Chapter 124: Madam, Please Have Some Self-Respect!
"The Hokage has already informed us about your extraordinary actions in Kirigakure."
At the Uchiha clan compound, Fugaku sat comfortably in the traditional living room, a satisfied smile on his face as he regarded the young man seated opposite him.
"Well done!" He clearly admired Kazuki's bold approach and openly praised him. "I've heard what certain people outside the clan are saying, but there's absolutely no need to pay them any attention. This is exactly how the Uchiha clan operates!"
As the old saying goes—if you're not supremely confident, can you even call yourself an Uchiha?
"Lord Fugaku, please don't praise me so highly."
Uchiha Kazuki shook his head with a wry, self-deprecating smile, feigning lingering trauma. "This time, if it weren't for sheer luck, I genuinely would have died in Kirigakure."
"Kirigakure? Hmph. A collection of incompetent fools."
Hearing this modest deflection, a flash of genuine anger crossed Fugaku's features. He stated in a low, dangerous voice: "Don't worry, Kazuki. We Uchiha will absolutely avenge Kirigakure's pursuit and attempted murder of you!"
"Uh, actually... isn't that perhaps unnecessary?" Uchiha Kazuki felt somewhat uncomfortable with this narrative.
After all, he was the one who had stormed Kirigakure, completely eliminated the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist, and assassinated their Mizukage first. So why was everyone in Konoha framing him as the victim?
"No need to say another word—we have our own plans!"
Fugaku demonstrated unusual assertiveness, snorting coldly. "I've stated this before: you are a proud member of the Uchiha clan. Since Kirigakure dared to hunt you down, they must be prepared to pay an appropriate price!"
Uchiha Kazuki felt genuinely shocked by this attitude.
Is this the foundation and confidence of a great shinobi clan?
I absolutely love it!
"Do you think I'm being unreasonable or excessive?"
Fugaku gave him a meaningful, penetrating look before continuing calmly: "In the end, the shinobi world is governed solely by strength. Don't concern yourself with the death of one Mizukage. Even if you turned all of Kirigakure completely upside down, the Uchiha clan could still handle the political fallout for you. Do you understand what that truly means?"
Uchiha Kazuki adopted an appropriately 'confused' expression.
"Hehe, you'll comprehend fully in time."
Fugaku didn't elaborate further, merely smiling knowingly while studying him with eager anticipation.
A sixteen-year-old shinobi—in terms of physical development, chakra reserves, and combat experience—remained far from reaching the absolute peak of ninja potential.
Yet at such a remarkably young age, he had already accomplished the earth-shattering feat of successfully assassinating a sitting Kage.
It was genuinely unimaginable that in just a few more years of development, with Uchiha Kazuki's prodigious talent—barring premature death—he would almost certainly become a legendary shinobi surpassing even the legendary Sannin!
When that day arrived, the rise of the Uchiha clan would prove absolutely unstoppable!
At this moment, Uchiha Fugaku seemed to envision the glorious future of the Uchiha clan embodied in this young man. An unconscious smile spread across his features as pleasant scenarios played through his imagination.
First came the genius Uchiha Kazuki, followed by his own newborn son, Itachi. The future of the Uchiha clan appeared brilliantly promising!
Moreover, perhaps a legendary tale would emerge—two Hokage from the Uchiha clan in succession, master and devoted disciple!
Contemplating this magnificent possibility, Fugaku could no longer contain his excitement. Before Uchiha Kazuki could respond, he blurted out enthusiastically: "Oh yes! I didn't want to bother you immediately since you only returned yesterday, but I have wonderful news to share: Mikoto gave birth! It's a boy! Hehehehe!"
What?!
Uchiha Kazuki felt genuinely shocked again.
He distinctly remembered that when he'd departed on his mission, Mikoto had been merely five months pregnant. The entire operation had lasted only one month.
At just six months total gestation—how could she have already given birth?!
Observing his surprised expression, Fugaku's smile widened considerably as he explained casually: "Ah well, perhaps Mikoto's active nature caused the child to arrive somewhat early."
Born four months premature? Wouldn't that result in serious developmental issues?
After a brief contemplative silence, Uchiha Kazuki smiled politely. "Congratulations, Lord Fugaku, on the birth of your son."
"Haha! Although the child arrived earlier than expected, it's still undeniably a joyous occasion."
