Mikoto sat frozen, stunned by her father's words. After a long pause, she finally whispered, "Father… what do you mean by following him?"
Setsuna's gaze was heavy, his voice low. "The same way you once followed Fugaku... that is how you should follow Gen."
"Huh?" Mikoto blinked, completely bewildered.
She stared at her father, struggling to find the right words. "No, Father… why would you even think of such a thing? What exactly is going through your mind? I am Fugaku's wife and Gen's elder sister, by clan."
Setsuna sighed deeply. "Alas… what else can I think of, but for you and your two sons? Whether we like it or not, Fugaku has gone to the Pure Land. You are still young. Are you going to live as a widow for the rest of your life, like your closest friend did?"
He leaned closer, voice steady, rational. "Your 'sisterhood' with Gen is only by clan designation. The blood tie has long since faded, and even if it were closer, what of it? As long as you are not true siblings by birth, there is no real obstacle. In fact, such unions were not uncommon in our clan's history. Before the founding of Konoha and during the Warring States Era such precedents were everywhere."
Mikoto's brows furrowed. "But… the age difference..."
"Your ages aren't far apart," Setsuna cut her off. "You are still in the prime of your life. That is not the issue. The issue is Itachi and Sasuke. Their safety hangs in the balance. If someone else takes power, danger will follow them. Even with Gen, there is no absolute guarantee. One day, he will marry and have children of his own. When that happens, where do you think your sons will stand? What man does not want his own blood to inherit what he has built?"
Setsuna's eyes darkened. "Gen's strength is already unfathomable. And that is only what the clan knows. His Mangekyo has already displayed one terrifying ability, but who knows what else lies hidden? In time, his power may grow to rival even Lord Madara's. If he chose to act in secret, could Itachi and Sasuke resist him? If tragedy were to befall them, you would inevitably be swept into it as well. I am old, I will not live to see that day. But you… you still have thirty, forty years ahead of you. You cannot gamble with that."
Mikoto's lips trembled. "Father… I know widows of the old era always stood in a delicate position when a new Clan Head rose, but surely Gen would never go so far?"
Setsuna gave a weary chuckle. "For now, judging by his behavior, perhaps not. But people change. Power corrupts. Do not think it impossible. How many great men in history fell to its lure?"
His tone hardened. "Look at the Hokage. Once hailed as the 'Hero of the Shinobi,' now clinging to power even in his old age. His son shuffled from battlefield to battlefield, earning prestige. Do you really believe the village cannot see the Sarutobi clan's ambition for hereditary succession? Despicable."
His eyes narrowed. "When Hashirama and Tobirama passed the Hokage title along their line, I could accept that. They were true heroes of their time. But Sarutobi? How can such a clan lay claim to two Hokage? It is shameless."
He waved the thought aside. "In any case… the world is what it is. Which is why we must plan ahead. If you and Gen become family, even if Itachi and Sasuke are not destined to inherit leadership, you and they will always be protected."
Mikoto lowered her gaze, her expression shifting. At last she nodded slowly. "Father… your words make sense. But in what form? I can't simply… marry him, can I? I have already been married, and I am the mother of two children. Wouldn't that disgust him?"
Setsuna stroked his beard, thoughtful. "Hm. That is a problem. Don't rush, I'll think of something…"
After a long silence, his eyes lit up, and a small smile curved his lips.
"Father? You've thought of a way?"
"Yes. It will be framed as inheritance."
Mikoto blinked, confused. "Inheritance?"
"That's right. The new Clan Head inherits everything of the old Clan Head, his property, his responsibilities, and yes… even his wife and concubines. This is not unprecedented. Our clan stands as both shinobi and nobility of the Land of Fire. While shinobi life usually favors monogamy, as nobles we fall under the laws of the Fire Daimyo's court. There, it is accepted, one husband, one wife, and multiple concubines. The transition of power often includes inheriting all that belonged to the predecessor. It prevents chaos, and it ensures the safety of the old Clan Head's family."
Mikoto's eyes widened. "Truly? Has this happened before in the Uchiha?"
"Not often, but yes. There have been cases. Other noble families do it far more frequently, and it has always served its purpose which is stability."
Mikoto let out a long breath, relief flickering across her face. "So… there is precedent. Then it isn't so unthinkable."
Setsuna's tone sharpened. "Tell me honestly, daughter. Do you dislike Gen?"
"Of course not," Mikoto said quickly, shaking her head. "If anything… I admire him. He is handsome, dignified, strong, intelligent, and wise beyond his years. At such a young age, he already commands respect across the shinobi world. Truly, he is a hero of his generation. And according to you, Father, his potential is limitless."
She lowered her voice. "He has always been kind to me, and to Itachi and Sasuke. How could I dislike him? If anything, I worry that I am unworthy and that he would reject me."
Setsuna nodded slowly. That was indeed the greatest risk. "What impression do you think he holds of you?"
Mikoto's eyes grew distant, recalling. "I think… it should be a good one. I remember once I teased him, offering to introduce him to a girlfriend. He replied he wanted someone like me as his template."
Setsuna clapped his hands together, laughing. "Then the problem is small! If that is how he sees you, I am confident I can persuade him."
If Gen had been cold toward her, Setsuna might have had to resort to other means, even distasteful ones, such as staging a drunken encounter. But if Gen already admired her, the path forward was clear.
"Then I'll leave it to you, Father," Mikoto said softly, bowing slightly where she knelt.
Setsuna's stern expression softened into fatherly warmth. "You owe me no thanks. I failed you in many ways before. At the very least, I can still think of you and my grandsons now."
Mikoto smiled faintly. "Mm."
Her eyes clouded again. "Father… Fugaku's death. We can't keep it from the children for much longer. Sasuke is still young, easy to comfort, but… what about Itachi?"
Setsuna's face grew grave, and he sighed. "Alas… there is no avoiding it. This is part of Itachi's growth. He will have to face it sooner or later. But you must watch him closely. Guide him. That child is brilliant, polite, and sensible... but too sensitive. Too thoughtful. Precociousness is not always a blessing."
Mikoto bowed her head. "I understand."
"Good. It's late now. Go rest. Tomorrow you will need to wake early to prepare breakfast."
"And you, Father, rest well too."
"Mm."
The lamp flickered softly in the tea room as father and daughter parted, the weight of unspoken futures pressing heavily in the air.