Uchiha Ren looked at the mountain of documents on his desk and let out a quiet sigh.
Work was still work.
As Hokage, no matter how much he wanted to slack off, the paperwork would never stop. Compared to others, his workload was already considered light.
He couldn't help but think of Uzumaki Naruto as the Seventh Hokage, relying on shadow clones just to keep up with work, staying in the office all day and eating instant noodles because he couldn't even go home.
"According to the intelligence from Sunagakure, their high-ranking families have already prepared their children. They should be departing in the next few days."
"On our side, we're almost ready as well."
"Also…"
As Ren approved documents one by one, Nara Rokuen stood beside him, reporting updates.
Besides Sunagakure, there was also new intelligence from Kirigakure.
The Kekkei Genkai clans had united to pressure the Third Mizukage, Mizukage Mizuto.
They demanded clarification of rumors, removal of prejudice, more missions, and increased funding.
Mizuto had shown restraint.
He agreed to some conditions, but the core issue remained unresolved.
Money.
The daimyo allocated only limited funds. Mizuto needed resources to build his own power base and secure support from non-bloodline clans.
He could give a little.
But not enough.
To the Kekkei Genkai clans, it felt like scraps.
The Hozuki Clan leader chose patience.
The Kaguya Clan leader did not.
Direct as always, they leaned toward rebellion.
Still, they were not foolish.
If they revolted, they would leave behind a path of retreat. Children, women, and remaining forces would be preserved in case of failure.
Times had changed.
The era of clan warfare was over.
If they failed, survival would mean finding a new village.
But no village would easily accept traitors.
Except one.
Konoha.
With the Hyuga Clan as a bridge, acceptance was possible.
With a fallback secured, the Kaguya Clan was more willing to gamble.
Win, and they would take control.
Lose, and they would relocate.
Either way, they moved forward.
Other clans like Hozuki and Yuki Clan remained cautious. Life was difficult, but not yet desperate.
Ren finished reading the report, a faint smile appearing.
No clan that survived this long was truly foolish.
The letter from the Kaguya Clan was filled with complaints.
Rumors.
Suppression.
Lack of funding.
Every grievance laid bare.
They swore loyalty if accepted by Konoha.
Ren didn't believe a word.
Clans like this only respected strength.
Still, they offered promises.
If their coup succeeded, they would maintain peace with Konoha.
Ren found the wording familiar.
But it didn't matter.
"They can come," Ren said calmly.
Rokuen hesitated.
"If the Kaguya Clan fails, do we really accept them?"
"They're a Kekkei Genkai clan," Ren replied. "Why wouldn't we? Not just them. The Hozuki and Yuki clans too."
Rokuen could only nod.
Ren wrote a reply.
Encouraging them to act boldly.
And subtly hinting they shouldn't act alone.
If they were going to gamble, they might as well go all in.
Of course, he didn't state it outright.
Some things were better implied.
He planned to let the Hyuga handle the rest.
They had closer ties, and could say what he could not.
The rest of the day passed in paperwork.
No time to relax.
When work finally ended, Ren left immediately.
No overtime.
He had earned this.
Walking through the streets of Konoha, he enjoyed a rare moment of peace.
Then he noticed a group.
Red hair.
A lot of it.
"Uzumaki?"
Uzumaki Yangyue was there.
And Uzumaki Mito.
Along with several children.
Ren walked over and greeted them, deliberately ignoring Mito.
"Why are you here?" Mito asked coldly.
Ren shrugged.
"I'm the Hokage. Where can't I go?"
Mito scoffed.
Ren ignored her and turned to the children.
They surrounded him instantly.
He greeted each of them by name, effortlessly.
Then he reached out and patted their heads.
Even Mito felt a flicker of envy.
She had spent days building rapport.
Ren showed up once and took all the attention.
Unfair.
"Do you like Konoha?" Ren asked.
"Yes!"
"Are you happy here?"
"Yes!"
One girl eagerly spoke.
"The food is amazing. I've never had drinks like milk tea before."
"The houses are beautiful. The lights at night are so bright."
Others chimed in.
One after another.
Compared to Uzushiogakure, the difference was overwhelming.
Modern comfort versus a simple island life.
Ren smiled.
"Good. I'm glad."
Then he asked softly,
"Do you still want to go back?"
"No!"
"Then stay here. Forever. Alright?"
"Alright!"
Their voices were clear and unanimous.
Ren's smile deepened.
This was exactly what he wanted.
As long as they loved Konoha, they would stay.
Mito watched quietly.
At first, she smiled.
Then something felt slightly off.
But she dismissed it.
The children were happy.
And that was enough.
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