Fugaku—thinking privately about his son's naturally awakened Sharingan at birth—beamed with even greater delight. He looked at Kazuki with warm anticipation: "Speaking of which, you haven't yet met your future 'disciple,' have you? Come, come! We're both free today—let's go see Itachi together. That child will definitely exceed your expectations!"
With that enthusiastic declaration, Fugaku rose energetically from his seat.
Without allowing any protest, he grasped Kazuki's sleeve firmly and pulled him toward the backyard quarters.
Kazuki had originally planned to politely decline, but it seemed Fugaku wasn't providing any opportunity to refuse. He could only allow himself to be escorted to the residential wing.
"Oh?"
The still-weakened Mikoto had been resting while enjoying the winter sunlight. Seeing them approaching, immediate surprise lit up her pale features.
"Hehe, Mikoto! Look—Kazuki has returned safely!" Fugaku smiled broadly, physically guiding Uchiha Kazuki forward while turning back to address him. "Kazuki, you have absolutely no idea—Mikoto has been asking about you constantly, just waiting for you to return and formally accept Itachi as your student!"
"You're... you're back?"
A delicate blush suddenly colored Mikoto's pale complexion. Her bright eyes gazed quietly at the young man, her expression softening with genuine warmth. "I'm so relieved you returned safely. Fugaku told me everything about what happened in Kirigakure. It truly frightened me terribly."
"Thank you for your concern, Mikoto-sama. I'm perfectly fine."
Big sister, please don't act like this! Uchiha Kazuki's expression twitched slightly as he felt inexplicably uncomfortable.
If only he hadn't invested so heavily in his Charm attribute during character development! Now look at the consequences—this married woman still harbored feelings for him, even displaying obvious affection right in front of her own husband.
Fortunately, Fugaku remained blissfully oblivious, simply patting Kazuki's shoulder good-naturedly. "See how much Mikoto cares about you? Just like a devoted older sister! Hahaha!"
After chatting for several more minutes in the sunny courtyard, Fugaku received an urgent summons and had to depart.
The atmosphere between the two remaining individuals grew increasingly awkward. Mikoto's gaze held unmistakable longing—as if regarding a beloved husband finally returning home after extended absence. Her pale face flushed with color, her delicate hands nervously clutching the fabric of her kimono, her eyes shimmering like clear autumn pools while exuding captivating feminine charm.
Uchiha Kazuki felt profoundly embarrassed and could only manufacture a convenient excuse: "Ahem, Mikoto-sama... where is Itachi currently?"
"Ah? Oh! Itachi is resting inside. I'll take you to see him~"
Mikoto suddenly snapped from her reverie, seemingly realizing her gaze toward Kazuki had been entirely inappropriate. Her face flushed even deeper crimson as she took small, graceful steps toward the house.
Observing from behind, Mikoto—having only recently given birth—appeared even more alluring than before.
Soft traditional clothing clung elegantly to her body, subtly outlining her feminine curves. Her legs, long and gracefully proportioned, remained modestly concealed beneath her kimono. She walked with light, delicate steps, her movements carrying natural elegance and unconscious sensuality.
While walking, Mikoto seemed lost in distracted thoughts. She suddenly lost her balance, stumbling forward precariously.
Fortunately, Uchiha Kazuki possessed exceptional reflexes. He stepped forward instantly, catching her slender waist supportively. "Are you alright, Mikoto-sama?"
Feeling the warm, steadying hand at her waist, Mikoto's face turned brilliant crimson. Her entire body went momentarily limp as she instinctively leaned closer into his support. Her eyes shimmered with emotional tears, her cheeks burning, lips parting slightly to release a soft, breathless whisper: "I... I'm perfectly fine. Thank you..."
Please, my lady—have some self-respect!
Uchiha Kazuki maintained his gentle smile while subtly withdrawing his supporting hand. "Please watch your step more carefully, Mikoto-sama."
"Mm..."
Mikoto felt a pang of regret at the loss of contact but quickly recovered her composure. She gracefully slid open the door. "Please come inside. Itachi is still resting peacefully."
Uchiha Kazuki deliberately averted his gaze and followed her into the nursery.
But the instant he entered the room, his brow furrowed involuntarily with recognition.
This spiritual presence... this feeling... it's strangely familiar!
[End of Chapter 124]
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