[Read up to Chapter - 79 on P atreon at: p-atreon.com/Knockturn_Alley]
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A man may be innocent, but possessing something valuable that others don't have or can't have makes him guilty in the eyes of the world.
The main reason the Uzumaki clan was wiped out was their mastery of Fuinjutsu. Their ability to perfectly seal tailed beasts within human hosts made them a target of envy and fear, ultimately leading to their destruction.
"I do have a good friendship with Kushina-chan," said Mikoto to Kanzou, "but she's still young—and she already has someone she likes."
Indeed, Uzumaki Kushina was still quite young. Mikoto had just turned twenty-one, and while the two shared a close bond, there was a noticeable age gap between them. Kushina was about four or five years younger—barely seventeen now.
"She has someone she likes? So what? Not like I care," Kanzou replied coolly.
Of course, Kanzou already knew who it was—Namikaze Mini-toe, the future Yondaime Hokage. Kushina didn't care for him at first, thinking he was a timid weakling who was stalking her and liked watching her being bullied because she was not from Konoha.
But after he rescued her from being kidnapped by the squad of Kumo Shinobi, her view of him changed completely, and she developed a deep crush on him.
It was a pity that Kanzou had been too focused on training, growing stronger, participating in wars, dealing with the death of his Jōnin instructor, and laying some groundwork while planning the future at the time to pay any attention to Uzumaki Kushina back then.
Back when the Kushina kidnapping incident happened… Kanzou wasn't even in Konoha… he was at the battlefield of the Land of Rain, killing Chūnins and Jōnins of Amegakure, Iwagakure, and Sunagakure.
Had he been in Konoha at that time, he would have stolen the opportunity and become her saviour instead. Earning the girl's admiration.
Mikoto didn't know what to say. 'You say you don't care… but did you ever think about whether others care?'
But then again, was Kanzou the type to ever care about what others thought?
If he cared about something like that… would she still be sitting on his lap while being poked by something hard in the butt?
Suppressing the shameful thoughts in her heart, Mikoto asked softly, "Can… can you not target Kushina-chan?" and quickly added, "I… I'm willing to do anything you ask in her place."
Her friendship with Kushina was somewhat good… and as Kanzou's victim, she didn't want another woman, especially a friend of hers, to fall into a similar situation as hers.
Kanzou narrowed his eyes and sneered, holding her chin, "Do you really think I'll agree to that? And even if I say I will… would you actually believe me?"
His words left Mikoto speechless.
Indeed, not only was Kanzou unlikely to change his mind, but even if he did make such a promise, Mikoto knew she couldn't trust it.
Kanzou had no credibility to speak of—if he did, Fugaku wouldn't have ended up cast out and disgraced.
"It's late. Let's take a bath before going to sleep…" said Kanzou as he released Mikoto, making his way to the bathroom.
"Um," nodded Mikoto as she followed him.
Naturally, the one who was going to be helping him wash would be her, as tonight was also going to be a night filled with love, lust, and passion.
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The next morning, Kanzou didn't head to the Headquarters of the Konoha Police Force. Having just become the new patriarch of the Uchiha clan, there were plenty of matters that required his attention.
"You really are good wife material, Mikoto," Kanzou said with satisfaction after finishing the breakfast she had prepared.
Although waking up to a warm meal wasn't anything new to him… Hazuki and the other girls in the Zodiacs always made sure that all his meals were always prepared and all his clothes and weaponry were in the right order… Mikoto's cooking still seems much better than any girl in the Zodiacs.
Even Hazuki… despite all her dedication and effort, wasn't as good as Mikoto.
Hearing Kanzou's compliment brought a flicker of happiness to Mikoto's heart, and she even began to hum softly to herself.
Just then, there was a knock at the door.
"Who could be visiting this early? Is it one of Kanzou-sama's subordinates?" Mikoto murmured as she walked over and opened the door—only to find Elder Tadayoshi standing there. "Sofu-sama?"
Elder Tadayoshi looked at his granddaughter, surprised to see her much more cheerful than she had been over the past few days. He had been deeply worried about her, especially knowing she had been living at Kanzou's house for several days now.
After all, Kanzou had coerced and threatened her into surrendering her body...
Even though it was ultimately Mikoto's own choice to stay with Kanzou, Tadayoshi feared she would continue to suffer under his control. But seeing her now—radiant and seemingly content—brought him a small measure of relief.
"Mikoto… I need to speak with Kanzou-kun about something important."
"With Kanzou-sama?" Mikoto echoed, unsurprised, and nodded, "I'll ask him…"
Just then, Kanzou's voice called out from inside, "Let him in."
Mikoto nodded, stepped aside, and guided Elder Tadayoshi into the house.
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"I wonder what it is that Tadayoshi-sama wishes to speak with me about?"
Though he once looked as if he could eat Kanzou alive for what he had done to his granddaughter, the elder's attitude had clearly shifted.
"Kanzou-kun, to be frank, I don't like you as a person, especially if I were to take into account what you did to my granddaughter," the elder said bluntly. "I stood up to support you as patriarch yesterday only because of the choice Mikoto had made."
