After leaving Konoha Hospital, Sarutobi Ryo continued his Yin Seal training. Whenever he struggled, he went straight to Tsunade for guidance. These frequent visits helped them build a comfortable relationship.
Soon, they were chatting easily about his training and her medical skills.
The day of the Hokage Election was getting closer and closer.
Just as Sarutobi Ryo finally mastered the Yin Seal, Ruri's due date approached. Naturally, everything had to be perfectly prepared for this important moment. Sarutobi Ryo placed Ruri inside the safest barrier he could create, waiting for the birth.
Then, he went to the Uchiha clan, ready to once again figure out their intentions. It was time for a response from his last visit to Uchiha Mikoto's home.
When Sarutobi Ryo knocked, Mikoto herself opened the door. She was still dressed in black. She was nearly at the end of the forty-nine days of mourning for her husband. Tomorrow, according to the calendar, she would finally take off the black dress.
"Young Master Ryo..."
Uchiha Mikoto didn't seem surprised to see Sarutobi Ryo. Soon, they went into the living room together. After another prayer before Uchiha Fugaku's memorial portrait, Sarutobi Ryo sat down.
Itachi wasn't around today. He was probably returning gifts to other clan members. With Uchiha Fugaku gone, Itachi had taken on the responsibilities of the head of the household.
"Madam Mikoto, I'm wondering what your answer is?" Sarutobi Ryo believed Uchiha Mikoto still held the key.
While Yashiro could rally the crowd, Uchiha Mikoto was Uchiha Fugaku's wife. She still had influence, at least for now. It would be disappointing if her words caused the Uchiha clan's Jonin to vote for someone else.
Hatake Sakumo should be elected Fourth Hokage, and the more votes he received, the better.
"Young Master Ryo, I have thought carefully about this..." Uchiha Mikoto knelt on the tatami mat. The black, modest clothing couldn't hide her beautiful figure.
Sarutobi Ryo glanced down, noticing the white socks at the bottom of Uchiha Mikoto's skirt. The black and white combination was strangely alluring. Although she wore no makeup and looked very simple, the beautiful woman before him was definitely considered to have striking looks.
"Obito's side..." Uchiha Mikoto started, testing the waters.
News of Obito awakening the Wood Release had spread quickly. The higher-ups had tried to keep the Uchiha Madara issue quiet, but Danzo had made sure everyone in the village knew.
He never missed a chance to make the Uchiha clan look bad. So, the news about Obito's Wood Release was met with suspicion.
The Jonin who had planned to support Namikaze Minato were now watching carefully or switching their votes to Hatake Sakumo. The Uchiha Madara incident seemed to have little to do with Namikaze Minato.
But he was the one who announced Obito's Wood Release. People began to wonder about his motives. Clearly, Namikaze Minato's attempt to take credit had backfired. He wouldn't have acted this way normally, showing that he was a bit desperate.
This naturally brought the focus to Kushina. As Konoha's Nine-Tailed Jinchuriki, Namikaze Minato needed to have a strong position to marry her. Only by becoming Hokage could he be sure of marrying her. It wasn't that Namikaze Minato had lost his mind, but he felt he had no other choice.
"Obito is a Konoha Ninja who has the Will of Fire. He's young, but he's already a hero with the Sharingan..." Sarutobi Ryo said, signaling that they shouldn't focus on Obito.
He didn't care if Obito had the Wood Release power. But if they thought they could get the Uchiha clan to support Namikaze Minato because of that, they were mistaken.
"Over the years, the Uchiha clan has faced suppression from the higher-ups, unable to speak out... Uchiha Madara is also to blame..." Sarutobi Ryo pointed out the core issue.
After Uchiha Madara left, he damaged the Uchiha clan's reputation. The Uchiha clan had no choice but to keep a low profile.
Faced with accusations, they had to swallow them. They had offended Uchiha Madara on one side and the Konoha Senju Lineage on the other. The Uchiha clan was stuck in the middle, disliked by both.
Over time, the Uchiha clan had become like this. Now, Uchiha Madara might still be alive. Tsunade believed Hashirama Cells were keeping him alive.
She thought the cells had a strong life force, and Obito's survival after losing half his body proved her point. Of course, Tsunade didn't know about the Outer Path Demonic Statue or anything else.
Uchiha Madara might still be alive; Uchiha Mikoto should distance herself from him. Did she want the Uchiha clan to be caught in the middle again?
"Madam Mikoto, please see the situation clearly..." Sarutobi Ryo advised earnestly. Obito has Wood Release Cells and the potential to become Hokage. I know you are anxious, anxious to change the Uchiha clan's situation. You even hope that Obito can become Hokage... The first Hokage from the Uchiha clan.
So, Uchiha Mikoto was leaning towards supporting Namikaze Minato. However, changing the Uchiha clan's situation wasn't the only solution.
"I'm willing to hear the details..." Uchiha Mikoto hesitated, then nodded.
"Mm." Seeing her willingness to talk, Sarutobi Ryo knew there was still hope.
"Actually, it can be done like this..." Sarutobi Ryo began to explain his plan.
"I... can take Itachi as my Adopted Son."
"!"
Uchiha Mikoto's face showed shock, just as he expected.
"Young Master Ryo... you..." She never saw that coming.
In the world of Naruto, being someone's "Adopted Son" was like being their real son.
They didn't find it shameful to recognize someone else as their foster father. Nor did they say things like "a great man should not remain subordinate to others for long." Sarutobi Ryo was young, but Itachi wasn't old either. He could indeed take him as an Adopted Son.
"As long as Itachi becomes my Adopted Son, I will naturally take good care of him..." Sarutobi Ryo said, staring at her beautiful face and emphasizing each word.
"Sakumo Teacher is the Fourth Generation, and I am the Fifth Generation. Then Itachi... will naturally be the Sixth Generation."
After speaking, Sarutobi Ryo waited for Uchiha Mikoto's reply. This time, he didn't plan to leave immediately but wanted to hear her answer right away.
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[T/N:
Latest Chapter translated on Patreon - Chapter 297 (Vol 2 Ch 239) (+136 Chapters Ahead!)
Final Total Power Stone Collection : 213 PS
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-> Naruto Paradise: An Evil Uchiha's Rise
-> One Piece: I'm Destined to Be the Son-in-Law King!
-> Young Master, Please Become Hokage!
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