compliment Mikoto.
"Alright, Mikoto-san, if you can handle it, then there's nothing more to say. I trust you."
"Then, alright."
Mikoto agreed with some guilt, choosing her husband over principles this time.
Yōichi noticed this, but Mikoto, being educated, prioritized her family, willing to compromise her principles for it. Yet, the shame in her heart had not completely vanished; as long as she felt shame, the long-accumulated guilt would eventually erupt.
"Then, I'll leave the matters we discussed to you. If a day's time isn't enough, come back the day after tomorrow to report to me."
After speaking, Yōichi signaled that Mikoto could leave. He had arranged many tasks, and if Mikoto wanted to do well, she might not have time to attend to her household for the next few days.
Fugaku would likely encourage Mikoto, as taking on these tasks would allow Fugaku to understand Yōichi's intelligence.
Now that Yōichi was aggressively pursuing the position of clan head, Fugaku saw this as an excellent opportunity and would not miss it.
Mikoto, carrying a stack of documents, returned home to find Fugaku, who had not gone to the Police Force and was waiting for her at home.
"Mikoto, you're back. How did it go?"
After asking, Fugaku noticed the documents in Mikoto's hands, remembering she had not had them when she left.
"That is..."
Mikoto's heart skipped a beat. Having just received so much trust from Yōichi and now about to betray that trust upon returning home made her feel very uncomfortable.
"Fugaku, these are all the businesses under Yōichi's name. He's asked me to act as a liaison. I might need to visit many places in the next few days... Fugaku, should I reject this task?"
By the end of her sentence, Mikoto's tone was almost pleading, hoping her husband would agree so she would no longer need to act as a spy. She preferred being a housewife.
However, Fugaku sighed and said, "Mikoto, I know taking on so many tasks suddenly might be tiring for you, but please persevere. Just understanding his movements is enough. I'll ensure someone takes good care of Itachi, and I'll come back from the Police Force early."
"Fugaku."
"Please, Mikoto!"
When Fugaku said this, the gentle Mikoto didn't know how to refuse and ultimately nodded in agreement.
"Thank you, Mikoto, that..."
Just as Fugaku was about to examine the documents Mikoto brought back, someone knocked at the door.
When Fugaku went to open the door, Mikoto breathed a sigh of relief. She had just felt reluctant to let Fugaku see the documents.
Despite Yōichi's trust, she turned around and betrayed that trust, which did not align with the ninja code.
When Fugaku heard that the village was summoning all Jōnin, he knew something significant had occurred.
Summoning all Jōnin typically indicated a matter between nations.
With this thought, Fugaku turned back to Mikoto and said, "Mikoto, I'm stepping out for a bit. I'll be back soon."
Mikoto nodded and replied, "I understand, Fugaku. I'll also go take care of things."
Not only Fugaku, but all the village's Jōnin were summoned, including Yōichi.
Excluding those on missions outside, the village's Jōnin gathered at the Hokage's office.
The Uchiha clan had a total of twelve Jōnin who passed the Jōnin exams, including Yokogawa and Uchiha Masato.
Upon arriving at the Hokage's office and seeing them, Yōichi approached and sat together with them in the middle of the room.
Once almost everyone had arrived, Hiruzen along with the village advisors, including Danzō, entered the room.
After the last incident, Danzō was suspended for six months before being reinstated, a decision informed to him by the Elder Koharu, due to the lack of concrete evidence to convict him.
"Looks like everyone is here, so I'll make it brief."
Hiruzen surveyed the room and then solemnly said, "According to intelligence, the Sand Village launched an attack on Konoha three days ago and has already occupied the Land of Rivers. All five squads in the Land of Rivers have been annihilated."
The room was filled with individuals, few of whom were shocked by the news, as those who were well-informed knew about the Sand's preparations for war, and Konoha's real ninja forces were concentrated in Kikyō Castle.
Someone asked, "Third Hokage, how many did the Sand deploy?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen continued, "This time, the Sand likely deployed their main force. Minato encountered a Sand ninja squad on his way back from a mission, led by Rasa, the disciple of the Third Kazekage, who is probably the Fourth Kazekage by now."
"What about the Sand's Jinchūriki?"
"So far, we haven't gathered any information on the Jinchūriki, but since Rasa has arrived at the Land of Rivers battlefield, it's likely that the One-Tail Jinchūriki is also present."
Hiruzen stated, having learned this information from Minato, he immediately sent Anbu to gather intelligence, but before any could return, frontline reports confirmed the Sand ninja squad had occupied the Land of Rivers, posing a threat to advance further into the Land of Fire.
"Based on reports from the front, the Sand might have deployed around 1,400 people, including Rasa, the disciple of the Third Kazekage. The ninja squad reserved at Kikyō Castle might not be able to withstand the Sand Village."
Hiruzen paused, then decisively addressed those in front, "Effective immediately, dispatch reinforcements to Kikyō Castle, and we must not allow the Sand Village to occupy the Land of Rivers for long. If they seize its resources, the Sand Village will become increasingly difficult to deal with."
The Sand Village's signature was puppet control, with a single Sand Jōnin capable of manipulating three to four puppets simultaneously.
These puppets were challenging to deal with; even if one was destroyed, the puppeteer could deploy another. If they continuously obtained resources for puppet making, Konoha would be at a disadvantage.
"Jiraiya, Minato, lead ten Jōnin squads and a large ninja squad to support Kikyō Castle."
This announcement by Hiruzen surprised many, effectively appointing Jiraiya and Minato as the chief and deputy commanders of Kikyō Castle, respectively.
While Jiraiya's appointment was unsurprising, being one of the Sannin and having participated in the Second Shinobi World War with formidable strength, Minato's role as deputy commander was a first.
Before Hiruzen's announcement, many had anticipated Kushina to lead the reinforcement team.
Hiruzen added, "From now on, the village enters a state of war. Fugaku-san, the Police Force must increase its patrols more strictly than before to prevent spies from gathering intelligence."
Fugaku nodded in response, "Rest assured, Hokage-sama."
"Everyone, the movements of the Rock and Cloud Villages are unclear, but both are known for their military might. Starting today, all Jōnin are to cancel all missions and remain on standby in the village."
Hiruzen spoke gravely, with the Sand Village employing a tailed beast already posing a challenge. If other villages also joined the conflict, Konoha would face grave danger.
If only Kushina could control the Nine-Tails' power.
(End of Chapter)