Hearing this, Kanzou didn't seem offended. He didn't care whether an old man liked him or not.
"My old bones don't have much time left. The person I care about most is Mikoto. Now that she's with you, I just hope you won't let her down. Perhaps it's asking too much, but… please treat her well. She's a good child—always has been. Gentle, considerate, devoted, kind-hearted… and I can assure you that she wouldn't let you down…"
"Is that all you came here to say?" Kanzou replied with a shrug, clearly uninterested in the elder's sentimental words.
As for how he treated Mikoto—that was entirely his decision. Elder Tadayoshi's plea wasn't going to change anything.
That said, Kanzou wasn't the type to indulge in pointless cruelty towards his women. He found things like domestic violence dull and distasteful. Compared to that, Psychological dominance and control were more to his appetite… as it brought him great pleasure…
As long as Mikoto remained loyal, devoted, and proactive, he had no reason to physically abuse her.
Of course, that didn't mean he wouldn't punish her if she did something against his interest.
But as long as she doesn't do something to demand that… he would be gentle with… well, as gentle as a twisted person like him can be.
Tadayoshi really had nothing to worry about—at least, not in that regard.
Elder Tadayoshi sighed at Kanzou's indifferent response but chose not to press the matter further.
Pressing further would only make Kanzou dissatisfied.
He didn't want to become a spark of resentment that might invite cruelty upon his granddaughter.
Mikoto had made her choice… and now, he could only pray that she didn't come to regret it.
Shifting the topic, he calmly said, "I didn't come here just to say that. I know you don't want me holding any real power—and don't worry, I've no intention of clinging to it either."
If not for Mikoto's well-being, he would've given up the title and power that came with being an elder long ago.
"This is for the best. It's better that you step down willingly than have me remove you."
The elder had made the right decision. Even if he hadn't chosen to give up his position, Kanzou would've stripped him of the title of Elder anyway.
From this moment on, there would be no more so-called elders in the Uchiha clan.
They were all relics of the past that had emerged as a result of Madara's disappearance, leaving the Clan with no leadership…
Because the previous Patriarch's influence hadn't been strong enough, they had remained in power.
Kanzou clearly despised these elders, weak in strength, yet always eager to meddle in clan affairs and fight over power and influence with the Patriarch.
In truth, their very existence served only to limit the authority of the patriarch.
Naturally, he wouldn't allow even one of them to exist… it didn't matter if Tadayoshi was Mikoto's grandfather.
"I hope you treat Mikoto with sincerity. She won't disappoint you." With those parting words, the elder turned and left.
He didn't even speak with Mikoto while leaving… and just… left…
Kanzou narrowed his eyes as he watched the old man walk away, a faint sense of doubt settling in his chest.
Something about his demeanour felt off.
"Whatever... as long as he doesn't interfere with me, or the Clan affairs, I'll let him live for a while."
After all, the elder was an experienced and wise man.
If he ever did something foolish, Kanzou wouldn't hesitate to be ruthless and eliminate him.
It didn't matter that he was Mikoto's grandfather—if he stood in Kanzou's way, Kanzou would not spare him.
Heck, he wouldn't even mind being a bit too cruel and forcing Mikoto to be the one to put an end to him…
Based on what he has discovered about it so far, he feels that he could indeed make her do it if he pushed her enough.
'I sure hope that it doesn't come to that… since having her kill Tadayoshi-sama is still a bit further ahead as it's not yet time for that,' he thought, shaking his head and turning to Mikoto as she entered the room, "Not curious about what Tadayoshi-sama spoke to me about?"
She'd be lying if she said that she wasn't curious… but she… didn't ask.
She was smart enough to understand that if Kanzou wanted to tell her, he'd tell her on his own, and she'd listen as she should—but she wouldn't pry. That would mean stepping out of line.
Whether as a Kunoichi or as a woman, she was taught not to step out of line… it has been ingrained into her bones from a very young age.
Therefore, all she said was, "Only if it's something I should know…"
"He told me to treat you well... and that he's willing to give up his position as the Elder," Kanzou said casually.
Hearing those words, Mikoto was touched. She had been raised by her grandfather since childhood, and he had always put her first in his heart.
"Don't worry. As long as Tadayoshi-sama doesn't get in my way, he can enjoy his remaining time in peace. I may not be a good person, but I can at least guarantee that I won't kill him on account of your devotion towards me."
There were indeed some people within the Uchiha clan who needed to be dealt with—but the elder Tadayoshi wasn't among them.
The ones Kanzou intended to remove were those who remained defiant… those still loyal to Fugaku.
Such people no longer deserved a place in the clan.
Kanzou would take his time dealing with them.
He couldn't simply execute them outright—doing so would give Sarutobi Hiruzen the perfect excuse to intervene.
Kanzou had no desire to immediately break ties with Konoha openly.
The reason was simple: nothing good would come of it.
At least for now, the Uchiha clan still needed to grow and strengthen under the shelter of the village.
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Drop power Powerstonessssssssss!
[Read up to Chapter - 79 on P atreon at: p-atreon.com/Knockturn_Alley]